Discover and read the best of Twitter Threads about #freetheRATs
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#FreeTheN95s
#BringBackMasks
š§µ
The unmitigated airborne spread of airborne viruses like COVID-19, RSV, & influenza is causing children to get ill en masse
ON PICUs are preventably crashing with screaming children gasping for air
This is a preventable paediatric emergency
#BringBackMasks
š§µ
The unmitigated airborne spread of airborne viruses like COVID-19, RSV, & influenza is causing children to get ill en masse
ON PICUs are preventably crashing with screaming children gasping for air
This is a preventable paediatric emergency
A 2 year old toddler died tragically in an Ajax hospital
No space in Childrenās hospital child for a child rescued from a fire
3-4 kids a day resuscitated
Red Cross at CHEO
A preventable paediatric emergency
More care with kids, not less
#FreeTheN95s
#BringBackMasks
No space in Childrenās hospital child for a child rescued from a fire
3-4 kids a day resuscitated
Red Cross at CHEO
A preventable paediatric emergency
More care with kids, not less
#FreeTheN95s
#BringBackMasks
Evidence indicates that these children have post #C19 infection immune dysregulation, as predicted by PHO:
āā¦making us even more susceptible to these other virusesā
A preventable paediatric 911
#FreeTheN95s
#BringBackMasks
nam12.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%ā¦
āā¦making us even more susceptible to these other virusesā
A preventable paediatric 911
#FreeTheN95s
#BringBackMasks
nam12.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%ā¦
Hey Twitter!
It's my birthday, and for my gift this year I would love it if you could all help me shill for Big Maskā¢ by sharing this š§µ
1/n
#MaskUp
#N95sSaveLives
#COVIDisAirborne
#CovidIsNotOver
#SaveAirIsSelfCare
#FreeTheRATs
#ONHealth
#BringBackMasks
#TestOut
It's my birthday, and for my gift this year I would love it if you could all help me shill for Big Maskā¢ by sharing this š§µ
1/n
#MaskUp
#N95sSaveLives
#COVIDisAirborne
#CovidIsNotOver
#SaveAirIsSelfCare
#FreeTheRATs
#ONHealth
#BringBackMasks
#TestOut
@DonateMask is a 100% volunteer-run registered Canadian charity that was created to provide high-quality masks to those who need them, in order to bridge the gap for the most vulnerable Canadians while waiting for the various levels of government and corporation to step up
2/n
2/n
@DonateMask their PPE supply game. Sadly that hasn't happened, so they are now the main supplier of N95-type masks for those who can't afford them otherwise. They also give out free RATs now, which is helpful to those whose provinces aren't distributing the free ones from the feds very
3/n
3/n
Dear Premier, @fordnation:
A word.
Itās about the tests.
We need them back.
#BringBacktheTests
#PCRsMatter
#FreethePCRs
#BringBacktheTests
#PCRsMatter
#FreethePCRs
#BringBacktheTests
#PCRsMatter
#FreethePCRs
A word.
Itās about the tests.
We need them back.
#BringBacktheTests
#PCRsMatter
#FreethePCRs
#BringBacktheTests
#PCRsMatter
#FreethePCRs
#BringBacktheTests
#PCRsMatter
#FreethePCRs
Is the ON testing strategy working for the people?
As a citizen & taxpayer, I have certain expectations of public health & universal health care.
I want to know:
1.Whether Iām sick with a disabling, deadly virus (or contagious);
2.I can get timely effective treatment if sick;
As a citizen & taxpayer, I have certain expectations of public health & universal health care.
I want to know:
1.Whether Iām sick with a disabling, deadly virus (or contagious);
2.I can get timely effective treatment if sick;
3.There is a safety net if I become disabled; and,
4.That the government has a handle on the volume of cases so it can respond accordingly.
At the moment, Iām very concerned that govt & public health are unable to deliver.
Hereās why. A š§µ.
4.That the government has a handle on the volume of cases so it can respond accordingly.
At the moment, Iām very concerned that govt & public health are unable to deliver.
Hereās why. A š§µ.
This will be our live tweet thread š§µof the provincial #bcpoli #COVID19 presser today, which we expect will include new information on rapid test distribution plans. Will they finally admit that COVID is airborne? Probably not, but we really hope they do! #FreetheRATs!
We begin with Dr. Henry reminding us that they removed some public health protections last week, just before at least 44 people died of COVID over the weekend. For her, this is "on track", "positive, encouraging trends". She looks forward to removing more protections ASAP.
Dr. Henry introduces Novavax, a new vaccine that uses a moth cell line & soap bark tree extract. This is different/more traditional than MRNA vaccines. Rather than emulating COVID proteins, it generates proteins from moth cells that stimulate antibody protection, w/ 90% efficacy.
B.C.'s top doctor says her decisions throughout the pandemic have been based on the best information available, but haven't been mathematical certainties. Because of #Omicron's spread, new order today requiring all businesses on Canada's West Coast to have #COVID19 safety plans.
"This has been proven to work," Dr. Bonnie Henry tells reporters. This order doesn't apply to K-12, childcare or university and college settings. These plans will bring in barriers, keep people more separated and allow more employees to work from home, if possible. #BCpoli
B.C. will begin to #FreetheRATs starting next week to test symptomatic students and staff in the K-12 school system, Dr. Henry says. So far, tests deployed in remote and First Nations communities and higher-risk businesses. I.e. 100k given out to nursing and retirement homes.
I was very lucky to get to chat with virologist @angie_rasmussen about rapid antigen tests.
This short video (also on IG here: instagram.com/tv/CXmHYnkLVQ2ā¦) shares 2 key things we want you to know before using them over the holidays ā¤µļø
[& š§µwith more info]
This short video (also on IG here: instagram.com/tv/CXmHYnkLVQ2ā¦) shares 2 key things we want you to know before using them over the holidays ā¤µļø
[& š§µwith more info]
1ā£ Use the rapid antigen test RIGHT before you see others. The result is relevant for hours, not days.
2ā£ Rapid antigen tests are great, but not as good as PCR at detecting infections from the last 2-3 days. Factor in what youāve done the last 3 days when interpreting -ve result
2ā£ Rapid antigen tests are great, but not as good as PCR at detecting infections from the last 2-3 days. Factor in what youāve done the last 3 days when interpreting -ve result
In the video, I show the example below to demonstrate how quickly viral load, and thus rapid test results, can change:
My community outing today! As per our new 2 pronged urgent strategy to stem the tide of this tsunami I went to pick up free rapid tests at the nearest LCBO. That was a 30 minute drive. Lovelyā¦.saw furry cattle, blanketed horses and many treed side roads. However the end result/1
was #fail. The young man (age is relative) was standing outside of the outlet to let all the eager and hopeful test seekers that āno can doā and has āno clueā when aforementioned tests would be available. He did dissuade us from rummaging thru the delivery š in the back. /2
Of note the LCBO does + variety of spirits and other uplifting items. I engaged in some compensatory buyingā¦.and was agin reminded of why I absolutely detest the shopping aspect of this season. So Premier Ford @fordnation you got one job! Maybe do it! Rumour has it we r in the/3
This briefing by @Protect_BC is today at 12:30. I'm volunteering to live-tweet it. I'll use the #covid19bc & #bcpoli hashtags, but sparingly. Follow this thread.. this is tweet #1. See you at 12:30.
The @Protect_BC briefing on #Omicron is in 5 minutes. Here's the link to the 3 livestreams (no reg'n required).
protectbc.ca/Livestream/
You can watch via YouTube, Facebook, or Twitter. I'll be on the YouTube:
youtube.com/channel/UCvTh-ā¦ #covid19BC
protectbc.ca/Livestream/
You can watch via YouTube, Facebook, or Twitter. I'll be on the YouTube:
youtube.com/channel/UCvTh-ā¦ #covid19BC
RATs are more useful when not being sat on. #FreeTheRATs
The state of RATs and rats in Ontario. #FreeTheRATs
The state of RATs in Ontario updated:
It is not easy holding an alcoholic beverage in one hand and a rat in the other.
#FindTheRATs if you can, coming to an LCBO (Liquor Control Board of Ontario) store soon!
It is not easy holding an alcoholic beverage in one hand and a rat in the other.
#FindTheRATs if you can, coming to an LCBO (Liquor Control Board of Ontario) store soon!
1/ Re: Rapid Antigen Tests - Are you confused after today's BC COVID-19 press conference?
Let's take a deeper dive
Let's take a deeper dive
2/ Firstly, it is important to understand that not everyone infected with COVID-19 is infectious (capable of transmitting to others):
BLUE = Infected
RED = Infectious subset
BLUE = Infected
RED = Infectious subset
3/ During the course of an infection, the viral load changes. Most people are infectious for a brief period of time:
Booking a vaccine using the Ontario portal, in Lego.
RATs are more useful when not being sat on. #FreeTheRATs
The state of RATs and rats in Ontario. #FreeTheRATs
I'm making rapid test 5-packs for my clinic patients. Also throwing in a KN95 mask to protect them from day-to-day airborne exposures. I figure if governments won't do it, it's up to all of us to jump in and protect each other this holiday season from Omicron.
I was fortunate to have a local business donate the tests. Was inspired by @LisaBarrettID's work in Halifax; 11 drops of the reagent in each vial, instructions, 5 test strips, and a mask in a sandwich bag. Feel free to do the same for your customers and patients!
This is the way it should be, and we don't have much time:
Possible scenarios for Omicron in AB if nothing is done.
We are at the nascent phase of new VOC spread (only 23 reported cases), when *a lot* can be done to effectively halt it or at least significantly slow it down.
Prevent more sparks from coming. Make the tinder less dry.
1/
We are at the nascent phase of new VOC spread (only 23 reported cases), when *a lot* can be done to effectively halt it or at least significantly slow it down.
Prevent more sparks from coming. Make the tinder less dry.
1/
Let's not do with Omicron what we did with Alpha and Delta. We don't need more deaths and suffering.
At this stage *preventing more importations* is essential.
Less fire starters --> smaller chance of a big fire
Travel Quarantine. Test. Vaccinate.
2/
At this stage *preventing more importations* is essential.
Less fire starters --> smaller chance of a big fire
Travel Quarantine. Test. Vaccinate.
2/
Make the tinder less dry:
3rd doses, vaccinate kids, #FreeTheRATs, deploy airborne precautions (N95 for all, ventilation, CO2 monitors, HEPA air purifiers, education about airborne transmission)
Prevent super-spreading:
Caps on public & business gathering's sizes
3/
3rd doses, vaccinate kids, #FreeTheRATs, deploy airborne precautions (N95 for all, ventilation, CO2 monitors, HEPA air purifiers, education about airborne transmission)
Prevent super-spreading:
Caps on public & business gathering's sizes
3/
I sent this quote to a friend who works in health policy. His reply (pardon expletives):
"That is just.. f'g violent, what she said. Putting the onus back on people to deal with the fallout of her policies. But the thing I donāt understand is... " (cont'd)
"That is just.. f'g violent, what she said. Putting the onus back on people to deal with the fallout of her policies. But the thing I donāt understand is... " (cont'd)
.."But what I don't understand is this thing of "x is not a silver bullet, y is not a silver bullet.ā Vaccination is not a silver bullet! Should we stop vaccinating? I mean, #Omicron proves that vaccination is not a silver bullet. None of these things are silver bullets"...
.."Hasnāt Dr. Henry herself used the 'layers of Swiss cheese' metaphor? Isnāt she the one who talks about ālayers of protectionā? How can she have it every which way? Sheās just a politician.
Somebody just needs to say none of these measures are silver bullets.."
... (cont'd)
Somebody just needs to say none of these measures are silver bullets.."
... (cont'd)
Minister of Health Presser Continued
VERY AMPLE RESULTS of whether there might be community transmission or a community occurrence within that particular context.
Now the 2nd thing that a RAPID TEST can do is if you feel symptoms and you want to have a RAPID CHECK of whether
VERY AMPLE RESULTS of whether there might be community transmission or a community occurrence within that particular context.
Now the 2nd thing that a RAPID TEST can do is if you feel symptoms and you want to have a RAPID CHECK of whether
these symptoms are symptoms of COVID-19, then you take that rapid test IMMEDIATELY, and in 15 minutes you get the result. Now, if that RESULT is NEGATIVE or POSITIVE, doesnāt matter if you REALLY FEEL SYMPTOMS that you MAY BE CONTAMINATED with COVID-19 you NEED to take what is
called a MOLECULAR or PCR TEST to VALIDATE that. But, it gives you a quick idea of whether you should take IMMEDIATE ACTION in terms to ISOLATE from OTHERS. Thatās a useful tool, but not a complete tool, because you still want to be DOUBLE CERTAIN by having a very precise
OUTRAGEOUS/EYE OPENER: A small business owner sent me this photo. They were able to easily & quickly secure 30 (yes, thirty) FREE boxes of 25 rapid tests for their business within one week. Easy ordering process and very few questions asked upon pick up. 1/
Meanwhileā¦school children, their families, essential workers (including my CA survivor teacher friend) are being forced to pay $40/test out of their pockets for the same luxury. This raging pandemic is being inflamed by our corrupt, incompetent, negligent government 2/
Donāt let them fool you. There are tests, most of which have probably been ādeployedā to various Chambers of Commerce to be easily provided to local businesses FREE OF CHARGE. We all pay taxes, we all deserve to be kept safe. Especially people who are vulnerable. 3/
#FreeTheRATs
Why do Parents keep Screaming #FreeTheRATS? Short answer: Screening will make schools Safer!
Testing our children on a regular basis will help us catch asymptomatic cases before they walk in the front door. Rapid testing helps us find the virus quicker, prevent it
Why do Parents keep Screaming #FreeTheRATS? Short answer: Screening will make schools Safer!
Testing our children on a regular basis will help us catch asymptomatic cases before they walk in the front door. Rapid testing helps us find the virus quicker, prevent it
from spreading further, and reduce the odds of double-digit outbreaks and school closures.
Why do Parents keep Screaming #FreeTheRATs? Scary answer: Kids can be COVID LONG HAULERS TOO!
COVID is no joke, and even if symptoms seemed mild during the initial infection, there is
Why do Parents keep Screaming #FreeTheRATs? Scary answer: Kids can be COVID LONG HAULERS TOO!
COVID is no joke, and even if symptoms seemed mild during the initial infection, there is
no guarantee your child might not become a LONG HAULER. COVID can impair numerous organs in the body, your lungs, heart, kidneys, skin and yes, even the brain. Difficulty breathing, heart palpitations, exhaustion, brain fog, headaches, earaches, severe stomach problems & painful
š§µ We need to #FreeTheRATs & distribute them to every household across šØš¦
Every PH tool has an essential role to play
Focusing on only one PH measure would be an unforced error
#COVIDisAirborne, capable of lingering in the air like smoke, therefore we need to useā¦
Every PH tool has an essential role to play
Focusing on only one PH measure would be an unforced error
#COVIDisAirborne, capable of lingering in the air like smoke, therefore we need to useā¦
1) Rapid tests. Identify, in 15 min, COVID +ve patients who are capable of spreading the virus
By being able to identify +ve patients quickly they can isolate immediately preventing them from spreading the virus to the community
#testtraceisolate #testtoprotect #FreeTheRATs
By being able to identify +ve patients quickly they can isolate immediately preventing them from spreading the virus to the community
#testtraceisolate #testtoprotect #FreeTheRATs
2) Masks help prevent you from inhaling COVID viral aerosols IF the mask is properly fitted
KN95/N95 masks provide the ideal protection. They form a seal around your mouth and nose
If wearing a surgical mask please make sure you pinch it at your nose so it helps form a seal
KN95/N95 masks provide the ideal protection. They form a seal around your mouth and nose
If wearing a surgical mask please make sure you pinch it at your nose so it helps form a seal
You need to respond to this, @adriandix. Your ministry openly dodged reporter @PennyDaflos's questions. We don't pay you to run an opaque operation. You work for us. Come clean, start talking, and release the rapid tests to the public now. #bcpoli bc.ctvnews.ca/ministry-staffā¦
@adriandix @PennyDaflos Shall we review how much evidence there is that rapid tests work, and that BC health officials have been evasive, uncooperative, even negligent on this issue? This goes back a year. Start with this fantastic thread by @npescod #ReleasetheRATs #bcpoli
@adriandix @PennyDaflos @npescod Here's Bonnie last December & this December making untrue statements about rapid tests, followed by a counterpart in Nova Scotia who says that rapid tests work and are a crucial public health tool that should be handed over to the people. #FreeTheRATs
THREAD: Sincere thank you to all of the media interviews we've been invited to. We did not refuse any invitations to speak on #FreeTheRATs
We are so grateful to the media for highlighting our initiative in hopes of putting mounting pressure on the provincial governments to #FreeTheRats
In Ontario, Ford has been forced on the defensive to respond to the pressure WE are putting on him
globalnews.ca/news/8434156/oā¦
In Ontario, Ford has been forced on the defensive to respond to the pressure WE are putting on him
globalnews.ca/news/8434156/oā¦
In Ontario, we want to give a sincere thanks to:
@CBCKW891: @craignorriscbc @PaulaDuhatschek
@globalnewsto: @caryn_lieberman
@globeandmail: @jeffreybgray
@CBCToronto: @CBCLorenda
@WR_Record @TorontoStar: @LatifRecord
@CP24: @cristina_CP24
@CBCNews: @Tylerwpbiggs
@CBCKW891: @craignorriscbc @PaulaDuhatschek
@globalnewsto: @caryn_lieberman
@globeandmail: @jeffreybgray
@CBCToronto: @CBCLorenda
@WR_Record @TorontoStar: @LatifRecord
@CP24: @cristina_CP24
@CBCNews: @Tylerwpbiggs
BC public health is not doing math. We know that a chunk of transmission of #covid19 is by asymptomatic people. How can you break those chains of transmission if you're only testing symptomatic people? I don't understand. #math #bcpoli #FreeTheRATs
There's a whole component of epidemiology that involves stats. It's math: how many people does one person infect; how many of those go on to infect others, & over what space of time; what is the Rt value & is this exponential spread? You want to catch even ONE asymptomatic case..
Breaking *one* chain of transmission can stop countless cases down the line. By not distributing #rapidtests to the public, isn't BC public health admitting they grasp neither asymptomatic transmission NOR the exponential function? #bcpoli #FreeTheRATs
makeagif.com/i/LCK3dg
makeagif.com/i/LCK3dg
Alberta! Today is the day we let the Premier know we need protection by having access to š #RapidTests
1ā£Contact Premier @jkenney
āļø 780-427-2711
š§ premier@gov.ab.ca
2ā£Sign the petition: chng.it/wshnfYSrXH
3ā£Use the hashtag #FreeTheRATs when you tweet
4ā£Share widely!
1ā£Contact Premier @jkenney
āļø 780-427-2711
š§ premier@gov.ab.ca
2ā£Sign the petition: chng.it/wshnfYSrXH
3ā£Use the hashtag #FreeTheRATs when you tweet
4ā£Share widely!
@jvipondmd @LeylaDAsadi + friends we would appreciate your support in spreading this message
Many thanks to @KimRigden and @birgitomo on initiating our national petitions - they help tremendously to attract media attention on the #FreeTheRATs movement
We have so far used them in ON and BC and have been successful in gaining media coverage from both of those provinces
We have so far used them in ON and BC and have been successful in gaining media coverage from both of those provinces
I performed this test on a child with autism in front of the pharmacy today. His mother wanted him tested because "he had a cold". This child has COVID. This child could have infected his whole class had his mother not PAID for this test.
This child could have caused his school to shut down, infections leading to hospitalizations, or worse.
#rapidtests cost around $1 when purchased in bulk, they can save countless lives, and prevent school and business shut downs. We've known this for over a year.
#rapidtests cost around $1 when purchased in bulk, they can save countless lives, and prevent school and business shut downs. We've known this for over a year.
To every decision maker in government that is standing in the way of providing these tests for free to Canadians, I want you to read this carefully: your action/ inaction will cost lives
