Can't wear a mask??????

[coffeebean]

For those of you who claim you are not able to wear a mask because of a medical condition. I just read about an excellent alternative. Wear a face shield. The shields do not inhibit your ability to breath and are not uncomfortable yet will block virus laden droplets from being propelled forward into some else's air space. Win Win.

THERE ARE NO EXCUSES FOR NOT WEARING A MASK!!!!

[OrangeBlossomBaby]

For those of you who claim you are not able to wear a mask because of a medical condition. I just read about an excellent alternative. Wear a face shield. The shields do not inhibit your ability to breath and are not uncomfortable yet will block virus laden droplets from being propelled forward into some else's air space. Win Win.

THERE ARE NO EXCUSES FOR NOT WEARING A MASK!!!!

They don't exactly block it - they definitely reduce it though. The only way they'd completely block it would be if the shield had a seam on your skin by your ears and under your mouth. It's 100% open at your chin, so if you cough or sneeze that stuff is gonna blow right under your shield and onto whatever is within spitting distance (literally).

It's STILL better than not wearing any face protection at all.

[Gpsma]

Or just get a mesh mask. The mask monitors wont bother you

[fdpaq0580]

They don't exactly block it - they definitely reduce it though. The only way they'd completely block it would be if the shield had a seam on your skin by your ears and under your mouth. It's 100% open at your chin, so if you cough or sneeze that stuff is gonna blow right under your shield and onto whatever is within spitting distance (literally).

It's STILL better than not wearing any face protection at all.

A face shield is way better than nothing. A face shield is way better than the sneeze guards at buffets and salad bars. No excuses for not wearing some kind of face covering. And for the person on another thread that said wearing a mask causes anxiety, I have anxiety too and there is a pill for that.
Stay safe. Stay well. Wear a mask, please. Peace!

[OrangeBlossomBaby]

I had some anxiety attacks when we first were required to wear masks at work. I'm somewhat claustrophobic and it felt like I was suffocating, even though I really wasn't. It's just REALLY uncomfortable to wear them for hours on end, often in a supermarket vestibule with no air-conditioning.

I had to take half a low dose of Xanax at first (it's prescribed, I only take a half dose once in awhile, a month's worth lasts me around half a year) before work, so I was relaxed enough to "ease into" wearing the mask for the whole shift.

Now I've become accustomed to wearing it and know that I'm in control of it. If I need to breathe fresh air, I can pull the mask away from my nose and take a few deep breaths, before letting it fall back to my nose again. I also learned that physical work that makes you breathe heavier than when you're relaxed really does make a HUGE difference. It actually helps. A LOT.

That seems to be the biggest "trick" to wearing a mask for several hours in a row: inhale more deeply than usual.

[davem4616]

I had some anxiety attacks when we first were required to wear masks at work. I'm somewhat claustrophobic and it felt like I was suffocating, even though I really wasn't. It's just REALLY uncomfortable to wear them for hours on end, often in a supermarket vestibule with no air-conditioning.

I had to take half a low dose of Xanax at first (it's prescribed, I only take a half dose once in awhile, a month's worth lasts me around half a year) before work, so I was relaxed enough to "ease into" wearing the mask for the whole shift.

Now I've become accustomed to wearing it and know that I'm in control of it. If I need to breathe fresh air, I can pull the mask away from my nose and take a few deep breaths, before letting it fall back to my nose again. I also learned that physical work that makes you breathe heavier than when you're relaxed really does make a HUGE difference. It actually helps. A LOT.

That seems to be the biggest "trick" to wearing a mask for several hours in a row: inhale more deeply than usual.

everyone is different...glad that you've been able to find an approach that works for you

the plexiglass shields are another option for folks that have difficulty with a mask

stay safe all...and help us get beyond this pandemic

[Lindsyburnsy]

If you wear a mesh mask then just wear a mask. It’s a good thing that there are no surgeons with asthma.

Or just get a mesh mask. The mask monitors wont bother you

[Nell57]

I have asthma. That’s why I wear a mask, and need everyone else to wear one, too. Suck on a mint or hard candy, it really does help. Keep trying different styles of masks until you find one you like.
We’ve learned to wear bike helmets. We’ve learned to wear seat belts. We can all wear masks.

[Neils]

My wife says to please wear masks to protect others. You might save someones life.

Yes the masks help. Would you want your surgeon to operate on you without wearing a mask???

[theruizs]

The main reason you should wear a mask is to protect others. It is so-so at keeping the virus out, but it is very good at keeping the virus from being expelled into the air. Since a large number of people who get it never show symptoms, or it takes 2-5 days or so for symptoms to show, it is important for everyone to wear a mask. Some say it is their right not to, but that’s not true. You do NOT have a right to put others at risk. You have a right to own a gun, but you do NOT have a right to shoot it indiscriminately in public. It’s too bad our leaders do not have the foresight to require them, and enforce it, across the board. If you are not wearing a mask, then don’t complain about the backtracking on opening up and getting back to normal, because it’s mostly your fault!

[Jacob85]

The new research shows the mask protects the wearer also. I think if they would have said this in the first place not that many people would object. Wearing a mask is like wearing a seat belt. When people don’t want to do something, they find all kinds of reasons not to do it. This became political and it is not. It is a medical issue. Also, the shield has been shown to be effective so wear that! Both are better than nothing. It is common sense!

[jbrown132]

Is you believe that wearing a mask will personally help you then by all means you should wear one. In public stores and places I certainly do. However, the latest science coming out, even by the CDC, is saying that masks on are at best rarely effective. As one doctor put it “it’s like putting up a chain link fence to stop a mosquito”. They are saying the most effective way to prevent the spread is constant hand and face washing, and keeping your hands away from your face. Also, if you do wear a mask, if they do offer any protection at all, paper masks would be more effective than cloth. New information every day what’s to believe.

[Byte1]

The placebo effect of masks seems to be really working well. I wear a mask because it makes my spouse feel better about it, not because I care one way or another. I believe that there are really two reasons I have not become infected, and neither because of the mask. I believe I have not been in close contact with anyone that is infected. Or, I have the same basic immunity I have to the FLU and the common cold. The chances of being infected in the Villages is so low that most folks will never be in the same vicinity as an infected person, and even if they are may not even receive virus spores on them, AND if they do the virus may die off before entering their system. I do not care about the individuals that say, well you have more protection if you wear a mask or use the stupid example of wearing long pants and peeing. That example leaves out one additional factor. It suggests that if you are wearing long pants and someone pees, then you stand a chance of not getting your leg wet. But, it hardly reflects the more important part where is the person that pees is wearing a pair of long pants, you will not get wet. Not that I care because I dont' get close enough for anyone to pee on me anyway. SO, the moral of the story is keep your distance and you won't have to worry about whether or not they are wearing a mask. If you wish to wear a mask, then go for it. Feel secure. Shoot, wear a bio-hazard suit and be sure that you are safe.
If you can't wear a mask for some reason, then if you feel threatened don't go out. For those that worry about what other folks are doing, if you don't like it that others are not wearing a mask when you are, then don't go out.
I am getting tired of hearing whiners crying about how the gov should mandate the wearing of masks. I get tired of whiners crying about how businesses "need to" mandate masks wearing by the customers. If you don't like it, then stay home. It's your right to stay home, but it is NOT your right to demand others conform to YOUR standards.
Personally, I like to see folks wearing masks when they are in a store because many are too lazy or too inconsiderate to put their hand over their mouths when they cough, and sometimes I have to get near them to pass them when shopping. BUT, I do not insist they wear a mask, and won't even suggest that they cover their mouths with their hand when coughing. It's not worth my time.
Yes, I wear a mask right now, but I don't do it because I think that it does any good. But, I do use the wipes at the door of some stores to wipe the cart and my hands. But, I did that before all this because of the flu and colds. But, when this is over I am not going to wear a mask during FLU season.
Like I have said before, the Sumter Co portion of the Villages has had a total of 8 or 9 deaths attributed to COVID19, and even those might have been from other factors. Out of the thousands tested, that is a pretty low ratio. Out of all those tested positive in the same area, that is really a low ratio.
Golf cart deaths are higher here than anywhere else in the U.S. right? Why? Could it be that we have more golf carts being used here than anywhere else in the U.S.?
I wonder what the numbers are for heart related deaths are in The Villages compared to elsewhere. How about the amount of deaths attributed to cancer? Why, because we have a lot of seniors here. More in one place than anywhere else, right?
SO, if we have more deaths caused by other issues in The Villages than anywhere else, because we have more seniors here, then why not from COVID19? Does anyone else wonder about that? Because it sure isn't because everyone is wearing masks, because they are not. If so, then there would not be this discussion.
Like I said, wear the mask and continue the positive attitude that a good placebo causes. You say it works to lower the infection rate. I say, maybe you are right and maybe not. Who cares? Sorry, I should have said, "why should I care?" I am not a doctor and am not responsible for keeping others alive. Don't blame others for your catching the virus, if you insist on exposing yourself to the possibility of exposure when you did not need to. And do not blame others for scaring you if they do not wear a mask and they are not infected.
What's the population of the Sumter co. portion of The Villages, about 54,000? And 8 or 9 deaths? Hmmm, that makes a pretty low ratio and chance of dying. Maybe the chance of being infected is higher, but being infected with a cold is high also, isn't it?
Not very scientific, but it does make one wonder what everyone is doing here that they are not doing elsewhere, to have such a low mortality rate with this virus.

[ts12755]

Im 65 and had Covid in May and didnt even know it. 80% of us will have mild or no symtoms. Let that 80% of the population get covid-19 so we get herd immunity and this pandemic dies off. If you're fat or sick stay home while the rest of us get it.

[joseppe]

For those of you who claim you are not able to wear a mask because of a medical condition. I just read about an excellent alternative. Wear a face shield. The shields do not inhibit your ability to breath and are not uncomfortable yet will block virus laden droplets from being propelled forward into some else's air space. Win Win.

THERE ARE NO EXCUSES FOR NOT WEARING A MASK!!!!

These no mask wearers feel that God did not intend them to wear a mask. I'm wondering why they were all fully clothed.

Florida's Anti-Maskers Are Taking a Stand | NowThis - YouTube (https://youtu.be/433b5RJ9BME)

[Bonnevie]

"Like I have said before, the Sumter Co portion of the Villages has had a total of 8 or 9 deaths attributed to COVID19, and even those might have been from other factors. Out of the thousands tested, that is a pretty low ratio. Out of all those tested positive in the same area, that is really a low ratio."

I would suggest that our low death rate has more to do with the fact most of us do not work and with the shutdowns by the rec. dept., we have very little to do outside the home. also, as seniors, we understand the threat to our health and have followed advice to stay in as much as possible and when we go out we follow guidelines and mask policies.

[jwwbmw]

No place on CDC website do I see that new research says that masks are ineffective. Please show your reference. Seems people are quoting and making reference to anything that suits them? Show us where it says that....

[jimjamuser]

A face shield is way better than nothing. A face shield is way better than the sneeze guards at buffets and salad bars. No excuses for not wearing some kind of face covering. And for the person on another thread that said wearing a mask causes anxiety, I have anxiety too and there is a pill for that.
Stay safe. Stay well. Wear a mask, please. Peace!
With respect to anxiety, does having it give someone a right to spread anxiety caused by seeing maskless people coming down the aisle of a store and spreading their droplets, which MAY possibly contain CV. Dropplets are causing almost UNIVERSAL anxiety in the US. It appears to be better in S. Korea, New Zealand, and Europe. They are less anxious about DYING! Also ask why that difference happened to the #1 GNP producing country.

[OhioBuckeye]

For those of you who claim you are not able to wear a mask because of a medical condition. I just read about an excellent alternative. Wear a face shield. The shields do not inhibit your ability to breath and are not uncomfortable yet will block virus laden droplets from being propelled forward into some else's air space. Win Win.

THERE ARE NO EXCUSES FOR NOT WEARING A MASK!!!!
Well it’s their right not to wear a mask but please don’t breath on me. If they have a medical condition that probably means their immune system is probably weak too & they’re more likely to catch something more so than a healthy person so I hope to god they’ve been in quarantine since Feb. if they can’t wear a mask. At least I’m breathing my own breath inside my mask & not casting my breath out several ft.

[Mumbles]

The new research

from my ministerial learning: What is TRUE today may become less true or more true tomorrow. My guess is that there are precious few ABSOLUTES in life. I DO support your point of view; just wanted to extend the philosophy.

[jimjamuser]

I had some anxiety attacks when we first were required to wear masks at work. I'm somewhat claustrophobic and it felt like I was suffocating, even though I really wasn't. It's just REALLY uncomfortable to wear them for hours on end, often in a supermarket vestibule with no air-conditioning.

I had to take half a low dose of Xanax at first (it's prescribed, I only take a half dose once in awhile, a month's worth lasts me around half a year) before work, so I was relaxed enough to "ease into" wearing the mask for the whole shift.

Now I've become accustomed to wearing it and know that I'm in control of it. If I need to breathe fresh air, I can pull the mask away from my nose and take a few deep breaths, before letting it fall back to my nose again. I also learned that physical work that makes you breathe heavier than when you're relaxed really does make a HUGE difference. It actually helps. A LOT.

That seems to be the biggest "trick" to wearing a mask for several hours in a row: inhale more deeply than usual.
I am sure that you know that there are some cloth and better masks with adjustable straps for each ear. They are more comfortable. Also, IF you can overcome your anxiety by your required stress of wearing them, it MIGHT strengthen you overall. There is that philosophy of "what does not kill you, makes you stronger"- has some application with anxiety and mental toughness. Not applicable in ALL cases. So, there MAY be a positive side? Also, some foods and vitamins MIGHT help?

[newgirl]

Sad. Do you like that there is no smoking in public areas? Do you wear a seat belt? Hell, clothes? All laws that became laws to serve the greater good and have been successful in saving lives?
If you can possibly even if slightly save someone’s life, would you walk away ? Not wearing a mask is walking away from a possible dying person just so you don’t have to spend 5 seconds a day putting a damn mask on , are you truly that hateful? Something so simple...
Shame on you !

[newgirl]

The other country’s have made masks mandatory, duh

[OrangeBlossomBaby]

I am sure that you know that there are some cloth and better masks with adjustable straps for each ear. They are more comfortable. Also, IF you can overcome your anxiety by your required stress of wearing them, it MIGHT strengthen you overall. There is that philosophy of "what does not kill you, makes you stronger"- has some application with anxiety and mental toughness. Not applicable in ALL cases. So, there MAY be a positive side? Also, some foods and vitamins MIGHT help?

I eat plenty of foods and I'm not nutritionally deficient in anything. I get my nutrition panel done every year along with a full thyroid panel and my CBCs. I don't even have high cholesterol, even though that's a pretty common issue for post-menopausal women over 55.

I have cloth masks, given to me by my employer. Two different styles. Both uncomfortable because the fibers tickle my nostrils, they fill up with sweat, and are usually dripping wet after 2 hours of wearing them - thus making them heavier, wetter, and even MORE clingy to my nostrils and mouth than when they were dry.

I keep them on hand for the second half of my shift, after my break. I also wear those when I'm doing my own shopping, because I know I won't be sweating in them for hours on end.

But for most of my workday, I find that the traditional disposable exam masks are the most comfortable. It seems that most of our fellow employees are discovering the same thing - when they are assigned to the same tasks I do for my shifts, they usually wear the disposable ones. When they're assigned to be the cashier for the day, they usually wear the cloth ones.

[P&WBryant]

could you please cite the specific source where CDC says that masks are not effective. I'd like to see it firsthand.

[xNYer]

Im 65 and had Covid in May and didnt even know it. 80% of us will have mild or no symtoms. Let that 80% of the population get covid-19 so we get herd immunity and this pandemic dies off. If you're fat or sick stay home while the rest of us get it.
Herd immunity

I’ll accept your data about herd immunity. If 120,000 Villagers need an 80% infection rate to establish herd immunity you would need 96000 people to be infected. If 20% get seriously ill you would then 19200 people seriously ill. This then presupposes that once you get infected you will have an immunity to the virus which lasts. That is not currently known to be true and your approach would be awful for so many.

[markhollis]

could you please cite the specific source where CDC says that masks are not effective. I'd like to see it firsthand.
On the CDC site you can find the masks that ARE effective. There are many, and I believe they are all N95. Just ordered some myself from the list. There is no question that N95 are effective, although not 100%, but then the mask is a tool that does not replace 6' distancing, washing hands, limiting exposure to a person to less than 15 minutes.

CDC does not recommend face shields because the only study was performed in 2014, and our government has not seen fit to fund another study in the midst of a pandemic. But then the GM has been unable to get certified to produce N95 masks for months, although our government has acknowledged that we need to become independent of China for these medical supplies.

[jimjamuser]

The placebo effect of masks seems to be really working well. I wear a mask because it makes my spouse feel better about it, not because I care one way or another. I believe that there are really two reasons I have not become infected, and neither because of the mask. I believe I have not been in close contact with anyone that is infected. Or, I have the same basic immunity I have to the FLU and the common cold. The chances of being infected in the Villages is so low that most folks will never be in the same vicinity as an infected person, and even if they are may not even receive virus spores on them, AND if they do the virus may die off before entering their system. I do not care about the individuals that say, well you have more protection if you wear a mask or use the stupid example of wearing long pants and peeing. That example leaves out one additional factor. It suggests that if you are wearing long pants and someone pees, then you stand a chance of not getting your leg wet. But, it hardly reflects the more important part where is the person that pees is wearing a pair of long pants, you will not get wet. Not that I care because I dont' get close enough for anyone to pee on me anyway. SO, the moral of the story is keep your distance and you won't have to worry about whether or not they are wearing a mask. If you wish to wear a mask, then go for it. Feel secure. Shoot, wear a bio-hazard suit and be sure that you are safe.
If you can't wear a mask for some reason, then if you feel threatened don't go out. For those that worry about what other folks are doing, if you don't like it that others are not wearing a mask when you are, then don't go out.
I am getting tired of hearing whiners crying about how the gov should mandate the wearing of masks. I get tired of whiners crying about how businesses "need to" mandate masks wearing by the customers. If you don't like it, then stay home. It's your right to stay home, but it is NOT your right to demand others conform to YOUR standards.
Personally, I like to see folks wearing masks when they are in a store because many are too lazy or too inconsiderate to put their hand over their mouths when they cough, and sometimes I have to get near them to pass them when shopping. BUT, I do not insist they wear a mask, and won't even suggest that they cover their mouths with their hand when coughing. It's not worth my time.
Yes, I wear a mask right now, but I don't do it because I think that it does any good. But, I do use the wipes at the door of some stores to wipe the cart and my hands. But, I did that before all this because of the flu and colds. But, when this is over I am not going to wear a mask during FLU season.
Like I have said before, the Sumter Co portion of the Villages has had a total of 8 or 9 deaths attributed to COVID19, and even those might have been from other factors. Out of the thousands tested, that is a pretty low ratio. Out of all those tested positive in the same area, that is really a low ratio.
Golf cart deaths are higher here than anywhere else in the U.S. right? Why? Could it be that we have more golf carts being used here than anywhere else in the U.S.?
I wonder what the numbers are for heart related deaths are in The Villages compared to elsewhere. How about the amount of deaths attributed to cancer? Why, because we have a lot of seniors here. More in one place than anywhere else, right?
SO, if we have more deaths caused by other issues in The Villages than anywhere else, because we have more seniors here, then why not from COVID19? Does anyone else wonder about that? Because it sure isn't because everyone is wearing masks, because they are not. If so, then there would not be this discussion.
Like I said, wear the mask and continue the positive attitude that a good placebo causes. You say it works to lower the infection rate. I say, maybe you are right and maybe not. Who cares? Sorry, I should have said, "why should I care?" I am not a doctor and am not responsible for keeping others alive. Don't blame others for your catching the virus, if you insist on exposing yourself to the possibility of exposure when you did not need to. And do not blame others for scaring you if they do not wear a mask and they are not infected.
What's the population of the Sumter co. portion of The Villages, about 54,000? And 8 or 9 deaths? Hmmm, that makes a pretty low ratio and chance of dying. Maybe the chance of being infected is higher, but being infected with a cold is high also, isn't it?
Not very scientific, but it does make one wonder what everyone is doing here that they are not doing elsewhere, to have such a low mortality rate with this virus.
Really happier? Across the whole US of A, CV cases and DEATHS are increasing exponentially, 73,000 cases yesterday. It is expected to go to 100,000 per day next week. That does NOT make me happy! The Villages IS in the US. There is no special bubble here put down by God or your activities fee! The Villages CV stats are similar to the national. We have 2 factors going in opposite directions- one... more older people, which will be affected harder, in general, by CV - and two...we have less younger people that party like invulnerable, supermen and women and spread it more because of their activity and careless attitudes. Florida has the US's highest increase in cases per capita, WE are #1. At the local level - in the Sumter Co. portion of the Villages there are a total of 13 deaths for 770 cases - or 1.7%. ---- that makes me LESS happy.

[markhollis]

Im 65 and had Covid in May and didnt even know it. 80% of us will have mild or no symtoms. Let that 80% of the population get covid-19 so we get herd immunity and this pandemic dies off. If you're fat or sick stay home while the rest of us get it.

Just last night, I learned that a study in Norway demonstrates that a very large percentage of those infected, both those who were hospitalized and those who had mild symptoms, have been living with more serious medical issues for months afterwards. Obviously that could be for years, but no one will know until a year or more has passed.

Also children have been found to be infected at the rate of 30% of those tested. And they are assumed to have been responsible for infecting their families and peers. A group of teenagers came back from a beach trip and are responsible for an outbreak in their community in Austin, which has been brought to its knees.

[jimjamuser]

Im 65 and had Covid in May and didnt even know it. 80% of us will have mild or no symtoms. Let that 80% of the population get covid-19 so we get herd immunity and this pandemic dies off. If you're fat or sick stay home while the rest of us get it.
Light on the empathy side. Herd immunity is like happy talk - it MAY ? happen some day. For a person LUCKY enough to get it without symptoms, there is NOT research saying immunity is 100% conferred. And for what time period? This is a new and unpredictable virus, that COULD ? mutate. Plus science is NOT sure that an infected person can not give it to another person. It is possible. My advice...walk softly and wear a BIG mask.

[Schneil]

Wearing a mask protects me too!! I have worn one for 20 years!! So many people used to stop and thank me for wearing a mask so they did not get sick. I had to explain, I'm wearing the mask so I don't get sick from you when you're in my space!!

[jimjamuser]

Well it’s their right not to wear a mask but please don’t breath on me. If they have a medical condition that probably means their immune system is probably weak too & they’re more likely to catch something more so than a healthy person so I hope to god they’ve been in quarantine since Feb. if they can’t wear a mask. At least I’m breathing my own breath inside my mask & not casting my breath out several ft.
Healthy people can get CV, even without having underlying condition. Also children and baby. --it happens!
"Walk softly and wear a big MASK."

[Schneil]

Best post I have seen! This virus is unlike anything scientists have seen before. There continue to be so many unknowns. Every county is affected, every country wants a new "leader". The bottom line, BMW: Back up, Mask up, Wash up (with soap and water - the soap breaks the outer envelop of this virus so that it can be killed).

[jimjamuser]

I eat plenty of foods and I'm not nutritionally deficient in anything. I get my nutrition panel done every year along with a full thyroid panel and my CBCs. I don't even have high cholesterol, even though that's a pretty common issue for post-menopausal women over 55.

I have cloth masks, given to me by my employer. Two different styles. Both uncomfortable because the fibers tickle my nostrils, they fill up with sweat, and are usually dripping wet after 2 hours of wearing them - thus making them heavier, wetter, and even MORE clingy to my nostrils and mouth than when they were dry.

I keep them on hand for the second half of my shift, after my break. I also wear those when I'm doing my own shopping, because I know I won't be sweating in them for hours on end.

But for most of my workday, I find that the traditional disposable exam masks are the most comfortable. It seems that most of our fellow employees are discovering the same thing - when they are assigned to the same tasks I do for my shifts, they usually wear the disposable ones. When they're assigned to be the cashier for the day, they usually wear the cloth ones.
Thanks, that is interesting! i have ordered a cloth mask (ad was on this site) for $6 that is supposed to have 3 layers with the innermost one being moisture dissipating. Also, it has adjustable ear loops. It could be comfortable?

[Indydealmaker]

For those of you who claim you are not able to wear a mask because of a medical condition. I just read about an excellent alternative. Wear a face shield. The shields do not inhibit your ability to breath and are not uncomfortable yet will block virus laden droplets from being propelled forward into some else's air space. Win Win.

THERE ARE NO EXCUSES FOR NOT WEARING A MASK!!!!

I purchased a bunch of these for my daughter's salon. Went over well.

[Altavia]

Im 65 and had Covid in May and didnt even know it. 80% of us will have mild or no symtoms. Let that 80% of the population get covid-19 so we get herd immunity and this pandemic dies off. If you're fat or sick stay home while the rest of us get it.

Latest findings indicate mild infections may not provide immunity, good luck!

[jimjamuser]

Just last night, I learned that a study in Norway demonstrates that a very large percentage of those infected, both those who were hospitalized and those who had mild symptoms, have been living with more serious medical issues for months afterwards. Obviously that could be for years, but no one will know until a year or more has passed.

Also children have been found to be infected at the rate of 30% of those tested. And they are assumed to have been responsible for infecting their families and peers. A group of teenagers came back from a beach trip and are responsible for an outbreak in their community in Austin, which has been brought to its knees.
I heard something about that issue. There was a segment on national TV about people that have been discharged from the hospital, but have lingering bad effects like trouble sleeping and other effects. CV is called a novel virus. It is more DEADLY and there are more unknowns with it than other diseases.

[Byte1]

"Like I have said before, the Sumter Co portion of the Villages has had a total of 8 or 9 deaths attributed to COVID19, and even those might have been from other factors. Out of the thousands tested, that is a pretty low ratio. Out of all those tested positive in the same area, that is really a low ratio."

I would suggest that our low death rate has more to do with the fact most of us do not work and with the shutdowns by the rec. dept., we have very little to do outside the home. also, as seniors, we understand the threat to our health and have followed advice to stay in as much as possible and when we go out we follow guidelines and mask policies.

Visual evidence conflicts with that suggestion. People are moving about almost as if nothing is going on. Half the people do not wear masks and many of them are playing cards (in my neighborhood) or Mahjong, golf and pickleball. And according to many on here, they all should be dead by now. Sorry, if I still think there is more to this than what we know right now. Half the seniors in The Villages should be dead by now, but it's not even close. More on the outside where it is less crowded are dropping.
Like I said before, I wonder what makes the difference. It certainly is not JUST masks or half of us would be dead.

[sooziesoul]

So when will it be normal?? What will it take for us not to wear masks???? Or is wearing masks a forever thing???

[kathy1516]

The placebo effect of masks seems to be really working well. I wear a mask because it makes my spouse feel better about it, not because I care one way or another. I believe that there are really two reasons I have not become infected, and neither because of the mask. I believe I have not been in close contact with anyone that is infected. Or, I have the same basic immunity I have to the FLU and the common cold. The chances of being infected in the Villages is so low that most folks will never be in the same vicinity as an infected person, and even if they are may not even receive virus spores on them, AND if they do the virus may die off before entering their system. I do not care about the individuals that say, well you have more protection if you wear a mask or use the stupid example of wearing long pants and peeing. That example leaves out one additional factor. It suggests that if you are wearing long pants and someone pees, then you stand a chance of not getting your leg wet. But, it hardly reflects the more important part where is the person that pees is wearing a pair of long pants, you will not get wet. Not that I care because I dont' get close enough for anyone to pee on me anyway. SO, the moral of the story is keep your distance and you won't have to worry about whether or not they are wearing a mask. If you wish to wear a mask, then go for it. Feel secure. Shoot, wear a bio-hazard suit and be sure that you are safe.
If you can't wear a mask for some reason, then if you feel threatened don't go out. For those that worry about what other folks are doing, if you don't like it that others are not wearing a mask when you are, then don't go out.
I am getting tired of hearing whiners crying about how the gov should mandate the wearing of masks. I get tired of whiners crying about how businesses "need to" mandate masks wearing by the customers. If you don't like it, then stay home. It's your right to stay home, but it is NOT your right to demand others conform to YOUR standards.
Personally, I like to see folks wearing masks when they are in a store because many are too lazy or too inconsiderate to put their hand over their mouths when they cough, and sometimes I have to get near them to pass them when shopping. BUT, I do not insist they wear a mask, and won't even suggest that they cover their mouths with their hand when coughing. It's not worth my time.
Yes, I wear a mask right now, but I don't do it because I think that it does any good. But, I do use the wipes at the door of some stores to wipe the cart and my hands. But, I did that before all this because of the flu and colds. But, when this is over I am not going to wear a mask during FLU season.
Like I have said before, the Sumter Co portion of the Villages has had a total of 8 or 9 deaths attributed to COVID19, and even those might have been from other factors. Out of the thousands tested, that is a pretty low ratio. Out of all those tested positive in the same area, that is really a low ratio.
Golf cart deaths are higher here than anywhere else in the U.S. right? Why? Could it be that we have more golf carts being used here than anywhere else in the U.S.?
I wonder what the numbers are for heart related deaths are in The Villages compared to elsewhere. How about the amount of deaths attributed to cancer? Why, because we have a lot of seniors here. More in one place than anywhere else, right?
SO, if we have more deaths caused by other issues in The Villages than anywhere else, because we have more seniors here, then why not from COVID19? Does anyone else wonder about that? Because it sure isn't because everyone is wearing masks, because they are not. If so, then there would not be this discussion.
Like I said, wear the mask and continue the positive attitude that a good placebo causes. You say it works to lower the infection rate. I say, maybe you are right and maybe not. Who cares? Sorry, I should have said, "why should I care?" I am not a doctor and am not responsible for keeping others alive. Don't blame others for your catching the virus, if you insist on exposing yourself to the possibility of exposure when you did not need to. And do not blame others for scaring you if they do not wear a mask and they are not infected.
What's the population of the Sumter co. portion of The Villages, about 54,000? And 8 or 9 deaths? Hmmm, that makes a pretty low ratio and chance of dying. Maybe the chance of being infected is higher, but being infected with a cold is high also, isn't it?
Not very scientific, but it does make one wonder what everyone is doing here that they are not doing elsewhere, to have such a low mortality rate with this virus.
Yea! Somebody gets it!!! I’ve been posting many times that the homemade cloth masks and the cheap paper masks do nothing to protect oneself or others from the virus. It’s the placebo effect. The experts know these do nothing but they need to quell the panic and are trying to keep the economy going. The only mask that stops it is the N95 and you aint gonna find those at Walmart, CVS or elsewhere. Transmission here is low which is why many think it’s the masks that are protecting them. The only sure fire method is to keep your distance from others and good hygiene. Don’t be fooled that these masks do anything other than the placebo effect.

[beelilly]

Amen!!!! Preach it!!!!

[coffeebean]

The main reason you should wear a mask is to protect others. It is so-so at keeping the virus out, but it is very good at keeping the virus from being expelled into the air. Since a large number of people who get it never show symptoms, or it takes 2-5 days or so for symptoms to show, it is important for everyone to wear a mask. Some say it is their right not to, but that’s not true. You do NOT have a right to put others at risk. You have a right to own a gun, but you do NOT have a right to shoot it indiscriminately in public. It’s too bad our leaders do not have the foresight to require them, and enforce it, across the board. If you are not wearing a mask, then don’t complain about the backtracking on opening up and getting back to normal, because it’s mostly your fault!

So very true. Opening up our economy is suffering because we, Americans, can not get a handle on this pandemic. If we all did out part by social distancing, keeping our hands away from our faces and wearing masks, our economy will not have to suffer. As it is now, there are big cities that have stopped their reopening process. Some have actually gone backwards and have had closures of businesses which had opened after the lock downs. Right here in The Villages, our fitness centers will be closing again in a couple of days. Who knows when they will open again. This is just a very sad state of affairs.

People who refuse to adhere to the guidelines and do their part to mitigate this virus are the reason our economy will not get back any kind of normal any time soon.

[coffeebean]

Is you believe that wearing a mask will personally help you then by all means you should wear one. In public stores and places I certainly do. However, the latest science coming out, even by the CDC, is saying that masks on are at best rarely effective. As one doctor put it “it’s like putting up a chain link fence to stop a mosquito”. They are saying the most effective way to prevent the spread is constant hand and face washing, and keeping your hands away from your face. Also, if you do wear a mask, if they do offer any protection at all, paper masks would be more effective than cloth. New information every day what’s to believe.

Really? The virus is encased in droplets which are certainly large enough to be trapped by cloth and paper masks. There are thousands of microscopic viruses in one average size droplet when someone speaks. Droplets are smaller when a person breathes but still contain thousands of viruses. 10,000 microscopic virus particles can fit on the head of a pin. How in the world can this doctor make that silly claim when the virus is not transmitted without being encased in droplets?

Watch an infrared experiment on YouTube and you will see when a person speaks in a normal tone or just breathes, a minute amount of the droplets and aerosols escape a mask. Without the mask, the surrounding air is BOMBARDED with droplets and aerosols. The masks that are tested are NOT the N95 masks either. These are the cloth and paper masks that most everyone in the general public is wearing.

As for the most effective way to not become infected is to NOT TOUCH YOUR FACE. Hand washing is important but even if you have active virus on your hands, if you do not touch your face, you will not contract the virus. Problem is there are people out there who mindlessly touch their faces many times each day. Personally, I have trained myself from every early on in this pandemic NOT TO TOUCH MY FACE. In fact, I never touch my face with bare hands even if I just freshly washed my hands. I always use the INSIDE of my shirt to scratch an itch anywhere on my face. It is easy to train yourself to do that. If you can't, just wash your hands so often that your skin falls off. It is your choice.

Bottom line......I do not believe that doctor knows what he is talking about.

There is a video on YouTube which demonstrates how a mask blocks droplets. It is not scientific at all but certainly drives home the point of why cloth masks are effective in containing droplets from escaping into the air. I haven't posted this video in at least a month but I'll post it again here.........

How a mask blocks droplets - YouTube (https://youtu.be/F0RcH9DfuyE)

[coffeebean]

Im 65 and had Covid in May and didnt even know it. 80% of us will have mild or no symtoms. Let that 80% of the population get covid-19 so we get herd immunity and this pandemic dies off. If you're fat or sick stay home while the rest of us get it.

I wish it were that simple. I really do. Problem is no one is guaranteed to have no or minimal symptoms from Covid. There are young people with no underlying conditions who have died. I'm not willing to take that chance and I'm not young.

[MandoMan]

I had some anxiety attacks when we first were required to wear masks at work. I'm somewhat claustrophobic and it felt like I was suffocating, even though I really wasn't. It's just REALLY uncomfortable to wear them for hours on end, often in a supermarket vestibule with no air-conditioning.

I had to take half a low dose of Xanax at first (it's prescribed, I only take a half dose once in awhile, a month's worth lasts me around half a year) before work, so I was relaxed enough to "ease into" wearing the mask for the whole shift.

Now I've become accustomed to wearing it and know that I'm in control of it. If I need to breathe fresh air, I can pull the mask away from my nose and take a few deep breaths, before letting it fall back to my nose again. I also learned that physical work that makes you breathe heavier than when you're relaxed really does make a HUGE difference. It actually helps. A LOT.

That seems to be the biggest "trick" to wearing a mask for several hours in a row: inhale more deeply than usual.

Imagine if your surgeon was sort of claustrophobic wearing a mask, so he decided to do the surgery without a mask, and he breathed onto your total hip incision for a couple hours. This is a surgery where sterile procedure is even more important than in most surgeries. You might well end up with an infection that kept the new hip from working.

Of course, I’m not sure I would want my surgeon on Zanax, either (laughing). I once scrubbed with an assisting doctor with a lot of hip pain. Her patients loved her but didn’t realize that she should not be allowed into an operating room. During the surgery, the anesthesiologist had to hike up her surgical gown and give her a shot of morphine in her backside. Wow! I don’t want a doctor high on morphine doing surgery on me! That was the last time I saw her in the OR.

[jbrown132]

No place on CDC website do I see that new research says that masks are ineffective. Please show your reference. Seems people are quoting and making reference to anything that suits them? Show us where it says that....

Go to reader.com. Plenty of scientific studies on the use of masks.

[jbrown132]

No place on CDC website do I see that new research says that masks are ineffective. Please show your reference. Seems people are quoting and making reference to anything that suits them? Show us where it says that....
Sorry for my last post. Try threader.com, plenty of scientific studies on the effectiveness of masks.

[kendi]

The new research shows the mask protects the wearer also. I think if they would have said this in the first place not that many people would object. Wearing a mask is like wearing a seat belt. When people don’t want to do something, they find all kinds of reasons not to do it. This became political and it is not. It is a medical issue. Also, the shield has been shown to be effective so wear that! Both are better than nothing. It is common sense!

There is always new research that changes our previous thinking. But few check to see if the research was done
properly and in an unbiased manner by individuals without an agenda. A lot of research is skewed even when done by those with the best of intentions. Funny how people can toss in the word “research” and others will take it as God’s truth. The virus can enter through the eyes so unless your mask is covering them I wouldn’t count on being protected by a mask. Also add to the mix that the effectiveness of masks in general depends on the material it’s made out of.

[kendi]

Go to reader.com. Plenty of scientific studies on the use of masks.

Sigh 😔. As I mentioned in another reply, “research” or “scientific studies” does not mean a thing unless you know for a fact it’s been carried out properly. Most is skewed. Just wait a few weeks and they’ll report the studies say something different

[Byte1]

Really happier? Across the whole US of A, CV cases and DEATHS are increasing exponentially, 73,000 cases yesterday. It is expected to go to 100,000 per day next week. That does NOT make me happy! The Villages IS in the US. There is no special bubble here put down by God or your activities fee! The Villages CV stats are similar to the national. We have 2 factors going in opposite directions- one... more older people, which will be affected harder, in general, by CV - and two...we have less younger people that party like invulnerable, supermen and women and spread it more because of their activity and careless attitudes. Florida has the US's highest increase in cases per capita, WE are #1. At the local level - in the Sumter Co. portion of the Villages there are a total of 13 deaths for 770 cases - or 1.7%. ---- that makes me LESS happy.

What do you mean "really happier?" Never mind, it probably means nothing.
Has there been 13 deaths in the Villages portion of Sumter co. Please show me where you got that information so I can correct my notes. I have 8 but someone said there was another in the past week or so. NO, you cannot say deaths for so many cases when everyone has not been tested. You are saying # deaths per positive test results of those tested. If you want accuracy, I believe you would have to say # deaths per population of The Villages portion of Sumter Co. If you only tested 10 and you had 8 deaths than by your warped calculation, there was a 80% death rate.

[Byte1]

Imagine if your surgeon was sort of claustrophobic wearing a mask, so he decided to do the surgery without a mask, and he breathed onto your total hip incision for a couple hours. This is a surgery where sterile procedure is even more important than in most surgeries. You might well end up with an infection that kept the new hip from working.

Of course, I’m not sure I would want my surgeon on Zanax, either (laughing). I once scrubbed with an assisting doctor with a lot of hip pain. Her patients loved her but didn’t realize that she should not be allowed into an operating room. During the surgery, the anesthesiologist had to hike up her surgical gown and give her a shot of morphine in her backside. Wow! I don’t want a doctor high on morphine doing surgery on me! That was the last time I saw her in the OR.

How do you associate surgeons wearing a mask with shoppers wearing a mask? I see a difference myself. Not saying the wearing of a mask is not helpful when shopping, but there really is a big difference.

[talleyjm]

Bought one on Amazon - great! I was getting dizzy when I had to shop for any length of time.

[JimJohnson]

Im 65 and had Covid in May and didnt even know it. 80% of us will have mild or no symtoms. Let that 80% of the population get covid-19 so we get herd immunity and this pandemic dies off. If you're fat or sick stay home while the rest of us get it.

:pray:

[hansb]

..but I think if somebody wants to protect him/her self, ware a maks. Please don't force others to do the same.
Somebody wrote here "it is legal to carry a weapon, but not to use it" this is true but nobody can stop me to turn the weapon against me and pull the trigger.

It is more or less the same as this virus. If you are afraid, protect your self but let the other people do what they want.

[Byte1]

A young man in Orange Co. has been reported as dying in a motorcycle accident and they reported it as a COVID death. Florida also has testing stations that are NOT reporting negative test results. Kind of makes you wonder about test sites that are reporting 100% positive test results. This probably fits the other thread about causing panic.

[MaryRDH]

Please don’t tell people to cough or sneeze in their hand! Use tissues, your elbow or shirt. Hands spread germs!!