Though it might be of interest to tell the tale of a non-Bug related hospital visit.
And it gives me something to do while my wife watches Survivor - which I hate.
Five weeks ago I had to go to the hospital for my monthly infusions. Been doing it for years now.
In our smallish town ~ 125K population, we have not had a large amount of cases. About 45 on the days I went in back then.
I called ahead and canceled the meals they normally serve. I brought a PB&J and a Snickers bar instead. Which, by the way, is way better than some of the stuff they serve.
I’m sure the kitchen is being extra careful, but why take the chance?
Patients were only admitted at the Emergency entrance. On the first day there were 2 cops in the airlock section between the outside and inside. They were sitting in chairs.
One had a mask on, the second did not.
Inside were two tables to check in. One for Outpatient and scheduled procedures. The second for emergency and anyone else.
I came in wearing one of the homemade “Duck” style masks. My safety glasses with side protection, gloves, and a hat with the brim pulled low.
The staff at the tables were wearing surgical masks or homemade masks.
At check-in, first thing - I got my temp taken with a swipe the forehead type of thermometer.
I gave my name and where I was going. Got asked 3 questions.
Been out of the country?
Been out of Town?
Been in contact with others?
No to all three. I got an armband good for that day.
On the “others” table was a box of home made loop over the ear masks. The box was open.
I asked for one so I could check I out.
I was unimpressed. Poor face seal and just two layers of cotton cloth. Clearly designed to keep the wearer from blowing cooties but that’s about it.
A glance down toward the ER waiting area and it was a wasteland. I’ve never seen it empty before. Never.
Heading toward the infusion place the halls were VERY empty. The few staff I did pass were all masked up. The medical types usually had the surgery type masks. The maintenance and lower level clerk workers all had homemade or scarfs. Medical types had gloves. Maintenance mostly not.
In the infusion area the staff were all mask-less and glove-less. They said that this area was off limits for anyone who isn’t deemed safe.
They come and go by a separate entrance and don’t pass through the rest of the joint.
I started out by pulling out a Clorox wipe and hitting any surface I thought I would touch during the day.
The staff liked that I was covered up and doing cleaning.
I unmasked the first day.
Nurse blew through a vein and make a bubble. Crap! Hate that. I was purple for three weeks. Still have a bruise 6 weeks later. Second stick hit it.
I have really easy to see veins. Some nurses never miss and some have to fish for, well, anything other than no time, is way too long.
I would mask up to go to the bathroom.
I kept my gloves on the whole time. It’s way easier to wash a set of gloves clean than your hands.
Gloves also remind me not to touch my face.
Second day no police in view but a cop car was in the drive.
Same check-in, but the box with the masks was covered this time.
The infusion area had more patients that day, so I decided to only unmask while in my room, but put it on if staff came in.
On the way out they cut off the arm band Hall-Pass.
I had a “Thank You – for being here” sign that I flashed to any staff on duty.
I think they got a kick out of it.
Hard to see a smile behind a mask!
Last week I went back for another round. About 102 Covid cases in town now. More than half in a single senior home. Both seniors and staff. 9 have died so far.
Cop car in drive, no cops in sight.
Check in was the same. They asked about my homemade mask. They liked the fit and the large filter area. Even happier it was HEPA.
Last time I had the place to myself. This time there were several people checking in.
Had to wait a few to get to the desk.
The infusion area, some of the staff was masked up this time.
I did my wipe down with Clorox routine.
On the first day, the nurse masked up when I got setup and stuck for the IV.
The second day, the nurse didn’t mask up when she came into my room. But did when I saw her in with some of the others.
I’ve been doing this for a while now, and they know me well.
I would mask up when anyone came into my room this go round.
This time the patients were wearing the give away masks from the check-in.
On of my infusion buddies was there. They gave him one of the Craft Passion type masks with the vertical front seam.
It fit poorly. I could see air gaps and there was almost no room in front for enough filter area to allow for air to flow.
It was flat against his nose and face.
He commented about how hard it was to breath through.
These things need to be fitted correctly or they are not nearly as effective as they could be.
My Duck style mask is sure funny looking but gives a way better fit.
On another note.
Some local folks and Foundations have donated enough money (like 7 figures) to convert two floors in the hospital to Covid / contagious containment/treatment floors.
I don’t wanna hear any crap about rich folk not contributing to help the rest of us.
Keep Safe,
All the Best,
Jeff