Texas Gov. Greg Abbott joins the party...

[Goodtime Cruizin]

36 minutes ago, BSocial said:

Methodist hospital is only one I’ve heard requiring the COVID vaccine for employees, to protect their patients.  Press reports about 99% already vaccinated.  (Saw on news about 100 employees have a lawsuit).   
 

Does the law state as a matter of providing service (patrons), or does it also prohibit as a requirement for employment  ?  
 

p.s. guess I am off topic with this post 

 

 

Unless one is under contract, employment in the state of Texas is considered 'at will'  and therefore employedrs can, will, and have terminated employees for anything.  

 

The Methodist nurses across the region are upset that they must take the vaccine to remain employed by Methodist, but the hospital group will win this one. I have a feeling it is why the we're seeing it in the news as they stand on the street corners waving flags and signs. They seek sympathy from the masses. 

[John&LaLa]

2 hours ago, Goodtime Cruizin said:

 

I'm not sure where they would port from. Princess trued to make a go of it from the Port of Houston. They left but I'm not sure why. Either the port fees or a lack of bookings. I'm not sure. The point is, the cruiselines have a choice. either the Port of Houston or the Port of Galveston. For some reason, both Carnival & Royal have selected the island. Yes... the island. Most people do not realize that Galveston is an island that is also a city that has a port. 

 

But the dredging of the Buffalo Bayou and Galveston Bay back in 1910 to open a 'ship channel' is a fascinating story and read.  It changed the landscape of shipping and left the Port of Galveston as a second choice. 

 

https://canalcartage.com/canal-cartage-company/the-interesting-history-behind-port-of-houston-texas/#:~:text=The Houston Ship Channel was created by dredging,45 feet deep%2C and over 50 miles long.

 

It's a barrier island, much the same as Cape Canaveral and Cocoa Beach😉

 

I do love living on an 'island'

[John&LaLa]

2 hours ago, jimd909 said:

It's unfortunate some don't understand what HIPAA actually means.

 

My aunt was one of the authors of the regulations😇

 

Oops, ADA, sorry. 

Senior moment

Edited June 8, 2021 by John&LaLa

[Tree_skier]

4 minutes ago, Goodtime Cruizin said:

 

Unless one is under contract, employment in the state of Texas is considered 'at will'  and therefore employedrs can, will, and have terminated employees for anything.  

 

The Methodist nurses across the region are upset that they must take the vaccine to remain employed by Methodist, but the hospital group will win this one. I have a feeling it is why the we're seeing it in the news as they stand on the street corners waving flags and signs. They seek sympathy from the masses. 

But I thought we learned here on CC that anyone who doesn't want the vaccine is a selfish, self serving, smelly, Walmart shopping, anti-science, uneducated, Republican.  Surely you must have misunderstood their flag waving and signs.

Edited June 8, 2021 by Tree_skier

[Goodtime Cruizin]

6 minutes ago, Tree_skier said:

But I thought we learned here on CC that anyone who doesn't want the vaccine is a selfish, self serving, smelly, Walmart shopping, anti-science, uneducated, Republican.  Surely you must have misunderstood their flag waving and signs.

 

Ha! Pretty good stuff.

Fortunately for them their trade in Houston will offer them the largest Medical Center in the world for future employment. But they have choices, shoot up or be gone. 

[Jimbo]

7 minutes ago, Goodtime Cruizin said:

 

Ha! Pretty good stuff.

Fortunately for them their trade in Houston will offer them the largest Medical Center in the world for future employment. But they have choices, shoot up or be gone. 

One of the great facilties there is MD Anderson Cancer Center  My wife and I have been there.

[Goodtime Cruizin]

8 minutes ago, Jimbo said:

One of the great facilties there is MD Anderson Cancer Center  My wife and I have been there.

 

Hope all is good. My mother and brother n law were both at MD Anderson. 

[Jimbo]

9 minutes ago, Goodtime Cruizin said:

 

Hope all is good. My mother and brother n law were both at MD Anderson. 

Doing fine so far, it  was when my wife was first  diagnosed with CLL about 10 years ago. We went there to see a specialist.  So far no treatments have been needed. Justs get her blood tested about every 6 months to see where things stand.

[not-enough-cruising]

1 hour ago, Goodtime Cruizin said:

 

Unless one is under contract, employment in the state of Texas is considered 'at will'  and therefore employedrs can, will, and have terminated employees for anything.  

 

The Methodist nurses across the region are upset that they must take the vaccine to remain employed by Methodist, but the hospital group will win this one. I have a feeling it is why the we're seeing it in the news as they stand on the street corners waving flags and signs. They seek sympathy from the masses. 

It isn't just Methodist, there are healthcare systems in North Texas that have alerted staff that there will be a requirement by January 1 2022 to retain employment and/or staff priveleges.

[cruiselvr04]

I just had major surgery at MD Anderson in May.  Their covid policy is the stricter then anything I’m aware of in the nation.  I don’t think the employees have to be vaccinated however I had to go through surgery and in patient stay all alone.  They will not let in even a spouse into the building.  My DH dropped me off and picked me up several days later.  It’s over and all is well.  Back to cruising!

 

I hope the forced vaccination of hospital employees doesn’t continue.  With rates so low it seems over reaching to force it on someone who doesn’t want it.  They can keep wearing masks forever instead.

[sept10dsm]

I know they're forcing but since it's still emergency use, I'm not  sure how it will go.  And somewhat odd, the FDA, CDC and dr F. were all being questioned last week before congress or the senate.  They were each asked the percentage of their dept who have taken it, they are were around 50 percent. So that is telling.  Also, many many nursing home employees are not taking it.  And how the govt is bribing, pot, donuts, beer etc. All things for unhealthy lives.  

[Mikew0805]

4 hours ago, circuitrider said:

There's various parts to HIPAA. From my understanding:

 

The cruise line cannot just contact your doctor and ask if you've been vaccinated. I mean they could, but the doctor's office legally can NOT just hand over that information. Now, if the cruise line had consent, meaning you signed a form saying that you authorized the disclosure of your vaccination status, THEN the doctor's office could provide that information. They're just not allowed to reveal medical information, including vaccination status, without your consent.

 

The part that might be a bit tricky, is if the cruise line is allowed to ask for your vaccination status in the first place. I think yes, and if you disagree then try signing up your child for public school and see how many times you're asked for their vaccination records (and then see what happens if you don't consent). Vaccination status doesn't seem to be protected in the same way as actual medical conditions. I.e. I can see that a cruise line can be allowed to ask for proof of a Covid vaccination, but NOT ask if you've been previously infected with Covid.

 

That said, I see a simple fix that should make everyone happy. Mandatory testing, which you may exempt yourself from if you provide proof of being fully vaccinated. There is absolutely no requirement to provide vaccination status, they won't even ask! Just stand here in the long line to have a nasal swab tickle your brain...or show your proof of vaccination if you prefer to skip all that. And if the port they're stopping at requires everyone to have proof of vaccination...stay away from the long line of people getting off the ship. Go enjoy Windjammer's for lunch, and marvel at how easy it is to find a table when the ship's in port.

This is mostly true which is what I stated. This is the fundamentals of my job, so I understand HIPAA laws. The point of my response was based on what the other individual stated was covered under HIPAA... that a company cannot ask. Yes, they can ask all they want, and if you turn over the PHI there is no violation of HIPAA. 

 

 

[Mikew0805]

4 hours ago, Colorado Babe said:

It is my understanding that most folks do not understand that the COVID Jab has not been approved by the CDC yet, so it really is not a vaccine.  The CDC has only approved the COVID jab for emergency use.  So much misinformation out there.    

The CDC didn't do anything, and has nothing to do with the vaccine.

 

The FDA gave EUA to the vaccine. The FDA will approve it at a later date. I think most (at least I thought most ) understood it was EUA. 

 

By the way... I miss Colorado, my home for 39 years. 😞

 

 

[xpcdoojk]

6 hours ago, livingonthebeach said:

 

From Disney's site:

COVID-19 Vaccination: In order to sail, Guests 18 years of age and older must be fully vaccinated against COVID-19, as defined by the National Health Service (NHS). The NHS currently defines “fully vaccinated” as 7 days after the final dose. Disney Cruise Line will contact Guests prior to sailing with instructions on how to show proof of this vaccination status.

I am sure someone has already noted this, but NHS is for UK residents, and has zero meaning to US residents.  

 

 

[livingonthebeach]

Just now, xpcdoojk said:

I am sure someone has already noted this, but NHS is for UK residents, and has zero meaning to US residents.  

 

Yes - that's correct.  The info is for UK sailings -- that was pointed out a while back.  Disney has not published the vaccine requirements for US sailings yet. 

[At Sea At Peace]

2 hours ago, sept10dsm said:

I know they're forcing but since it's still emergency use, I'm not  sure how it will go.  And somewhat odd, the FDA, CDC and dr F. were all being questioned last week before congress or the senate.  They were each asked the percentage of their dept who have taken it, they are were around 50 percent. So that is telling.  Also, many many nursing home employees are not taking it.  And how the govt is bribing, pot, donuts, beer etc. All things for unhealthy lives.  

 

If a large % of the population "do not get vaccinated" and in time it is realized that their natural immunity is effective (we've achieved herd immunity on two fronts) and even long term (seeing reports of 17 years or longer),

 

then ~

 

~ herd immunity solely from vaccinations cannot be boasted (which creates a major dialogue in the response to the virus of shutting down everything and opposed to more strategically protecting the small identified groups "at risk of death or serious illness" and really questions the motivations of pushing the vaccines to the point of "mandated"), and,

 

~ big pharma won't get to monetize with boosters forever (or even for variants).

 

😲🧐🤕

Edited June 8, 2021 by At Sea At Peace

[At Sea At Peace]

48 minutes ago, Mikew0805 said:

The CDC didn't do anything, and has nothing to do with the vaccine.

 

 

That is correct.

 

However, they do have a Member on the FDA's Vaccines and Related Biological Products Advisory Committee

 

https://www.fda.gov/advisory-committees/vaccines-and-related-biological-products-advisory-committee/roster-vaccines-and-related-biological-products-advisory-committee

 

 

[rtazz17]

19 hours ago, Goodtime Cruizin said:

signs bill to punish businesses that require proof of COVID-19 vaccination

 

https://www.texastribune.org/2021/06/07/texas-vaccine-passports-covid-19/

 

Good. Another governor standing up for freedoms Americans died for. I applaud him.

[sept10dsm]

27 minutes ago, At Sea At Peace said:

 

If a large % of the population "do not get vaccinated" and in time it is realized that their natural immunity is effective (we've achieved herd immunity on two fronts) and even long term (seeing reports of 17 years or longer),

 

then ~

 

~ herd immunity solely from vaccinations cannot be boasted (which creates a major dialogue in the response to the virus of shutting down everything and opposed to more strategically protecting the small identified groups "at risk of death or serious illness" and really questions the motivations of pushing the vaccines to the point of "mandated"), and,

 

~ big pharma won't get to monetize with boosters forever (or even for variants).

 

😲🧐🤕

Yes, herd immunity or recovered (which is never mentioned) I feel natural recovered immunity should be a factor as well but here in US doesn't count for much so far.  

[rtazz17]

8 hours ago, John&LaLa said:

 

Unfortunately due to draconian CA laws, the ships aren't equipped to comply with shore power

Not to mention the Caribbean is where majority of cruisers want to go. California is a bit far via water to go there in a 7 day voyage. Nor would I want to step foot in California.

[MrMarc]

4 hours ago, John&LaLa said:

 

My aunt was one of the authors of the regulations😇

 

Oops, ADA, sorry. 

Senior moment

That's ok, just as many people get that wrong too.  And the Civil Rights Act.  And The Constitution.  And on and on...

[MrMarc]

10 minutes ago, rtazz17 said:

Good. Another governor standing up for freedoms Americans died for. I applaud him.

So a Government restriction is considered good for freedom?  It is an inside out world.  What happened with wanting businesses to have whatever rules they wanted, you know, that free market stuff we heard so much about last summer?

[Mary229]

The law only pertains to businesses who accept state funding or support.  The cruise lines are not affected 

[MrMarc]

17 minutes ago, Mary229 said:

The law only pertains to businesses who accept state funding or support.  The cruise lines are not affected. 

No, that was the executive order issued earlier, this is Texas SB968, signed by the Governor yesterday.  You can find the history and bill here if you are interested: https://legiscan.com/TX/bill/SB968/2021  There appears to be a carve out for businesses following Federal law that may apply to cruise lines and the CDC, but no one is totally sure at this point. 

[Mary229]

15 minutes ago, MrMarc said:

No, that was the executive order issued earlier, this is Texas SB968, signed by the Governor yesterday.  You can find the history and bill here if you are interested: https://legiscan.com/TX/bill/SB968/2021  There appears to be a carve out for businesses following Federal law that may apply to cruise lines and the CDC, but no one is totally sure at this point. 

The cruise lines operate under federal guidance not state guidance.  The only penalty is losing state funding therefore it only pertains to those who recess are funding. 

Edited June 8, 2021 by Mary229