Coronavirus in 81 Nursing Homes in Maryland

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Sunday April 05, 2020 · 2:50 PM PDT

2020/04/05 · 14:50

The Washington Post reports that:

Maryland Gov. Larry Hogan (R) issued an emergency order Sunday mandating that nursing homes and assisted living centers take drastic steps to stem the spread of coronavirus, with 81 facilities across the state now contending with outbreaks.

The order, which carries criminal penalties for those who do not comply, includes requirements that staff wear personal protective equipment. Facilities also must create quarantine units for residents with confirmed or suspected infections, and must send covid-19 tests to a state laboratory.

There are now covid-19 cases or outbreaks at 81 nursing homes or assisted living facilities across the state, Hogan said in a news release. At Pleasant View Nursing Home in Mt. Airy, nine residents have died, and at least 99 residents and staff have tested positive for the novel coronavirus.

“We will use every tool at our disposal to protect the most vulnerable among us,” Hogan said.

Geez. You would think this would be a scandal that the Post would immediately assign a team of investigative reporters to. Did Hogan just learn that nursing home residents are the most vulnerable population? Couldn’t this result in many deaths? Has any other state had more than 10 nursing homes invaded by the virus? Is this something that is happening across the country but is not being disclosed or reported on? What is the story, Washington Post. This is what great newspapers write about. Isn’t it?

But, on the other hand, Hogan is the Washington Post’s favorite Republican governor who can do no wrong in the virus fight or really otherwise. Indeed, I think the Post’s style manual requires writers or editors to include the word “popular” before Hogan’s name in any article. So, I guess we will see.

A Contrary View

steveds

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Wednesday April 01, 2020 · 2:07 PM PDT

2020/04/01 · 14:07

I think our approach to the virus is misguided because it has no end. Will these restrictions really be in place indefinitely? Is that feasible.

How will we invent a vaccine for this virus in a year or two when we don’t have vaccines for similar viruses. Do you believe in miracles.

Absent a vaccine, the virus will be a problem until the society develops herd immunity. If the gap between infections and testing is large, as it probably is, we may already be pretty far along that path. Also, again assuming that gap, over 40% of the population will have none to mild symptoms. Another 40—45% will have moderate symptoms. These groups do not burden the health system. And when the virus returns in the fall (assuming it is seasonal), they will have some level of immunity.

In the interim we need to focus our efforts on protecting the people who are most vulnerable. You flatten the ICU burden by isolating and supporting the most vulnerable so they are not exposed. We know who they are. It is wrong to suggest that everyone is equally vulnerable.

Restricting whole countries is not feasible. Restrictions may work on an outbreak that is limited geographically. The scale of this outbreak is too big. All the restrictions do is extend the period of infections indefinitely and delay the attainment of herd immunity.

UNITY

steveds

Community (This content is not subject to review by Daily Kos staff prior to publication.)

Saturday March 28, 2020 · 2:58 PM PDT

2020/03/28 · 14:58

All I want to hear from Democrats right now is the word “UNITY”. We in this country are in this situation together and we will overcome the problems it presents together. Let the President say and do whatever he will. No stopping him anyway. Don’t be distracted by what he is saying or doing. Instead, let’s work together throughout this country to make things better for everyone. Let’s make decisions based on what’s best for the whole community. He can join the effort or be left behind. That’s the best response. Note: since this is a world wide problem, when I say Unity, I mean it in a world wide sense. The virus is out in the world and respects no borders. It is not going away. Let’s address this problem in a way that helps others too. That’s how the US can lead. Remember, the most important word is UNITY. The family of man.

How the Tax Law Increases Your State Taxes

steveds

Community (This content is not subject to review by Daily Kos staff prior to publication.)

Tuesday January 02, 2018 · 8:27 AM PST

2018/01/02 · 08:27

An overlooked byproduct of the Republicans tax law is that it will increase state taxes for many people. This is because many states require taxpayers to use the state standard deduction if they use the federal standard deduction. For people who itemize on their federal taxes, states often require an adjustment for state income taxes but allow the full deduction of state and local real estate and personal property taxes. Without compensating changes in state law, in 2018, the higher federal standard deduction and the $10,000 cap on SALT items will require the use of the lower state standard deduction or prevent the deduction of a portion of your real estate taxes. Either of these will increase a taxpayer’s state taxable income. State governments need to fix what otherwise would be a Republican state tax increase.

What will states do

steveds

Community (This content is not subject to review by Daily Kos staff prior to publication.)

Sunday December 31, 2017 · 10:04 AM PST

2017/12/31 · 10:04

Many states have their own standard deduction but also tie state taxes to the federal itemized deductions. Taxpayers are generally required to use the state standard deduction if they use the federal standard deduction. For people who itemize on their federal taxes, states often require an adjustment for state income taxes but allow the full deduction of state and local real estate and personal property taxes. Without compensating changes in state law, in 2018, the higher federal standard deduction and the $10,000 cap on SALT items are going to increase a filer’s state income tax obligation by either requiring the use of the lower state standard deduction or preventing the deduction of a portion of your real estate taxes. State governments will be under pressure to fix what otherwise would be a Republican state tax increase.

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