Make Wearing Of Masks Mandatory

[kappy]

The country of Taiwan (population almost 24 million) has had the virus under control from the beginning. In fact, there was not one new locally transmitted case of the virus for more than 200 days, NOT ONE! While Florida (population 21.5 million) has anywhere from 5000 - 10,000 cases every day. How does Taiwan do it? One of the main reasons is the mandatory use of masks in public.

Isn’t it time that we asked our representatives to make mask wearing mandatory in our state? Mandatory mask wearing is a small sacrifice for a short period of time in order to reduce and finally eliminate COVID-19? If the number of cases and deaths continue to increase, we may be forced to have another complete shutdown.

We don’t have to wait until the vaccines are distributed. Call our representatives and tell them that there should be a mandatory mask policy put in place immediately. The number for Gov. Ron DeSantis is 850-488-7146, for Sen. Dennis Baxley is 352-750-3133 and for Rep. Brett Hage is 352-315-4445. The phone numbers and/or email addresses for our county commissioners in Lake, Marion and Sumter can be found at the county websites.

[Chi-Town]

I'll go along with mandatory mask usage indoors. I do it already. It would have to be enforced like in airports and planes.

[Joe V.]

The country of Taiwan (population almost 24 million) has had the virus under control from the beginning. In fact, there was not one new locally transmitted case of the virus for more than 200 days, NOT ONE! While Florida (population 21.5 million) has anywhere from 5000 - 10,000 cases every day. How does Taiwan do it? One of the main reasons is the mandatory use of masks in public.

Isn’t it time that we asked our representatives to make mask wearing mandatory in our state? Mandatory mask wearing is a small sacrifice for a short period of time in order to reduce and finally eliminate COVID-19? If the number of cases and deaths continue to increase, we may be forced to have another complete shutdown.



We don’t have to wait until the vaccines are distributed. Call our representatives and tell them that there should be a mandatory mask policy put in place immediately. The number for Gov. Ron DeSantis is 850-488-7146, for Sen. Dennis Baxley is 352-750-3133 and for Rep. Brett Hage is 352-315-4445. The phone numbers and/or email addresses for our county commissioners in Lake, Marion and Sumter can be found at the county websites.

No way.

[Malsua]

The country of Taiwan (population almost 24 million) has had the virus under control from the beginning. In fact, there was not one new locally transmitted case of the virus for more than 200 days, NOT ONE! While Florida (population 21.5 million) has anywhere from 5000 - 10,000 cases every day. How does Taiwan do it? One of the main reasons is the mandatory use of masks in public.

Isn’t it time that we asked our representatives to make mask wearing mandatory in our state? Mandatory mask wearing is a small sacrifice for a short period of time in order to reduce and finally eliminate COVID-19? If the number of cases and deaths continue to increase, we may be forced to have another complete shutdown.

We don’t have to wait until the vaccines are distributed. Call our representatives and tell them that there should be a mandatory mask policy put in place immediately. The number for Gov. Ron DeSantis is 850-488-7146, for Sen. Dennis Baxley is 352-750-3133 and for Rep. Brett Hage is 352-315-4445. The phone numbers and/or email addresses for our county commissioners in Lake, Marion and Sumter can be found at the county websites.

How does Taiwan do it?

Easy. Strong border control. It's an Island. No land borders. Strict quarantines. It's not the masks.

Masks do not stop infection. They can help slow spread down and they can help reduce your exposure. It does NOT eliminate your exposure. If you are exposed while wearing a mask, you will probably have a better outcome. The fact is though, you're still exposed.

Don't take this as anti-mask. I think they can help indoors. They will not stop the pandemic.

If you want to mandate something, mandate that everyone needs to get their vitamin D level up to a healthy number. There have been many Random Controlled trials on this done so far and a healthy level of Vitamin D is associated with an 89% reduction in mortality. Hazard Ratio of .11 is ASTOUNDING and yet, here people are calling for mask mandates which, so far, have proved to be doing bupkiss. Mandates are in place in NY, NJ, CT and positive tests are still climbing.

[OrangeBlossomBaby]

How does Taiwan do it?

Easy. Strong border control. It's an Island. No land borders. Strict quarantines. It's not the masks.

Masks do not stop infection. They can help slow spread down and they can help reduce your exposure. It does NOT eliminate your exposure. If you are exposed while wearing a mask, you will probably have a better outcome. The fact is though, you're still exposed.

Don't take this as anti-mask. I think they can help indoors. They will not stop the pandemic.

If you want to mandate something, mandate that everyone needs to get their vitamin D level up to a healthy number. There have been many Random Controlled trials on this done so far and a healthy level of Vitamin D is associated with an 89% reduction in mortality. Hazard Ratio of .11 is ASTOUNDING and yet, here people are calling for mask mandates which, so far, have proved to be doing bupkiss. Mandates are in place in NY, NJ, CT and positive tests are still climbing.

Mortality is not the only risk with COVID-19. Millions of people - especially children - who RECOVER from the virus have permanent lung damage and injury and damage to other organs as well. COPD is up in recovered COVID-19 patients, compared with people who were never infected.

Vitamin D is not a treatment or preventative for COVID-19. It might very well help reduce mortality, but it doesn't prevent you from getting sick. However, if you are deficient, then taking Vitamin D can and will of course increase your ability to fight off ANY illness, because a deficiency in necessary nutrients is - a deficiency.

But that's basic health, and not related to COVID-19.

[manaboutown]

I wear a mask shopping and when in public buildings but believe its efficacy minimal, more political than scientific.

[kappy]

There is a misconception by many who believe that the masks are to protect the wearer. Although a mask has been shown to afford a degree of protection to the wearer, its main purpose is to protect other people FROM the wearer. The basic problem is that although a person may have no symptoms of COVID, they may still have the virus. Some of these people may never actually suffer symptoms and are just carriers, while most will show some signs 5-14 days after they first contacted COVID. In that period of time, without masking and distancing, think of all the people they could have transferred the virus to. If those transferees also refused to distance and mask, the likelihood is that a very large number of people in their circle will come down with the virus.

Many of the masks mandates that have been put into effect are very recent and they are not being enforced. You can readily see that what has been put into effect to date is not working. We are going into our tenth month and the numbers are becoming outrageous. Vaccines won’t be available to most of us before next April or May. If 90-95% of our people would adhere to wearing masks, we should be able to slow down the virus. If that does not happen, I believe that this pandemic will spiral out of control and our hospitals will be overwhelmed. That was the worry back in mid March when we had to close down the country for six weeks, which was very detrimental to our economy. We don’t want to have to do that again.

[golfing eagles]

There is a misconception by many who believe that the masks are to protect the wearer. Although a mask has been shown to afford a degree of protection to the wearer, its main purpose is to protect other people FROM the wearer. The basic problem is that although a person may have no symptoms of COVID, they may still have the virus. Some of these people may never actually suffer symptoms and are just carriers, while most will show some signs 5-14 days after they first contacted COVID. In that period of time, without masking and distancing, think of all the people they could have transferred the virus to. If those transferees also refused to distance and mask, the likelihood is that a very large number of people in their circle will come down with the virus.

Many of the masks mandates that have been put into effect are very recent and they are not being enforced. You can readily see that what has been put into effect to date is not working. We are going into our tenth month and the numbers are becoming outrageous. Vaccines won’t be available to most of us before next April or May. If 90-95% of our people would adhere to wearing masks, we should be able to slow down the virus. If that does not happen, I believe that this pandemic will spiral out of control and our hospitals will be overwhelmed. That was the worry back in mid March when we had to close down the country for six weeks, which was very detrimental to our economy. We don’t want to have to do that again.

You said it yourself----carriers with NO SYMPTOMS. So without coughing, sneezing, or spitting and doing nothing else but staying 6 feet away, just how do you think they can spread the virus? No, just breathing and talking in a normal tone won't do it.

[camaguey48]

A nation of sheep will beget a government of wolves.

Edward R. Murrow

[mp.scanland]

Along with mask wearing, Taiwan strictly enforces quarantine protocols and vigorously does contact tracing and notificstion.

[Two Bills]

Round and round we go again!
Nothing is complete protection against the virus.
But.
Put all the little things that offer some protection together when in public, or close proximity to others, and you are in with a better chance of avoiding the virus than those who refuse to do anything to help themselves or others.
Even the Vaccine is not going to be a 100% effective, but who in their right mind is going to refuse it, apart from the conspiracy nutters?

[tvmurray]

Why does anyone think that are constitutional rights leave with a pandemic? Drinking and smoking kill many more than this bad flu, so we need to ban them.
So the bottom line is that I am not sick, so I don't have to wear a face diaper to protect anyone.

[Waddling Eagle]

You can order anything you like, but the people will not obey it and the police will not enforce it.

[Dynamicpi]

Well said! This needs to be across the country and our number would dramatically go down!

[jnafix]

If you are afraid, stay home. Food and medicine can be delivered. The Trump vaccine is coming soon.
So they are coming out with a vaccine against that disease also ? :1rotfl:

[Scott O]

I agree with that 100% all these mask czars think it’s the answer, when in fact there is greater issues..but they watch the lying media everyday...no I will not contact our great Governor, except to tell him I appreciate the job he is handling well..

[kannon]

Taiwan has done better than us. No question. Border control (note not border shutdown), Masks, Contact tracing, Quarantines. Effective screening. Complete public health integrated to stopping covid spread.

Stopping the spread is embedded in its national institutions and its society. We failed to do that. And we are paying the price. Hopefully we learn from this. There is another more lethal pandemic down the road.

[Scott O]

Why does anyone think that are constitutional rights leave with a pandemic? Drinking and smoking kill many more than this bad flu, so we need to ban them.
So the bottom line is that I am not sick, so I don't have to wear a face diaper to protect anyone.
Amen...there is no logic in their thinking, just reactive to what media tells them to do...smdh

[Scott O]

Taiwan has done better than us. No question. Border control (note not border shutdown), Masks, Contact tracing, Quarantines. Effective screening. Complete public health integrated to stopping covid spread.

Stopping the spread is embedded in its national institutions and its society. We failed to do that. And we are paying the price. Hopefully we learn from this. There is another more lethal pandemic down the road.
No one will be tracing me, if you want all that bull....move to Taiwan

[mstepka78]

Don’t ruin our country and freedom. Wear your mask and I will wear mine when I go shopping.

[Scott O]

Well said! This needs to be across the country and our number would dramatically go down!
Dream on, Like NYC, California?? Lol that worked out great....insert eye roll..

[Scott O]

Then please move to Taiwan. Don’t ruin our country and freedom.
Thank you..

[Dahabs]

No way.

You one of those who will argue your rights with a virus or is it just that you don't give a hoot about the person next to you?

[Scott O]

Round and round we go again!
Nothing is complete protection against the virus.
But.
Put all the little things that offer some protection together when in public, or close proximity to others, and you are in with a better chance of avoiding the virus than those who refuse to do anything to help themselves or others.
Even the Vaccine is not going to be a 100% effective, but who in their right mind is going to refuse it, apart from the conspiracy nutters?
Nothing is complete protection to anything, we get up everyday and we live with numerous risks in life...did everyone just forget this? Heart attacks, strokes, flu, cancer, hit by a golf cart sorry my risks have been there and I work everyday since this started and I will NOT give up my freedom...period. If you chose to, have at it, do not impose your fears on me...show me the conspiracy? The one where I have been out everywhere and everyday and I’m fine, if one of any of these random illnesses or accidents happen, it’s called life, and I plan on continuing till that happens..and I will be more confident in my chances with CCP since the recovery rate is 99% not the case with other things...

[Rwirish]

Nope. Can not be enforced.

[jswirs]

The answer is simple. If your worried you may get Covid, STAY HOME AND AVOID CROWDS, order take out food, food delivery and pharmacy delivery to your door. Leave the rest of us alone, we would like to resume a normal life and are willing to take a calculated risk. PLEASE!

[bd20166]

Cherish your freedom and liberty! Wake up. The world is revolting against mandates and masks.

[donnamaros]

The wearing of masks has been mandatory in NJ since March /April. While out I see people wearing their masks everywhere, and guess what? Our numbers are not getting better, they are getting worse. Masks may help, but they aren't the solution. Only a vaccine will do the job.

[Andyb]

The biggest issue, not reported, is we are the most unhealthy country in the world, allowing the virus to take hold.
How many obese Tiwanese have you seen?

[bd20166]

take 20 mins and learn from the great historian Tom Woods on the mask cult;
The Covid Cult | Thomas E. Woods, Jr. - YouTube (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mcm8Sc8f66o&feature=emb_logo)

[DrBrutyle109]

The country of Taiwan (population almost 24 million) has had the virus under control from the beginning. In fact, there was not one new locally transmitted case of the virus for more than 200 days, NOT ONE! While Florida (population 21.5 million) has anywhere from 5000 - 10,000 cases every day. How does Taiwan do it? One of the main reasons is the mandatory use of masks in public.

Isn’t it time that we asked our representatives to make mask wearing mandatory in our state? Mandatory mask wearing is a small sacrifice for a short period of time in order to reduce and finally eliminate COVID-19? If the number of cases and deaths continue to increase, we may be forced to have another complete shutdown.


We don’t have to wait until the vaccines are distributed. Call our representatives and tell them that there should be a mandatory mask policy put in place immediately. The number for Gov. Ron DeSantis is 850-488-7146, for Sen. Dennis Baxley is 352-750-3133 and for Rep. Brett Hage is 352-315-4445. The phone numbers and/or email addresses for our county commissioners in Lake, Marion and Sumter can be found at the county websites.
Yes. You’re correct. We can absolutely trust the numbers from a a communist country. They’ve been so honest during the whole thing. Wow....I have some swamp land to sell. Let me know if you’re interested, I’ll give you a good price!

[DrBrutyle109]

You m glad you believe news coming from Taiwan

[angiefox10]

“ The COVID-19 virus exploded in The Villages on Monday as 157 new cases of the deadly virus were reported – the largest single-day jump in months.

Of those new cases, 100 were reported in the Sumter County portion of the sprawling mega-retirement mecca, while 49 were reported in Marion County and eight in the Lake County section of the community. Those cases brought the total number of positive results to 1,042 in Sumter County and 59 each in the Lake and Marion counties section of the sprawling retirement community.”

[Girlcopper]

Along with mask wearing, Taiwan strictly enforces quarantine protocols and vigorously does contact tracing and notificstion.
And where would you expect the entire US to get the manpower to enforce this? Oh yeah. Just like the normal answer, Call the police! NO They have better things to do than try and educate the ignorant. Wear your mask in public facilities, take it off outside. Simple!

[FosterMomma]

It’s true that drinking and smoking kill but it’s your decision to kill yourself, not others. Have at it.

Nowhere in the Constitution does it refer to the freedom to ignore mask mandates. It is those who are selfishly “living their lives” instead of taking a simple step to do their part that are transmitting this deadly disease.

It’s not fear (a most insulting and condescending remark) it’s consideration for others that prompts mask wearers to comply.

[sdeikenberry]

You said it yourself----carriers with NO SYMPTOMS. So without coughing, sneezing, or spitting and doing nothing else but staying 6 feet away, just how do you think they can spread the virus? No, just breathing and talking in a normal tone won't do it.

With respect for your opinion, I disagree with you. It has been proven just normal breathing spreading the virus. Masks greatly help reduce the droplets containing the virus from leaving your area and/or spreading. They aren't perfect, but they greatly help reduce the spread. It's science and you can learn about it by googling it.

[nick demis]

The country of Taiwan (population almost 24 million) has had the virus under control from the beginning. In fact, there was not one new locally transmitted case of the virus for more than 200 days, NOT ONE! While Florida (population 21.5 million) has anywhere from 5000 - 10,000 cases every day. How does Taiwan do it? One of the main reasons is the mandatory use of masks in public.

Isn’t it time that we asked our representatives to make mask wearing mandatory in our state? Mandatory mask wearing is a small sacrifice for a short period of time in order to reduce and finally eliminate COVID-19? If the number of cases and deaths continue to increase, we may be forced to have another complete shutdown.

We don’t have to wait until the vaccines are distributed. Call our representatives and tell them that there should be a mandatory mask policy put in place immediately. The number for Gov. Ron DeSantis is 850-488-7146, for Sen. Dennis Baxley is 352-750-3133 and for Rep. Brett Hage is 352-315-4445. The phone numbers and/or email addresses for our county commissioners in Lake, Marion and Sumter can be found at the county websites.

If they have gone 200 days without a single case and the virus only lasts for 14 days, why have they required masks for the past 186 days?

[bluecenturian]

The United States and Taiwan are distinctly different countries. The US is 3rd in population, Taiwan 56, US 2nd in GDP, Taiwan 21. Taiwan does not give any type of public assistance (welfare, unemployment, social security) and falls under control of the people’s republic of China. Taiwan is not part of the UN and their government is not held accountable to the World Court. More than half the population seek to reunify with PRC (which is communist). Their climate change has risen by more than double the average country, which means they are not enviro friendly.

If you feel Taiwan is doing such a fine job as a country I’m sure you can find a plane seat to take you their. Just make sure you are willing to deal with the bad as well as all the “wonderful” thet another country had to offer. I fought to protect my country and I will take her for all her faults because she is still better than any other country.

[Gunny2403]

No Way

[Pedrocarrasco01@yahoo.com]

The country of Taiwan (population almost 24 million) has had the virus under control from the beginning. In fact, there was not one new locally transmitted case of the virus for more than 200 days, NOT ONE! While Florida (population 21.5 million) has anywhere from 5000 - 10,000 cases every day. How does Taiwan do it? One of the main reasons is the mandatory use of masks in public.

Isn’t it time that we asked our representatives to make mask wearing mandatory in our state? Mandatory mask wearing is a small sacrifice for a short period of time in order to reduce and finally eliminate COVID-19? If the number of cases and deaths continue to increase, we may be forced to have another complete shutdown.


We don’t have to wait until the vaccines are distributed. Call our representatives and tell them that there should be a mandatory mask policy put in place immediately. The number for Gov. Ron DeSantis is 850-488-7146, for Sen. Dennis Baxley is 352-750-3133 and for Rep. Brett Hage is 352-315-4445. The phone numbers and/or email addresses for our county
commissioners in Lake, Marion and Sumter can be found at the county websites.
No Thank you, there are too many false positives that counts like Elon Musk was tested 4 times in one day 2 times positive and 2 Times negative, he did not have it, too many people had died of other causes and Covid was named as the cause of death, thank God we have a Constitution and a Bill of rights that stop the government from taking over. I was born in Cuba, went through Communism until we escaped, Government want POWER and will do whatever to subjugate their people, if it happens here, we have no where to go. God bless America, don’t allow our government to dictate what we can do.

[Art cov]

It’s true that drinking and smoking kill but it’s your decision to kill yourself, not others. Have at it.

Nowhere in the Constitution does it refer to the freedom to ignore mask mandates. It is those who are selfishly “living their lives” instead of taking a simple step to do their part that are transmitting this deadly disease.

It’s not fear (a most insulting and condescending remark) it’s consideration for others that prompts mask wearers to comply.

Second hand smoking kills people too! Drunk drivers have killed many innocent people and little children. Who knows, we may have people 50 and 100 pounds overweight living unhealthy lives demanding that you where your mask! They might even reward you for wearing a mask like passing out Cuban cigars! Oh yes please stuff the turkey and not yourselves! Smile it might make someone’s day!

[banjobob]

The country of Taiwan (population almost 24 million) has had the virus under control from the beginning. In fact, there was not one new locally transmitted case of the virus for more than 200 days, NOT ONE! While Florida (population 21.5 million) has anywhere from 5000 - 10,000 cases every day. How does Taiwan do it? One of the main reasons is the mandatory use of masks in public.

Isn’t it time that we asked our representatives to make mask wearing mandatory in our state? Mandatory mask wearing is a small sacrifice for a short period of time in order to reduce and finally eliminate COVID-19? If the number of cases and deaths continue to increase, we may be forced to have another complete shutdown.

We don’t have to wait until the vaccines are distributed. Call our representatives and tell them that there should be a mandatory mask policy put in place immediately. The number for Gov. Ron DeSantis is 850-488-7146, for Sen. Dennis Baxley is 352-750-3133 and for Rep. Brett Hage is 352-315-4445. The phone numbers and/or email addresses for our county commissioners in Lake, Marion and Sumter can be found at the county websites.
It is reported that millions more people are wearing masks , why then are testing positive numbers still growing. And once inflected it is reported you are immune . We all still have freedom of choice don’t let the fear mongers take you freedoms away, no mandates period. With vaccines available in the very near future, (thank you President Trump) the virus will be eliminated.

[biker1]

I believe you would be well advised not to attempt to lecture golfing eagles on science, as you tried to do, since he is a retired physician and almost certainly knows more than you.

With respect for your opinion, I disagree with you. It has been proven just normal breathing spreading the virus. Masks greatly help reduce the droplets containing the virus from leaving your area and/or spreading. They aren't perfect, but they greatly help reduce the spread. It's science and you can learn about it by googling it.

Quote:
Originally Posted by golfing eagles View Post
You said it yourself----carriers with NO SYMPTOMS. So without coughing, sneezing, or spitting and doing nothing else but staying 6 feet away, just how do you think they can spread the virus? No, just breathing and talking in a normal tone won't do it.

[rlcooper70]

Intelligent Comment. The answer is that Americans are very independent and feel they have the right to both get the virus and to spread it to others. Isn't that what makes our country great? LOL.

Your implied question ..... maybe the answer is that too many believe it is just another flu.

[Dr Winston O Boogie jr]

The country of Taiwan (population almost 24 million) has had the virus under control from the beginning. In fact, there was not one new locally transmitted case of the virus for more than 200 days, NOT ONE! While Florida (population 21.5 million) has anywhere from 5000 - 10,000 cases every day. How does Taiwan do it? One of the main reasons is the mandatory use of masks in public.

Isn’t it time that we asked our representatives to make mask wearing mandatory in our state? Mandatory mask wearing is a small sacrifice for a short period of time in order to reduce and finally eliminate COVID-19? If the number of cases and deaths continue to increase, we may be forced to have another complete shutdown.

We don’t have to wait until the vaccines are distributed. Call our representatives and tell them that there should be a mandatory mask policy put in place immediately. The number for Gov. Ron DeSantis is 850-488-7146, for Sen. Dennis Baxley is 352-750-3133 and for Rep. Brett Hage is 352-315-4445. The phone numbers and/or email addresses for our county commissioners in Lake, Marion and Sumter can be found at the county websites.

I wear a mask indoors in public places and have no problem with it. I believe that everyone should.

But how would you suggest that a mask mandate be enforced? Would you have the police arresting people for not wearing a mask? Maybe just giving out tickets?

You can make all the laws that you want but that won't stop people from breaking them.

Unless you are willing to have law enforcement tied up with confronting people that don't wear a mask, a mandate won't work. I supposed we could just raise taxes and hire a lot more people to police the mask mandate. We could call them the mask police.

[ScottS]

Can the admin of this page please stop all of these useless posts about masks??? Or create a special page for them? Everyday someone is beating a dead horse! Enough already! People creating these post are extremely undereducated about the topic! They haven’t changed a single persons mind one way or the other and they certainly haven’t educated a single person! Please Mr or Mrs admin stop the fear mongering posts and get back to what this page was initially intended for.

[DeeCee Dubya]

So move there.

[Swoop]

First of all, the whole idea behind wearing masks and social distancing was NOT to eradicate the virus, but to hopefully slow the spread so ICU units would not be overrun. That was called Flattening the Curve. Secondly if you look at the states in the NE that have had long standing mask mandates and much stricter rules on behavior than Florida, they are spiking at a much higher rate than Florida. So if mask mandates and strict rules haven’t worked there, what makes you think making it national would? That’s basically science, huge test groups showing it’s not successful...

[Lindsyburnsy]

Explain why surgeons and surgical nurses have worn masks for years. Political? Hopefully now, with real experts and scientists coming on board we can move away from the silliness that masks are political. As long as "leaders" keep pounding into our heads that masks don't work, the more people repeat it and the more people believe it.

[jeffy]

We should not NEED a mask MANDATE. People should wear a mask indoors around others not in there home out of consideration of others. I went 8 months without anyone I know getting Covid. Now I have 20 friends with it including my mother in nursing home.

What has happened to America where we used to stick together for the good of this country? People used to ration food and gas. Used to change jobs. Used to fight wars. Now we can’t do something as simple as wear a mask indoors around others? Everyone crying about the weakness of our young people. I see them as the hopeful saviors of our country and the old stubborn ones making us a third world country. Don’t make masks a political issue.

[DameDiana]

Mask wearing is not political; it’s an IQ test.

[WVB#1]

Can the admin of this page please stop all of these useless posts about masks??? Or create a special page for them? Everyday someone is beating a dead horse! Enough already! People creating these post are extremely undereducated about the topic! They haven’t changed a single persons mind one way or the other and they certainly haven’t educated a single person! Please Mr or Mrs admin stop the fear mongering posts and get back to what this page was initially intended for.

I agree with you 100%. Tired of these nonsensical "debates" where everyone says the same thing every time.

[ruralgoddess]

No way.
If you refuse to mask up, then brace yourself for a potential very nasty bout with the virus and please stay away from me! Nothing personsl...just an overabundance of caution.

[Malsua]

First of all, the whole idea behind wearing masks and social distancing was NOT to eradicate the virus, but to hopefully slow the spread so ICU units would not be overrun. That was called Flattening the Curve. Secondly if you look at the states in the NE that have had long standing mask mandates and much stricter rules on behavior than Florida, they are spiking at a much higher rate than Florida. So if mask mandates and strict rules haven’t worked there, what makes you think making it national would? That’s basically science, huge test groups showing it’s not successful...

I've only been to my TV home for about 5 weeks spread out over 3 trips in 2020. The rest of the time has been in NJ where I'm at right now.

Masks are required to enter anywhere inside that is public. Restaurants are only allowed 25% seating capacity. My work place is mandatory masks and has been since the first week in April. There are mandatory temp checks for visitors. The list of rules goes on and on. It hasn't made much if any difference at all.

As far as asymptomatic spread, there is a Chinese study out this week on asymptomatic spread and the result? No one got infected from asymptomatic spread and these are people living in homes, together. Not random strangers.

I should point out that there is a difference between asymptomatic and pre-symptomatic. As far as I know, the study did not differentiate between the two. The whole point of masks is to predominantly stop spread from people who don't know they are sick. This study seems to drive a stake right through that whole narrative. Of course, we know the Chinese lie about everything, so who knows what it really means. I do know that sick people should isolate!

Not to be a broken record here, but Vitamin D has now been proven to make a difference. Yes, proven, via randomized, placebo controlled, clinical trials to improve mortality, reduce hospitalizations and speed up viral clearance. Masks? Maybe they help, maybe they don't, the Danish study on masks, while a poor study seems to indicate they don't help much. They definitely help if you are sick to stop spread, but to people without symptoms, it seems to be pointless.

[Hiltongrizz11]

The country of Taiwan (population almost 24 million) has had the virus under control from the beginning. In fact, there was not one new locally transmitted case of the virus for more than 200 days, NOT ONE! While Florida (population 21.5 million) has anywhere from 5000 - 10,000 cases every day. How does Taiwan do it? One of the main reasons is the mandatory use of masks in public.

Isn’t it time that we asked our representatives to make mask wearing mandatory in our state? Mandatory mask wearing is a small sacrifice for a short period of time in order to reduce and finally eliminate COVID-19? If the number of cases and deaths continue to increase, we may be forced to have another complete shutdown.

We don’t have to wait until the vaccines are distributed. Call our representatives and tell them that there should be a mandatory mask policy put in place immediately. The number for Gov. Ron DeSantis is 850-488-7146, for Sen. Dennis Baxley is 352-750-3133 and for Rep. Brett Hage is 352-315-4445. The phone numbers and/or email addresses for our county commissioners in Lake, Marion and Sumter can be found at the county websites.

So let me get this straight. You need and want the Federal Government to ORDER citizens to follow what THEY think is proper.

Are you familiar with world history? That type of power NEVER ended well.

Sheesh

[ruralgoddess]

First of all, the whole idea behind wearing masks and social distancing was NOT to eradicate the virus, but to hopefully slow the spread so ICU units would not be overrun. That was called Flattening the Curve. Secondly if you look at the states in the NE that have had long standing mask mandates and much stricter rules on behavior than Florida, they are spiking at a much higher rate than Florida. So if mask mandates and strict rules haven’t worked there, what makes you think making it national would? That’s basically science, huge test groups showing it’s not successful...
prove it...cite your sources

[dtennent]

Yes. You’re correct. We can absolutely trust the numbers from a a communist country. They’ve been so honest during the whole thing. Wow....I have some swamp land to sell. Let me know if you’re interested, I’ll give you a good price!

Taiwan is not a communist country. While mainland China claims that Taiwan is part of their country, Taiwan is still a separate country. Please be careful about your assertions.

Taiwan - Wikipedia (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Taiwan)

[Careyjan]

The country of Taiwan (population almost 24 million) has had the virus under control from the beginning. In fact, there was not one new locally transmitted case of the virus for more than 200 days, NOT ONE! While Florida (population 21.5 million) has anywhere from 5000 - 10,000 cases every day. How does Taiwan do it? One of the main reasons is the mandatory use of masks in public.

Isn’t it time that we asked our representatives to make mask wearing mandatory in our state? Mandatory mask wearing is a small sacrifice for a short period of time in order to reduce and finally eliminate COVID-19? If the number of cases and deaths continue to increase, we may be forced to have another complete shutdown.

We don’t have to wait until the vaccines are distributed. Call our representatives and tell them that there should be a mandatory mask policy put in place immediately. The number for Gov. Ron DeSantis is 850-488-7146, for Sen. Dennis Baxley is 352-750-3133 and for Rep. Brett Hage is 352-315-4445. The phone numbers and/or email addresses for our county commissioners in Lake, Marion and Sumter can be found at the county websites.
Michigan has a mandatory mask requirement and numbers are increasing. I will never wear a mask when out walking by myself. Fresh air is good for you.

[oneclickplus]

The country of Taiwan (population almost 24 million) has had the virus under control from the beginning. In fact, there was not one new locally transmitted case of the virus for more than 200 days, NOT ONE! While Florida (population 21.5 million) has anywhere from 5000 - 10,000 cases every day. How does Taiwan do it? One of the main reasons is the mandatory use of masks in public.

Isn’t it time that we asked our representatives to make mask wearing mandatory in our state? Mandatory mask wearing is a small sacrifice for a short period of time in order to reduce and finally eliminate COVID-19? If the number of cases and deaths continue to increase, we may be forced to have another complete shutdown.

We don’t have to wait until the vaccines are distributed. Call our representatives and tell them that there should be a mandatory mask policy put in place immediately. The number for Gov. Ron DeSantis is 850-488-7146, for Sen. Dennis Baxley is 352-750-3133 and for Rep. Brett Hage is 352-315-4445. The phone numbers and/or email addresses for our county commissioners in Lake, Marion and Sumter can be found at the county websites.

I, for one, will never wear a mask while outdoors in the open air. Several governors including Hogan in Maryland said just yesterday that "you have no constitutional right not to wear a mask". LOL - what a moron. I would like to respond: "you have no constitutional power to mandate that I wear a mask".

For those who haven't read the constitution and don't understand that we have ALL rights except those specifically given to government, I offer the following logic.

Somehow, about 1/2 the population and most in government power including the US Supreme Court have found a woman's right to abortion in the constitution somewhere. I've read it several times and I can't seem to locate it. One of the mantra's of the pro-abortion crowd is "my body my choice". If a woman has the right to abortion, I most certainly have the right not to wear a mask.

Well, that's now my mantra using the same logic. My body - my choice. I choose not to wear a mask. Don't even think about arguing how me not wearing a mask might affect other people as I can make that same argument about abortion. An abortion kills another human absolutely.

My body - My choice. I think I'll have a t-shirt made.

[biker1]

Mask compliance is actually quite good. With two exceptions, every facility/store that I have been to in the last 2 months have either required masks or requested masks and nearly everyone was wearing a mask. The two exceptions are restaurants and MVP gym.

We should not NEED a mask MANDATE. People should wear a mask indoors around others not in there home out of consideration of others. I went 8 months without anyone I know getting Covid. Now I have 20 friends with it including my mother in nursing home.

What has happened to America where we used to stick together for the good of this country? People used to ration food and gas. Used to change jobs. Used to fight wars. Now we can’t do something as simple as wear a mask indoors around others? Everyone crying about the weakness of our young people. I see them as the hopeful saviors of our country and the old stubborn ones making us a third world country. Don’t make masks a political issue.

[WVB#1]

prove it...cite your sources
If the mask wearing was working in those areas why would they be doing lockdowns again?

[Ricky Dale]

I think zinc also has some benefit in fighting covid.

[kenoc7]

The country of Taiwan (population almost 24 million) has had the virus under control from the beginning. In fact, there was not one new locally transmitted case of the virus for more than 200 days, NOT ONE! While Florida (population 21.5 million) has anywhere from 5000 - 10,000 cases every day. How does Taiwan do it? One of the main reasons is the mandatory use of masks in public.

Isn’t it time that we asked our representatives to make mask wearing mandatory in our state? Mandatory mask wearing is a small sacrifice for a short period of time in order to reduce and finally eliminate COVID-19? If the number of cases and deaths continue to increase, we may be forced to have another complete shutdown.

We don’t have to wait until the vaccines are distributed. Call our representatives and tell them that there should be a mandatory mask policy put in place immediately. The number for Gov. Ron DeSantis is 850-488-7146, for Sen. Dennis Baxley is 352-750-3133 and for Rep. Brett Hage is 352-315-4445. The phone numbers and/or email addresses for our county commissioners in Lake, Marion and Sumter can be found at the county websites.
Yes and in Australia mak wearing also dramatically reduced the number of cases of "ordinary" flu during their winter.

[Swoop]

prove it...cite your sources

Really? Look at the states with long standing mask mandates and look at their positive test numbers. It’s not hard it’s available to everyone. Look it up - I did, you can too. Or you can take the lazy approach and turn on your TV and only get whatever information the station you’re watching deems “newsworthy”. Look at the states actual numbers. Mask mandates, restrictions and lockdowns don’t work.

[kenoc7]

I wear a mask shopping and when in public buildings but believe its efficacy minimal, more political than scientific.
Actually it is scientific and it isn't - and shouldn't be - political.

[kenoc7]

A nation of sheep will beget a government of wolves.

Edward R. Murrow
Following public health directives to save lives doesn't make people sheep, not following doesn't make people wolves, it makes them idiots or dead or causing others to die.

[Two Bills]

Nothing is complete protection to anything, we get up everyday and we live with numerous risks in life...did everyone just forget this? Heart attacks, strokes, flu, cancer, hit by a golf cart sorry my risks have been there and I work everyday since this started and I will NOT give up my freedom...period. If you chose to, have at it, do not impose your fears on me...show me the conspiracy? The one where I have been out everywhere and everyday and I’m fine, if one of any of these random illnesses or accidents happen, it’s called life, and I plan on continuing till that happens..and I will be more confident in my chances with CCP since the recovery rate is 99% not the case with other things...

Who mentioned living in fear?
All I said was take necessary steps to protect yourself when out in public.
You must be quite young to be as confident to ignore all precautions, but I am 80+ so when out shopping, walking etc. I just take reasonable steps to avoid non conformists like yourself.
Stay lucky!

[Mardarlowe]

This post convinced me to start wearing a mask. All those facts make me realize the error of my ways. I will do a better job of protecting myself and others in the future. Now, once you receive the vaccine, please turn that TV off. Get out and enjoy life.

[Rzepecki]

If you are afraid, stay home. Food and medicine can be delivered. The Trump vaccine is coming soon.

IMO it isn’t the mask wearers who are afraid, but those who refuse to wear one. “You can’t make me!” sounds like a recalcitrant teenager, rather than a responsible adult.

[coffeebean]

I wear a mask shopping and when in public buildings but believe its efficacy minimal, more political than scientific.

Agree it is political but it has been scientifically proven that masks do work as source control. Don't believe me? Google it and read the many articles which have covered this most discussed subject. Go to YouTube also and watch videos of how the spread of aerosols and droplets are minimized when wearing a mask. These videos have been out there and I've posted several myself on this site.

If you choose not to embrace the science and visible proof then that is on you.

[ldivens]

If you believe that I have a bridge I have for sale

[Villages Kahuna]

Agreed!!!

Why are we choosing to ignore and resist the obvious facts? Wearing a mask and respecting social distancing not only protects the wearer’s life, but more importantly the lives of those around him. It’s been proven here in the U.S. that these simple practices will slow and even stop the spread of COVID in a matter of weeks. We could flatten the curve very quickly while awaiting the arrival of the vaccine. Saving lives and avoiding a very difficult way to die is not a political issue. Why are we making it one?

[dhdallas]

The Imperial College London who carries out modelling for the UK government estimated the infection fatality ratio (the percentage of all infected people who die from the disease, including those with mild disease) as 0.66%.

COVID is only serious for a very small percentage of individuals with preexisting conditions in which the coronavirus is the proverbial straw that breaks the camel's back. That said, if you already have health issues, then do wear a mask and practice social distancing. For the rest of us, we can get back to normal and not worry about it.

I know a great many people who have had COVID all with very mild symptoms. I never wear a mask and have been in close contact with other infected individuals and never had any symptoms.

"Misinformation is just as dangerous as the disease is right now," says Erie News Now Contributor, Dr. Becky Dawson. "I think we are spreading misinformation as quickly as we are spreading the disease."

Don't buy into the hype and fear. Allow common sense to rule the day at last and enjoy the holiday season!

[ridiculous99]

It’s true that drinking and smoking kill but it’s your decision to kill yourself, not others. Have at it.

Nowhere in the Constitution does it refer to the freedom to ignore mask mandates. It is those who are selfishly “living their lives” instead of taking a simple step to do their part that are transmitting this deadly disease.

It’s not fear (a most insulting and condescending remark) it’s consideration for others that prompts mask wearers to comply. Well said. So many people are selfishly ignorant!

[kanoa1kale2]

I'll go along with mandatory mask usage indoors. I do it already. It would have to be enforced like in airports and planes.

Not in this reality. No one comes in my home without permission. I'm single and what I do here is no one's business but my own.

[RonGee]

Why!

[Rrowe1234]

My dr says vit D, vitC,zinc, and Quercetin will help build immune system to fight Covid

[coffeebean]

Why does anyone think that are constitutional rights leave with a pandemic? Drinking and smoking kill many more than this bad flu, so we need to ban them.
So the bottom line is that I am not sick, so I don't have to wear a face diaper to protect anyone.

Three issues jump out at me with your comments.

1) A person who drinks alcohol excessively does not harm anyone but his/her self.

2) A person smoking does not damage anyone else's lungs but his/her self. There are laws in effect now that prohibit smoking indoors.

3) A person does not know if he/she is sick if said person is an asymptomatic carrier of the virus. That asymptomatic carrier may very well be infecting others and not even realize he/she may be the cause of someone becoming seriously ill with Covid or even die from it. Who is willing to take that chance? Oh, I think I know!

[Kilmacowen]

Agreed!!!

Why are we choosing to ignore and resist the obvious facts? Wearing a mask and respecting social distancing not only protects the wearer’s life, but more importantly the lives of those around him. It’s been proven here in the U.S. that these simple practices will slow and even stop the spread of COVID in a matter of weeks. We could flatten the curve very quickly while awaiting the arrival of the vaccine. Saving lives and avoiding a very difficult way to die is not a political issue. Why are we making it one?

I agree, simply common sense. Essential workers have to wear masks for long hours to protect others and themselves. I'm only glad to do my small part to wear a mask and social distance. I listen to the experts not someones so called opinion.

[dhdallas]

So many people have bought into the media's scare-mongering, it would be funny were it not so sad. As a retired ER RN & paramedic who worked through the AIDS & H1N1 time periods, we professionals did NOT take even half the precautions that the public afraid of COVID do. Common sense and not "something I read on the Internet" ruled the day. COVID is only "deadly" for a fraction of a percentage of the general population unless you have underlying health problems. Then you should wear a mask and social distance when around other people. I am in my late 60's and have been exposed to known persons with active COVID (as in sleeping next to my infected wife), never wore a mask, and never developed any symptoms.

News outlets thrive on stories of death & violence. "If it bleeds, it leads" is the age old axiom. One would think that the Black Death that occurred in the 1300's was upon us! The stress, anxiety, loneliness & loss of income caused by the fear of COVID is far more damaging than the virus itself.

[Kilmacowen]

My dr says vit D, vitC,zinc, and Quercetin will help build immune system to fight Covid

Anyone that gets 10 minutes of sun per day gets enough vitamin D. It cannot be stored. As for quercetin , the quack my pillow guy was pushing that potentially dangerous drug.

[coffeebean]

The answer is simple. If your worried you may get Covid, STAY HOME AND AVOID CROWDS, order take out food, food delivery and pharmacy delivery to your door. Leave the rest of us alone, we would like to resume a normal life and are willing to take a calculated risk. PLEASE!

Normal life? I don't see our economy rebounding like it should be; just more and more shut downs across our country. I don't see sports stadiums packed with fans. I don't see Broadway shows resuming. Just think of all those actors, musicians and production staff...all out of work. I don't see cruise lines resuming their schedules; just folks itching to get on a cruise ship and enjoy a vacation from this madness. I don't see generalized in person schools open for America's children and young adults able to attend in person college classes. I don't see so many things that used to be a part of our normal lives.

Wearing a mask indoors and social distancing all the time will give us the ability to slow the spread of this virus and get us to a point that we will get back to our normal lives. Up until now, that has not happened.

[Theoptimiser]

I am sick of all the supposed “experts” and fear mongers that want to rob us of our God given freedoms. You want to wear a mask, wear a mask. If you don’t like being around those without masks, then stay don’t go there or stay home. We can’t continue to strangle this country with dictatorial unconstitutional requirements.

[wayner1]

The country of Taiwan (population almost 24 million) has had the virus under control from the beginning. In fact, there was not one new locally transmitted case of the virus for more than 200 days, NOT ONE! While Florida (population 21.5 million) has anywhere from 5000 - 10,000 cases every day. How does Taiwan do it? One of the main reasons is the mandatory use of masks in public.

Isn’t it time that we asked our representatives to make mask wearing mandatory in our state? Mandatory mask wearing is a small sacrifice for a short period of time in order to reduce and finally eliminate COVID-19? If the number of cases and deaths continue to increase, we may be forced to have another complete shutdown.

We don’t have to wait until the vaccines are distributed. Call our representatives and tell them that there should be a mandatory mask policy put in place immediately. The number for Gov. Ron DeSantis is 850-488-7146, for Sen. Dennis Baxley is 352-750-3133 and for Rep. Brett Hage is 352-315-4445. The phone numbers and/or email addresses for our county commissioners in Lake, Marion and Sumter can be found at the county websites.
Do you think the wearing of face masks will stop the virus? I have read and heard pros and cons about wearing face masks from many so called experts. Being careful is a good idea but to be told that you must is not. less then 1% dies from this virus and I know even 1 person is 1 too many. However, this country should not turn inside out and close schools, business etc because of this virus. The serum will be available in January and hopefully that will answer all the worries. But I am sure many will not want to take the serum with worry of effects. Up to you.

[kanoa1kale2]

Can the admin of this page please stop all of these useless posts about masks??? Or create a special page for them? Everyday someone is beating a dead horse! Enough already! People creating these post are extremely undereducated about the topic! They haven’t changed a single persons mind one way or the other and they certainly haven’t educated a single person! Please Mr or Mrs admin stop the fear mongering posts and get back to what this page was initially intended for.

Absolutely! Close the topic like the others quickly please!:pray:

[Larchap49]

The country of Taiwan (population almost 24 million) has had the virus under control from the beginning. In fact, there was not one new locally transmitted case of the virus for more than 200 days, NOT ONE! While Florida (population 21.5 million) has anywhere from 5000 - 10,000 cases every day. How does Taiwan do it? One of the main reasons is the mandatory use of masks in public.

Isn’t it time that we asked our representatives to make mask wearing mandatory in our state? Mandatory mask wearing is a small sacrifice for a short period of time in order to reduce and finally eliminate COVID-19? If the number of cases and deaths continue to increase, we may be forced to have another complete shutdown.

We don’t have to wait until the vaccines are distributed. Call our representatives and tell them that there should be a mandatory mask policy put in place immediately. The number for Gov. Ron DeSantis is 850-488-7146, for Sen. Dennis Baxley is 352-750-3133 and for Rep. Brett Hage is 352-315-4445. The phone numbers and/or email addresses for our county commissioners in Lake, Marion and Sumter can be found at the county websites.


How does Taiwan do it? Choices are wear a mask or, get beaten, go to jail, or die. Is that the government you want here? It's going in that direction but let's not hurry it along by giving government officials powers they should not have.

[jbrown132]

The country of Taiwan (population almost 24 million) has had the virus under control from the beginning. In fact, there was not one new locally transmitted case of the virus for more than 200 days, NOT ONE! While Florida (population 21.5 million) has anywhere from 5000 - 10,000 cases every day. How does Taiwan do it? One of the main reasons is the mandatory use of masks in public.

Isn’t it time that we asked our representatives to make mask wearing mandatory in our state? Mandatory mask wearing is a small sacrifice for a short period of time in order to reduce and finally eliminate COVID-19? If the number of cases and deaths continue to increase, we may be forced to have another complete shutdown.

We don’t have to wait until the vaccines are distributed. Call our representatives and tell them that there should be a mandatory mask policy put in place immediately. The number for Gov. Ron DeSantis is 850-488-7146, for Sen. Dennis Baxley is 352-750-3133 and for Rep. Brett Hage is 352-315-4445. The phone numbers and/or email addresses for our county commissioners in Lake, Marion and Sumter can be found at the county websites.
It is interesting, as I recently took a trip up north to my old home state. Going into stores I did not see anyone who did not have a mask on. I went to several restaurants and again, I did not see anyone who was not wearing a mask until they were seated and who were significantly distance from other patrons. Capacity was set at 50 percent but if I had to guess each time I went out the restaurants they were probably at 30 percent. Yet COVID cases are significantly up as is hospital admittance but fatalities are down. So the question is how is the virus being spread if masks are so effective. I am not saying that you should not wear a mask. I wear mine all the time, but it is clear that something else is at play here and we really do not have all the answers as far as this virus is concerned.

[Chitown]

The country of Taiwan (population almost 24 million) has had the virus under control from the beginning. In fact, there was not one new locally transmitted case of the virus for more than 200 days, NOT ONE! While Florida (population 21.5 million) has anywhere from 5000 - 10,000 cases every day. How does Taiwan do it? One of the main reasons is the mandatory use of masks in public.

Isn’t it time that we asked our representatives to make mask wearing mandatory in our state? Mandatory mask wearing is a small sacrifice for a short period of time in order to reduce and finally eliminate COVID-19? If the number of cases and deaths continue to increase, we may be forced to have another complete shutdown.

We don’t have to wait until the vaccines are distributed. Call our representatives and tell them that there should be a mandatory mask policy put in place immediately. The number for Gov. Ron DeSantis is 850-488-7146, for Sen. Dennis Baxley is 352-750-3133 and for Rep. Brett Hage is 352-315-4445. The phone numbers and/or email addresses for our county commissioners in Lake, Marion and Sumter can be found at the county websites.

As reported this morning. 11-24-2020 8:30 a.m. on ABC, Florida, 946,000 total cases, 18,000 deaths, that is 2% death rate or a 98% recovery rate. I and almost everyone I know and associate with have moved on. A very close friend who is 70 years young, his wife and their 35 year old son were tested positive last week in Chicago, 7 days later the son has no symptoms both mom and dad report sniffing running nose and a minor headache. I had it the last week of April before I moved here with very minor symptoms. I totally understand that some need to be worried and feel they need to wear a mask. And I will continue wearing my mask when in a store but the minute I exit the store the mask comes off. I do not begrudge someone if they feel they need to wear a mask. But please stop the hysteria.

[Swoop]

Agreed!!!

Why are we choosing to ignore and resist the obvious facts? Wearing a mask and respecting social distancing not only protects the wearer’s life, but more importantly the lives of those around him. It’s been proven here in the U.S. that these simple practices will slow and even stop the spread of COVID in a matter of weeks. We could flatten the curve very quickly while awaiting the arrival of the vaccine. Saving lives and avoiding a very difficult way to die is not a political issue. Why are we making it one?

“ It’s been proven here in the U.S. that these simple practices will slow and even stop the spread of COVID in a matter of weeks.”
Really?!?!?!?

[Dana1963]

Yes. You’re correct. We can absolutely trust the numbers from a a communist country. They’ve been so honest during the whole thing. Wow....I have some swamp land to sell. Let me know if you’re interested, I’ll give you a good price!
Taiwan is considered a separate country. They are supported by the U.S. It is not Communist China. Learn some world history.

[JOLIVERIO]

You are not sick today but how do you know what the future holds. I’m sure you have been sick in the past...one day you are not sick, the next day you are sick. You sound like a person who would say I haven’t had a car accident to date so I’m not going to wear a seat belt. And COVID-19 has more illnesses and deaths in just 10 months than alcohol and smoking have in a year. Stop thinking about yourself and think of others. Is that to much to ask?

[dougawhite]

I wear a mask inside public places so I'm not shamed, but I am amazed by those who say mask-up everywhere to keep others safe from you. This means you believe you are contagious and don't want to give it to others. Now you go home after shopping or whatever and go to sleep without a mask on right next to your spouse all night. If you believed you were contagious a few hours ago then you just exposed your spouse to the virus during the night.
The lack of consistent thought by mask mandaters is why I am skeptical.

[sloanst]

Before you can make this assertion, you must show that amount of immigration to and from Taiwan versus the number of people that enter or leave Florida. Transmission of a virus is directly related to the movement of people and immigration is a big part of that number.

[Larchap49]

Normal life? I don't see our economy rebounding like it should be; just more and more shut downs across our country. I don't see sports stadiums packed with fans. I don't see Broadway shows resuming. Just think of all those actors, musicians and production staff...all out of work. I don't see cruise lines resuming their schedules; just folks itching to get on a cruise ship and enjoy a vacation from this madness. I don't see generalized in person schools open for America's children and young adults to attending in person college classes. I don't see so many things that used to be a part of our normal lives.

Wearing a mask indoors and social distancing all the time will give us the ability to slow the spread of this virus and get us to a point that we will get back to our normal lives. Up until now, that has not happened.

You can hide all you want. When you come out Covid will be here waiting. Because you wear a mask the virus is not going to go elsewhere. Covid is a variation of the common cold virus, has our great pharma industry ever been able to cure the common cold? Noooooo it has not, or they have been lying to us to keep the billion dollar cold remedy business going. Covid 19 will continue to mutate on its own into a seasonal flu like illness because a virus does not want to kill the host because it needs him to survive. When or if we ever come up with a successful remedy China will be waiting with the next attack. We cannot be defeated militarily but we can be defeated and the attack has started from within and without.

[Swoop]

You are not sick today but how do you know what the future holds. I’m sure you have been sick in the past...one day you are not sick, the next day you are sick. You sound like a person who would say I haven’t had a car accident to date so I’m not going to wear a seat belt. And COVID-19 has more illnesses and deaths in just 10 months than alcohol and smoking have in a year. Stop thinking about yourself and think of others. Is that to much to ask?
Another false statement!
According to the CDC
Cigarette smoking is responsible for more than 480,000 deaths per year in the United States, including more than 41,000 deaths resulting from secondhand smoke exposure. This is about one in five deaths annually, or 1,300 deaths every day. On average, smokers die 10 years earlier than nonsmokers.

[JOLIVERIO]

Keep your head in the sand. This is a world wide epidemic, so the whole world is lying about COVID-19 and the deaths and illnesses. And all the doctors and nurses are all lying. Go to the hospital and see for yourself.

[jbrown132]

Yes. You’re correct. We can absolutely trust the numbers from a a communist country. They’ve been so honest during the whole thing. Wow....I have some swamp land to sell. Let me know if you’re interested, I’ll give you a good price!
P.S. Taiwan is not a communist country.

[sail33or]

I was in the Grocery store yesterday getting stuff for Thanksgiving.

There were 2 people ahead of me in line at the register.

The one closest to me had glasses on. Every breath they took FOGGED their glasses. I am not a scientist but doesn't that mean their breath (which could have VIRUS in it was escaping from their beloved MASK. I was breathing that air at some point. Because there are gaps between masks and face.

The person being checked out must have touched and adjusted their mask 5 times. Hands to the face, nose and eyes. They were touching their purchases before they got to the cashier. The cashier touched every single purchase. Then obviously the cashier touch MY purchases. If I am a VIRUS, did not I just go from purchaser to cashier to ME.

Yea Masks work. NOT.

[Mrprez]

The heck with Taiwan, we should be more like Tonga. They nailed it. <sarcasm for those who are sarcasm challenged>

[stadalberts]

.......for a short period of time, REALLY???

[Topspinmo]

The country of Taiwan (population almost 24 million) has had the virus under control from the beginning. In fact, there was not one new locally transmitted case of the virus for more than 200 days, NOT ONE! While Florida (population 21.5 million) has anywhere from 5000 - 10,000 cases every day. How does Taiwan do it? One of the main reasons is the mandatory use of masks in public.

Isn’t it time that we asked our representatives to make mask wearing mandatory in our state? Mandatory mask wearing is a small sacrifice for a short period of time in order to reduce and finally eliminate COVID-19? If the number of cases and deaths continue to increase, we may be forced to have another complete shutdown.

We don’t have to wait until the vaccines are distributed. Call our representatives and tell them that there should be a mandatory mask policy put in place immediately. The number for Gov. Ron DeSantis is 850-488-7146, for Sen. Dennis Baxley is 352-750-3133 and for Rep. Brett Hage is 352-315-4445. The phone numbers and/or email addresses for our county commissioners in Lake, Marion and Sumter can be found at the county websites.


Taiwan island, enough said. Taiwan don’t have world traveler or islanders traveling daily all over the island. I hope you’re not snowbird and if you are? Did you quarantine for 14 days after arriving? If so you may be part of the problem infecting those of us that stay put. We have more People coming in Florida in day that Taiwan does in month or more.

[Topspinmo]

I was in the Grocery store yesterday getting stuff for Thanksgiving.

There were 2 people ahead of me in line at the register.

The one closest to me had glasses on. Every breath they took FOGGED their glasses. I am not a scientist but doesn't that mean their breath (which could have VIRUS in it was escaping from their beloved MASK. I was breathing that air at some point. Because there are gaps between masks and face.

The person being checked out must have touched and adjusted their mask 5 times. Hands to the face, nose and eyes. They were touching their purchases before they got to the cashier. The cashier touched every single purchase. Then obviously the cashier touch MY purchases. If I am a VIRUS, did not I just go from purchaser to cashier to ME.

Yea Masks work. NOT.

That’s why you stay at least 6 foot from them mask or no mask. Most problem people CAN’t stay apart in stores, on golf course, in bars, at squares, on pickleball courts, get the message here?

[dboyd29]

Here’s an idea. Why don’t you people that are willing to get up your freedoms just stay under the bed? The few of us who are not sheep want to live our lives as we see fit and not how some communist think we should live our life. It the words of Patrick Henry “give me liberty or give me death”.

[graciegirl]

Hell No. Take personal responsibility. This is America not a democratic NE or West Coast State.

I will see that I am immunized against it as soon as the two most effective vaccines are available to ME.

Please don't politicize a health issue. There are many people who are conservative in many ways, (and with whom I agree) yet we are depending on the medical knowledge of our great scientists of the world.

[jimjamuser]

The country of Taiwan (population almost 24 million) has had the virus under control from the beginning. In fact, there was not one new locally transmitted case of the virus for more than 200 days, NOT ONE! While Florida (population 21.5 million) has anywhere from 5000 - 10,000 cases every day. How does Taiwan do it? One of the main reasons is the mandatory use of masks in public.

Isn’t it time that we asked our representatives to make mask wearing mandatory in our state? Mandatory mask wearing is a small sacrifice for a short period of time in order to reduce and finally eliminate COVID-19? If the number of cases and deaths continue to increase, we may be forced to have another complete shutdown.

We don’t have to wait until the vaccines are distributed. Call our representatives and tell them that there should be a mandatory mask policy put in place immediately. The number for Gov. Ron DeSantis is 850-488-7146, for Sen. Dennis Baxley is 352-750-3133 and for Rep. Brett Hage is 352-315-4445. The phone numbers and/or email addresses for our county commissioners in Lake, Marion and Sumter can be found at the county websites.
I agree completely and we are now seeing an increase in TV Land cases. We have a choice do nothing and watch hospitalizations rise (to over-capacity) or do something - such as, wearing masks and staying 10 feet away from people not in your immediate household. It is worth doing UNTIL the vaccines are UNIVERSALLY distributed. It can't be worth spreading a DEADLY virus just to dance the YMCA for the 50th time. Priorities are needed and it is up to each INDIVIDUAL. The nanny state will NOT help us! The nanny state has walked away from THIS battlefield!

[Joe V.]

You one of those who will argue your rights with a virus or is it just that you don't give a hoot about the person next to you?

I am one who is educated enough to know that my freedoms are more important than your psychosis.

[shut the front door]

Nothing is complete protection to anything, we get up everyday and we live with numerous risks in life...did everyone just forget this? Heart attacks, strokes, flu, cancer, hit by a golf cart sorry my risks have been there and I work everyday since this started and I will NOT give up my freedom...period. If you chose to, have at it, do not impose your fears on me...show me the conspiracy? The one where I have been out everywhere and everyday and I’m fine, if one of any of these random illnesses or accidents happen, it’s called life, and I plan on continuing till that happens..and I will be more confident in my chances with CCP since the recovery rate is 99% not the case with other things...

I have to LOL at the pearl clutchers calling constitutionalists "nuts".

[graciegirl]

We all say the same thing over and over.

we all must be


Dumb as ROCKS.

[RonaldJ]

A lot of misconceptions in these replies. If I am not sick don't need face diaper. How do you know just because you don't have symptoms you are not the worst spreader of all. Just talking and breathing if 6' away won't spread virus. Fact, indoors without good ventilation virus can spread 18' and linger in air for hours. Correct, a face mask does not completely protect you. It is to protect others from those who may be carriers. Mandatory mask mandates is the only way to protect us from others that may carry the virus.

[jimjamuser]

How does Taiwan do it?

Easy. Strong border control. It's an Island. No land borders. Strict quarantines. It's not the masks.

Masks do not stop infection. They can help slow spread down and they can help reduce your exposure. It does NOT eliminate your exposure. If you are exposed while wearing a mask, you will probably have a better outcome. The fact is though, you're still exposed.

Don't take this as anti-mask. I think they can help indoors. They will not stop the pandemic.

If you want to mandate something, mandate that everyone needs to get their vitamin D level up to a healthy number. There have been many Random Controlled trials on this done so far and a healthy level of Vitamin D is associated with an 89% reduction in mortality. Hazard Ratio of .11 is ASTOUNDING and yet, here people are calling for mask mandates which, so far, have proved to be doing bupkiss. Mandates are in place in NY, NJ, CT and positive tests are still climbing.
Masks DO save lives. This is positively proven by the immediate decrease in cases (around 30%) that CITIES in Arizona like Phoenix, experienced AFTER they mandated the wearing of masks. It can be proven in the NEGATIVE by the fact that North Dakota (where masks are not often worn) has the WORLD's highest mortality rate due to COVID. It is proven by the CDCs recommendation. And recommendations by ALL respected US epidemiologists! Side note ; Dr. Atlas is merely a shill! He is neither respected nor an expert on infectious diseases. He is spreading DIS-information and propaganda designed to hurt Americans.

[oldtimes]

We all say the same thing over and over.

we all must be


Dumb as ROCKS.

Best...post...ever...

[Swoop]

Masks DO save lives. This is positively proven by the immediate decrease in cases (around 30%) that CITIES in Arizona like Phoenix, experienced AFTER they mandated the wearing of masks. It can be proven in the NEGATIVE by the fact that North Dakota (where masks are not often worn) has the WORLD's highest mortality rate due to COVID. It is proven by the CDCs recommendation. And recommendations by ALL respected US epidemiologists! Side note ; Dr. Atlas is merely a shill! He is neither respected nor an expert on infectious diseases. He is spreading DIS-information and propaganda designed to hurt Americans.

How’s that working in Pennsylvania?!?!?

[Rosebud1949]

Yes the whole country will have to do, otherwise it will not work. As we see by the explosion of positives now people WILL NOT. They think its clever to yell at shop staff and restaurant owners wanting to protect their business and staff by stating masks must be worn.

Because you do not have it ( or think you do not, is more the truth) you go "patriotic" and refuse to wear one, and quote your constitutional rights. Well we all have rights, not to have our health endangered by these people.

Everyone could go out, enjoy some time out of the house, even eat in certain places, but this will NEVER HAPPEN while these selfish folk continue to rant. Diaper faces, is that what we are called by caring for our fellow man. Bring it on.... the thought killing someone is not on my agenda, sad if it is on yours.

[graciegirl]

Yes the whole country will have to do, otherwise it will not work. As we see by the explosion of positives now people WILL NOT. They think its clever to yell at shop staff and restaurant owners wanting to protect their business and staff by stating masks must be worn.

Because you do not have it ( or think you do not, is more the truth) you go "patriotic" and refuse to wear one, and quote your constitutional rights. Well we all have rights, not to have our health endangered by these people.

Everyone could go out, enjoy some time out of the house, even eat in certain places, but this will NEVER HAPPEN while these selfish folk continue to rant. Diaper faces, is that what we are called by caring for our fellow man. Bring it on.... the thought killing someone is not on my agenda, sad if it is on yours.

Thinking that people in any group all think the same way is NOT ACCURATE.

Our numbers here in The Villages show that most people are doing the right thing.

[jimjamuser]

Mortality is not the only risk with COVID-19. Millions of people - especially children - who RECOVER from the virus have permanent lung damage and injury and damage to other organs as well. COPD is up in recovered COVID-19 patients, compared with people who were never infected.

Vitamin D is not a treatment or preventative for COVID-19. It might very well help reduce mortality, but it doesn't prevent you from getting sick. However, if you are deficient, then taking Vitamin D can and will of course increase your ability to fight off ANY illness, because a deficiency in necessary nutrients is - a deficiency.

But that's basic health, and not related to COVID-19.
That is absolutely a great presentation of the facts! Dr. Fauci calls the people with continuing CV complications "long haulers". They HAUL around the CV symptoms like organ damage permanently. That is one of the main reasons that I quarantine myself strictly. I do NOT think that MOST TV Landers are aware of these additional risk factors and statistics
- when they choose to continue living in a "NORMAL" manner. It is a good local public service message that your post has provided. Kudos!

[SacDQ]

We already wear mask when we go out in public. It’s a personal choice.

[LG999]

It is actually illegal for the government to order ppl to wear masks. It is one more way the constitution protects citizens from govt over reach. So, govt officials actually can not order the state to wear masks.

[jmcote]

Yes. You’re correct. We can absolutely trust the numbers from a a communist country. They’ve been so honest during the whole thing. Wow....I have some swamp land to sell. Let me know if you’re interested, I’ll give you a good price!

Taiwan communist? Since when?

[graciegirl]

Numbers of deaths from Covid-19 by age;

COVID-19 Deaths by Age | The Heritage Foundation (https://www.heritage.org/data-visualizations/public-health/covid-19-deaths-by-age/)

[jimjamuser]

There is a misconception by many who believe that the masks are to protect the wearer. Although a mask has been shown to afford a degree of protection to the wearer, its main purpose is to protect other people FROM the wearer. The basic problem is that although a person may have no symptoms of COVID, they may still have the virus. Some of these people may never actually suffer symptoms and are just carriers, while most will show some signs 5-14 days after they first contacted COVID. In that period of time, without masking and distancing, think of all the people they could have transferred the virus to. If those transferees also refused to distance and mask, the likelihood is that a very large number of people in their circle will come down with the virus.

Many of the masks mandates that have been put into effect are very recent and they are not being enforced. You can readily see that what has been put into effect to date is not working. We are going into our tenth month and the numbers are becoming outrageous. Vaccines won’t be available to most of us before next April or May. If 90-95% of our people would adhere to wearing masks, we should be able to slow down the virus. If that does not happen, I believe that this pandemic will spiral out of control and our hospitals will be overwhelmed. That was the worry back in mid March when we had to close down the country for six weeks, which was very detrimental to our economy. We don’t want to have to do that again.
Very well written. Kudos! I have written several times about the 90-95% mask-wearing principle to bring the CV down to a controllable level. But, your writing is clearer. And I agree - your warning about not wearing masks causing the hospitals to become overwhelmed IS already happening in the Dakota states area. I COULD(?) happen here in The Villages. Yesterday there was a spike in cases upward to 157 in The Villages. AS the thread suggests The Villages should resist the unscientific DICTATE of our Governor and start our own self-imposed mask mandate. It is time for older people to show wisdom and warmth for their fellow humans. Greed for "NORMALCY" and politics have been PROVEN to NOT bring life-saving RESULTS. We need to start our own "grass roots" mask-wearing movement!

[tvbound]

There are times, like these, where I really wished that Darwinism worked immediately and was highly selective.

[jimjamuser]

You said it yourself----carriers with NO SYMPTOMS. So without coughing, sneezing, or spitting and doing nothing else but staying 6 feet away, just how do you think they can spread the virus? No, just breathing and talking in a normal tone won't do it.
I have seen many Villagers that are obviously not from the same household in Restaurants and the Squares sitting or standing face to face and shoulder to shoulder and no more distant than 1 or 2 feet - talking and sometimes laughing and yelling into the face of another human being. And we all KNOW this happens!

Restaurants, bars, and nursing homes are known to have the highest instances of CV spread. WE have to choose between loving our neighbor and preventing them from dying or becoming a "long hauler" or choosing to keep bars and restaurants open and to keep their owners making their MONEY. Love versus Money. It has been the dilemma throughout history. Personally, I feel that the bar and restaurant owners NEEDED to SAVE their profits for this CV rainy day. They can either close, modify to delivery, invest in the stock market, or just try some other business. That would be an inconvenience to them, but it would NOT kill them and possibly kill their unsuspecting customers. We can NOT pretend this Pandemic away!

[Byte1]

First off, I am not Cliff Claven like a certain poster seems to think they are.

I believe that masks help a LITTLE bit, but I read yesterday where a doctor wrote that masks CAN cause a person a higher risk of contracting the virus than some without a mask. Why? He says most masks being used are not tight enough to keep the virus in or out and that even small venting on the sides or above the nose area cause an air vortex that speeds the possible virus spores[my term] in or out of the person breathing through the mask. He said only well made, certified masks are really protecting and that most masks help maybe 30% if that.

The person that said you get your vit D via sunshine is not totally correct, according to many doctors. Once you reach a certain age [seniors] your ability to absorb vit D via the sun is reduced dramatically. I am outside to the extent of having to worry about skin cancer, but my vit D was down and the doctor prescribed supplements.

For those that suggest that we are NOT patriotic or caring of others if we do not agree to a mask mandate, I can only suggest that you are a needy, weak minded individual that must have the gov nanny tell you what is good for you what you must do. If so, I find it hard to believe that you are still alive after so many years. You folks that NEED the gov to mandate your behavior or the behavior of those you do not agree with, really should live in a socialist or communist country so that you can fully appreciate what you current take for granted.......FREEDOM and LIBERTY.

Before you jump on me (jump if you wish) I wear a mask when I deem it necessary and do not need anyone dictating when that time is to me. Do not equate wearing a mask with wearing a seat belt, motorcycle helmet, smoking or wearing a shirt in a business. It is not the same. I wear a mask now but tell me that you want to make it a law and I will start wearing it down around my neck. You are probably the same folks that want to "defund" the police so I am interested in how you would enforce mask wearing. As a matter of fact, I would like to see if any of you would be the neighbor that would do like the commies did in the USSR and rat out your neighbor to the authorities when you see them not wearing a mask.

If the gov mandates mask wearing, they can mandate that you wear a mask during flu season, etc. Then they will be able to mandate that you wear a certain color attire. I have been to countries where the gov shuts off the water to the homes during the day. I think some of you really NEED to live in one of those countries. It would do you good. You would not be on here complaining about "irresponsible citizens" that don't care about their fellow man. Guess what, there is no law that dictates how one should care about their fellow man. You act like you can shame someone into conforming to your standards. Get over it. Do I care if you succumb to evil virus? I don't know you, so why should I? Explain why I should care about you when you do not care about my country's FREEDOM. Everyone dies and every death is a tragedy, but no one gets out of here alive.

If you are too scared to live your own life, how do you expect to give us advice on how we should live our own? Live your life, stay away from me, wear you mask if you feel it will help you, but do not demand that I give a hoot about your needs. Charity is voluntary, demands are taxes as far as I see it.

For the one that suggests that C19 has side effects, I think you should be more truthful and less "know it all." Not everyone has life threatening or long lasting side effects from the virus, according to a doctor friend of mine that survived the virus along with his wife. When folks first started talking about the "side effects" it was when they were using ventilators and experimenting with possible remedies. Everyone knows the possible side effects of being on a ventilator for a sustained period. Before getting hysterical and telling folks that they are going to suffer for the rest of their lives if a mask mandate is not enforced, think about the "side effects" of your hysterical exaggerating can do.

Moral of the story is: be careful of what you ask the gov to do, because the more you give them control, the more of a slave you are to the gov. One does not need a mask mandate. Wear one without being told to and worry less about what others are doing. They are not going to infect you if they are not already infected. I see folks without masks every day and I bet none of them are infected. If they are infected, I am either immune or I do not feel any of the symptoms of the virus, OR I did not catch it from them. If you are scared, stay home. Do not presume to dictate limitations on my LIBERTY.

[graciegirl]

I have seen many Villagers that are obviously not from the same household in Restaurants and the Squares sitting or standing face to face and shoulder to shoulder and no more distant than 1 or 2 feet - talking and sometimes laughing and yelling into the face of another human being. And we all KNOW this happens!

Restaurants, bars, and nursing homes are known to have the highest instances of CV spread. WE have to choose between loving our neighbor and preventing them from dying or becoming a "long hauler" or choosing to keep bars and restaurants open and to keep their owners making their MONEY. Love versus Money. It has been the dilemma throughout history. Personally, I feel that the bar and restaurant owners NEEDED to SAVE their profits for this CV rainy day. They can either close, modify to delivery, invest in the stock market, or just try some other business. That would be an inconvenience to them, but it would NOT kill them and possibly kill their unsuspecting customers. We can NOT pretend this Pandemic away!

Many of us Villagers are waiting to go to be with others. An ounce of prevention.

COVID-19 Deaths by Age | The Heritage Foundation (https://www.heritage.org/data-visualizations/public-health/covid-19-deaths-by-age/)

The economy supports life too.

[shut the front door]

First off, I am not Cliff Claven like a certain poster seems to think they are.

I believe that masks help a LITTLE bit, but I read yesterday where a doctor wrote that masks CAN cause a person a higher risk of contracting the virus than some without a mask. Why? He says most masks being used are not tight enough to keep the virus in or out and that even small venting on the sides or above the nose area cause an air vortex that speeds the possible virus spores[my term] in or out of the person breathing through the mask. He said only well made, certified masks are really protecting and that most masks help maybe 30% if that.

The person that said you get your vit D via sunshine is not totally correct, according to many doctors. Once you reach a certain age [seniors] your ability to absorb vit D via the sun is reduced dramatically. I am outside to the extent of having to worry about skin cancer, but my vit D was down and the doctor prescribed supplements.

For those that suggest that we are NOT patriotic or caring of others if we do not agree to a mask mandate, I can only suggest that you are a needy, weak minded individual that must have the gov nanny tell you what is good for you what you must do. If so, I find it hard to believe that you are still alive after so many years. You folks that NEED the gov to mandate your behavior or the behavior of those you do not agree with, really should live in a socialist or communist country so that you can fully appreciate what you current take for granted.......FREEDOM and LIBERTY.

Before you jump on me (jump if you wish) I wear a mask when I deem it necessary and do not need anyone dictating when that time is to me. Do not equate wearing a mask with wearing a seat belt, motorcycle helmet, smoking or wearing a shirt in a business. It is not the same. I wear a mask now but tell me that you want to make it a law and I will start wearing it down around my neck. You are probably the same folks that want to "defund" the police so I am interested in how you would enforce mask wearing. As a matter of fact, I would like to see if any of you would be the neighbor that would do like the commies did in the USSR and rat out your neighbor to the authorities when you see them not wearing a mask.

If the gov mandates mask wearing, they can mandate that you wear a mask during flu season, etc. Then they will be able to mandate that you wear a certain color attire. I have been to countries where the gov shuts off the water to the homes during the day. I think some of you really NEED to live in one of those countries. It would do you good. You would not be on here complaining about "irresponsible citizens" that don't care about their fellow man. Guess what, there is no law that dictates how one should care about their fellow man. You act like you can shame someone into conforming to your standards. Get over it. Do I care if you succumb to evil virus? I don't know you, so why should I? Explain why I should care about you when you do not care about my country's FREEDOM. Everyone dies and every death is a tragedy, but no one gets out of here alive.

If you are too scared to live your own life, how do you expect to give us advice on how we should live our own? Live your life, stay away from me, wear you mask if you feel it will help you, but do not demand that I give a hoot about your needs. Charity is voluntary, demands are taxes as far as I see it.

For the one that suggests that C19 has side effects, I think you should be more truthful and less "know it all." Not everyone has life threatening or long lasting side effects from the virus, according to a doctor friend of mine that survived the virus along with his wife. When folks first started talking about the "side effects" it was when they were using ventilators and experimenting with possible remedies. Everyone knows the possible side effects of being on a ventilator for a sustained period. Before getting hysterical and telling folks that they are going to suffer for the rest of their lives if a mask mandate is not enforced, think about the "side effects" of your hysterical exaggerating can do.

Moral of the story is: be care of what you ask the gov to do, because the more you give them control, the more of a slave you are to the gov. One does not need a mask mandate. Wear one without being told to and worry less about what others are doing. They are not going to infect you if they are not already infected. I see folks without masks every day and I bet none of them are infected. If they are infected, I am either immune or I do not feel any of the symptoms of the virus, OR I did not catch it from them. If you are scared, stay home. Do not presume to dictate limitations on my LIBERTY.

Very well said.
And you've been around here long enough to know that there isn't just one Cliff Claven on this site. Probably more like a dozen or two.

[jimjamuser]

Along with mask wearing, Taiwan strictly enforces quarantine protocols and vigorously does contact tracing and notificstion.
And Taiwan was able to do contract tracing because they reacted QUICKLY - like in February. Unlike the US when our intelligence agencies (all 20 of them manned by agents drawing BIG taxpayer salaries) KNEW about the coming CV Plague but were SILENCED, in February. Remember Bob Woodward? We missed the CV contact tracing boat in February and today a state like North Dakota has the WORLD's highest mortality rate. I can see how dead North Dakotans link back to that February "Sound of Silence".

[Byte1]

Oh yes, by the way. I was listening to the so-called experts on TV that said that children should be back in school. I agree, they should be back in school. But the most incredulous thing I heard was a "doctor" on TV say that the children are safer in school than at home. Now, I believe kids should be back in school, but do not try to pull the wool over my eyes by insulting me by telling me that they are "safer" in school than at home. Where do kids catch all childhood diseases and bring them home from? The correct answer is "SCHOOL."
Just goes to show you that when you rely on EXPERTS to make your decisions, you are giving up your ability to use your common sense. Can't wait to hear the arguments from this statement. Safer in school than at home, ,:1rotfl: :1rotfl: :1rotfl:

[jimjamuser]

You can order anything you like, but the people will not obey it and the police will not enforce it.
And that shines a spotlight on the reason (citizen non-cooperation) why the US is one big FAILURE at protecting its citizens. It is an irony that comes full CIRCLE. Another GRIM irony is that we are rejecting Dr. Fauci, the CDC, and ALL US medical experts and SCIENTISTS when they say, "mask-up and stay distant from each other". BUT, we look to those SAME Medical Scientists to " throw us a lifeline" of a vaccine.

It is also American vanity and laziness that is saying, "do nothing to help yourself and passively wait for Doctors and nurses to 'shoot that magic juice to me Bruce' ".

[Hape2Bhr]

Taiwan is considered a separate country. They are supported by the U.S. It is not Communist China. Learn some world history.

Currently you are correct, but I am not so sure the same can be said a few years from now...unfortunately.:boom:

[timjones]

The country of Taiwan (population almost 24 million) has had the virus under control from the beginning. In fact, there was not one new locally transmitted case of the virus for more than 200 days, NOT ONE! While Florida (population 21.5 million) has anywhere from 5000 - 10,000 cases every day. How does Taiwan do it? One of the main reasons is the mandatory use of masks in public.

Isn’t it time that we asked our representatives to make mask wearing mandatory in our state? Mandatory mask wearing is a small sacrifice for a short period of time in order to reduce and finally eliminate COVID-19? If the number of cases and deaths continue to increase, we may be forced to have another complete shutdown.

We don’t have to wait until the vaccines are distributed. Call our representatives and tell them that there should be a mandatory mask policy put in place immediately. The number for Gov. Ron DeSantis is 850-488-7146, for Sen. Dennis Baxley is 352-750-3133 and for Rep. Brett Hage is 352-315-4445. The phone numbers and/or email addresses for our county commissioners in Lake, Marion and Sumter can be found at the county websites.

I do not agree with the OP's underlying premise, but there was also a request to call politicians (some how that's not political on this forum).

So I honored your request to call, but my message was: "You may be getting calls to issue a "mask mandate" in areas beyond the authority inherit in your office. Attempting (whether successful or not), to exercise authority beyond those inherit in your office will, without exception, permanently damage my image of you for life."

BTW No single office holder has any legal authority to mandate masks nationwide!!!

If you want politicians to act like parents, then you are a child and thus an incompetent adult who is by law disallowed from voting!!!

[jimjamuser]

Taiwan has done better than us. No question. Border control (note not border shutdown), Masks, Contact tracing, Quarantines. Effective screening. Complete public health integrated to stopping covid spread.

Stopping the spread is embedded in its national institutions and its society. We failed to do that. And we are paying the price. Hopefully we learn from this. There is another more lethal pandemic down the road.
Well written - to condense SO much knowledge in a short post. Thank you! With Global Warming continuing and global trade links and travel increasing it is LOGICAL to expect future Pandemics. Our next-generation MAY (?) live their business lives outside their homes while wearing HAZ-MAT suits. The virus could EVOLVE faster than humans do!

[jimjamuser]

“ The COVID-19 virus exploded in The Villages on Monday as 157 new cases of the deadly virus were reported – the largest single-day jump in months.

Of those new cases, 100 were reported in the Sumter County portion of the sprawling mega-retirement mecca, while 49 were reported in Marion County and eight in the Lake County section of the community. Those cases brought the total number of positive results to 1,042 in Sumter County and 59 each in the Lake and Marion counties section of the sprawling retirement community.”
Thank you for reporting REALITY.

[Joe C.]

We need to put this mask / no mask BS to bed. It ain't gonna happen. My friend in TV and his wife were tested. He came back positive with antibodies....his wife negative.
Tested next day.....he was negative as was she. Tested a third time, both were negative. So I can't believe the tests, and can't believe the mask theory.
Covid virus WILL TOUCH EVERYBODY in this country...unless you are in solitary confinement. So you might as well catch it when you are healthy. If you believe that a mask will protect you, then God bless you. Because you're going to need it (the blessing).

[Byte1]

I do not agree with the OP's underlying premise, but there was also a request to call politicians (some how that's not political on this forum).

So I honored your request to call, but my message was: "You may be getting calls to issue a "mask mandate" in areas beyond the authority inherit in your office. Attempting (whether successful or not), to exercise authority beyond those inherit in your office will, without exception, permanently damage my image of you for life."

BTW No single office holder has any legal authority to mandate masks nationwide!!!

If you want politicians to act like parents, then you are a child and thus an incompetent adult who is by law disallowed from voting!!!

Totally agree with all of your post, but especially the last line. Kudos for putting some of these WEAK people in the spotlight.

[graciegirl]

And that shines a spotlight on the reason (citizen non-cooperation) why the US is one big FAILURE at protecting its citizens. It is an irony that comes full CIRCLE. Another GRIM irony is that we are rejecting Dr. Fauci, the CDC, and ALL US medical experts and SCIENTISTS when they say, "mask-up and stay distant from each other". BUT, we look to those SAME Medical Scientists to " throw us a lifeline" of a vaccine.

It is also American vanity and laziness that is saying, "do nothing to help yourself and passively wait for Doctors and nurses to 'shoot that magic juice to me Bruce' ".

I think that I recognize your writing style.

[jimjamuser]

The United States and Taiwan are distinctly different countries. The US is 3rd in population, Taiwan 56, US 2nd in GDP, Taiwan 21. Taiwan does not give any type of public assistance (welfare, unemployment, social security) and falls under control of the people’s republic of China. Taiwan is not part of the UN and their government is not held accountable to the World Court. More than half the population seek to reunify with PRC (which is communist). Their climate change has risen by more than double the average country, which means they are not enviro friendly.

If you feel Taiwan is doing such a fine job as a country I’m sure you can find a plane seat to take you their. Just make sure you are willing to deal with the bad as well as all the “wonderful” thet another country had to offer. I fought to protect my country and I will take her for all her faults because she is still better than any other country.
The truth is that the US ranks around 30th on ALL quality of life measurable (not subjective) issues on the world list. The Scandinavian Countries tend to rank in the top 10. I did not look up Taiwan recently, but I would guess (?) that they rank higher than the US. But, there is no real point in doing that because the example of Taiwan was used to simply show what is possible with CV (and CV only). The post did NOT try to say that Taiwan was superior to the US in EVERYTHING - just in ADAPTATION to CV.

[jimjamuser]

Yes and in Australia mak wearing also dramatically reduced the number of cases of "ordinary" flu during their winter.
That is correct!!!!! I had forgotten that. More proof positive that masks work !!!!!

[coffeebean]

take 20 mins and learn from the great historian Tom Woods on the mask cult;
The Covid Cult | Thomas E. Woods, Jr. - YouTube (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mcm8Sc8f66o&feature=emb_logo)
I looked up this guy and he is an author and historian. Sorry, but I'm not listening to anyone who is not a scientist, doctor or epidemiologist. I watched the first 3 minutes and saw enough of what this man has to say.

[Curtisbwp]

You should read the "Americans with Disabilities Act"...

[coffeebean]

It’s true that drinking and smoking kill but it’s your decision to kill yourself, not others. Have at it.

Nowhere in the Constitution does it refer to the freedom to ignore mask mandates. It is those who are selfishly “living their lives” instead of taking a simple step to do their part that are transmitting this deadly disease.

It’s not fear (a most insulting and condescending remark) it’s consideration for others that prompts mask wearers to comply.

Perfectly stated. Those who wear masks are doing it for other's safety, not their own. But, having said that, if everyone wore masks then EVERYONE would be protected. Couple universal mask wearing with social distancing and we will get the upper hand with this virus.

[coffeebean]

It is reported that millions more people are wearing masks , why then are testing positive numbers still growing. And once inflected it is reported you are immune . We all still have freedom of choice don’t let the fear mongers take you freedoms away, no mandates period. With vaccines available in the very near future, (thank you President Trump) the virus will be eliminated.

That depends on how many people are willing to be vaccinated. Just wondering, are those who are all about their freedoms and refusal to wear masks the people who will refuse to be vaccinated?

One more query.....do those who are all about their freedoms and refuse to wear masks also defy the guideline to social distance and continue to congregate in groups?

[coffeebean]

Can the admin of this page please stop all of these useless posts about masks??? Or create a special page for them? Everyday someone is beating a dead horse! Enough already! People creating these post are extremely undereducated about the topic! They haven’t changed a single persons mind one way or the other and they certainly haven’t educated a single person! Please Mr or Mrs admin stop the fear mongering posts and get back to what this page was initially intended for.

I see by your post count you are new to this forum. My advice to you is not to click on any thread topic that you are not interested in. It is your choice to read the thread or not.

[coffeebean]

First of all, the whole idea behind wearing masks and social distancing was NOT to eradicate the virus, but to hopefully slow the spread so ICU units would not be overrun. That was called Flattening the Curve. Secondly if you look at the states in the NE that have had long standing mask mandates and much stricter rules on behavior than Florida, they are spiking at a much higher rate than Florida. So if mask mandates and strict rules haven’t worked there, what makes you think making it national would? That’s basically science, huge test groups showing it’s not successful...

There is a simple answer. Mask mandates are not being enforced. There are still too many people who refuse to wear masks and refuse to keep their distance from others. Those are the folks who are spreading this virus. To bad for us.

[coffeebean]

I agree with you 100%. Tired of these nonsensical "debates" where everyone says the same thing every time.

To click or not to click (on the thread). That is the question.

[graciegirl]

Thank you for reporting REALITY.

The reality is that it hasn't really been an "explosion" comparetively. This is copied from Today's Leesburg Commercial;

"LEESBURG — Lake County added 67 positive COVID-19 cases to its rolls from Sunday to Monday, according to the Monday update from the Florida Department of Health.

Sumter added 16 confirmed cases in that time.

That brings the total count to 10,151 cases in Lake County and 3,308 in Sumter.

Lake County also recorded one new COVID-related death. Sumter added no new deaths.

The local fatality total is now 337 — 92 in Sumter County and 245 in lake.

In Lake, the fatality rate stands at 2.43% among residents. In Sumter, it's 2.8%.

Both are higher than the state average of 1.94% among positive residents.

Meanwhile, the daily rate of positivity increased in both counties from Sunday to Monday.

A total of 2.93% of the 596 tests received Monday in Sumter County were positive, compared to 1.8% Sunday.


Of the 760 test results reported in Lake Monday, 7.88% of them were positive, up from 5.5% Sunday.

In Florida overall, the state reported the results of 86,955 tests Monday and 6.99% or 6,080, were positive.

As Thanksgiving approaches, the CDC has recommended people avoid traveling for the holiday.

Still some will take the risk.

Locally, Adult Medicine of Lake County and the county itself have partnered to offer free rapid testing, which could help residents make responsible decisions when it comes to traveling and family gatherings.

Rapid testing at the Lake Square Mall in Leesburg goes from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Saturday. They are closed on Thanksgiving Day.

Individuals with insurance must bring a photo ID. Testing is available for children ages 3 and oup.

Here's a breakdown of confirmed cases by city:
Lake

Clermont: 2,694

Leesburg: 1,720

Tavares: 908

Eustis: 852

Mount Dora: 795

Groveland: 698

Lady Lake: 464

Minneola: 266

Sorrento: 263

Mascotte: 252

Fruitland Park: 235

Umatilla: 220

Montverde: 153

Grand Island: 118

Howey-in-the-Hills: 79

Astatula: 74

The Villages: 59

Astor: 50

Altoona: 43

Paisley: 42

Yalaha: 36

Okahumpka: 19

Ferndale: 5

Deer Island: 3

Mount Plymouth: 3

Bella Collina: 3

Deer Island: 3

DeLand: 1

Missing: 1

Sumter

The Villages: 1,042

Coleman: 716

Wildwood: 521

Bushnell: 419

Oxford: 170

Webster: 135

Lake Panasoffkee: 98

Center Hill: 71

Sumterville: 62

Lady Lake: 54

[coffeebean]

I, for one, will never wear a mask while outdoors in the open air. Several governors including Hogan in Maryland said just yesterday that "you have no constitutional right not to wear a mask". LOL - what a moron. I would like to respond: "you have no constitutional power to mandate that I wear a mask".

For those who haven't read the constitution and don't understand that we have ALL rights except those specifically given to government, I offer the following logic.

Somehow, about 1/2 the population and most in government power including the US Supreme Court have found a woman's right to abortion in the constitution somewhere. I've read it several times and I can't seem to locate it. One of the mantra's of the pro-abortion crowd is "my body my choice". If a woman has the right to abortion, I most certainly have the right not to wear a mask.

Well, that's now my mantra using the same logic. My body - my choice. I choose not to wear a mask. Don't even think about arguing how me not wearing a mask might affect other people as I can make that same argument about abortion. An abortion kills another human absolutely.

My body - My choice. I think I'll have a t-shirt made.

Nope, doesn't work for me. Don't bother with the T-shirt.

[Topspinmo]

That is correct!!!!! I had forgotten that. More proof positive that masks work !!!!!

Again an Island.

[Byte1]

That depends on how many people are willing to be vaccinated. Just wondering, are those who are all about their freedoms and refusal to wear masks the people who will refuse to be vaccinated?

One more query.....do those who are all about their freedoms and refuse to wear masks also defy the guideline to social distance and continue to congregate in groups?

I am not about "refusal to wear masks" but a refusal to allow the gov more power over me and my adult decisions.
That said:
No, I will not refuse to get vaccinated based on politics or hysteria. I will make the decision when the time comes. I don't get the flu vaccination because I do not get the flu and rarely get a cold. When I do get a cold it will not last more than two days. I may or may not get the C19 shot. I think I would probably get checked for antibodies first, and if it shows that I have resistance to the virus, I may obtain from it in the beginning so that others that need it more can get it.

I wear masks when I deem it appropriate, based on my sense, not someone else's.
I attempt to social distance all the time, regardless of the disease of the month.
I do not like groups so I do not "congregate."

I do not approve of mandates because I believe that most folks can use their own common sense. And those that have no common sense usually have a short lifespan, so it's no skin off my back what they do as long as it is not obviously dangerous to me or mine. I do not consider someone not wearing a mask to be dangerous UNLESS they have the disease. I do not live on the premise of "what if." I live on fact based common sense and gut felling. It has served me well for 70 years. For those that NEED someone to protect you, I suggest checking into a "care facility."

There are leaders and there are followers. AND there are those that lead from behind (AKA lemmings or followers). Gotta love the fancy way a certain politician used to claim he was "leading from behind." How could anyone follow someone like that? Nuff said.

A big NO on mandates, period.

[coffeebean]

This post convinced me to start wearing a mask. All those facts make me realize the error of my ways. I will do a better job of protecting myself and others in the future. Now, once you receive the vaccine, please turn that TV off. Get out and enjoy life.

You didn't quote the person so we have no idea which post you are referring to. So.......which post was it that convinced you to start wearing a mask?

[Topspinmo]

Currently you are correct, but I am not so sure the same can be said a few years from now...unfortunately.:boom:

A few? More like couple?

[coffeebean]

IMO it isn’t the mask wearers who are afraid, but those who refuse to wear one. “You can’t make me!” sounds like a recalcitrant teenager, rather than a responsible adult.

More like a petulant child, actually.

[coffeebean]

If you believe that I have a bridge I have for sale

Believe what? You did not quote the post you are referring to. Give us a clue and quote the post when replying to someone. Thanks.

[Byte1]

The reality is that it hasn't really been an "explosion" comparetively. This is copied from Today's Leesburg Commercial;

"LEESBURG — Lake County added 67 positive COVID-19 cases to its rolls from Sunday to Monday, according to the Monday update from the Florida Department of Health.

Sumter added 16 confirmed cases in that time.

That brings the total count to 10,151 cases in Lake County and 3,308 in Sumter.

Lake County also recorded one new COVID-related death. Sumter added no new deaths.

The local fatality total is now 337 — 92 in Sumter County and 245 in lake.

In Lake, the fatality rate stands at 2.43% among residents. In Sumter, it's 2.8%.

Both are higher than the state average of 1.94% among positive residents.

Meanwhile, the daily rate of positivity increased in both counties from Sunday to Monday.

A total of 2.93% of the 596 tests received Monday in Sumter County were positive, compared to 1.8% Sunday.


Of the 760 test results reported in Lake Monday, 7.88% of them were positive, up from 5.5% Sunday.

In Florida overall, the state reported the results of 86,955 tests Monday and 6.99% or 6,080, were positive.

As Thanksgiving approaches, the CDC has recommended people avoid traveling for the holiday.

Still some will take the risk.

Locally, Adult Medicine of Lake County and the county itself have partnered to offer free rapid testing, which could help residents make responsible decisions when it comes to traveling and family gatherings.

Rapid testing at the Lake Square Mall in Leesburg goes from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Saturday. They are closed on Thanksgiving Day.

Individuals with insurance must bring a photo ID. Testing is available for children ages 3 and oup.

Here's a breakdown of confirmed cases by city:
Lake

Clermont: 2,694

Leesburg: 1,720

Tavares: 908

Eustis: 852

Mount Dora: 795

Groveland: 698

Lady Lake: 464

Minneola: 266

Sorrento: 263

Mascotte: 252

Fruitland Park: 235

Umatilla: 220

Montverde: 153

Grand Island: 118

Howey-in-the-Hills: 79

Astatula: 74

The Villages: 59

Astor: 50

Altoona: 43

Paisley: 42

Yalaha: 36

Okahumpka: 19

Ferndale: 5

Deer Island: 3

Mount Plymouth: 3

Bella Collina: 3

Deer Island: 3

DeLand: 1

Missing: 1

Sumter

The Villages: 1,042

Coleman: 716

Wildwood: 521

Bushnell: 419

Oxford: 170

Webster: 135

Lake Panasoffkee: 98

Center Hill: 71

Sumterville: 62

Lady Lake: 54

Thank you for the information.
However, as you and I both know, the list of infected is based on the amount of tests performed. In order for accuracy, EVERYONE would have to be tested for the virus.

Like you, I take adequate precautions based on how I decipher and filter the information available. Like you, I do not make decisions based on hysteria and panic. However, I am only concerned with the number of deaths and the number of hospitalizations and the number of those that walked out of the hospital recovered. I believe it was you (correct me if I am mistaken) that stated that in the past few weeks, only two died in the Villages from the virus. Those are that kind of stats I appreciate.

[Byte1]

There is a simple answer. Mask mandates are not being enforced. There are still too many people who refuse to wear masks and refuse to keep their distance from others. Those are the folks who are spreading this virus. To bad for us.

Not true and not factual.

[coffeebean]

The Imperial College London who carries out modelling for the UK government estimated the infection fatality ratio (the percentage of all infected people who die from the disease, including those with mild disease) as 0.66%.

COVID is only serious for a very small percentage of individuals with preexisting conditions in which the coronavirus is the proverbial straw that breaks the camel's back. That said, if you already have health issues, then do wear a mask and practice social distancing. For the rest of us, we can get back to normal and not worry about it.

I know a great many people who have had COVID all with very mild symptoms. I never wear a mask and have been in close contact with other infected individuals and never had any symptoms.

"Misinformation is just as dangerous as the disease is right now," says Erie News Now Contributor, Dr. Becky Dawson. "I think we are spreading misinformation as quickly as we are spreading the disease."

Don't buy into the hype and fear. Allow common sense to rule the day at last and enjoy the holiday season!

You are part of the problem we have here in America. You very well may have been an asymptomatic carrier of the virus and who know how many people you may have passed the virus to.

Just one question......did you quarantine yourself the the required amount of time when you knew you were in close contact with an infected individual?

[Byte1]

I see by your post count you are new to this forum. My advice to you is not to click on any thread topic that you are not interested in. It is your choice to read the thread or not.

I agree. It is one's choice whether or not to read posts or skip to another thread.
It is also one's choice whether or not to wear a mask or not, and not someone else's peer pressure on them.
Demand that the moderator close a thread because one does not like it, is like those that demand someone to wear a mask where they are shopping because they do not like the idea of someone else not wearing a mask. There is no reason to believe there is a danger when a person is not wearing a mask, just mass hysteria making people panic and those that wish to control the narrative as well as control the actions of others.

[coffeebean]

So many people have bought into the media's scare-mongering, it would be funny were it not so sad. As a retired ER RN & paramedic who worked through the AIDS & H1N1 time periods, we professionals did NOT take even half the precautions that the public afraid of COVID do. Common sense and not "something I read on the Internet" ruled the day. COVID is only "deadly" for a fraction of a percentage of the general population unless you have underlying health problems. Then you should wear a mask and social distance when around other people. I am in my late 60's and have been exposed to known persons with active COVID (as in sleeping next to my infected wife), never wore a mask, and never developed any symptoms.

News outlets thrive on stories of death & violence. "If it bleeds, it leads" is the age old axiom. One would think that the Black Death that occurred in the 1300's was upon us! The stress, anxiety, loneliness & loss of income caused by the fear of COVID is far more damaging than the virus itself.

You ARE joking. Right? Do you realize not having symptoms does not mean you were not infected? Have you been living under a rock since March of this year?