Task Force discusses testing, vaccinations
The Dec. 7 Pine Island COVID-18 Task Force meeting began with discussion regarding on island testing at Phillips Park from the week prior.
Task Force member Ellen Ballard reported that according to CVS, pharmacists, nurses, LPN’s and a series of medical staff will be in need for future COVID-19 vaccination administration, although she was not certain whether that would pertain to the CVS on Pine Island.
According to Ballard, any CVS with a “Minute Clinic” (the nearest location is at Santa Barbara Boulevard and Nicholas Parkway in Cape Coral) now has a self-administered COVID-19 testing service by appointment.
“I think for people here on the island, that is a lot more viable option than going out to Century Link, or waiting for the next clinic that we might have here on the island,” said Ballard.
Task Force member Dr. Daniel Hanley said he had received encouraging news via a weekly email from Lee Health.
“Basically they’re saying that the masks have been working because the number of flus has been down,” said Hanley. “Right now we have a 6 percent positivity rate, where normally at this time of the year we’re about 10 to 15 percent positive. That’s kind of what we were expecting but in taking care of COVID-19 we’re also taking care of a lot of other viruses that typically predominate in the winter season, so there is good news coming.
“The supply chain is an issue,” he said. “I don’t know if you remember the mask shortage from the spring — there were a lot of shortages, but they are currently not as much of a problem. In terms of action, we always knew that the vaccine was not going to be widely available just yet, but we are on that track. The global news is encouraging.”
Hanley said unfortunately the window to maintain control of the virus has already passed and the medical community is currently doing what they can.
“Coronavirus is going to be around for years,” said Hanley. “What we are doing now to gain control is helping overall — not just for coronavirus.”
He said the fact that there is a lower number of flu and various other illnesses can be attributed in large part to more people in general wearing masks compared to this time last year.
“Even though COVID-19 is not controlled at all, and continues to get worse because of the Thanksgiving holiday, the other viruses are not as much of a problem,” he said.