Task Force talks about adding Dr. Hanley
At its meeting Monday, Sept. 21, the Pine Island COVID-19 Task Force discussed a flyer they’d like to print and release from local civic associations reminding people to please wear a mask in consideration of others. If business owners agree, the flyer would be placed in the windows of island businesses.
GPICA President Scott Wilkinson, a Task Force member, has contacted the Matlacha and St. James City Civic Association leaders to find out if this is something their members would also find of interest.
Task Force member epidemiologist Dr. James Koopman reported to the group that he asked local Primary Care Physician Daniel Hanley, MD, to join the Pine Island Task Force, to which, he agreed. According to Koopman, Hanley is also interested in performing regular, local testing on the island.
“We discussed different alternatives for that,” said Koopman of Hanley. “He was planning to get one of the Abbott machines. He’s started making negotiations but he needs financial help to do that. That would be of great benefit to the entire community. He would like to set up a drive-thru in the back of the office and I think we should do everything we possibly can to support him.”
Koopman, who said he’s not certain what’s involved with the financing of an Abbott testing machine, said he feels strongly that Hanley could be helped in this endeavor, adding that he would be willing to make a personal contribution toward it.
Koopman also said other costs have to be considered as well, in order to be able to serve those without insurance coverage.
Task Force leader Eric McCrea said between all the island organizations, this goal could certainly be a possibility, adding that support could likely be garnered.
Fellow Task Force member Sue Dahod suggested the possibility of creating a proposal to secure financing.
Jim McLaughlin, a Task Force member and former WINK News anchor, reminded the group that the last island testing, in Phillips Park, brought in fewer than 100 people.
Koopman said he believes if regular testing were available, along with appropriate education regarding the importance of such testing, that it would make a huge difference.
Dahod said having this testing available would be of great benefit to those who may have had their child sent home from school with minor symptoms, to be quarantined for two weeks. Having a faster result, she feels, would help parents find out more quickly whether their children may or may not have COVID-19.
Koopman reminded the group that in addition to schools other organizations could benefit from a steady stream of available testing.
“One of the major things is to get everybody tested,” said Koopman. “Our job is to inform people that when you test positive you really have to isolate yourself…and then you need to get tested as soon as you’ve been in contact with somebody, and if you’re positive it’s important for you to know who you’ve been in contact with. I think that will make a difference.”
McCrea said research regarding the Abbott machine before the group speaks to Hanley is a good idea. He also raised the question of whether wearing a mask offered some level of immunity. Koopman said the theory is that if someone has low doses of exposure to COVID-19, it could act somewhat like a vaccination.
“That is a dangerous idea,” said Koopman. “The severe illness — I don’t think it depends on dose, the complications later on in infection from the cytokine storms (a severe immune reaction). So I’m a little skeptical about that. I think it’s not harmful to give the idea to people that wearing a mask can help in that regard.”