POLL on Masks>>>

[DeanFL]

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Biden calls for mandate requiring all Americans to wear masks

Former Vice President Joe Biden on Thursday called for a nationwide mask mandate to help fight the spread of the coronavirus pandemic.

“Every American should be wearing a mask when they’re outside for the next three months at a minimum,” Biden told reporters in Wilmington, Del.

President Trump has not called for a nationwide mandate.

Last month, the president said he is “a believer in masks” but added that he’s leaving it up to state governors to decide whether or not to implement an order requiring people to wear them in public.
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[davem4616]

impossible to enforce something like this

[Dana1963]

Masks and Social Distancing are working in the initial hot spots. It’s people ignorance to stop wearing masks. If they don’t work then why have surgeons dentists medical tech nurses have been wearing them for years. NASA wears them on vehicle assemblies. If a person chooses not to wear one I for one am not going to challenge them. Prove that mask wearing doesn’t work.

[oldtimes]

Mandate mask indoors not out

[OrangeBlossomBaby]

I'd mandate masks indoors, and in public outdoor gathering places.

In other words - if you're at an outdoor religious service or concert, or sitting on a park bench where there's room for someone else to sit, or any other type of situation where social distancing is not practical - then you have to wear a mask.

For instance - line dancing in the squares. The fact that they're not line dancing to live music anymore, doesn't mean they're suddenly immune to the virus.

School bleachers, while outdoors, still can't reasonably be restricted by six-foot barriers front, back, and to either side of everyone sitting there. As soon as someone wants to get up to visit the bathroom or buy a hotdog, the protocol is breached. So - masks.

Masks in school, at recess. Yes it's hot outside. So have plenty of cold water and salt tablets available for the kids, and a shady spot for anyone who appears to be getting overheated.

Masks in line for outdoor seating at restaurants. In fact - outdoor seating should require that you're either eating, waiting to be served, or waiting for someone to present the bill so you can pay and leave. No one should be loitering for an hour after dinner there. That way you can social distance the tables and still make bank.

Outdoor bars need to enforce social distancing, or be closed by the health department.

[retiredguy123]

I like stores that have a mandatory mask policy and who tell people to leave if they don't wear a mask.

I don't like stores that have a mandatory mask policy, but provide no enforcement. They are hypocrites.

My message to stores is, if you are going require masks, then enforce your own rule.

[CanTho]

I like stores that have a mandatory mask policy and who tell people to leave if they don't wear a mask.

I don't like stores that have a mandatory mask policy, but provide no enforcement. They are hypocrites.

My message to stores is, if you are going require masks, then enforce your own rule.

It is impossible to enforce without a trained Security person on duty. Many employees have been assaulted across the USA for trying to enforce the mask rule.

[Velvet]

Stores need to hire security people as part of their disinfection costs. They may have to slightly increase prices to reflect the added expenditures on our safety.

Don’t know which way to vote in the poll because my choice isn’t up there. Covid used to be a local problem and local mandates could have been different depending on the spreading. But these days Covid has infected every State and even rural areas so there are fewer and fewer “safe” regions. I would support a national mandate for all individuals who are able to wear masks, and take them off in an emergency, to wear when inside or when there is a possibility at any time of not being able to social distance. I would also recommend eye protection and very regular hand washing. And I would have N95 masks available (and fitted) for all vulnerable people so that we can go back to our lives mostly as before.

[retiredguy123]

It is impossible to enforce without a trained Security person on duty. Many employees have been assaulted across the USA for trying to enforce the mask rule.
Not impossible, or even difficult. You just have an employee at the entrance telling people that they need to put on a mask or they can't come in to the store. The store has a right to restrict access to anyone they choose. If they refuse, you call the police and have them removed for trespassing. Why is our country becoming a bunch of wimps?

[BS Beef]

Interesting result with no wearing and mandatory evenly split. Kinda sums up where we are as a country I’d say. Any one locally, state, or federal can’t win regardless as to what they do

[tophcfa]

My opinion is that everyone who refuses to wear a mask in an outdoor area where they can not social distance, or are indoors with people who are being cautious and feel mask wearing is the safe thing to do, are MASKHOLES!


By the way, this is a very flawed survey as the options are either no mask, always mask, or don't care. There is a lot of grey area in-between these options that many people practice in reality.

[Velvet]

“Maskholes” new term for the dictionary LOL

[PugMom]

Not impossible, or even difficult. You just have an employee at the entrance telling people that they need to put on a mask or they can't come in to the store. The store has a right to restrict access to anyone they choose. If they refuse, you call the police and have them removed for trespassing. Why is our country becoming a bunch of wimps?

this rule you mention is/was in effect @Bealls on 466. a very nice lady was keeping watch. :)

[kannon]

The sad part of all of this is that wearing masks outdoors where can't social distance, sacrificing things like large gatherings, and other sacrifices that we see being done in NZ or South korea are working to reduce the scope of the pandemic in their country. Sure we don't have all the facts down but isn't it obvious that other countries are doing better. So why can't we? Why can't we help each other, sacrifice just like our grandparents did during world wars or the depression. Can't we as a society do better? It's sad - the pandemic is showing how immature we are to the rest of the world.

[George Page]

Sadly, mandates ARE required for socially irresponsible people who cannot do the right thing without government intervention.
Some folks question whether the government has the authority to require the donning of masks. Apparently so, exiting laws already require the wearing of clothing below the waist.

[donassaid]

Doctors wear them to protect against bacteria, not viruses. Many doctors have said that wearing a mask to protect against a virus is akin to trying to keep out mosquitoes with a chain link fence.

[Heyitsrick]

I've seen no evidence that there's any presidential power to mandate mask-wearing. Even congressional power - via law that would have to be signed by the president or a veto overturned - is debatable.

Think about it - were there some national power like this, what couldn't those in power decree, regardless of the intent?

IF there's a power to do this, it would have to be on a state level.

Is a federal mask mandate constitutional? (https://www.ocregister.com/2020/07/26/the-constitutionality-of-federal-mask-mandates/)

[Chloe Girl]

Whether or not a mask helps, I would always wear one when applicable just to be on the safe side. If you don't care about the other person, at least you are protecting yourself from someone else's spread of germs. On the other hand, if masks are mandated, what comes next? We've always prided ourselves as being a country of freedom. It is a slippery slope!

[Girlcopper]

I like stores that have a mandatory mask policy and who tell people to leave if they don't wear a mask.

I don't like stores that have a mandatory mask policy, but provide no enforcement. They are hypocrites.

My message to stores is, if you are going require masks, then enforce your own rule.
How about everyone stop acting like stubborn spoiled children and wear a mask where its mandated? As an adult you need someone to enforce the mandate? How pathetic is that. No wonder kids have the “ me me” attitude nowadays

[jbrown132]

I'd mandate masks indoors, and in public outdoor gathering places.

In other words - if you're at an outdoor religious service or concert, or sitting on a park bench where there's room for someone else to sit, or any other type of situation where social distancing is not practical - then you have to wear a mask.

For instance - line dancing in the squares. The fact that they're not line dancing to live music anymore, doesn't mean they're suddenly immune to the virus.

School bleachers, while outdoors, still can't reasonably be restricted by six-foot barriers front, back, and to either side of everyone sitting there. As soon as someone wants to get up to visit the bathroom or buy a hotdog, the protocol is breached. So - masks.

Masks in school, at recess. Yes it's hot outside. So have plenty of cold water and salt tablets available for the kids, and a shady spot for anyone who appears to be getting overheated.

Masks in line for outdoor seating at restaurants. In fact - outdoor seating should require that you're either eating, waiting to be served, or waiting for someone to present the bill so you can pay and leave. No one should be loitering for an hour after dinner there. That way you can social distance the tables and still make bank.

Outdoor bars need to enforce social distancing, or be closed by the health department.

This is not what Biden proposed. He said if your outside you must wear a mask period. So let’s see. I’m out for a hike in the mountains. No one is within 10 miles of me, but I have to have my mask on or I’m in violation of the law. In Biden’s words”come on man”

[tvbound]

This is not what Biden proposed. He said if your outside you must wear a mask period. So let’s see. I’m out for a hike in the mountains. No one is within 10 miles of me, but I have to have my mask on or I’m in violation of the law. In Biden’s words”come on man”

Your statement is misleading. Although his comment said "outside," it was qualified by saying "in public." In other words, if you're outside, but no one is around and you're not near anyone, no mask is required. Which only makes perfect sense to me.

[Dana1963]

74% of people in US have already agreed there should be a mask mandate and social distancing.The sad part of all of this is that wearing masks outdoors where can't social distance, sacrificing things like large gatherings, and other sacrifices that we see being done in NZ or South korea are working to reduce the scope of the pandemic in their country. Sure we don't have all the facts down but isn't it obvious that other countries are doing better. So why can't we? Why can't we help each other, sacrifice just like our grandparents did during world wars or the depression. Can't we as a society do better? It's sad - the pandemic is showing how immature we are to the rest of the world.

[jbrown132]

Your statement is misleading. Although his comment said "outside," it was qualified by saying "in public." In other words, if you're outside, but no one is around and you're not near anyone, no mask is required. Which only makes perfect sense to me.

He should have said if your in the public and cannot socially distance you should have a mask on. No argument there. The word public is misleading. If I’m out for a walk in my village “the public” and I see someone coming and I cross the street and I’m 40 feet from this person, I have to have a mask on “seriously”.

[robbroyy]

Many call The Villages a “bubble”. Let’s act like we are in a bubble

[Hplaw]

:1rotfl:Stores need to hire security people as part of their disinfection costs. They may have to slightly increase prices to reflect the added expenditures on our safety.

Don’t know which way to vote in the poll because my choice isn’t up there. Covid used to be a local problem and local mandates could have been different depending on the spreading. But these days Covid has infected every State and even rural areas so there are fewer and fewer “safe” regions. I would support a national mandate for all individuals who are able to wear masks, and take them off in an emergency, to wear when inside or when there is a possibility at any time of not being able to social distance. I would also recommend eye protection and very regular hand washing. And I would have N95 masks available (and fitted) for all vulnerable people so that we can go back to our lives mostly as before.

[LoisR]

About a third of the poll responders said the decision to wear a mask outdoors should be left to the individual. Only in The Villages. Einstein was right again. Stupidity has no limits.

[llewopyaj]

People should wear masks whenever they are within 6' of another person or another person could get within 6' of them before they would be able to put on the mask. People should not have to wear masks if they are not within sight of another person and there is no discernable way for another person to suddenly get 6' close to them before they could don their mask. If people have been tested negative for COVID-19 and are in a "bubble," that is, a controlled habitat/environment where no one is going to come in contact with anyone outside the "bubble," they shouldn't have to wear a mask. If a person is under 65 years old and does not have any germane underlying medical condition, and for certain will not come into contact with anyone who is over 65 years old or has an underlying medical condition, the wearing of a mask should not be necessary.
It is difficult to know what to think because there is so much dissenting, conflicting "information" and opinions being tossed about. As someone famous said, I have the right to change my mind on the matter.

[merrymini]

I would like to meet the person forcing me to wear a mask out of doors. Stores have the right to mandate masks because it is a closed environment. Fresh air is better than being indoors where the virus is concerned and the mask thing is far from being a proven effective measure. Stop thinking the government is responsible for EVERYTHING. Stop trying to pass laws that are UNENFORCEABLE!

[pattytracey]

No mask don’t take away our choices wear if ya want don’t wear if ya don’t want to bealls on 466 did not require a mask so I did go in store

[LSTOWELL]

impossible to enforce something like this

Absolutely possible..in Michigan you must wear a mask to enter any place of business..working just fine..you get used to it .becomes no big deal..if every state would do this we could slow this disease down..

[bp243]

It depends on who you want to believe...a scientist who’s demonstrated knowledge and experience in this area or the ordinary man or woman on the street.

[theruizs]

My opinion is that everyone who refuses to wear a mask in an outdoor area where they can not social distance, or are indoors with people who are being cautious and feel mask wearing is the safe thing to do, are MASKHOLES!


By the way, this is a very flawed survey as the options are either no mask, always mask, or don't care. There is a lot of grey area in-between these options that many people practice in reality.

The poll is worded to sway it toward the creators opinion. That is the problem with polls and surveys, it takes a very experienced creator to do them in a way that the result is not influenced in some manner.

[Moderator]

A large number of off topic, political, and partisan posts were removed. This thread/poll is limited to mask wearing habits/policy. If it continues down the political path, it will be closed.

Moderator

[meridian5850]

The sad part of all of this is that wearing masks outdoors where can't social distance, sacrificing things like large gatherings, and other sacrifices that we see being done in NZ or South korea are working to reduce the scope of the pandemic in their country. Sure we don't have all the facts down but isn't it obvious that other countries are doing better. So why can't we? Why can't we help each other, sacrifice just like our grandparents did during world wars or the depression. Can't we as a society do better? It's sad - the pandemic is showing how immature we are to the rest of the world.

Maybe when the gov't follows/enforces their own mandates? They prohibit large gatherings such as church, sporting events, funerals, etc. and allow protests, rioting, and a massive funeral for John Lewis, etc.

This country was founded on individual rights and freedoms and a lot of people, me included, don't like the slow erosion of them. Pretty soon, we'll be under a mask mandate during flu season. Then, we'll be under a permanent mask mandate when shopping in stores and so on.

How about older people who've lived a full life sacrifice themselves and set an example for future generations that our freedoms and liberties are precious and worth dying for just like those who founded this nation and subsequent generations that sacrificed for freedom along the way?

[GaryKoca]

Wear masks indoors and mandate it by not allowing people indoors who do not wear a mask. Stores should be policing that, and they are up North in Illinois, so that is NOT impossible. Masks outdoors should be optional. However, social distance and avoid large groups. And wash hands and face frequently. That's what all the reliable medical experts are saying. Why is this so difficult? That is why the US is lagging behind almost every other country in the world.

[NotGolfer]

Yet "they" are letting prisoners out of jails due to COVID. IF the masks work so well, then why not keep them there with a mask mandate?? Another thought....China and other Asian countries wear masks all the time....if they worked so good then why all the deaths and cases of COVID there? Curious thoughts........

[DeanFL]

A large number of off topic, political, and partisan posts were removed. This thread/poll is limited to mask wearing habits/policy. If it continues down the political path, it will be closed.

Moderator

THANK YOU Mod! My belief is just that. If a Thread, in general, is informative, interesting, and 'well attended' - let it live. Remove offensive posts. AND I'm ALL FOR a WARNING system for posters who repeat posting offensive etc. AND 30-day or so penalty, like 3-strikes OUT system. There are so many TVers who so enjoy our Forum, and generally the Mod's who monitor and their actions. Thank you,
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[sooziesoul]

I worked in dentistry for 40 years! Masks should NOT be worn for more than a couple of hours. It can protect from certain things but not all things, including viruses! We wore them because we were inches from peoples faces. If we sneezed or coughed, we couldn’t use our hands to cover our faces, as we had gloves on. The patient didn’t wear makes!!!! Same in surgery, patients , Dr wears mask , not patient. And when the patient is gone, we removed our masks. Anything that the patient may have had remains in the air!

[JanetMM]

Whether or not a mask helps, I would always wear one when applicable just to be on the safe side. If you don't care about the other person, at least you are protecting yourself from someone else's spread of germs. On the other hand, if masks are mandated, what comes next? We've always prided ourselves as being a country of freedom. It is a slippery slope!

Yes! Why maybe next we would be required to wear a seat belt! Wow, that slope be slippery.

We have always had folks rebel when new “safeguards” began. “Slippery slope” has been cited for decades but has not materialized. Helmets for motorcycle riders was a big one. Nothing new followed that. In fact bikers are no longer required to wear helmets.

There is no slippery slope, only what seems to be necessary at the time.

[DeanFL]

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Maryland - Hotline to enforce their Mask Mandate. "appropriate enforcement authority will be mobilized, if necessary". The release reads that any individual found violating Gov. Hogan’s order “could be charged with a violation of that order, which carries a penalty of up to one year in jail, a $5,000 fine, or both.”

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Maryland opens statewide hotline to report potential coronavirus distancing violations
By PHIL DAVIS
BALTIMORE SUN |
AUG 13, 2020 AT 3:40 PM

Maryland has opened a statewide hotline to report potential violations of executive orders meant to stem the spread of COVID-19, contrasting Gov. Larry Hogan’s previous statements urging local jurisdictions to take more control over enforcing the orders.

In a release, the state said the toll-free “COVID Prevention Line” is a joint effort between Maryland’s Emergency Management Agency, Department of Health and State Police to respond to concerns residents may have about people not exercising proper social distancing or otherwise not taking necessary precautions in light of the pandemic.

The state wrote in its release the hotline is “to facilitate a statewide communication process for citizens to report concerns about potential situations where precautions are being ignored that will prompt follow-up by local health officials and, if necessary, law enforcement officials.”

The hotline — which can be reached by calling 1-833-979-2266 or by sending an email to prevent.covid@maryland.gov — is open 24 hours a day and callers can remain anonymous, the release reads.

While the state has created a centralized communications hub to help field complaints, Hogan had previously placed the onus on local and county leaders to enforce public health orders.

Last month, as Hogan required people over the age of 5 years old to wear masks inside public buildings, the governor said that he would not commit state resources, such as state law enforcement officers, to help local governments in their enforcement.

“I hope people would just do their jobs,” Hogan said at the time.

In the release, the state wrote that information provided to the hotline “will be forwarded to local health department officials in the jurisdiction of the location or situation described in the call” and that the appropriate enforcement authority will be mobilized, if necessary.

The release did not address executive orders authored by municipal leaders that are more restrictive than Hogan’s, such as the one that went into effect in Baltimore City, which restricted indoor dining to 25% capacity last week.

In an email, Maryland State Police spokesman Greg Shipley wrote that once the calls are sent to local health officials, they will then act in accordance with that jurisdiction’s standing executive orders and decide appropriate action from there.

The release reads that any individual found violating Gov. Hogan’s order “could be charged with a violation of that order, which carries a penalty of up to one year in jail, a $5,000 fine, or both.”

Maryland opens statewide hotline to report potential coronavirus distancing violations - Baltimore Sun (https://www.baltimoresun.com/coronavirus/bs-md-coronavirus-hotline-maryland-20200813-xmxh3qdabbgydnjhw25pesfnk4-story.html)
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[icedice]

Prove it works

[Slevy1]

Next mandate will have everyone hide in the basement...look how that helps mental acuity!

[Meboko]

Why should Federal, State or Local governments have to tell grown adults to wear a mask? There’s a deadly virus in this Country. I’m old enough to remember when I would get in my car to go grocery shopping, shop at retail stores, eat in a restaurant , go to one of the Squares, Katie Belles for a dinner show and the movies and not worry about dying. That has all been taken away. Mask wearing takes your “freedom” away? Wow what freedom do we have now? I think it’s pathetic that people would not do a simple thing to help their fellow Americans. We can continue like this and for the rest of OUR lives not go back to the way it used to be. It’s truly amazing how grown adults act like babies. :mad
Keep listening to your Supreme Leader.

[mwhite104]

If I owned a 3000 acre farm in wherever...I would need to wear a mask outside because.............. No national mandate!

[argos5usa]

What? No hazmat suit option?

[bumpygreens]

Good morning to all the virologists and infection control specialists of The Villages. We all know what opinions are like...everybody has one. Informed opinion, on the other hand, isn't so common. There is a good article on this topic in the May 20 issue of The New England Journal of Medicine.

It seems most of you are for a government mandate, and split over which government issues it. We already have mandates (laws, actually) against arson, looting and homicide. Governments aren't enforcing those laws very effectively nor evenly. Why would you want to give those same governments the authority to fine or arrest you over a piece of cloth that hasn't been proven to work?

[OhioBuckeye]

I like stores that have a mandatory mask policy and who tell people to leave if they don't wear a mask.

I don't like stores that have a mandatory mask policy, but provide no enforcement. They are hypocrites.

My message to stores is, if you are going require masks, then enforce your own rule.
I think you’re correct but for someone in a store to tell someone to put a mask on. They might tell them to or leave but I’m guessing they won’t because they probably don’t want to take a chance & start something. We have enough trouble going on. But I totally agree with you!!

[nancymiller217@yahoo.com]

Mandate mask indoors not out

Indoors is the main place this virus is transmitted.

#science

[Lottoguy]

I agree with that. Mandate indoors is the way to go.

[nick demis]

Prove that it does!

[gidget72]

I think it should not be up to State Governors...Make it a Federal rule to be followed by all, if you do not want to wear a mask stay home...we need to do something this is now out of control and not looking good for the upcoming flu season on top of this...can we just try it for a few months?

[Love2Swim]

My opinion is that everyone who refuses to wear a mask in an outdoor area where they can not social distance, or are indoors with people who are being cautious and feel mask wearing is the safe thing to do, are MASKHOLES!


By the way, this is a very flawed survey as the options are either no mask, always mask, or don't care. There is a lot of grey area in-between these options that many people practice in reality.

Agree, its a flawed survey. Regardless, masks have been proven to work. The desire is to get the country back to normal. That isn't going to happen with masks required in one state, and not in a neighboring state. People do travel, there is movement of goods and services between states, so any guidance/restrictions need to be federally mandated. If there had been a federal mask requirement right at the onset, and good federal guidance, we wouldn't be in this mess. And the vaccine isn't the cure-all either. The same idiots that don't want to wear a mask, probably don't want to be vaccinated. You have the anti-vaxers who think it is all a hoax. So you will still have people running around un-vaccinated, who are spreading the disease. Wearing masks will keep the transmission down in the short term, and we can hope that a good vaccine comes out that is very effective. We need to have businesses and schools re-open, but it must be done safely. Masks are a good starting point.

[justjim]

Only a few wore seat belts before it was required. It’s no different with masks. Some local Governments and States have mandated masks but coming from the Federal Government It would carry additional weight. Given the science it seems like a no brainer and would save lives of our fellow Americans.

[KRM0614]

Mandate mask indoors not out
Is that a joke ?

[DeanFL]

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One simple question for the responders "MANDATE MASKS by the Fed gvt".

How would YOU ENFORCE THAT NATIONWIDE?

IMO simple question with a very difficult acheivable answer.

?????
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[coffeebean]

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Biden calls for mandate requiring all Americans to wear masks

Former Vice President Joe Biden on Thursday called for a nationwide mask mandate to help fight the spread of the coronavirus pandemic.

“Every American should be wearing a mask when they’re outside for the next three months at a minimum,” Biden told reporters in Wilmington, Del.

President Trump has not called for a nationwide mandate.

Last month, the president said he is “a believer in masks” but added that he’s leaving it up to state governors to decide whether or not to implement an order requiring people to wear them in public.
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Are you sure Biden said OUTSIDE??? That just does not make any sense at all. The mandate for masks should be for INDOORS. I did not vote in the poll because "mandate for wearing a mask INDOORS" was not an option.

I have been a huge proponent of mask wearing INDOORS when social distancing is not guaranteed. I am also a huge proponent of NOT wearing masks when OUTDOORS when social distancing is guaranteed.

[coffeebean]

No mask don’t take away our choices wear if ya want don’t wear if ya don’t want to bealls on 466 did not require a mask so I did go in store

Thanks for the information. I will NOT go into Bealls until they require masks.

[twinklesweep]

Sadly, mandates ARE required for socially irresponsible people who cannot do the right thing without government intervention. Some folks question whether the government has the authority to require the donning of masks....

"Ain't" it the truth?! Remember seat belts?! C'mon.... And until viruses can be trained to respect state borders, for consistency this has to be a national mandate.

[coffeebean]

Maybe when the gov't follows/enforces their own mandates? They prohibit large gatherings such as church, sporting events, funerals, etc. and allow protests, rioting, and a massive funeral for John Lewis, etc.

This country was founded on individual rights and freedoms and a lot of people, me included, don't like the slow erosion of them. Pretty soon, we'll be under a mask mandate during flu season. Then, we'll be under a permanent mask mandate when shopping in stores and so on.

How about older people who've lived a full life sacrifice themselves and set an example for future generations that our freedoms and liberties are precious and worth dying for just like those who founded this nation and subsequent generations that sacrificed for freedom along the way?
Don't get ahead of yourself. Once there is an effective vaccine and/or therapeutics which can minimize the effects of this dreadful virus, the need for masking will be a thing of the past. I'm counting on there being a vaccine in the future so I'm on board with the mitigation of the virus in the only ways we know that works. That is masking, social distancing, washing hands often and DO NOT TOUCH YOUR FACE!

[coffeebean]

Wear masks indoors and mandate it by not allowing people indoors who do not wear a mask. Stores should be policing that, and they are up North in Illinois, so that is NOT impossible. Masks outdoors should be optional. However, social distance and avoid large groups. And wash hands and face frequently. That's what all the reliable medical experts are saying. Why is this so difficult? That is why the US is lagging behind almost every other country in the world.

The US has too many wimps who do not want to follow the guidelines. I have second hand embarrassment for every one of those folks who refuse to listen to the science and do what they damn well please. They do make us Americans look like damn fools to the rest of the world.

[coffeebean]

Yet "they" are letting prisoners out of jails due to COVID. IF the masks work so well, then why not keep them there with a mask mandate?? Another thought....China and other Asian countries wear masks all the time....if they worked so good then why all the deaths and cases of COVID there? Curious thoughts........

There was never 100% compliance for mask wearing in China. The only way to truly mitigate the virus and slow it down is if many more people complied with masking and all the rest of the guidelines the CDC has given us. Without a high percentage of compliance, the virus will win.

[coffeebean]

If I owned a 3000 acre farm in wherever...I would need to wear a mask outside because.............. No national mandate!

That is very silly to say. Of course, if there were mandates, there would be stipulations that go along with the mandate. The most important stipulation should be that masking is mandated WHEN SOCIAL DISTANCING IS NOT GUARANTEED. This can be indoors or outdoors. If and when social distancing is easily maintained, I see no reason to mandate mask wearing OUTDOORS.

[jimjamuser]

I'd mandate masks indoors, and in public outdoor gathering places.

In other words - if you're at an outdoor religious service or concert, or sitting on a park bench where there's room for someone else to sit, or any other type of situation where social distancing is not practical - then you have to wear a mask.

For instance - line dancing in the squares. The fact that they're not line dancing to live music anymore, doesn't mean they're suddenly immune to the virus.

School bleachers, while outdoors, still can't reasonably be restricted by six-foot barriers front, back, and to either side of everyone sitting there. As soon as someone wants to get up to visit the bathroom or buy a hotdog, the protocol is breached. So - masks.

Masks in school, at recess. Yes it's hot outside. So have plenty of cold water and salt tablets available for the kids, and a shady spot for anyone who appears to be getting overheated.

Masks in line for outdoor seating at restaurants. In fact - outdoor seating should require that you're either eating, waiting to be served, or waiting for someone to present the bill so you can pay and leave. No one should be loitering for an hour after dinner there. That way you can social distance the tables and still make bank.

Outdoor bars need to enforce social distancing, or be closed by the health department.
Absolutely correct about 98% of those statemants. I am not sure about the salt tablets - I may be wrong, but I believe that the AIR Force in Lackland AFB gave up doing that a while ago for it being ineffective. Like I said, it possible that I am wrong?

[RockyMountainMan]

Masks and Social Distancing are working in the initial hot spots. It’s people ignorance to stop wearing masks. If they don’t work then why have surgeons dentists medical tech nurses have been wearing them for years. NASA wears them on vehicle assemblies. If a person chooses not to wear one I for one am not going to challenge them. Prove that mask wearing doesn’t work.
Hold on Dana. Be careful who you call ignorant. You are comparing apples to oranges when you talk about surgeons and dentists who where masks and the general public wearing them to prevent covid. Masks are proven NOT to protect anyone from viruses. A virus is 1000 times smaller than the smallest bacteria and the holes in masks do not stop viruses from entering or exiting your mouth and nose. Surgeons wear masks in surgery to protect the patient from getting bacteria (specifically bacterial spores) from entering the open surgical site, same with dentists, etc. Don't think that just because some bureaucrat on T.V. tells you that a mask prevents either you from getting a virus or you giving someone else a virus, doesn't make it true! Unless you have some knowledge of infection control be careful about making a judgement as to who is ignorant.

[jimjamuser]

It is impossible to enforce without a trained Security person on duty. Many employees have been assaulted across the USA for trying to enforce the mask rule.
Leadership at all levels have poisoned the well water with deadly polarization. Trust the medical scientists.

[jimjamuser]

Stores need to hire security people as part of their disinfection costs. They may have to slightly increase prices to reflect the added expenditures on our safety.

Don’t know which way to vote in the poll because my choice isn’t up there. Covid used to be a local problem and local mandates could have been different depending on the spreading. But these days Covid has infected every State and even rural areas so there are fewer and fewer “safe” regions. I would support a national mandate for all individuals who are able to wear masks, and take them off in an emergency, to wear when inside or when there is a possibility at any time of not being able to social distance. I would also recommend eye protection and very regular hand washing. And I would have N95 masks available (and fitted) for all vulnerable people so that we can go back to our lives mostly as before.
EVERYONE should be able to buy M95 masks. Can we all say DPA?

[georgea]

TY, Rocky Mountain Man, for adding some common sense to the mask discussion. I have emphysema and am over 70 therefore one who could suffer greatly by contracting this virus, maybe. There has been so much misinformation put out about the virus that I no longer believe anybody. Fauci and Birx have contradicted themselves so often I no longer listen.,
Because of my health problems, I cannot wear a mask. I have been from Florida to Pennsylvania to Texas in past month staying with family and in many hotels along the way. I have been exposed to someone diagnosed with a positive test for the virus. I have eaten meals in restaurants and been close-up with many groups of people and here I am with no virus symptoms. I was even tested after my exposure to person positive for virus and my test was negative. The young person who tested positive was asymptomatic and is now away to college. I am not going to let this virus control my life and I believe if we all would have just lived our lives as usual from the beginning, the virus would now be behind us as an issue.

[NoMoSno]

EVERYONE should be able to buy M95 masks. Can we all say DPA?
Just go to Ace Hardware and buy them.

[jimjamuser]

Not impossible, or even difficult. You just have an employee at the entrance telling people that they need to put on a mask or they can't come in to the store. The store has a right to restrict access to anyone they choose. If they refuse, you call the police and have them removed for trespassing. Why is our country becoming a bunch of wimps?
We are becoming whimps because bullets can penetrate our bodies. In the 1950s (pre whimpdom) arguments would end in a fistfight. Today there are a lot of guns in circulation. England solved that problem. We will NEVER. There are too many crazies with guns today. A store would need a metal detector at each entrance and a certificate of sanity to keep employees safe. Strangely, the US "cowboy mentality" has indirectly made us all whimps?

[jimjamuser]

I would like to meet the person forcing me to wear a mask out of doors. Stores have the right to mandate masks because it is a closed environment. Fresh air is better than being indoors where the virus is concerned and the mask thing is far from being a proven effective measure. Stop thinking the government is responsible for EVERYTHING. Stop trying to pass laws that are UNENFORCEABLE!
Real countries enforce it. New Zealand and Europe are not communist.

[George Page]

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One simple question for the responders "MANDATE MASKS by the Fed gvt".

How would YOU ENFORCE THAT NATIONWIDE?

IMO simple question with a very difficult acheivable answer.

?????
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Peer Pressure

[jimjamuser]

Maybe when the gov't follows/enforces their own mandates? They prohibit large gatherings such as church, sporting events, funerals, etc. and allow protests, rioting, and a massive funeral for John Lewis, etc.

This country was founded on individual rights and freedoms and a lot of people, me included, don't like the slow erosion of them. Pretty soon, we'll be under a mask mandate during flu season. Then, we'll be under a permanent mask mandate when shopping in stores and so on.

How about older people who've lived a full life sacrifice themselves and set an example for future generations that our freedoms and liberties are precious and worth dying for just like those who founded this nation and subsequent generations that sacrificed for freedom along the way?
Are you suggesting genocide for everyone over 65? Will you feel the same when you are 65? I believe that I will continue to wear a mask indoors and keep my distance outside. It has NOT ruined my life so far.

[jimjamuser]

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Maryland - Hotline to enforce their Mask Mandate. "appropriate enforcement authority will be mobilized, if necessary". The release reads that any individual found violating Gov. Hogan’s order “could be charged with a violation of that order, which carries a penalty of up to one year in jail, a $5,000 fine, or both.”

__________________

Maryland opens statewide hotline to report potential coronavirus distancing violations
By PHIL DAVIS
BALTIMORE SUN |
AUG 13, 2020 AT 3:40 PM

Maryland has opened a statewide hotline to report potential violations of executive orders meant to stem the spread of COVID-19, contrasting Gov. Larry Hogan’s previous statements urging local jurisdictions to take more control over enforcing the orders.

In a release, the state said the toll-free “COVID Prevention Line” is a joint effort between Maryland’s Emergency Management Agency, Department of Health and State Police to respond to concerns residents may have about people not exercising proper social distancing or otherwise not taking necessary precautions in light of the pandemic.

The state wrote in its release the hotline is “to facilitate a statewide communication process for citizens to report concerns about potential situations where precautions are being ignored that will prompt follow-up by local health officials and, if necessary, law enforcement officials.”

The hotline — which can be reached by calling 1-833-979-2266 or by sending an email to prevent.covid@maryland.gov — is open 24 hours a day and callers can remain anonymous, the release reads.

While the state has created a centralized communications hub to help field complaints, Hogan had previously placed the onus on local and county leaders to enforce public health orders.

Last month, as Hogan required people over the age of 5 years old to wear masks inside public buildings, the governor said that he would not commit state resources, such as state law enforcement officers, to help local governments in their enforcement.

“I hope people would just do their jobs,” Hogan said at the time.

In the release, the state wrote that information provided to the hotline “will be forwarded to local health department officials in the jurisdiction of the location or situation described in the call” and that the appropriate enforcement authority will be mobilized, if necessary.

The release did not address executive orders authored by municipal leaders that are more restrictive than Hogan’s, such as the one that went into effect in Baltimore City, which restricted indoor dining to 25% capacity last week.

In an email, Maryland State Police spokesman Greg Shipley wrote that once the calls are sent to local health officials, they will then act in accordance with that jurisdiction’s standing executive orders and decide appropriate action from there.

The release reads that any individual found violating Gov. Hogan’s order “could be charged with a violation of that order, which carries a penalty of up to one year in jail, a $5,000 fine, or both.”

Maryland opens statewide hotline to report potential coronavirus distancing violations - Baltimore Sun (https://www.baltimoresun.com/coronavirus/bs-md-coronavirus-hotline-maryland-20200813-xmxh3qdabbgydnjhw25pesfnk4-story.html)
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Good for Maryland.

[cathiehines]

I guess I'm questioning how wearing a mask continually while out may be actually hurting your health. I notice after having it on for about 15 minutes that I have a great deal of difficulty breathing. I feel I'm overexerting my lungs in an effort to breathe. Also, since starting to wear the mask more I am waking up with dry mouth to the extent that I am literally choking. Is anyone else having these problems?

[DeanFL]

Peer Pressure
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really? Tell me how THAT will work nationwide.
Confront a non-mask wearer in the store, and....
Confront a few people talking outside 3' away from each other.
Confront someone wearing a mask that is not covering their nose.
Confront someone pumping gas into their car and they are 4' away from you - maskless.

I could go on, but...really?
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[jimjamuser]

TY, Rocky Mountain Man, for adding some common sense to the mask discussion. I have emphysema and am over 70 therefore one who could suffer greatly by contracting this virus, maybe. There has been so much misinformation put out about the virus that I no longer believe anybody. Fauci and Birx have contradicted themselves so often I no longer listen.,
Because of my health problems, I cannot wear a mask. I have been from Florida to Pennsylvania to Texas in past month staying with family and in many hotels along the way. I have been exposed to someone diagnosed with a positive test for the virus. I have eaten meals in restaurants and been close-up with many groups of people and here I am with no virus symptoms. I was even tested after my exposure to person positive for virus and my test was negative. The young person who tested positive was asymptomatic and is now away to college. I am not going to let this virus control my life and I believe if we all would have just lived our lives as usual from the beginning, the virus would now be behind us as an issue.
So far off the wall all the masks in the world could not help.

[Astron]

NoShirt, No Shoes, No Mask, No Service.

[Heyitsrick]

That I don't care about other folks - pretty much sums it up. I guess "greed is good" also.

That "I don't give a darn about rights...take them away when you see fit!" - pretty much sums it up. See how easy that was?

I'm not making the point that wearing a mask isn't important (in places where it's appropriate). I'm making the point that some people here just don't seem to care at all about the breadth of federal government power. The whole notion of the United States is predicated upon LIMITS on federal government power.

The Tenth Amendment: "The powers not delegated to the United States by the Constitution, nor prohibited by it to the States, are reserved to the States respectively, or to the people."

Does the Constitution give the federal government the power to mandate that every citizen must wear a mask (wherever)?

Lots of people here don't even seem to want to ask that question. It's just like, "Well, it's a good idea, so let them do it!"

I don't look at it that way. Once you start setting precedents like that, it makes it much easier to expand upon them with some other federal mandates at a later date. It will come to a point where constitutional rights, as we thought we knew them, really won't matter at all.

It's a matter for the states and local governments. And even then, there's no guarantee that a state law/mandate will be deemed constitutional. For example. Governor Hogan's mandate in Maryland was in his power to decree. But that doesn't mean it's going to hold legal muster, if successfully challenged.

The bottom line is that people should be very, very hesitant to just nonchalantly go along with some notion that directly impacts their rights, such as a federal mandate. I know, I know...cue the "but we're talking about saving lives!" mantras. Fine. I'm saying do that on the state/local level, not via a federal mandate.

[LuckySevens]

One of your choices should have been............Mandate mask indoors

[Byte1]

Only a few wore seat belts before it was required. It’s no different with masks. Some local Governments and States have mandated masks but coming from the Federal Government It would carry additional weight. Given the science it seems like a no brainer and would save lives of our fellow Americans.

You do not have to wear seat belts to go out in public. It is only mandated if you wish to drive a car that had seat belts after a certain date. Old cars can still be driven without seat belts. The only way you would not have to wear a mask if mandated would be to stay home. I have no problem with asking everyone to wear masks. I have a problem with a gov. mandate REQUIRING the wearing of a mask. I guess since they defunded the police, they can always ask Social Service workers to enforce a mask law.

[OrangeBlossomBaby]

Not impossible, or even difficult. You just have an employee at the entrance telling people that they need to put on a mask or they can't come in to the store. The store has a right to restrict access to anyone they choose. If they refuse, you call the police and have them removed for trespassing. Why is our country becoming a bunch of wimps?

And if they comply, enter the store, and then take it off as soon as they're out of sight of the entry? Who and what army is going to chase that person down through the aisles to kick him out for violating store policy that isn't an actual law?

As long as the state refuses to mandate this, stores will be at the mercy of people who reject science, reject courtesy, reject respect for rules, and choose to make things difficult for everyone else because "mah freedumz."

[OrangeBlossomBaby]

This is not what Biden proposed. He said if your outside you must wear a mask period. So let’s see. I’m out for a hike in the mountains. No one is within 10 miles of me, but I have to have my mask on or I’m in violation of the law. In Biden’s words”come on man”

I know that. But that has no bearing on the poll. The question asked was:

How do YOU believe National-USA MASK wearing should be handled by Leaders?

None of the options on the poll applied, so I didn't click any of them. Instead, I answered the question with a post.

My answer has nothing to do with biden or trump or any other candidate. It has to do with health, courtesy, respect for other people, a pandemic, and science.

[OrangeBlossomBaby]

You do not have to wear seat belts to go out in public. It is only mandated if you wish to drive a car that had seat belts after a certain date. Old cars can still be driven without seat belts. The only way you would not have to wear a mask if mandated would be to stay home. I have no problem with asking everyone to wear masks. I have a problem with a gov. mandate REQUIRING the wearing of a mask. I guess since they defunded the police, they can always ask Social Service workers to enforce a mask law.

YOU not wearing a seatbelt has zero impact on the guy in the other car when you get into an accident and the two cars collide.

YOU not wearing a mask has the potential for a deadly impact on the guy you breathe next to in line at the supermarket.

The point is to reduce risk. If you're not interested in reducing risk, then stay home so those of us who want to, or need to, can enjoy our day.

[jimjamuser]

That "I don't give a darn about rights...take them away when you see fit!" - pretty much sums it up. See how easy that was?

I'm not making the point that wearing a mask isn't important (in places where it's appropriate). I'm making the point that some people here just don't seem to care at all about the breadth of federal government power. The whole notion of the United States is predicated upon LIMITS on federal government power.

The Tenth Amendment: "The powers not delegated to the United States by the Constitution, nor prohibited by it to the States, are reserved to the States respectively, or to the people."

Does the Constitution give the federal government the power to mandate that every citizen must wear a mask (wherever)?

Lots of people here don't even seem to want to ask that question. It's just like, "Well, it's a good idea, so let them do it!"

I don't look at it that way. Once you start setting precedents like that, it makes it much easier to expand upon them with some other federal mandates at a later date. It will come to a point where constitutional rights, as we thought we knew them, really won't matter at all.

It's a matter for the states and local governments. And even then, there's no guarantee that a state law/mandate will be deemed constitutional. For example. Governor Hogan's mandate in Maryland was in his power to decree. But that doesn't mean it's going to hold legal muster, if successfully challenged.

The bottom line is that people should be very, very hesitant to just nonchalantly go along with some notion that directly impacts their rights, such as a federal mandate. I know, I know...cue the "but we're talking about saving lives!" mantras. Fine. I'm saying do that on the state/local level, not via a federal mandate.
Please don't take my post out of context. The one you used was part of another posters comments, which I did NOT take out of context for my own slanting. Cheap shot! I said nothing against ANY amendment. That was pulled out of thin air.

[John41]

no shoes, no shirt, no mask, no service