Thursday, April 16, 2020

Coronavirus Testing Really Shows The Wealth Gap In The U.S.

As usual, the rich have better access to healthcare while those most vulnerable are left by the roadside wondering how and when they will receive the tests.  98% of the population can't reach into their safe deposit box and pay for their health care needs. 

 Fisher Island’s super-rich have bought rapid-test kits from the local university while poorer Floridians are made to wait

The first cars arrive at Hard Rock Stadium shortly after 4am. It is three hours until sunrise, and five before the state-run coronavirus drive-through testing station opens its gates, but the early arrivals, some coughing and feverish, all wearing face masks, want to be sure of their slot.

Even so, some are out of luck. With a daily capacity of only 400 tests, it takes authorities fewer than 120 minutes to exhaust their limited supply of throat swabs, and those at the back of the queue – after hours waiting in temperatures close to 90F – are sent away to try another day.
Meanwhile, over on Fisher Island, a swanky enclave for the super wealthy barely 15 miles away, and where the average annual income is $2.5m, it is a different story.
Island managers’ controversial private purchase of thousands of rapid Covid-19 blood test kits from the University of Miami’s health system means there is no need for any resident to leave the island or wait in line with the public at large.
The University of Miami lacking any since of irony or perception sold the rich on Fisher Island testing kits which are in short supply.  As is the case in America health care is based not on actually providing needed healthcare but profit. 



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