2022 Nationals in Nashville

[Karen-W]

I think not testing everyone everyday is a huge flaw. Brandon didn’t have to get tested. And who knows if he was starting to feel sick when he practiced the day before. It could have been a cold or allergies…but it wasn’t.
But they didn’t require testing except day 4. And it seems they’re not (from what I recall) testing close contacts either. Schools recommend “test and stay” for close contacts— meaning that if you are a contact, you take a rapid test in morning & if it’s negative you get to stay. It’s not perfect (nor are the tests) but it definitely does catch some asymptomatic cases.

USFS should at least be requiring this.

Theoretically, sure, it would be nice, but have you been paying attention to the news at all in recent weeks? Tests aren't exactly easy to be had. They're not as severely limited in the US as they are in Canada right now but the Biden administration really cocked things up by not making sure there was an adequate supply for the inevitable winter surge. For all we know, the USFS looked into the possibility of requiring more frequent testing but couldn't source a large enough supply or a lab capable of processing that many additional tests for the number of credential people at Nationals (300 maybe? x 7 days = 2000+ tests).

I just love how people here are all "the USFS should have done this! the USFS should have done that!" but aren't even thinking about the logistical nightmare involved in coordinating a bubble, especially on 2-3 weeks notice.

 

[Carolla5501]

Please leave politics out of this.

 

[Rukia]

Sooooo I used to work in a hospital lab and still know a lot of people that do, and these testing issues have been a long time coming. I'm not going to post my essay about it, but most people are blaming the wrong people and that's that.

 

[litenkyckling]

Theoretically, sure, it would be nice, but have you been paying attention to the news at all in recent weeks? Tests aren't exactly easy to be had. They're not as severely limited in the US as they are in Canada right now but the Biden administration really cocked things up by not making sure there was an adequate supply for the inevitable winter surge. For all we know, the USFS looked into the possibility of requiring more frequent testing but couldn't source a large enough supply or a lab capable of processing that many additional tests for the number of credential people at Nationals (300 maybe? x 7 days = 2000+ tests).

I just love how people here are all "the USFS should have done this! the USFS should have done that!" but aren't even thinking about the logistical nightmare involved in coordinating a bubble, especially on 2-3 weeks notice.

But the thing is that USFS should've been organised with a new variant in mind - we've had quite a few now and have always known they were coming. Their planning process should have included pre-purchased tests for everyone months in advance. A bubble should've been in place from the first day they planned this event. They've known for almost 2 years that China go strong with their restrictions, and so Beijing has always been an event that would be a complete zero-covid strategy one. USFS didn't organise with caution in mind, and that much is clear. We've all had to adapt out plans during this, and make last-minute decisions that are incredibly stressful and upsetting - but if we have to live with this virus, then we need to accept until a true global plan is put in place, that "living with this" means that plans will change last minute. We need to be prepared to deal with that change effectively. And USFS should have been too.

 

[Karen-W]

But the thing is that USFS should've been organised with a new variant in mind - we've had quite a few now and have always known they were coming. Their planning process should have included pre-purchased tests for everyone months in advance. A bubble should've been in place from the first day they planned this event. They've known for almost 2 years that China go strong with their restrictions, and so Beijing has always been an event that would be a complete zero-********* strategy one. USFS didn't organise with caution in mind, and that much is clear. We've all had to adapt out plans during this, and make last-minute decisions that are incredibly stressful and upsetting - but if we have to live with this *****, then we need to accept until a true global plan is put in place, that "living with this" means that plans will change last minute. We need to be prepared to deal with that change effectively. And USFS should have been too.

So, you're holding Skate Canada to this same high standard, right? Angry that they didn't have the foresight to secure enough private tests to ensure they could even test the athletes entering their bubble at least once. Because, clearly, they didn't organize their event with any more caution or ability to adapt on the fly two weeks out from the start of the event.

 

[once_upon]

Well for one of the few times with the c0vid shit, @Karen-W and I agree

Based on available data during planning of US Nationals and based upon the fairly uncomplicated holding of other events like football, basketball, hockey, etc, I think USFS felt holding an event with certain guidelines (like masking, separating athletes, coaches, some volunteers from spectators would be managable.

Omicron was not a real known factor until what? 2 or 3 weeks ago? The infectious rate with it is beyond anything I've seen and I've seen measles outbreaks.

It is incredibly hard to put any structures/mitigation tools in place within 2-4 weeks. It's expensive. Hotels are not going to shut down their entire operations for, in terms of income, a small event. USFS can not or does not have funds to "purchase" the entire hotel operations for 3 weeks to maintain a bubble. I give you as evidence the NBA's Disney World experiment in March/April 2020 as evidence as to the difficulty

I take Brennan's shit stirring article as just that. Her actions remind me of the Apple TV series The Morning Show where Marcia Gay Harden's character seeks out sensational stories to further her standing.

An open area meant for eating/socializing was probably not the wisest choice for eating. But I can see how, if these are all athletes, they could feel risk is small. Vaccinated, on ice with each other frequently, etc. Brennan's job is to sell papers or stir controversy which she did.

 

[TanithandBenFan]

If anyone wants to eat at the Food Hall or 5th and Broadway all the restaurants are closed because of the snow. I was so looking forward to a Shake Shack burger for lunch as I sat at dance practice this morning. ?

 

[4rkidz]

I continue to be amazed that intelligent people bother to care what The Skating Lesson says.

They have a large viewing audience and sometimes some interesting and humorous insights. Not usually my cup of tea but must admit I have even been watching them lately.

 

[skategal]

I think that USFS and Skate Canada are between a rock and a hard place with this one.

Even if they wanted to get all those test kits, (Canada’s would have come from government stockpile) they would have most likely been taken back or order not filled due to demand by health care providers and public health for use on sick people.

They only thing they could have realistically done to make it safer is to cancel the whole event and then we would be here complaining about that.

 

[litenkyckling]

So, you're holding Skate Canada to this same high standard, right? Angry that they didn't have the foresight to secure enough private tests to ensure they could even test the athletes entering their bubble at least once. Because, clearly, they didn't organize their event with any more caution or ability to adapt on the fly two weeks out from the start of the event.

yeah I am actually - all bodies should be held to the same standard.

 

[Andora]

So, you're holding Skate Canada to this same high standard, right? Angry that they didn't have the foresight to secure enough private tests to ensure they could even test the athletes entering their bubble at least once. Because, clearly, they didn't organize their event with any more caution or ability to adapt on the fly two weeks out from the start of the event.

What on EARTH does this have to do with Skate Canada? USFS didn't make the decision to cut their audience - that's fine. That's one decision another country made that doesn't work for everyone.

Why are you continually bent out of shape about Canada? It's not an either or situation?

 

[AnnM]

If anyone wants to eat at the Food Hall or 5th and Broadway all the restaurants are closed because of the snow. I was so looking forward to a Shake Shack burger for lunch as I sat at dance practice this morning. ?

Well there goes my plan for a late lunch before pairs.

Anyone with leads on what is open near the arena?

 

[TanithandBenFan]

Well there goes my plan for a late lunch before pairs.

Anyone with leads on what is open near the arena?

Panera was open for breakfast this morning but not sure if they've closed. I walked in the snow to get an egg and avocado sandwich and they didn't put the egg on it. Thus why I was starving and dreaming of a burger.

 

[nickp]

You gotta love these husbands that come with their wives for all event tickets

 

[TanithandBenFan]

Well there goes my plan for a late lunch before pairs.

Anyone with leads on what is open near the arena?

I called Jimmy Johns on 3rd Ave (three blocks east of the arena) and they're open.

 

[4rkidz]

So, you're holding Skate Canada to this same high standard, right? Angry that they didn't have the foresight to secure enough private tests to ensure they could even test the athletes entering their bubble at least once. Because, clearly, they didn't organize their event with any more caution or ability to adapt on the fly two weeks out from the start of the event.

You can’t really compare the two countries or their skating associations Karen, they are like apples and oranges .. politics is different and attitudes different, Canada is very safety focused and USA more focused on freedoms and individual liberties.. let’s just hope everyone stays as safe as they can be including the audiences in USA and athletes in both countries. I’m just grateful I can watch live skating on the internet. I can imagine it must be exciting watching it live in Nashville, I’m totally bummed I won’t be at our Canadians live. Just so grateful I went to Skate Canada in BC!!

 

[missing]

I don't think the USFS could have changed arenas, made it an audience free event or created an impenetrable bubble without months and months of preplanning and crystal balls.

But I'm sure they could have preordered 2-3000 do it yourself tests if they had started to by Dec. 20 (a date by which it was known Omicron could infect vaccinated people). The small town CVS I bought my test on Monday got in over 100 that morning, so these things are not exactly as scarce as Vermeer paintings.

The fairly simple thought process that would have been involved was that people might bring Omicron in with them and thus might spread it to others. Requiring a daily test wouldn't have been that onerous for those who would have to take it and would lower at least some of the risk for everyone participating in the event.

 

[skipaway]

You gotta love these husbands that come with their wives for all event tickets

I’ve had my eye on a couple, mid rink, a few rows up….he always has his arm around her.

 

[peibeck]

If anyone wants to eat at the Food Hall or 5th and Broadway all the restaurants are closed because of the snow. I was so looking forward to a Shake Shack burger for lunch as I sat at dance practice this morning. ?

I am that this town is closed down for an inch of snow, but I am verifying this information. I feared this would happen since the donut shop across from my Airbnb was shuttered.

 

[aka_gerbil]

I am that this town is closed down for an inch of snow, but I am verifying this information. I feared this would happen since the donut shop across from my Airbnb was shuttered.

Welcome to the South. ?

 

[mposl]

Well there goes my plan for a late lunch before pairs.

Anyone with leads on what is open near the arena?

My plan was to get food delivered to my hotel, nobody is delivering (not surprising). The only thing open inside the arena is Hunt Brothers pizza. The lines are long and slow. I am hoping more places will open up but not too sure about that.
I have been told the arena is very understaffed today.

 

[TanithandBenFan]

Well, Jimmy Johns closed at 3 and Panera is closed too. I guess the unappealing hotel food will be my only option for dinner! I hope they don't run out with everyone trying to get food here.

 

[tony]

Well, Jimmy Johns closed at 3 and Panera is closed too. I guess the unappealing hotel food will be my only option for dinner! I hope they don't run out with everyone trying to get food here.

I just did a quick glimpse on UberEats and there are plenty of (deliverable) restaurants still open around the area, so don't forget those delivery options.

 

[Karen-W]

I just did a quick glimpse on UberEats and there are plenty of (deliverable) restaurants still open around the area, so don't forget those delivery options.

The problem isn't that the restaurants aren't open but that drivers aren't able to get around the city and make deliveries. Same would be an issue here in PDX if we had a snow event.

 

[peibeck]

Johnny is in a grey fur and something red with gold bedazzlement at the collar and cuffs which appears to be like an (Asian) Indian wedding garb.

 

[TanithandBenFan]

Rusty announced no food or drink allowed in the seating area.

 

[Lacey]

I am that this town is closed down for an inch of snow, but I am verifying this information. I feared this would happen since the donut shop across from my Airbnb was shuttered.

I am in the area, drove 12 hours to get here from the usually much colder north, and there are over 6-8 inches since 8am at my DD's house about 3 miles from the Bridgestone. My baby granddaughter, age just over 2, is kind of scared of the snow cause they usually get it once per year and she doesn't remember it. There are no snowplows, no shovels, no car scrapers. No daycare, no work, no one doing anything. It's going to be 10 degrees F tonight. Nashville doesn't know snow!

 

[mjb52]

My grandpa liked to watch figure skating - he was a big fan of Surya Bonaly (think he liked Tonya too lol). Maybe some of those wives are there because of their husbands!

 

[YukiNieve]

Rusty announced no food or drink allowed in the seating area.

Great Idea but I am not sure how much it will be complied - my friend in the area says someone near her seat keeps eating popcorn.

 

[Judy]

I am in the area, drove 12 hours to get here from the usually much colder north, and there are over 6-8 inches since 8am at my DD's house about 3 miles from the Bridgestone. My baby granddaughter, age just over 2, is kind of scared of the snow cause they usually get it once per year and she doesn't remember it. There are no snowplows, no shovels, no car scrapers. No daycare, no work, no one doing anything. It's going to 10 degrees F tonight. Nashville doesn't know snow!

My Cdn cousin lives in Virginia and posted a beautiful pic earlier in the week of her backyard covered in snow. Vancouver doesn’t have a lot of plows either because it’s not supposed to snow a lot But it occasionally does and has the same panic.