Lake Sumter Landing open.95+% NO MASKS

[billethkid]

We took a short ride just to see how things were going the first night.

Surprised at the crowd level. More surprising and disappointing was almost nobody wearing masks.
Outside bars and tables shoulder to shoulder.
Even the strollers on streets surrounding the square.

I would have never ever guessed there would be more than 90% with no masks or social distancing.

Totally surprised! Extremely disappointed!

The clock is running....time will tell.

[Medtrans]

Shocking....and yet not. 😞

[Stu from NYC]

Very very disappointing

[villagetinker]

OP, Thank you for the report, I was planning on doing the same, but got tied up. I guess we will see the results in about 2 weeks??

[Taltarzac725]

You cannot fix stupid!

[ficoguy]

What did you expect?

[ficoguy]

I have become Death, the Destroyer of Worlds...in the form of...Rocky and the Rollers, Johnny Wild, etc etc etc

[Aloha1]

I have become Death, the Destroyer of Worlds...in the form of...Rocky and the Rollers, Johnny Wild, etc etc etc

Not their fault.You can't blame the entertainers for the stupidity of their audience.

[ficoguy]

No but they are drawn like the moth to the flame

[JoMar]

Looked at the webcams, crowds less than I expected at all three squares.....that's encouraging

[Northwoods]

I drove around Brownwood tonight. They had all entrances but one blocked off (they were taking the temperature of people with tickets). There were a fair number of workers in yellow vests patroling the sidewalk around the square making sure people didn't stand and watch the band. There were people sitting across the street from the square... some brought chairs and sat in front of vacant buildings. I saw one couple dancing in the square.

[Going My Way]

//////

[Nucky]

You cannot fix stupid!

Tal, My Old Friend, this is one mistake that will fix STUPID. It can put Your Lights Out.

I don't think I've ever shared deeply my feelings about the mask and distancing thing. Why should I do it now? What good would it do? I asked the opinion of my Favorite TOTV'S Doctors and my Primary Doctor. The answers came back the same and I'm GRATEFUL for their KNOWLEDGE and decided to follow their DIRECTION. Not the direction of the armchair and political Jr. WebMD doctors. I don't care about anybody's thoughts unless they are a Professional.

I can tell you that when you have lost several people to the Virus (DEAD) that you knew from your old Hometown and people that you are close within the Villages got infected but didn't pass (ALIVE) it certainly makes it real. The people we are close with in The Villages reported that they tested positive and for some reason, it absolutely froze me up for about 3 weeks. I couldn't believe that they got it. I didn't pry and didn't preach. I froze up. It was a couple of really rough weeks. I didn't feel like even talking which is not like me.

This is a Community of Adults. Some have been Blessed with Patience and others haven't. What's the big deal about a little anxiety and depression and staying home for another 6 to 12 months and then living a full life again? For the life of me, I can't see why its an emergency to risk your very life to go to the Square or Disney or whatever.

I wish everyone well and even though I strenuously disagree with the early trajectory towards returning to the old days I respect that they have a choice to make. I just hope their choice doesn't get me or mine sick.

Our kids have decided to keep their children home from school for the rest of this year and I'm thrilled about the conclusion they came to. Financially it ain't easy. They just each just bought new houses but put the kids first not the almighty dollar. I blocked their phone $$NUMBERS$$. :1rotfl: Just Kidding.

[EdFNJ]

We were at Starbucks having coffee at 5PM which is our usual daily hangout. It was nice HEARING music again despite not liking the groups music genre (DISCO! ) We walked around the block to see what's up after and it was kind of scary. We counted maybe 6-8 masked folks inside the zoo but likely not accurate count. Everyone was dancing (and sitting) mostly in groups mostly next to the others. Worse yet was looking at (not UNexpected) City Fire bar.

The best idea was lots of people sitting around in their golf carts listening and some putting chairs in the street in FRONT of their carts. Nice place to relax and listen safely and no one chased them out. One weird lady was dancing in front of the Van Heusen store and singing-along by herself a block away. At least she was happy. When a GOOD band shows up like Johnny Wild or The Hooligans that may be a bit more interesting wrt the crowd.

[tvbound]

It feels like we're living and watching a slow-motion Jonestown.

[DeanFL]

It feels like we're living and watching a slow-motion Jonestown.

.
sorry that was a different Kool-aid.
.
.

[Dgizzi]

Tal, My Old Friend, this is one mistake that will fix STUPID. It can put Your Lights Out.

I don't think I've ever shared deeply my feelings about the mask and distancing thing. Why should I do it now? What good would it do? I asked the opinion of my Favorite TOTV'S Doctors and my Primary Doctor. The answers came back the same and I'm GRATEFUL for their KNOWLEDGE and decided to follow their DIRECTION. Not the direction of the armchair and political Jr. WebMD doctors. I don't care about anybody's thoughts unless they are a Professional.

I can tell you that when you have lost several people to the Virus (DEAD) that you knew from your old Hometown and people that you are close within the Villages got infected but didn't pass (ALIVE) it certainly makes it real. The people we are close with in The Villages reported that they tested positive and for some reason, it absolutely froze me up for about 3 weeks. I couldn't believe that they got it. I didn't pry and didn't preach. I froze up. It was a couple of really rough weeks. I didn't feel like even talking which is not like me.

This is a Community of Adults. Some have been Blessed with Patience and others haven't. What's the big deal about a little anxiety and depression and staying home for another 6 to 12 months and then living a full life again? For the life of me, I can't see why its an emergency to risk your very life to go to the Square or Disney or whatever.

I wish everyone well and even though I strenuously disagree with the early trajectory towards returning to the old days I respect that they have a choice to make. I just hope their choice doesn't get me or mine sick.

Our kids have decided to keep their children home from school for the rest of this year and I'm thrilled about the conclusion they came to. Financially it ain't easy. They just each just bought new houses but put the kids first not the almighty dollar. I blocked their phone $$NUMBERS$$. :1rotfl: Just Kidding.
Because if this world shut down again for another year, we would be in a DEPRESSION! ! There are a lot of people who live in the villages that work! I do medical billing and was laid off because they shut hospitals down and we didn’t have enough COVID patients in the hospital to supply staff. You seen what happened to unemployment! Seriously you want the world to shut down for 6-12 months. Easy to think that way when you are retired and don’t have to worry about a paycheck! But what about retired people who live on just social security and all the older people you see working cause they need to! What would happen to them! And we who are still working pay into social security we stop working for a year, money won’t go into social security. Look how many people lost their jobs at Disney? Pretty soon we will have to start paying state and city taxes cause Disney won’t be able too. Do you know that? Ohio I paid city and state tax, here you don’t because of the tourist. They stop coming we will pay taxes.

[Larryandlinda]

Google Image Result for https://i.kym-cdn.com/photos/images/original/001/791/360/5e5.jpg (https://www.google.com/imgres?imgurl=https%3A%2F%2Fi.kym-cdn.com%2Fphotos%2Fimages%2Foriginal%2F001%2F791%2 F360%2F5e5.jpg&imgrefurl=https%3A%2F%2Fknowyourmeme.com%2Fphotos% 2F1791360-2019-20-coronavirus-outbreak&tbnid=ateqKs39X15TXM&vet=12ahUKEwizp6O81p_sAhW2mnIEHUv3C8IQMygeegUIARD-AQ..i&docid=LMAcm-l-5pk-vM&w=1212&h=1475&q=earth%202020%20cartoon&hl=en-us&client=safari&ved=2ahUKEwizp6O81p_sAhW2mnIEHUv3C8IQMygeegUIARD-AQ)404 Not Found (http://https://www.google.com/imgres?imgurl=https%3A%2F%2Fi.kym-cdn.com%2Fphotos%2Fimages%2Foriginal%2F001%2F791%2 F360%2F5e5.jpg&imgrefurl=https%3A%2F%2Fknowyourmeme.com%2Fphotos% 2F1791360-2019-20-coronavirus-outbreak&tbnid=ateqKs39X15TXM&vet=12ahUKEwizp6O81p_sAhW2mnIEHUv3C8IQMygeegUIARD-AQ..i&docid=LMAcm-l-5pk-vM&w=1212&h=1475&q=earth%202020%20cartoon&hl=en-us&client=safari&ved=2ahUKEwizp6O81p_sAhW2mnIEHUv3C8IQMygeegUIARD-AQ)
Since masks do more to protect those around you, this shows how few care about others.
Then again, there has for quite some time been a disappointingly widespread reputation that our community has a large population of self indulgent folk.

[Mardarlowe]

Anyone remember Mrs Kravitz on the show Bewitched? Sure do have a lot of those in The Villages. LOL

[Bob3302]

In a couple weeks we will know if this decision starts a super spreader event . Pretty scary

[Scott O]

Off on your surveillance ride to tattle....it met your expectations

[tsmall22204]

No one said you have to be smart to live in the Villages. Stupid people everywhere.

[donassaid]

Wow. Now we get to experience the wrath of the self righteous mask wearers who actually think that their mask is protecting them from a virus which can easily pass right through it and also enter thru their eyes and ears. Keep drinking the Kool aid of fake science.

[mjilek]

Stay Home!

[Annie66]

Wow. Now we get to experience the wrath of the self righteous mask wearers who actually think that their mask is protecting them from a virus which can easily pass right through it and also enter thru their eyes and ears. Keep drinking the Kool aid of fake science.

Wow .... I really hope you don't believe this deep down. The science is clear. My mask protects you, and yours protects me. If you choose not to wear one, it tells me and others around you how much to care for your fellow man.

[Byte1]

We took a short ride just to see how things were going the first night.

Surprised at the crowd level. More surprising and disappointing was almost nobody wearing masks.
Outside bars and tables shoulder to shoulder.
Even the strollers on streets surrounding the square.

I would have never ever guessed there would be more than 90% with no masks or social distancing.

Totally surprised! Extremely disappointed!

The clock is running....time will tell.

Maybe they will become infected, maybe they won't. Maybe they will become infected and never show any symptoms, like MOST folks. Over 99% survival rate, right?
How many have died from the virus in the Villages lately? I've seen a couple testing positive, but where are the deaths attributed to the virus?

There are a lot of folks concerned about what others do, but that is human nature. Is it worry or jealousy? Folks having a good time after being shut in for months is a bad thing? Not so sure it's a bad thing to see folks being happy.

I guess for some, the glass is ALWAYS half empty. Are these folks being foolish for getting out for some fresh air and entertainment? Maybe, maybe not. If they don't get sick, will someone still admonish them for taking chances?

Personally, I am not going to fault others for attempting to enrich their lives with some fresh air and entertainment. I won't be there, but I am not going to sneak around, spying on them from a distance either. I don't care what others are doing. I will concern myself with my own activities and those of my family. To put is civilly, I plan to mind my own business and let others do what they wish. I saw someone riding a motorcycle without a helmet the other day. I saw a golf cart being driven by a little child the other day. I saw several golf carts run stop signs without even slowing on several occasions. And shame on that guy smoking a cigar in his birdcage down the street. Doesn't he know that he is putting his life in jeopardy?

Millions have been infected with the virus in this country and have survived. Who's for taking a chance that you can be one of the lucky ones? Beware that some folks are still dying from the virus.

[Girlcopper]

I drove around Brownwood tonight. They had all entrances but one blocked off (they were taking the temperature of people with tickets). There were a fair number of workers in yellow vests patroling the sidewalk around the square making sure people didn't stand and watch the band. There were people sitting across the street from the square... some brought chairs and sat in front of vacant buildings. I saw one couple dancing in the square.
I did a quick drive around too and was happy to see how well the social distancing was being monitored. Great job! If Sumnter is crowded like the original poster alleges, theres other squares to go to if youre that desperate for music

[jneibert]

In the end it comes down to taking responsibility for yourself. If you are uncomfortable being in a crowd, stay away. If your risk tolerance is higher, increase your exposure by going to restaurants, bars, barbershops, massage therapists, hospitals for non-COVID issues, etc. Complaining about people not wearing masks is not very productive.

[billethkid]

To mask or not to mask....depends if somebody you know or a family member has covid or died from it. Hypocrites!

The notion that covid is one political party prevalent makes no sense what so ever (as if that mattered!).

My expectation was, at 8 months into the pandemic, that there would be at least a 50-50 mask presence.......not almost zero.

[Beyond The Wall]

Brownwood was not crowded and spaced out nicely. We sat in bleachers and no one sat in front , behind or next to us. Everyone wore mask while entering and leaving. I didn’t notice the bars. It was a beautiful evening.
If you don’t feel comfortable , don’t go.

[Dana1963]

Because if this world shut down again for another year, we would be in a DEPRESSION! ! There are a lot of people who live in the villages that work! I do medical billing and was laid off because they shut hospitals down and we didn’t have enough COVID patients in the hospital to supply staff. You seen what happened to unemployment! Seriously you want the world to shut down for 6-12 months. Easy to think that way when you are retired and don’t have to worry about a paycheck! But what about retired people who live on just social security and all the older people you see working cause they need to! What would happen to them! And we who are still working pay into social security we stop working for a year, money won’t go into social security. Look how many people lost their jobs at Disney? Pretty soon we will have to start paying state and city taxes cause Disney won’t be able too. Do you know that? Ohio I paid city and state tax, here you don’t because of the tourist. They stop coming we will pay taxes.
On the bright side if your on Social Security and expire from the virus or general death one gets a $250 bonus check for burial expenses.

[PugMom]

Anyone remember Mrs Kravitz on the show Bewitched? Sure do have a lot of those in The Villages. LOL

:1rotfl::1rotfl::mademyday:

[Eg_cruz]

Anyone remember Mrs Kravitz on the show Bewitched? Sure do have a lot of those in The Villages. LOL
Abner, Abner....come look, come look theirs people dancing in the squares.....Abner

[justjim]

Wearing a mask is not political but a lot of people are trying their best to make it so. Shameful. Wearing a mask for others, social distancing and frequent hand washing is all we got until a useful vaccine is available to all of us. What’s so hard to understand?

Whoever made the decision to open up the entertainment without mandatory masks made a very bad decision IMHO. Like the great philosopher Forest Gump once said “that’s all I’ve got to say about that”. Besides there comes a time when you just must stop arguing facts with people and simply have to let them be wrong.

[Eg_cruz]

Surprised? I'm not. The Trump cult is huge here. It's disgusting and irresponsible. What will the Morses' do now? Anything? Very doubtful. Death does funny things to people. Guess they are ready to go.
Boring....please sing a new song.....so over you Joe Love Haters. Anything, any subject you always twist and turn it to Trump......you are passed boring at thing point. Move on already

[merrymini]

What a bunch of bores! If you are afraid, stay home. That does not give you the right to tell other people what to do. People who need to make a living that drive trucks, bag your groceries and deliver them to your door cannot stay home. Maybe they can follow your demands and can stay home too then you would have to get off your high horse and go out to buy your own groceries.

[ts12755]

Fearful and sick people need to stay locked up. Let others enjoy freedom and their life. Millions like myself have had the virus and it was milder than the flu.

[dboyd29]

Fear is the path to the dark side. Fear leads to anger. Anger leads to hate. Hate leads to suffering.
Fear is a liar.

[Skunky1]

Think about this folks. There will be an influx of snowbirds from all 50 states and foreign countries over the next few months bringing with them a gift especially wrapped just for you. They will be traveling on airplanes ,buses ,trains , and cars packed with other people. They will be joining you at the Country clubs, squares ,restaurants, shops ,bars beauty shops, barbershops ,Fitness centers,thrift shops etc.

[GaryKoca]

As a doctor in Wisconsin said yesterday, "People around here are saying I am done with the coronavirus. Unfortunately, the coronavirus may not be done with you." Good advice that apparently many people are not heeding.

[superzcomputerz]

Worry about yourself only. Let others do as they wish. Stay home if you insist.

[PennBF]

Note the Poster taking another shot at ignoring the rule of no politics. Hope these people are being notified they cannot post again for 6 months and held accountable with some consequences. Honor the Poster's who abide by the rules!!!:MOJE_whot:

[Art cov]

Why do people believe that getting the virus is a death sentence? Seems like it wouldn’t be so crowded, if the people that are there to moan n groan n complain would just stay home.

[Joe C.]

All the naysayers ......I can picture them now, pulling a large wooden cart through the Village streets calling out: "Bring out your dead......Bring out your dead".

Life goes on for some of us. I still don't know of anyone who has contracted the virus.
I'll continue to travel, go out to eat, and enjoy life with my friends.
I wash my hands, and sometimes (Publix) wear a mask. I have never wiped down my groceries or done any of the "prescribed" activities of the CDC.
The only thing I avoid, is large indoor crowds.
We all will eventually be exposed to Covid-19, so lets get on with life.

[milling73]

You cannot fix stupid!

That was an unneccesarily rude comment based on your opinion only. Follow your own advice on how to live, and give others the same courtesy.

[Cherylmcdaniel]

So let’s look at statistics, 99.98 Survival rate if you get actually SICK - not just test positive. If your sick, stay home, if you want to wear a mask, wear one, otherwise, let life be lived as the free Americans that we are. Don’t listen to the narrative on TV, go for a walk, breath our great fresh air and smile!!!!! I miss hugs and smiles!!!

[JanetMM]

I have become Death, the Destroyer of Worlds...in the form of...Rocky and the Rollers, Johnny Wild, etc etc etc

Good use of that quote.

[Tracy Turnbull]

Think about this folks. There will be an influx of snowbirds from all 50 states and foreign countries over the next few months bringing with them a gift especially wrapped just for you. They will be traveling on airplanes ,buses ,trains , and cars packed with other people. They will be joining you at the Country clubs, squares ,restaurants, shops ,bars beauty shops, barbershops ,Fitness centers,thrift shops etc.

PSA: They already have been for months. 🤔

[Bogie Shooter]

Note the Poster taking another shot at ignoring the rule of no politics. Hope these people are being notified they cannot post again for 6 months and held accountable with some consequences. Honor the Poster's who abide by the rules!!!:MOJE_whot:

Look for the small triangle in right corner of the post.........

[Bob.Betty]

Well put

[Marathon Man]

Because if this world shut down again for another year, we would be in a DEPRESSION! ! There are a lot of people who live in the villages that work! I do medical billing and was laid off because they shut hospitals down and we didn’t have enough COVID patients in the hospital to supply staff. You seen what happened to unemployment! Seriously you want the world to shut down for 6-12 months. Easy to think that way when you are retired and don’t have to worry about a paycheck! But what about retired people who live on just social security and all the older people you see working cause they need to! What would happen to them! And we who are still working pay into social security we stop working for a year, money won’t go into social security. Look how many people lost their jobs at Disney? Pretty soon we will have to start paying state and city taxes cause Disney won’t be able too. Do you know that? Ohio I paid city and state tax, here you don’t because of the tourist. They stop coming we will pay taxes.

Well said.

[BumpaOompa]

I drove around Brownwood tonight. They had all entrances but one blocked off (they were taking the temperature of people with tickets). There were a fair number of workers in yellow vests patroling the sidewalk around the square making sure people didn't stand and watch the band. There were people sitting across the street from the square... some brought chairs and sat in front of vacant buildings. I saw one couple dancing in the square.

Same observation at Brownwood. Plenty of social distancing in and around the square. It was well managed and I was impressed.

[Larchap49]

Tal, My Old Friend, this is one mistake that will fix STUPID. It can put Your Lights Out.

I don't think I've ever shared deeply my feelings about the mask and distancing thing. Why should I do it now? What good would it do? I asked the opinion of my Favorite TOTV'S Doctors and my Primary Doctor. The answers came back the same and I'm GRATEFUL for their KNOWLEDGE and decided to follow their DIRECTION. Not the direction of the armchair and political Jr. WebMD doctors. I don't care about anybody's thoughts unless they are a Professional.

I can tell you that when you have lost several people to the Virus (DEAD) that you knew from your old Hometown and people that you are close within the Villages got infected but didn't pass (ALIVE) it certainly makes it real. The people we are close with in The Villages reported that they tested positive and for some reason, it absolutely froze me up for about 3 weeks. I couldn't believe that they got it. I didn't pry and didn't preach. I froze up. It was a couple of really rough weeks. I didn't feel like even talking which is not like me.

This is a Community of Adults. Some have been Blessed with Patience and others haven't. What's the big deal about a little anxiety and depression and staying home for another 6 to 12 months and then living a full life again? For the life of me, I can't see why its an emergency to risk your very life to go to the Square or Disney or whatever.

I wish everyone well and even though I strenuously disagree with the early trajectory towards returning to the old days I respect that they have a choice to make. I just hope their choice doesn't get me or mine sick.

Our kids have decided to keep their children home from school for the rest of this year and I'm thrilled about the conclusion they came to. Financially it ain't easy. They just each just bought new houses but put the kids first not the almighty dollar. I blocked their phone $$NUMBERS$$. :1rotfl: Just Kidding.I fully respect yours and anyone else's decision to isolate. It seems that if the population doesn't gain immunity no matter how long you wait Covid will be waiting for you when you come out. Spain had the quickest and strongest shut down and when they came out so did the Covid. Sweden didn't shutdown and now has the lowest spread rate. Covid is a modified cold virus and the world has never been able to cure the common cold, so I am not sure I believe they have cured this in 10 months. My brother in laws daughter is a Micro Biologist and says she and the world has been working on Sars for 10 years and are no closer to a cure, and claims of a successful vaccine are so much BS. So I am going to take precautions and live my life because I may not last long enough to hide away for another 10 to 12 months. None of us are guaranteed tomorrow.

[M2inOR]

Some simple data from someone who washes his hands, uses hand sanitizer, and wears a mask when requested, required, or initially visits a new area. I also wear a mask when shopping.

Prior to COVID, the average or median age of people dying in the US was 78. That's our life expectancy, and can be higher or lower depending on a person's health.

With COVID, we are seeing the average or median age of death also at 78 for those where COVID is stated as a contributing or actual cause.

Yes, COVID is serious for many, but the stats still indicate that we are likely to die from something at around 78 years of age.

Yes, exposure to COVID can be serious for many, but if we step away from the politicization, we see that the average death age hasn't changed.

[Diane Allen]

Sounds like Sweden. Works for them.

[Pixie3]

You cannot fix stupid!
I guess you can kill it, though. Florida's numbers are creeping up and are number 3 in the nation. Why are people so afraid to wear a mask?

[wilkinson]

Stupid - not wearing aa mask when you are positive without wearing a mask is how 200,000 fellow Americans were killed - congrats.

[kendi]

Looked at the webcams, crowds less than I expected at all three squares.....that's encouraging

That’s because that’s all they’ll let in at one time.

[davem4616]

How sad...the reopening of the Squares has become just another TOTV heated debate

[kendi]

That was an unneccesarily rude comment based on your opinion only. Follow your own advice on how to live, and give others the same courtesy.

So tired of the name calling. The weather guy on TV radio does the same.

[kendi]

I guess you can kill it, though. Florida's numbers are creeping up and are number 3 in the nation. Why are people so afraid to wear a mask?

They aren’t. Why do you assume that as being the reason?

[jblube]

We were at Starbucks having coffee at 5PM which is our usual daily hangout. It was nice HEARING music again despite not liking the groups music genre (DISCO! ) We walked around the block to see what's up after and it was kind of scary. We counted maybe 6-8 masked folks inside the zoo but likely not accurate count. Everyone was dancing (and sitting) mostly in groups mostly next to the others. Worse yet was looking at (not UNexpected) City Fire bar.

The best idea was lots of people sitting around in their golf carts listening and some putting chairs in the street in FRONT of their carts. Nice place to relax and listen safely and no one chased them out. One weird lady was dancing in front of the Van Heusen store and singing-along by herself a block away. At least she was happy. When a GOOD band shows up like Johnny Wild or The Hooligans that may be a bit more interesting wrt the crowd.

No need to judge disco likers in your response. Some of us enjoyed disco dancing.
I also like The Hooligans and will listen to square music from a personal chair far away with mask ready if someone approaches.

[Sjshanl]

They’re probably following the poor example set by others.

[OhioBuckeye]

We took a short ride just to see how things were going the first night.

Surprised at the crowd level. More surprising and disappointing was almost nobody wearing masks.
Outside bars and tables shoulder to shoulder.
Even the strollers on streets surrounding the square.

I would have never ever guessed there would be more than 90% with no masks or social distancing.

Totally surprised! Extremely disappointed!

The clock is running....time will tell.

After almost a yr. since the quarantine started we got to start getting out but still ought to be a little cautious. Also I would think even TV have start opening up or businesses are going to start saying the hell with it & close for good. Well TV will find out soon if it was a mistake! I think it was good business decision for TV just to open Up one area first. God Bless everybody & be somewhat cautious!

[wiltma]

Looked at the webcams, crowds less than I expected at all three squares.....that's encouraging

How do you look at webcams?
Thanks

[Carla911]

I did a quick drive around too and was happy to see how well the social distancing was being monitored. Great job! If Sumnter is crowded like the original poster alleges, theres other squares to go to if youre that desperate for music

Thank you, I was down there, also. I am a mask wearer. We were assigned a seat 6 foot away from others. There was a breeze and I felt comfortable removing my mask. There was a little bit of lack of social distancing when I went to get a drink. The sidewalk was marked but it was hard to see. There was dancing but I saw very little partner swapping. I cannot speak to the bars. When we walked on the street there were others but everyone maintained their distance. Newest data stresses that outside is much safer than being in a building with recirculated air.

[irish2468]

Ok Karen, you need to stay away from the squares. Your tattle tale reporting has just gotten you 5 demerits.
The rest of us will live our lives as we see fit. You can live in fear with your ''Karen'' style.

[Dahabs]

Think about this folks. There will be an influx of snowbirds from all 50 states and foreign countries over the next few months bringing with them a gift especially wrapped just for you. They will be traveling on airplanes ,buses ,trains , and cars packed with other people. They will be joining you at the Country clubs, squares ,restaurants, shops ,bars beauty shops, barbershops ,Fitness centers,thrift shops etc.

Influx from the 50 states maybe. Foreign countries, wouldn't bet on it.

[UpNorth]

Sounds like Sweden. Works for them.

Exactly. Very few people wearing masks in Sweden and they are not getting hit with a second wave like the rest of Europe, according to NBC news. Everything there looks like the world we used to live in.

[Pixie3]

You cannot fix stupid!

May not be able to fix it, but you sure can kill it. I just don't understand why people are so afraid to wear a mask.

[coffeebean]

Wow. Now we get to experience the wrath of the self righteous mask wearers who actually think that their mask is protecting them from a virus which can easily pass right through it and also enter thru their eyes and ears. Keep drinking the Kool aid of fake science.

Ears? Really? Haven't heard THAT one.

[bagboy]

How do you look at webcams?
Thanks

The Villages (http://stockers.ch/thevillages/)

[dadoiron]

You cannot fix stupid!

But it would be a permanent fix for stupid.

[kwachowski]

The Villages (http://stockers.ch/thevillages/)

If you have had a friend or family member who died from the Covid maybe you would think differently about wearing a mask. Its not that hard. You are protecting yourself and the people around you..

[biker1]

Florida is currently #12 in the nation with regard to COVID-19 deaths per capita.

I guess you can kill it, though. Florida's numbers are creeping up and are number 3 in the nation. Why are people so afraid to wear a mask?

[La lamy]

Influx from the 50 states maybe. Foreign countries, wouldn't bet on it.

Some of us Canadians are coming back. Don't worry about me though, extremely conscientious about transmission prevention.

[Jokomo]

We took a short ride just to see how things were going the first night.

Surprised at the crowd level. More surprising and disappointing was almost nobody wearing masks.
Outside bars and tables shoulder to shoulder.
Even the strollers on streets surrounding the square.

I would have never ever guessed there would be more than 90% with no masks or social distancing.

Totally surprised! Extremely disappointed!

The clock is running....time will tell.



It’s as if G4 is willing to let the virus loose on The Villages population. Almost every death means another sale of Village properties, and all the ancillary purchases that go with it. They also are changing golf rules to encourage cart sharing again. No real point to that decision, and significant danger. So again, who benefits?

[Meboko]

All the naysayers ......I can picture them now, pulling a large wooden cart through the Village streets calling out: "Bring out your dead......Bring out your dead".

Life goes on for some of us. I still don't know of anyone who has contracted the virus.
I'll continue to travel, go out to eat, and enjoy life with my friends.
I wash my hands, and sometimes (Publix) wear a mask. I have never wiped down my groceries or done any of the "prescribed" activities of the CDC.
The only thing I avoid, is large indoor crowds.
We all will eventually be exposed to Covid-19, so lets get on with life.


Fortunately, as you, I do not know anyone who has contracted COVID 19, but the 7,459,146 suffering and the 210,000 who have died from Covid 19 do. If more people would follow the science, and not only sometimes, maybe those numbers would not be so high and we can get the virus under control and return to life as it was.

[TimeForChange]

There will be additional cases especially with people coming from other States for the Winter. How will they ever "contact trace"? I would not go within a mile of any of these places. This is a bad mistake. I understand we as a State are in phase III but this area is full of those who are most vulnerable. Stupid idea. You should not be allowed anywhere in the square without a mask.

[chuckpedrey]

There is a large discrepancy in reporting deaths “from COVID-19” and “deaths with COVID-19”. Like the local resident swallowed by an alligator who died of COVID-19. With less that 1% of reported deaths “from COVID-19” it’s long passed the time to reopen our economy and stay segregated if you have underlying health issues.

[TOTV Editor]

Note the Poster taking another shot at ignoring the rule of no politics. Hope these people are being notified they cannot post again for 6 months and held accountable with some consequences. Honor the Poster's who abide by the rules!!!:MOJE_whot:

We appreciate the posters who are following the forum rules... and please continue to flag the posts that do not- that would help us do our job better.

[johntheresa]

Not True : I spent the entire night in Lake Sumter Square, not outside or at Restaurants. It was not even 40% capacity. Everyone was Social Distancing. NO need for masks unless going to Bar Hut or walking around. Some Dancing, but also spaced out. Not sure how other squares did, but Lake Sumter was fine.

[Pixie3]

They aren’t. Why do you assume that as being the reason?

Have you looked at the stats? We are number 3 in the nation for total number of cases, and number 4 for the growth. I still don't understand why you are so afraid to wear a mask? Explain your fear, please. You wear underwear everyday I hope.

[Red White & Blue]

Some of us Canadians are coming back. Don't worry about me though, extremely conscientious about transmission prevention.

If you were Extremely conscientious about transmission prevention you would stay in Canada, so, by coming here it says your not! :ho:

[Bjeanj]

With less that 1% of reported deaths “from COVID-19” it’s long passed the time to reopen our economy and stay segregated if you have underlying health issues.

Um, excuse me, but ...
Raise your hand if you
1) are overweight
2) are over the age of 65
3) have high blood pressure
4) Have a heart condition
5) have asthma or COPD
6) are diabetic
7) have cancer
8) have a weakened immune system

[biker1]

Please stop with these nonsense posts. The statistic you quoted is meaningless. Florida is the #3 most populous state. Of course we have a high TOTAL case count. We are also #12 in PER CAPITA deaths. New Jersey has 2.5 times the PER CAPITA death rate. New York has 2 times the PER CAPITA death rate. Nobody is afraid of wearing a mask. Comparing a mask with underwear is a strawman argument - the most disingenuous form of discussion. Please stop with the nonsense.

Have you looked at the stats? We are number 3 in the nation for total number of cases, and number 4 for the growth. I still don't understand why you are so afraid to wear a mask? Explain your fear, please. You wear underwear everyday I hope.

[JP]

Mask wearing is a sham to try to make the masses feel safe.

[Red White & Blue]

Seems like the only excuse that BUTT Shakers have in response to others is to "Stay Home"...
BTW Shaking your old BUTT in public is NOT an essential to us! :ho:

[rmd2]

I fully respect yours and anyone else's decision to isolate. It seems that if the population doesn't gain immunity no matter how long you wait Covid will be waiting for you when you come out. Spain had the quickest and strongest shut down and when they came out so did the Covid. Sweden didn't shutdown and now has the lowest spread rate. Covid is a modified cold virus and the world has never been able to cure the common cold, so I am not sure I believe they have cured this in 10 months. My brother in laws daughter is a Micro Biologist and says she and the world has been working on Sars for 10 years and are no closer to a cure, and claims of a successful vaccine are so much BS. So I am going to take precautions and live my life because I may not last long enough to hide away for another 10 to 12 months. None of us are guaranteed tomorrow.

I've said the same things you are saying but then again the flu is a virus and they have flu shots that work so I don't know. When they start distribution of the COVID vaccine I will take it. COVID can have long lasting problems so I am still concerned about getting it.

[oldtimes]

Half of the people who do wear masks wear them incorrectly or do not have masks that actually help.

[oldtimes]

Some of us Canadians are coming back. Don't worry about me though, extremely conscientious about transmission prevention.

Welcome back

[chet2020]

Please stop with these nonsense posts. The statistic you quoted is meaningless. Florida is the #3 most populous state. Of course we have a high TOTAL case count. We are also #12 in PER CAPITA deaths. New Jersey has 2.5 times the PER CAPITA death rate. New York has 2 times the PER CAPITA death rate. Nobody is afraid of wearing a mask. Comparing a mask with underwear is a strawman argument - the most disingenuous form of discussion. Please stop with the nonsense.

NY and NJ have a higher a death rate per capita, but that is old news. Since June, their infection, hospitalization, and death rates are much lower than Florida's. Florida is a much hotter virus spot currently and that's all that matters to me.

[Codysmom]

Time to let people live their own lives and live with whatever the consequences may be. Just worry about you and yours.

[Green-Eyed Lady]

Stay Home!

Stay home. Lock the doors and windows. Wear your mask, gloves and face shield. Have your groceries delivered, and left at your front door. See how well you survive...mentally! People NEED people, socializing, interaction, communication and physical activity.
Masks CAUSE unhealthy breathing and skin issues. We need fresh air!
I do not wear a mask because I have CS...Common Sense!!

[Bertram00]

.
sorry that was a different Kool-aid.
.
.

But the same cult behavior.

[Red White & Blue]

We appreciate the posters who are following the forum rules... and please continue to flag the posts that do not- that would help us do our job better.

Why don't you do your own job and stop asking others to SQUEAL on their neighbors... :ohdear:

[biker1]

Yes, because their peak was earlier than ours and they made bad decisions. Our numbers are much better and our deaths are in a steep decline. Most of the cases are in southeast Florida and the average age is low.

NY and NJ have a higher a death rate per capita, but that is old news. Since June, their infection, hospitalization, and death rates are much lower than Florida's. Florida is a much hotter virus spot currently and that's all that matters to me.

[NHsnow1]

This is why we are remaining in NH until 2021. Most businesses require masks in order to enter their facility.
It makes me feel safer. We eat out rarely. If the staff do not wear masks, we leave.
Please use good judgement and wear masks and social distance.

[Astron]

We took a short ride just to see how things were going the first night.

Surprised at the crowd level. More surprising and disappointing was almost nobody wearing masks.
Outside bars and tables shoulder to shoulder.
Even the strollers on streets surrounding the square.

I would have never ever guessed there would be more than 90% with no masks or social distancing.

Totally surprised! Extremely disappointed!

The clock is running....time will tell.

I think people are playing Russian roulette with COVID19. Time will tell. I hope I am wrong, or people will die needlessly.

[Stu from NYC]

Time will tell if this was a good idea or not.

[Don Ferguson]

OK. I read seven pages of comments, so I gotta' vent!

The whole issue is so simple! You can choose any level of caution you desire. I respect your choice. Just stop trying to impose YOUR views on everyone else.

My situation: I'm 79, have AFIB, Pulmonary Hypertension, COPD with seven lung spots from way too many years of past smoking. In short, I have most of the co-morbidity problems. I work 3-4 full shifts at Spanish Springs Lanes and bowl in 4 leagues weekly. I never wear a mask when doing either event. I work and play elbow to elbow with many hundreds of people a week. Of the THOUSANDS of contacts, I have known a total of 3 people with Covid-19, one had it back in February and two this summer. A frightening and bad situation for all three. (They are all 3 back actively living life and bowling). I know that the death and actual case statistics are grossly inflated. (Contact me if you desire to argue - lol). My whole point is I have lived, and enjoyed, life as fully as possible during the last seven months of national trauma. If I had chosen the extreme opposite, that so many have, I would have lost those seven months of enjoyable life. I DO wear masks and comply with the desires of any store/home I am in. Not always because I agree, but to make the host person or business comfortable. Many of you have cheated yourselves and loved ones for the last 7-8 months, out of an enjoyable life. We don't have many more 7-8 month periods left in our lives folks!

[Art cov]

Well said Don F!!!!

[coffeebean]

All the naysayers ......I can picture them now, pulling a large wooden cart through the Village streets calling out: "Bring out your dead......Bring out your dead".

Life goes on for some of us. I still don't know of anyone who has contracted the virus.
I'll continue to travel, go out to eat, and enjoy life with my friends.
I wash my hands, and sometimes (Publix) wear a mask. I have never wiped down my groceries or done any of the "prescribed" activities of the CDC.
The only thing I avoid, is large indoor crowds.
We all will eventually be exposed to Covid-19, so lets get on with life.

Isn't that from "Spamelot"? I LOVE that show. Saw it on Broadway. This is a video of "Not Yet Dead Fred". That is David Hyde Pierce, Hank Azaria and Christian Borle in the number. Really is hilarious......

Spamalot - Not Dead Yet (FULL) - YouTube (https://youtu.be/HLgQMtquS6Y)

[coffeebean]

How do you look at webcams?
Thanks

Here is a link to live cams of the three squares.......

The Villages (http://www.stockers.ch/thevillages/)

[coffeebean]

Thank you, I was down there, also. I am a mask wearer. We were assigned a seat 6 foot away from others. There was a breeze and I felt comfortable removing my mask. There was a little bit of lack of social distancing when I went to get a drink. The sidewalk was marked but it was hard to see. There was dancing but I saw very little partner swapping. I cannot speak to the bars. When we walked on the street there were others but everyone maintained their distance. Newest data stresses that outside is much safer than being in a building with recirculated air.

Did The Villages supply chairs? I had read that people had to bring their own chairs.

[jmkeyzers]

With 17000+ post you’re surprised. No your not.

[jimjamuser]

Because if this world shut down again for another year, we would be in a DEPRESSION! ! There are a lot of people who live in the villages that work! I do medical billing and was laid off because they shut hospitals down and we didn’t have enough COVID patients in the hospital to supply staff. You seen what happened to unemployment! Seriously you want the world to shut down for 6-12 months. Easy to think that way when you are retired and don’t have to worry about a paycheck! But what about retired people who live on just social security and all the older people you see working cause they need to! What would happen to them! And we who are still working pay into social security we stop working for a year, money won’t go into social security. Look how many people lost their jobs at Disney? Pretty soon we will have to start paying state and city taxes cause Disney won’t be able too. Do you know that? Ohio I paid city and state tax, here you don’t because of the tourist. They stop coming we will pay taxes.
We are close to a depression when you consider the middle and lower classes. It likely will become a depression in the US. To fix the economy you must first fix the CV problem. Florida and the US is doing exactly the wrong things currently. That is, reopening their economy. How to prove this??? To understand the world you must see the whole world, not just the US or Florida. The US has 18% more DEATHS during the CV period than the average. Germany, Norway, Denmark, and others have ZERO increase. CV has NOT affected them. They worked out their CV problems and are now back to NORMAL. The US is not. If you want jobs back and a normal life, look at what those countries did and 1st tackle the CV problem. You can NOT just hope the CV away.

[Bogie Shooter]

We appreciate the posters who are following the forum rules... and please continue to flag the posts that do not- that would help us do our job better.

Why don't you do your own job and stop asking others to SQUEAL on their neighbors... :ohdear:

Sooo.....
From TOTV site guidelines;
You agree that if you disagree with Talk of the Villages website policy or action of a staff member, you will not post public arguments or disagreements nor attempt to petition the owner/administration to change policy through posts, polls, email, PM or any other service found within the Talk of the Villages Website. If you disagree, you may respectfully email the ownership of Talk of the Villages.

[jpavlish]

Fact: The Covid virus (if infected) is transmitted by aerosols and vapors when we breathe in and out.
Fact: Most of these aerosols and vapors are less than 1 micron in size. (unless you sneeze or cough)
Fact: Most masks do not provide a tight fit/seal (i.e. the virus escapes around the edges of the mask)
Fact: Most people touch the surface of the mask, which is where the virus can concentrate if exposed. This touching can cause transfer of the concentrated virus to other people and surfaces (ears, eyes, food, etc) that are touched.
Fact: Most masks DO NOT collect or stop aerosols less than 1 micron in size.
Fact: Most masks DO NOT stop the transmission of Covid virus.
Fact: Most people are freaking out about masks, when from a scientific view (as outlined above) do not stop the transmission of the Covid virus.
Fact: Some people feel good about criticizing people that do not wear masks.

[jimjamuser]

All the naysayers ......I can picture them now, pulling a large wooden cart through the Village streets calling out: "Bring out your dead......Bring out your dead".

Life goes on for some of us. I still don't know of anyone who has contracted the virus.
I'll continue to travel, go out to eat, and enjoy life with my friends.
I wash my hands, and sometimes (Publix) wear a mask. I have never wiped down my groceries or done any of the "prescribed" activities of the CDC.
The only thing I avoid, is large indoor crowds.
We all will eventually be exposed to Covid-19, so lets get on with life.
That last statement is very fatalistic and may or may NOT be true. No one has a crystal ball to see into the future like that.

[dewilson58]

Fact:
Fact:
Fact:
Fact:
Fact:
Fact:
Fact:
Fact:


First post........welcome to ToTV.


:blahblahblah:

[jimjamuser]

Exactly. Very few people wearing masks in Sweden and they are not getting hit with a second wave like the rest of Europe, according to NBC news. Everything there looks like the world we used to live in.
Sweden has Universal Health Care. That helps them not us.

[Guitarman1951]

We took a short ride just to see how things were going the first night.

Surprised at the crowd level. More surprising and disappointing was almost nobody wearing masks.
Outside bars and tables shoulder to shoulder.
Even the strollers on streets surrounding the square.

I would have never ever guessed there would be more than 90% with no masks or social distancing.

Totally surprised! Extremely disappointed!

The clock is running....time will tell.

With the advent of the squares being opened and evidently, few people wearing masks, and the golf courses returning to normal operations that require 2 people to a cart, rakes back in the traps, we will undoubtedly see a huge spike in infections and deaths. This is just insanity at best. The virus isn't gone, there is no vaccine or reliable treatment. The Villages will pay for this dearly with many deaths, snowbirds not returning due to the coming outbreak and businesses dying quickly right and left. Time will tell and the odds are not good.

[Guitarman1951]

Fact: The Covid virus (if infected) is transmitted by aerosols and vapors when we breathe in and out.
Fact: Most of these aerosols and vapors are less than 1 micron in size. (unless you sneeze or cough)
Fact: Most masks do not provide a tight fit/seal (i.e. the virus escapes around the edges of the mask)
Fact: Most people touch the surface of the mask, which is where the virus can concentrate if exposed. This touching can cause transfer of the concentrated virus to other people and surfaces (ears, eyes, food, etc) that are touched.
Fact: Most masks DO NOT collect or stop aerosols less than 1 micron in size.
Fact: Most masks DO NOT stop the transmission of Covid virus.
Fact: Most people are freaking out about masks, when from a scientific view (as outlined above) do not stop the transmission of the Covid virus.
Fact: Some people feel good about criticizing people that do not wear masks.

Masks aren't the save all option by any means, but they do cut down on the transmission to an extent and provide a measure of safety not afforded by not wearing a mask. It will slow the particles down both going out and coming in. They are better than nothing.

[billethkid]

Fact: The Covid virus (if infected) is transmitted by aerosols and vapors when we breathe in and out.
Fact: Most of these aerosols and vapors are less than 1 micron in size. (unless you sneeze or cough)
Fact: Most masks do not provide a tight fit/seal (i.e. the virus escapes around the edges of the mask)
Fact: Most people touch the surface of the mask, which is where the virus can concentrate if exposed. This touching can cause transfer of the concentrated virus to other people and surfaces (ears, eyes, food, etc) that are touched.
Fact: Most masks DO NOT collect or stop aerosols less than 1 micron in size.
Fact: Most masks DO NOT stop the transmission of Covid virus.
Fact: Most people are freaking out about masks, when from a scientific view (as outlined above) do not stop the transmission of the Covid virus.
Fact: Some people feel good about criticizing people that do not wear masks.

Wow, holy cow.
So the medical profession and experts have and have had it all wrong.
AMAZING!
(where is the tongue in cheek emoji when ya need it).

[jimjamuser]

With the advent of the squares being opened and evidently, few people wearing masks, and the golf courses returning to normal operations that require 2 people to a cart, rakes back in the traps, we will undoubtedly see a huge spike in infections and deaths. This is just insanity at best. The virus isn't gone, there is no vaccine or reliable treatment. The Villages will pay for this dearly with many deaths, snowbirds not returning due to the coming outbreak and businesses dying quickly right and left. Time will tell and the odds are not good.
Agreed. Good post!

[oldtimes]

We are close to a depression when you consider the middle and lower classes. It likely will become a depression in the US. To fix the economy you must first fix the CV problem. Florida and the US is doing exactly the wrong things currently. That is, reopening their economy. How to prove this??? To understand the world you must see the whole world, not just the US or Florida. The US has 18% more DEATHS during the CV period than the average. Germany, Norway, Denmark, and others have ZERO increase. CV has NOT affected them. They worked out their CV problems and are now back to NORMAL. The US is not. If you want jobs back and a normal life, look at what those countries did and 1st tackle the CV problem. You can NOT just hope the CV away.

Germany just reported 2400 new cases. Norway and Denmark have the population of one of our smaller states.

[jimjamuser]

Germany just reported 2400 new cases. Norway and Denmark have the population of one of our smaller states.
% increase is a way to compare countries, not for their size, but for the success of their response to the CV problem. The US is lacking. Read my post CAREFULLY, please.

[Villager-Wannabe]

I went to see "Trip 19" yesterday at Spanish Springs and was there from 5pm till closing at 9pm. Upon entering a worker scanned the bar code on my ticket. Upon exiting around 7pm the worker scanned my ticket again, then after re-entering around 7:15pm my ticket got scanned again. I think the collection of all that data is a good thing and can later be analyzed to make even better decisions in the future. Not that many attendees were wearing masks but social distancing was definitely being done. There were a few people on the sidewalk behind the barriers and there were a lot of occupied golf carts parked around the perimeter of the square. There was at least one uniformed police officer there. The were town square workers repeatedly wiped down the lamp posts and the rails around the gazebo stage. There was also a new recorded message that sounded off before each time the entertainment started or re-started which reflected mostly CDC guidelines. The crowd thinned out quite a bit by the beginning of the last set around 8:15pm. Most people brought their own chairs but some chose to sit on the knee high walls around planting beds and pool of water. I believe a good time was had by all who attended.

[Jazzman]

Fortunately, as you, I do not know anyone who has contracted COVID 19, but the 7,459,146 suffering and the 210,000 who have died from Covid 19 do. If more people would follow the science, and not only sometimes, maybe those numbers would not be so high and we can get the virus under control and return to life as it was.

There aren’t over 7 million suffering as you stated There have been over 7 million who have been tested to date and not all have tested positive and for the overwhelming majority of those who have tested positive, they were asymptomatic, didn’t even know they had the virus and displayed no signs of infection. I’m not an expert but I do know how to validate data that is readily available

[nick demis]

We took a short ride just to see how things were going the first night.

Surprised at the crowd level. More surprising and disappointing was almost nobody wearing masks.
Outside bars and tables shoulder to shoulder.
Even the strollers on streets surrounding the square.

I would have never ever guessed there would be more than 90% with no masks or social distancing.

Totally surprised! Extremely disappointed!

The clock is running....time will tell.

Was anyone forcing you to go there?

[Aloha1]

Wow .... I really hope you don't believe this deep down. The science is clear. My mask protects you, and yours protects me. If you choose not to wear one, it tells me and others around you how much to care for your fellow man.

Actually according to the CDC from a 2019 study just released, not so much.

[justjim]

OK. I read seven pages of comments, so I gotta' vent!

The whole issue is so simple! You can choose any level of caution you desire. I respect your choice. Just stop trying to impose YOUR views on everyone else.

My situation: I'm 79, have AFIB, Pulmonary Hypertension, COPD with seven lung spots from way too many years of past smoking. In short, I have most of the co-morbidity problems. I work 3-4 full shifts at Spanish Springs Lanes and bowl in 4 leagues weekly. I never wear a mask when doing either event. I work and play elbow to elbow with many hundreds of people a week. Of the THOUSANDS of contacts, I have known a total of 3 people with Covid-19, one had it back in February and two this summer. A frightening and bad situation for all three. (They are all 3 back actively living life and bowling). I know that the death and actual case statistics are grossly inflated. (Contact me if you desire to argue - lol). My whole point is I have lived, and enjoyed, life as fully as possible during the last seven months of national trauma. If I had chosen the extreme opposite, that so many have, I would have lost those seven months of enjoyable life. I DO wear masks and comply with the desires of any store/home I am in. Not always because I agree, but to make the host person or business comfortable. Many of you have cheated yourselves and loved ones for the last 7-8 months, out of an enjoyable life. We don't have many more 7-8 month periods left in our lives folks!

I respect a person whatever choice they make good, bad or otherwise. COVID 19 is a virus that we have never been confronted with during my lifetime. There are many unknowns, but that said, there are some factual science that we know too. With all due respect I believe there is a road that you can travel that is somewhere between the “extremes” of never wearing a mask and being so paranoid about COVID 19 that you live like a recluse. I know it’s popular to be on one side of the debate or the other and as Eisenhower once said “throw rocks at those in the middle”. I believe in living my life and respecting others by wearing a mask as I think is appropriate and I don’t mind being somewhere in the middle on this subject. Wearing a mask, social distancing and often washing your hands seems to me a reasonable approach to the virus and still allows you to live a rich and active lifestyle.

[Byte1]

With the advent of the squares being opened and evidently, few people wearing masks, and the golf courses returning to normal operations that require 2 people to a cart, rakes back in the traps, we will undoubtedly see a huge spike in infections and deaths. This is just insanity at best. The virus isn't gone, there is no vaccine or reliable treatment. The Villages will pay for this dearly with many deaths, snowbirds not returning due to the coming outbreak and businesses dying quickly right and left. Time will tell and the odds are not good.

Simple solution, don't play golf and don't attend the squares. You were asking for advice, right?

[billethkid]

Was anyone forcing you to go there?

NO!

You missed the point! "... went to see how the opening day was going..."

[OrangeBlossomBaby]

I respect a person whatever choice they make good, bad or otherwise. COVID 19 is a virus that we have never been confronted with during my lifetime. There are many unknowns, but that said, there are some factual science that we know too. With all due respect I believe there is a road that you can travel that is somewhere between the “extremes” of never wearing a mask and being so paranoid about COVID 19 that you live like a recluse. I know it’s popular to be on one side of the debate or the other and as Eisenhower once said “throw rocks at those in the middle”. I believe in living my life and respecting others by wearing a mask as I think is appropriate and I don’t mind being somewhere in the middle on this subject. Wearing a mask, social distancing and often washing your hands seems to me a reasonable approach to the virus and still allows you to live a rich and active lifestyle.

I'm afraid the concept of pragmatism is lost on many people in the Villages.

[jarodrig]

Stay home.... then you don’t have to worry about it .....

[CFrance]

Simple solution, don't play golf and don't attend the squares. You were asking for advice, right?
You forgot stay away from the people who went to the squares without masks. And how to identify them elsewhere.

[charmed59]

I’m disappointed more people at the squares were not wearing masks. That means I’ll be waiting to venture out to the squares and see how that goes. Hopefully there are so few cases of Covid floating around the Villages there will not be any upticks in cases due to the squares and bars reopening.

For those who are tracking hospitalizations, right now there are 16 people hospitalized with Covid in Sumter county. In the last week there were 4 to 7 new cases in the Villages per day. Let’s see if it stays that way, or maybe even goes down.

[Decadeofdave]

Anyone remember Mrs Kravitz on the show Bewitched? Sure do have a lot of those in The Villages. LOL

Abner tried to tell here to myob!!

[xkeowner]

Drove around two squares this evening. Lots of occupied golf carts parked next to each other listening to the band. Saw people sitting in chairs on the sidewalk at both squares. Saw one person step over a barricade at the side of one square and enter the square. Was not around long enough to see if the person was challenged. My knee jerk assessment is the "rules" are being ignored and the "enforcers" do not care. Time will tell how long the current procedures remain in effect.

[CMink]

People have to use their own judgement. I will continue to wear a mask out in public. It's hard to do so when your at a restaurant or drinking, but here too, one must exercise their best judgement and not go into an establishment with shoulder to shoulder people, instead opt to be in these places when it is less crowded. Time will tell indeed. Now that everything will be opening up more or less in the Villages, I think there will be a spike in Covid numbers before the end of the year. It makes it more dangerous cause of flu season. Just remember that no matter where you are never let your guard down. Be safe and well everyone!

[Byte1]

I keep hearing "you better watch out." I keep hearing many with crystal balls that can tell the future and it is not bright. I am hearing over and over again about how we are going to have many, many, many people die from the virus here in the Villages because someone isn't wearing a mask. People that are living their lives and enjoying what time they have left are supposedly putting everyone else's lives in jeopardy. Well, it looks like there has been hardly any additional deaths chalked up to the virus in the Villages. It looks like those that are worrying about it elsewhere are having more trouble than those living their lives here. I am sure someone can come up with all those high "infection" rates here in the Villages. Don't get me wrong, I do know how dangerous the virus can be. I have lost two in my family to the virus(supposedly). I have also read stats that show millions that have been tested positive that have survived, most with hardly a scare and some more serious. I am glad that some folks are very cautious. Many folks have frailties that make them vulnerable. BUT, they should also be careful during flu season. I realize that my posts seem to shrug off the seriousness of this pandemic, but in reality I have learned from experience that it does no good to get hysterical in exigent circumstances. You learn that especially in situations of live fire, as some on here know what I am speaking of. Worrying about what others are doing in serious situations does you no good at all. Take care of yourself and let others live their lives. You THINK you know it all, but in reality even the scientists and doctors, supposed experts can't even agree. So, you may think that you know how everyone else should handle a situation, but you may be wrong and they may be right. Those folks in the square that are having a great time, may be doing so for the very last time. They may have a stroke or a heart attack and pass way before any virus or flu gets them. Let's face it, today's opinions are mostly influenced by politics and political pundits.
I am going to make a prediction. My predictions are just as valid as anyone else's on here and with three bucks will get you a cup of coffee (I think). I predict that not one of you that are posting on here will pass due to the virus. You see, I prefer to think positive and like to look at life as a glass mostly full. I still believe that The Villages IS America's friendliest town.

[NotGolfer]

I keep hearing "you better watch out." I keep hearing many with crystal balls that can tell the future and it is not bright. I am hearing over and over again about how we are going to have many, many, many people die from the virus here in the Villages because someone isn't wearing a mask. People that are living their lives and enjoying what time they have left are supposedly putting everyone else's lives in jeopardy. Well, it looks like there has been hardly any additional deaths chalked up to the virus in the Villages. It looks like those that are worrying about it elsewhere are having more trouble than those living their lives here. I am sure someone can come up with all those high "infection" rates here in the Villages. Don't get me wrong, I do know how dangerous the virus can be. I have lost two in my family to the virus(supposedly). I have also read stats that show millions that have been tested positive that have survived, most with hardly a scare and some more serious. I am glad that some folks are very cautious. Many folks have frailties that make them vulnerable. BUT, they should also be careful during flu season. I realize that my posts seem to shrug off the seriousness of this pandemic, but in reality I have learned from experience that it does no good to get hysterical in exigent circumstances. You learn that especially in situations of live fire, as some on here know what I am speaking of. Worrying about what others are doing in serious situations does you no good at all. Take care of yourself and let others live their lives. You THINK you know it all, but in reality even the scientists and doctors, supposed experts can't even agree. So, you may think that you know how everyone else should handle a situation, but you may be wrong and they may be right. Those folks in the square that are having a great time, may be doing so for the very last time. They may have a stroke or a heart attack and pass way before any virus or flu gets them. Let's face it, today's opinions are mostly influenced by politics and political pundits.
I am going to make a prediction. My predictions are just as valid as anyone else's on here and with three bucks will get you a cup of coffee (I think). I predict that not one of you that are posting on here will pass due to the virus. You see, I prefer to think positive and like to look at life as a glass mostly full. I still believe that The Villages IS America's friendliest town.

:bigbow::bigbow::bigbow: I'm happy!

[EdFNJ]

Maybe they will become infected, maybe they won't. Maybe they will become infected and never show any symptoms, like MOST folks. Over 99% survival rate, right? So you use "survival" as your guideline? What about the many people who have permanent damage to their lungs and or heart or kidney? Just "surviving" is a very low bar to set.

What if one of the "Most folks" without symptoms sickens you or a loved one? Maybe they would die or maybe they will "survive." Would that be an acceptable result for you? I doubt it. Most people with congestive heart failure also "survive" ... is that how you would accept "99% survival" barely able to breath carrying around an oxygen tank on a little push cart? Have fun dancing like that. I have personally seen what that kind of survival can do to you. I'd rather have died and fortunately he finally did and now he is out of horrendous misery.

[coffeebean]

You forgot stay away from the people who went to the squares without masks. And how to identify them elsewhere.

Very good point! I don't think Byte 1 gets that.

[Byte1]

So you use "survival" as your guideline? What about the many people who have permanent damage to their lungs and or heart or kidney? Just "surviving" is a very low bar to set.

What if one of the "Most folks" without symptoms sickens you or a loved one? Maybe they would die or maybe they will "survive." Would that be an acceptable result for you? I doubt it. Most people with congestive heart failure also "survive" ... is that how you would accept "99% survival" barely able to breath carrying around an oxygen tank on a little push cart? Have fun dancing like that. I have personally seen what that kind of survival can do to you. I'd rather have died and fortunately he finally did and now he is out of horrendous misery.

Just being pragmatic. Everyone dies. It's just a matter of when and how they die that is documented. No one gets out of life, alive.

[Dayeight99]

Pretty sure they were all adults able to make their own decisions. If it upsets you, don’t go. See. That was easy.

[Gulfcoast]

:bigbow::bigbow::bigbow: I'm happy!

Me too! Looking forward to our visit!

[graciegirl]

What a bunch of bores! If you are afraid, stay home. That does not give you the right to tell other people what to do. People who need to make a living that drive trucks, bag your groceries and deliver them to your door cannot stay home. Maybe they can follow your demands and can stay home too then you would have to get off your high horse and go out to buy your own groceries.

I recently saw a woman on television that had a sneer of derision on her face. Be careful when you minimize another person. Try to listen and patiently respond. Pretend you are a teacher where your job is to try to accept misinformation and correct it.

The following sentence is lifted directly from the Center for Disease Control. I have snipped it because as a teacher of little ones and being around big ones too, I have learned that simple sentences are best sometimes to convey important information.

Read below. Be safe. Be kind to other people. Live long and prosper.

In general, your risk of getting severely ill from COVID-19 increases as you get older. In fact, 8 out of 10 COVID-19-related deaths reported in the United States have been among adults aged 65 years and older.

[coffeebean]

Fact: The Covid virus (if infected) is transmitted by aerosols and vapors when we breathe in and out.
Fact: Most of these aerosols and vapors are less than 1 micron in size. (unless you sneeze or cough)
Fact: Most masks do not provide a tight fit/seal (i.e. the virus escapes around the edges of the mask)
Fact: Most people touch the surface of the mask, which is where the virus can concentrate if exposed. This touching can cause transfer of the concentrated virus to other people and surfaces (ears, eyes, food, etc) that are touched.
Fact: Most masks DO NOT collect or stop aerosols less than 1 micron in size.
Fact: Most masks DO NOT stop the transmission of Covid virus.
Fact: Most people are freaking out about masks, when from a scientific view (as outlined above) do not stop the transmission of the Covid virus.
Fact: Some people feel good about criticizing people that do not wear masks.

I do not believe these facts. In fact, I have seen a few videos filmed with ultra violet cameras that demonstrate the exact opposite of your what you say are "facts". Videos which show a person speaking in a normal tone, emitting aerosols into the air while the person is NOT wearing a mask. Same person, WITH a surgical mask on, speaking in same tone of voice. It is totally amazing how much less aerosols escape the mask. Those masks do trap much of the aerosols when a person either breaths or speaks. The masks do not trap 100% of the aerosols but the masks do mitigate and slow the spread of this virus. I embrace the science and what has been proven before my very own eyes.

[coffeebean]

Was anyone forcing you to go there?

That is not the point. I thought the idea of limiting access to the squares was to allow for proper social distancing. I understand that wearing a mask is not an option when sipping on an adult beverage but at least give people the space to properly social distance. From what I'm reading, seems like folks are not even trying to follow the social distance guideline.

I haven't been to the squares to check it out and doubt I will be going there until it is safer. Hubby and I did go to Edna's on the Green to see Johnny Wild perform. People made a very good attempt at social distancing. We made sure we were not too near anyone. No masks there but, again, who can sip on an adult beverage while wearing a mask? Hubby did wear a mask while on line to purchase the adult beverages as there was no social distancing on the line. I don't have one of those masks that have an opening for a straw and don't plan to ever purchase one of those.

[coffeebean]

Actually according to the CDC from a 2019 study just released, not so much.

If that is so, then why is the CDC pleading with people to cover their faces now that we are in the middle of a pandemic?

[coffeebean]

Simple solution, don't play golf and don't attend the squares. You were asking for advice, right?

No, that is not the simple answer. I just don't think you get it. Those folks who go to the squares and play golf also go out into the community for all sorts of other activities and can be anywhere anyone is at any time.

For example.......Mr. X goes to the square on a Monday and does not wear a mask and does not social distance. The next day, Mr. X goes to a store or a restaurant or a doctor's office or just about anywhere people go to live their lives. Mr. X contracted Covid on Monday night when he was at the square but he has no idea he has the virus. Mr. X has no symptoms because he is either pre-symptomatic or asymptomatic. Mr. X has now exposed more people to the virus and he didn't even know he did that.

So.......staying away from the squares and not playing golf will not stop anyone from the possibility of contracting the virus. The only way to do that is not to go out of the house at all. No one wants to live life that way. We all have to do our part to slow the spread of this virus. Please follow the CDC guidelines and do your part.

[coffeebean]

Stay home.... then you don’t have to worry about it .....

Another person who just doesn't get it. SAD.

[coffeebean]

Drove around two squares this evening. Lots of occupied golf carts parked next to each other listening to the band. Saw people sitting in chairs on the sidewalk at both squares. Saw one person step over a barricade at the side of one square and enter the square. Was not around long enough to see if the person was challenged. My knee jerk assessment is the "rules" are being ignored and the "enforcers" do not care. Time will tell how long the current procedures remain in effect.

The enforcers are too afraid of confrontations is more like it.

[coffeebean]

Pretty sure they were all adults able to make their own decisions. If it upsets you, don’t go. See. That was easy.

No, not easy. See my post #144.

[GoPacers]

Just being pragmatic. Everyone dies. It's just a matter of when and how they die that is documented. No one gets out of life, alive.

Using this logic, why have any preventative measures in life.

Speed limits? Pedal to the metal bro.
Vaccines? Not needed.
Antibiotics? Don't get sick.
Seat belts? Unproven.
Sunglasses? Stay inside.
Masks? Wimp.

As you said, we all die sometime. Might as well be sooner, right?

[Stu from NYC]

No, that is not the simple answer. I just don't think you get it. Those folks who go to the squares and play golf also go out into the community for all sorts of other activities and can be anywhere anyone is at any time.

For example.......Mr. X goes to the square on a Monday and does not wear a mask and does not social distance. The next day, Mr. X goes to a store or a restaurant or a doctor's office or just about anywhere people go to live their lives. Mr. X contracted Covid on Monday night when he was at the square but he has no idea he has the virus. Mr. X has no symptoms because he is either pre-symptomatic or asymptomatic. Mr. X has now exposed more people to the virus and he didn't even know he did that.

So.......staying away from the squares and not playing golf will not stop anyone from the possibility of contracting the virus. The only way to do that is not to go out of the house at all. No one wants to live life that way. We all have to do our part to slow the spread of this virus. Please follow the CDC guidelines and do your part.

Your 100% correct

[LiverpoolWalrus]

It feels like we're living and watching a slow-motion Jonestown.

Great analogy, TVbound, and it’s interesting that it could go either way: Villagers mindlessly obeying arbitrary rules OR flouting the warnings en masse and slowly marching toward their demise.

Disclosure: I personally don’t think the rules are “arbitrary.” But the Jonestown analogy could be interpreted that way. In any case, it seems TV is well stocked with Kool-Aide.

[Byte1]

For the person saying that some of us "don't get it" it also goes the other way. Some of you INSIST that others protect you by wearing a mask. So, if I say that I insist that YOU wear eye protection(goggles, shield, etc) because the eyes are easier to infect than a closed mouth or through a nose that is filtered by hairs, then you must conform, right? And maybe I want you to also wear gloves. No, it is you that just doesn't get it. We all make up our own minds as to how much risk we wish to take to support our lifestyle. It is not up to others to dictate their idea of how we must conform to their standards.
I wear a mask where I deem it to be prudent. I wear it for my wife's sake, or if an establishment requests that we wear a mask. I do not do it for you. If that makes me inconsiderate, oh well. Like others have said, if you are afraid then don't leave home. No, it is not your right to demand conformity of others. You are not law enforcement and you are not the morality police.
If you say, "I wish folks would wear their mask" I have no problem with that. When you say "you people must wear a mask or you are putting us at risk" then be prepared to be ignored. Sorry, but guilt trips have been known to influence very little.

Masks help lower the chances of becoming infected. They do NOT prevent all chances of infection, but they may be enough to save your life in a particular circumstance. Gloves added are better and eye protection is also helpful. A few months ago, the media was putting out that most of the infections occurred at home. Apparently, a lot of folks were infected by family that "carried" it home with them. I would be very surprised to hear of anyone that wears their protective gear at home.

So, it has been established that if anyone is in close vicinity for a prolonged period of time, the mask wearing person has a better chance of avoiding infection than a person with no protection. No one can argue that. Just like the fact seems to remain that those that are older, prone to illnesses, have medical issues, etc. are more prone to suffer worse than those that are young and healthy. Simple, right?

[coffeebean]

For the person saying that some of us "don't get it" it also goes the other way. Some of you INSIST that others protect you by wearing a mask. So, if I say that I insist that YOU wear eye protection(goggles, shield, etc) because the eyes are easier to infect than a closed mouth or through a nose that is filtered by hairs, then you must conform, right? And maybe I want you to also wear gloves. No, it is you that just doesn't get it. We all make up our own minds as to how much risk we wish to take to support our lifestyle. It is not up to others to dictate their idea of how we must conform to their standards.
I wear a mask where I deem it to be prudent. I wear it for my wife's sake, or if an establishment requests that we wear a mask. I do not do it for you. If that makes me inconsiderate, oh well. Like others have said, if you are afraid then don't leave home. No, it is not your right to demand conformity of others. You are not law enforcement and you are not the morality police.
If you say, "I wish folks would wear their mask" I have no problem with that. When you say "you people must wear a mask or you are putting us at risk" then be prepared to be ignored. Sorry, but guilt trips have been known to influence very little.

Masks help lower the chances of becoming infected. They do NOT prevent all chances of infection, but they may be enough to save your life in a particular circumstance. Gloves added are better and eye protection is also helpful. A few months ago, the media was putting out that most of the infections occurred at home. Apparently, a lot of folks were infected by family that "carried" it home with them. I would be very surprised to hear of anyone that wears their protective gear at home.

So, it has been established that if anyone is in close vicinity for a prolonged period of time, the mask wearing person has a better chance of avoiding infection than a person with no protection. No one can argue that. Just like the fact seems to remain that those that are older, prone to illnesses, have medical issues, etc. are more prone to suffer worse than those that are young and healthy. Simple, right?

That would be me. Yes, there is a possibility of contracting the virus via the eyes, but it is believed the main mode of transmission is through the nasal passages and the respiratory system. The CDC has not added wearing goggles to their guidelines to keep us protected and to mitigate the virus.

Can You Catch COVID-19 Through Your Eyes? (https://www.webmd.com/lung/news/20200526/can-you-catch-covid19-through-your-eyes)

[dadspet]

Not to move off subject but I'm surprised no one mentioned the real treat of the misquitoes that seem to have become a real issue at the squares, golf and even pickleball counts. At the Squares after sunset even the band members have made a request over the mic for Misquitoe Spray and some people leave since they are getting bit. I've been bit on the golf course and now even on the Pickleball courts in the early morning. I know many will post There are no misquitoes here, we haven't seen any but I can post a picture of my Pickleball racket with blood on it from swating one off my body in the early morning. BTW if your locked up in your house your probally safe and there are clearly less here than NY but in previous years we never have seen any misquitoes here > I think someone is saving some money by not spraying the amount they used to before.