Another Reason to Hate the Rich

Wedding in the Hamptons this summer, no masks or social distancing required.

Recently I wrote about the folly of testing for the coronavirus. Every single doctor interviewed by anyone has said the tests currently in use are often wrong. Negatives can be "false negatives" and positives can be "false positives." In addition, even if you are negative at the time of the test there's no way of knowing if you contract the virus hours, days or weeks later, possibly even at the testing site. What's the poin

So it's amusing to read the lead article in the Sunday Styles section of yesterday's New York Times that describes in nauseating detail the current practice among the wealthy to have their guests take a "rapid test" for the virus (at the cost of $500 a pop) to gain entry into an event in the Hamptons, that enclave of monied morons on the water at the tip of Long Island, NY. Coronavirus or not, "This is still a party town."

The testee arrives, all gussied up for a night of drinking, dancing and elbow-rubbing at the home of some bigwig, or maybe it's a child's sleepover or simply an intimate dinner for four, and is met by Dr. Asma Rashid, "who runs a members-only medical concierge service in the Hamptons." She sticks a swab up the nose or does a finger prick that will give a result in 30 minutes. Until then, the persons tested wait outside, in their limo or Ferrari or whatever, until given the all-clear to enter.

Dr. Rashid is very busy doing these quick-result tests, tripling her staff and opening up a second office in nearby Bridgehampton. She describes her growth as "exponential." Many clients book her in advance when they anticipate hosting guests for a sleepover, a barbecue or a wedding. "But some summon her at 2 a.m. for a last-minute test or stop by her office in a panic after attending a crowded gathering."

Meanwhile, most of the country waits seven to fourteen days for tests results.