oncnp

Antigen is slightly different from the PCR discussed in the article (how confusing is this getting?) From the US FDA (Food & Drug Administration) "PCR tests can be incredibly accurate, but running the tests and analyzing the results can take time. One of the main advantages of an antigen test is the speed of the test, which can provide results in minutes. However, antigen tests may not detect all active infections, as they do not work the same way as a PCR test. Antigen tests are very specific for the virus, but are not as sensitive as molecular PCR tests. This means that positive results from antigen tests are highly accurate, but there is a higher chance of false negatives, so negative results do not rule out infection. With this in mind, negative results from an antigen test may [other sources say 'must'] need to be confirmed with a PCR test prior to making treatment decisions or to prevent the possible spread of the virus due to a false negative." As you note even the PCR may not pick up infection in the first couple days (and the antigen even less so) until the virus starts replicating and it has something to detect. The "safe" option is to keep the 14 day quarantine (from the Italian for 40 - the number of days ships had to wait before landing during the Black Death) for the red list countries and that list will probably change - frequently - at a time when consistency is needed. 'Don't envy the folks trying to balance health and economics.

A quick accurate test will be great (and make Oxford a packet). But.....It will be the nasal swab problem again though. It must be done very deeply which is very uncomfortable/painful (as some may know to their cost). That's why some of this testing is reported as not accurate. Not because the test is bad but because the sample wasn't collected/handled properly.

Guide to test results from the US Centers for Disease Control (not that we're controlling it much) https://www.whitehouse.gov/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/Testing-Guidance.pdf

One perspective on who should be bailed out arguing (as I read it) that well managed companies should be rewarded. Perhaps every organization shouldn't be saved. https://www.telegraph.co.uk/music/classical-music/will-arts-bailout-end-rewarding-bad-management/

https://www.operadeparis.fr/en/magazine/the-350th-anniversary-inaugural-gala-replay?utm_source=Selligent&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=Newsletter_juillet_2020%3BTous_contacts%3Binformation%3Bmail&utm_content=&utm_term=_ Geoblocked in US

Someone in another thread said that they never wanted to hear the phrase "new normal" again. My preference would be "led by the science". The test in this case is said to be PCR based which detects viral RNA (as you may know, perhaps better than I. If so I apologize). They are highly accurate, my university hospital considered them the gold standard, but not fool proof. An antibody test would take a few days to come back positive and a test would not be totally reliable as it is reported that not everyone develops antibodies. Mind you, I'm not sure I would want to endure a properly done nasal swab even for the Royal Ballet or risk being turned around and sent home.

And "Woolf Works" is on until Friday July 9

ROH kindly confirmed today that Coppelia is scheduled for October release.

Some hopeful (if expensive) news for those of us coming from "red list" countries like the US https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2020/07/06/passengers-arriving-heathrow-red-list-could-pay-avoid-quarantine/

It does. Looks beautiful even without understanding the narration.

Sorry...didn't mean to be a downer. 'Much to be cheered about.

but the devil is in the details..... https://www.telegraph.co.uk/theatre/what-to-see/10-unanswered-questions-arts-bailout/

https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/jul/05/boris-johnson-uk-lifeline-arts-heritage-sector-afloat "Tamara Rojo, the artistic director of English National Ballet, said: “The arts contribute so much to the social and economic fabric of our society. There was an urgent need for action and I am delighted and relieved that the government has listened and responded. This package gives our sector a fighting chance of survival.”

If you are a masochist or have insomnia the entire filing (pdf - 90+ pages) is here (salary bands begin about page 59 but lots of other interesting stuff as well) or you can go to https://beta.companieshouse.gov.uk/ enter roh and then chose "filing history" and "accounts". If you prefer send me your e-mail address and I'll send you the PDF.

That interview was what prompted me to look it up, i.e. 80% of what? Not being critical but I like to know how any charity I support is spending my money, especially these days