Life during Covid

[tbrock555]

I do not want to start any debates here, masks or no masks, shut downs or no shut downs, distancing or no distancing, etc. I do have strong feelings in a way I am sure half would agree with me and half would not but debate is not my purpose here. I am just trying to find out how things are there now. Me and my wife are planning to visit sometime soon to see if it is a good fit for a possible permanent move. Just wondering how close to what the villages normally are would we experience. Are most things open. We are not golfers at all but will surely try it when we are there. Also what is the situation with supermarkets, restaurants, churches, working out in the gym, swimming pools, walking paths, gun ranges, billiards clubs/tournaments and all the other clubs. In north Jersey now and it is miserable here, as it is in NYC as much of my family and friends still there tell me. I want to visit the villages to see all it has to offer, just trying to find out if I come there now or very soon how much of what it has to offer will be available. Again, not looking for any debates, just trying to find out how much I would miss out on if I came down there now or are things fairly close to normal. Thanks again for all the help.

[retiredguy123]

Most things are pretty close to normal in The Villages. Almost everything you listed is open except there may be some organized clubs that are not meeting on a regular basis. I would estimate The Villages overall activity at about 90 percent of normal. Bring a mask.

[dewilson58]

I do not want to start any debates here, masks or no masks, shut downs or no shut downs, distancing or no distancing, etc. I do have strong feelings in a way I am sure half would agree with me and half would not but debate is not my purpose here. I am just trying to find out how things are there now. Me and my wife are planning to visit sometime soon to see if it is a good fit for a possible permanent move. Just wondering how close to what the villages normally are would we experience. Are most things open. We are not golfers at all but will surely try it when we are there. Also what is the situation with supermarkets, restaurants, churches, working out in the gym, swimming pools, walking paths, gun ranges, billiards clubs/tournaments and all the other clubs. In north Jersey now and it is miserable here, as it is in NYC as much of my family and friends still there tell me. I want to visit the villages to see all it has to offer, just trying to find out if I come there now or very soon how much of what it has to offer will be available. Again, not looking for any debates, just trying to find out how much I would miss out on if I came down there now or are things fairly close to normal. Thanks again for all the help.
Summer will be much better than now and much cheaper if you are do a LifeStyle.
That said, TV is the best place to be with or without masks, with or without shut downs, with or without distancing.

[OrangeBlossomBaby]

If you're concerned for your safety AND for your enjoyment, you can come down and enjoy most of what the Villages offers, while wearing a mask and staying on the perimeter of crowds rather than jumping into the middle of them.

MOST people will respect your request to "please take a few steps back" if you're the one who can't back up, and they get too close to you (such as - if you're at the end of a line and someone comes up behind you all up close and personal - you can't move forward without running into the same problem with the person ahead of you, all you can do, really, is ask for them to back up a few feet).

Wear a mask inside buildings that aren't yours, carry a little mini hand sanitizer or some alcohol-based wet-wipes, and have a spare mask in a pocket "just in case." More than once I've put my mask on, on my way into the store, only to realized I totally forgot to NOT wear lipstick that day. What a mess. So I carry around a clean spare mask.

[tbrock555]

Thanks for the info. Actually my concerns are the opposite. I will give people all the space they want but will I get attacked for not wearing a mask outdoors? Will people freak out if I accidently get to close to them, and so on. And lipstick has not been a concern for me since, well since I was born, but thanks.

[golfing eagles]

Thanks for the info. Actually my concerns are the opposite. I will give people all the space they want but will I get attacked for not wearing a mask outdoors? Will people freak out if I accidently get to close to them, and so on. And lipstick has not been a concern for me since, well since I was born, but thanks.

Not very likely. I wear a mask indoors and where required, but not outdoors unless I'm in a crowd, which is basically never. Just once someone shouted "wear a mask" at the mailboxes. I'm sorry to say I made him regret that statement, when I should have pitied him for being uninformed. I haven't heard very many stories of people "freaking out", but I'm sure there are a few nut jobs out there. But outside of the great mask debate, things are relatively normal, the biggest impact is on indoor club meetings and card games. Beware all the media statements about spiking cases and the "new strain", most likely they are greatly exaggerated and sensationalized. But also be aware this virus is still very active and has not gone into hiding because vaccines are coming. Use sensible, repeat sensible (not paranoid) precautions

[Susan1234]

If your not masking up don’t come...

[Scott O]

Thanks for the info. Actually my concerns are the opposite. I will give people all the space they want but will I get attacked for not wearing a mask outdoors? Will people freak out if I accidently get to close to them, and so on. And lipstick has not been a concern for me since, well since I was born, but thanks.
Nope, all is good..come on down and enjoy freedom...

[TandHSTAR@AOL.com]

There is always that one person who feels you should wear a mask or keep your distance and is aggressive about it. Bet you have them where you live now. Me i wear a mask in stores and move if I feel uncomfortable about distance. You don't need to we ar a mask outside. Welcome to TV

[nick demis]

Use common sense. If you go somewhere that everyone has a mask on, ware one, if they aren't, you decide. I still see people driving alone in their car or riding a bike with a mask on. To each his own. As for people walking around outside, it's about 50/50. Inside of stores about 95+% ware masks. A few miles outside the villages, that drops to about 50% except for supermarkets, box store etc, than back to 95%. Very few things are closed. You will find a few from both extremes but that is everywhere not just here.

[bowlingal]

water fountains are NOT available yet

[golfing eagles]

Methinks posts #7 and #8 pretty much shows the spectrum of mask thought :1rotfl::1rotfl::1rotfl:

[GaryKoca]

I don't wear a mask when I am outdoors on my walk, not that close to anyone. But yes, indoors at all times. And I avoid large crowds at all costs.

[RouseysMom]

Moved down from Ohio in early November. It’s wonderful. Mostly open except for social clubs that meet indoors. So many outdoor activities, it’s been a serious boost to mental health. Not just the sunshine and vitamin D, but so many smiling happy people. Smiling at a safe distance, outside walking our dogs, playing pickleball, golf, whatever.

[Skunky1]

There are guidelines to follow. If you can’t follow the guidelines don’t come.

[Marathon Man]

Summer will be much better than now and much cheaper if you are do a LifeStyle.
That said, TV is the best place to be with or without masks, with or without shut downs, with or without distancing.

I agree with this. Wait a few months. A few reasons: Things will be much more 'normal' as we get vaccinations done, and you will be able to interact with residents better. Some folks hate Florida in the summer. You need to test that. The reduced population makes a big difference with restaurants, taverns, activities, etc.

[Girlcopper]

Thanks for the info. Actually my concerns are the opposite. I will give people all the space they want but will I get attacked for not wearing a mask outdoors? Will people freak out if I accidently get to close to them, and so on. And lipstick has not been a concern for me since, well since I was born, but thanks.
You will get the paranoid ones who scream if you come within 10 feet of them. If youre mask isnt on exactly right there is always the “one” nearby who will educate you. Ignore all of them. They obviously had a miserable life before covid and still have one. Wear a mask where required and thats only indoors not outdoors. Keep your 6 foot distance in stores or at events. If crowded outdoor events, common sense, wear a mask. Basicly do whats right and ignore or smile at the people whose only goal is to play covid monitor. Welcome to life in TV

[Goodi70]

Please attend the Good Golf school before "trying" golf to acquaint yourself with the rules, protocol and etiquette of the game. Too many folks just "jump in" because it's free.

[sallyg]

Thanks for the info. Actually my concerns are the opposite. I will give people all the space they want but will I get attacked for not wearing a mask outdoors? Will people freak out if I accidently get to close to them, and so on. And lipstick has not been a concern for me since, well since I was born, but thanks.

If you want to go maskfree, dine in restaurants, and act as tho there is no pandemic or risk, Florida is for you.
I see most people masking in the grocery, but that's it.

[dhdallas]

I do not want to start any debates here, masks or no masks, shut downs or no shut downs, distancing or no distancing, etc. I do have strong feelings in a way I am sure half would agree with me and half would not but debate is not my purpose here. I am just trying to find out how things are there now. Me and my wife are planning to visit sometime soon to see if it is a good fit for a possible permanent move. Just wondering how close to what the villages normally are would we experience. Are most things open. We are not golfers at all but will surely try it when we are there. Also what is the situation with supermarkets, restaurants, churches, working out in the gym, swimming pools, walking paths, gun ranges, billiards clubs/tournaments and all the other clubs. In north Jersey now and it is miserable here, as it is in NYC as much of my family and friends still there tell me. I want to visit the villages to see all it has to offer, just trying to find out if I come there now or very soon how much of what it has to offer will be available. Again, not looking for any debates, just trying to find out how much I would miss out on if I came down there now or are things fairly close to normal. Thanks again for all the help.

I came for the winter to The Villages last month from PA where Gov Wolf seems determined to bankrupt the small business owner with his dictatorial lockdowns, curfews, & mandatory mask wearing even outdoors. My wife, myself, my neighbors & my 4 grown children got COVID anyway (and it wasn't a big deal).

Gov DeSantis of FL is the polar opposite of Gov Wolf. No pointless statewide mandates. Most everything is open. Some businesses ask that you wear a mask but that's about it. Florida's COVID rate is right in the middle of the rate in all the other states & less than 27 states that have strict statewide measures.

Come on down and see what normal living is like.

PS: as you will find wherever you go, there are a lot of Chicken Littles & Nervous Nellies living here who swallow every gloom & doom story they read or hear about as if it were gospel.

[Bill1701]

Most things are open. Wear a mask indoors. Golf courses and driving ranges are packed so don't plan on playing much. The golf schools are open so you could take lessons.

[Villages Kahuna]

Not remotely close to what was “normal”. And don’t rely on the state or local government to dictate safety limitations. It’s pretty much up to the local businesses and residents to protect themselves, and way too many residents refuse to wear masks or social distance. Like most of the rest of the country COVID continues to spike in Florida.

We would never encourage friends or family to visit, as hard as that is. And we almost never go out for activities, restaurants or even to visit friends’ houses. Our outside activities are limited to rides in our car or golf cart.

[Burgy]

Most things are pretty close to normal in The Villages. Almost everything you listed is open except there may be some organized clubs that are not meeting on a regular basis. I would estimate The Villages overall activity at about 90 percent of normal. Bring a mask.
As one who has had 2 outdoor restaurant meals in 10 months, gets 80% of food with pickup orders, never goes to squares or bars or gym because of covid, and whose 3 clubs are not meeting I think 90% is way too high, more like50- 60%. That being said we can walk, golf cart, golf most any day. And you are probably safer in general with what crowds we have.

[merrymini]

Way better than NJ. Open for dinner and most other things. Some clubs are not meetings but others are. Golf is open and so is pickleball. Reasonable to wear a mask in stores or shopping of any kind. I never wear a mask outside unless I am at Disney. Do not let the nuttiest get to you or order you about. I have been out to dinner a great deal and dancing with my husband. You can still get a good feel for this place even if some clubs are not meeting.

[FromNY]

Get your vaccine where you live. Follow the recommended safe behaviors and check it all out. Some will tell you COVID is a hoax. Some will tell you a friend died from or with it. Basicly everything is open and the Villages keeps growing.

[lindaelane]

If you are over 65, you could probably get part 1 of your vaccine while visiting. Might be worth it, with low plane fares these day, to come back for part 2.

You will have essentially no problem taking the mask off outdoors (except maybe at an outdoor concert or something - I don't attend those). You will be asked to wear a mask in stores and usually in restaurants before food comes. You never are forced to wear a mask outdoors or after food comes in a restaurant.

Everything is open here. I am 99 percent certain it will remain open no matter what because remaining open is the philosophy of our governor and older people get vaccines now here, unlike other places - please no comments on whether you agree or disagree with the governor - I am only telling a newcomer what to expect. Thanks!

[PugMom]

I came for the winter to The Villages last month from PA where Gov Wolf seems determined to bankrupt the small business owner with his dictatorial lockdowns, curfews, & mandatory mask wearing even outdoors. My wife, myself, my neighbors & my 4 grown children got COVID anyway (and it wasn't a big deal).

Gov DeSantis of FL is the polar opposite of Gov Wolf. No pointless statewide mandates. Most everything is open. Some businesses ask that you wear a mask but that's about it. Florida's COVID rate is right in the middle of the rate in all the other states & less than 27 states that have strict statewide measures.

Come on down and see what normal living is like.

PS: as you will find wherever you go, there are a lot of Chicken Littles & Nervous Nellies living here who swallow every gloom & doom story they read or hear about as if it were gospel.

dittos:coolsmiley:

[vintageogauge]

I would agree that you wait until summer, get your vaccination at home as it really hasn't even started down here and I believe you have to be a Florida resident 65 and over. It is starting to get crowded now, the positive cases are getting higher and higher every day, the tour trolleys are not running, most of the rec. center do not allow entertainment, the indoor activities are limited to a very few attendees, executive courses are crowded, doctors and dentists are way out in getting appointments, hospitals are getting crowded, a lot of stores and restaurants are in bankruptcy or actually closed. I'm not one of those that don't go anywhere because of the virus, I'm careful but not paranoid. It is just not the same here as it was a year ago. With over 1,000 people physically moving to Florida every day along with all the snowbirds and soon to be spring break crowds, I don't see this getting better for a long time.

[graciegirl]

I don't know, because I haven't been out. I am in the high risk group. My sweet husband is the "purchasing agent" and he does golf and it is pretty safe.

If I were you, I would wait until they sound the all clear, which I think is fairly soon, and see us in our beautiful glorious usual fun atmosphere.

There will be new homes and old ones and each will be in Village with almost all wonderful people who have such amazing stories to tell about what happened in all of the years before they arrived here. You will still see 100 rec centers all decorated in different themes with beautiful accessories and furniture and if you wait, you will see me painting and crafting at Laurel Manor. (I can paint and craft at any of them but Laurel Manor is a regional rec center and it is the closest to my house, and that is where all my buds gather in good times....which are coming soon.

I don't work for The Villages, don't know the Morses, but I have been absolutely amazed and delighted for fourteen years, after being at first skeptical that there wasn't a catch somewhere.

Buy as much space as you can comfortably afford. (Try to get a house with a golf cart garage) Remember it is incredibly affordable to hire the grass cut. (less than $50 bucks a month...paying during the three winter months when the grass doesn't grow, of course) This place is a wonderful gathering of mostly responsible and hard working people who have managed to plan ahead and land here.

I love The Villages. I know you will too. Hurry home when the bug is gone.

[Bill14564]

As you can see, the glass is half <something>.

People: Some are isolating until Covid is over, others are out as if Covid never happened. Most that I have observed are in the middle - taking precautions as they try to live life as normally as possible.

Pools: I believe there are no restrictions other than the chilly weather.

Activities: I see a lot of golf and hear a lot of pickleball. We are relatively new ourselves and haven't joined any clubs yet so I can't speak to those. There are a lot of people out walking and biking as well.

Squares: Can be moderately crowded for a very popular act or empty on a cool night. The number of people in the squares is controlled but will seem like too many to some and will seem like too few to those waiting in line to get in.

Restaurants: Seem to be completely open though some might have removed tables to allow more distancing.

Grocery stores: Seem normal. Masks are recommended and most wear them.

It sounds like you haven't scheduled anything yet so you won't be arriving until Spring at the earliest. The weather will be a bit warmer with more people out and moving around. Hopefully, the pace of vaccinations will have increased which will make people feel more comfortable and will work to reduce the Covid numbers.

Things are pretty normal now but should be getting even better in late Spring or Summer.

[44Apple]

The three movie theaters remain closed. If you are a dare-devil you can eat inside at any restaurant as Florida remains a wide-open state, or choose to eat outside where the breezes can dissipate any covid droplets. People may wear masks depending on where you are. The vaccine looks to be a far off dream as the roll-out remains sparse and poorly thought out.

[tbrock555]

Thank you all for all the info, it is very helpful.:coolsmiley: We are looking at coming in May, if not May then September. To the very small handful that were telling me to stay away if I don't wear a mask, I will pray for you.:pray:

[davem4616]

the overwhelming majority of the people in TV are trying to play it safe

the outdoor activities are up and running again...not everyone is comfortable participating in them yet though so attendance is off.

the indoor activities (clubs, concerts, plays, shows, movie houses) are either not functioning yet or are doing it on a limited basis

restaurants, churches, stores are all open....with constraints....wise to dine outdoors, many churches are doing virtual, stores are requesting that you wear a mask

it's most likely not a lot different from where you are

[popbaby2]

If you want to go maskfree, dine in restaurants, and act as tho there is no pandemic or risk, Florida is for you.
I see most people masking in the grocery, but that's it.

Here are the stats for the villages which i summarized from the daily update in the villages news.

July. 286
Aug 130
Sept 112
Oct. 179
Nov. 408
Dec 963

I now know of 3 people that i knew who died of covid. I play golf, but thats it. Hunkered down till i get my shot. Many Villagers are playing Russian roulette!

[La lamy]

Please attend the Good Golf school before "trying" golf to acquaint yourself with the rules, protocol and etiquette of the game. Too many folks just "jump in" because it's free.

Good point! There are tee times, it's not a first come, first take as long as you want game, so if you're going to take 20 shots on a par 3 you will get backlash from people behind you!

[La lamy]

My opinion is come in May (1st date you mentioned) if you want to enjoy yourself more than you might at home, or wait till September (2nd alternative you mentioned) if you want to experience more of TV (The Villages) indoor activities that may still not be fully available in May. I don't need much indoor activities myself and am presently very satisfied with all the outdoor ones, including nightly entertainment that I can enjoy from my golf cart. But you can also go into the square to dance and manage social distancing as far as I can tell.

[Byte1]

I grocery shop once a week. We eat out at a restaurant once a week. We visit with family about once a month now, rather than weekly due to the virus. We chat with our neighbors outside without masks on because we distance. We are cautious but do not allow virus panic or hysteria dictate our lives. The Villages has a very low virus infection and death rate, probably due to most being careful. I do not know when the vaccine will be available here since the current source was limited to about 2,500 doses for Sumter Co. and I am sure we have more than that in medical personnel and first responders. My guess is that since we are handling it so well here, we are on the bottom of the list for receiving the vaccine. Just guessing, since the hotline for signing up for it was full before it even opened for requests.
I am basically living somewhat normal with a few limitations such as remembering to put on my mask when walking into a store. We don't wear a mask in the restaurant, but some folks do.
The golf courses are busy, folks ride their bikes just as they did before and we see a lot more folks walking about for exercise. I understand the pools are open, but we don't use them. I think the theaters are still closed. Paper supplies in the stores have a tendency to become scarce at times, but quickly are replenished.
I have never had anyone get rude with me regarding wearing or not wearing a mask. I have never felt the need to ask anyone to step back away from me and I do not care whether they are wearing a mask or not, if I am wearing mine. I am not as cautious as some, but not as careless as others either. I take the virus seriously but not to what I consider the extreme. I do not consider it a hoax, but some feel that if you do not agree with their view, you consider the virus to be a hoax. No compromise, just their way or you are wrong, period.
Visit and enjoy. This is still a very Friendly community, regardless of what some may say. You will always find unhappy persons where ever you are. I have always found folks here to be friendlier than up North, but maybe this place just brings about happier people. Maybe it's because we are all retired and happy to be alive and free to do what we wish?

[rmd2]

I would go for the area near 466. There are way more shops on 441 than anywhere. On 466 you are between 2 town squares. 466 has some very good restaurants too so it's my favorite area. I bought in this area and never wanted to move anywhere else.

[newgirl]

Sad, and this is why we have more deaths and illness here...the explosion has just begun.

[golfing eagles]

Sad, and this is why we have more deaths and illness here...the explosion has just begun.

What is why?????

[Pat2015]

Why respond like that? She said she wears a mask indoors, and is inquiring as to the availability of activities here at this time.

[Spalumbos62]

Thanks for the info. Actually my concerns are the opposite. I will give people all the space they want but will I get attacked for not wearing a mask outdoors? Will people freak out if I accidently get to close to them, and so on. And lipstick has not been a concern for me since, well since I was born, but thanks.

Thank you for the great question...we have very similar dilemma, we own a place there for all lost 2 years now and it's been one thing after an other to get down there...luckily we have had some renters. We're rented for Jan and March, but open for February and really tempted to make the drive from upstate ny...but have your same concerns. Its bad enough here, but we dont want to jump from frying pan to fire.
So thank you and best of luck on your decision.

[kendi]

Thanks for the info. Actually my concerns are the opposite. I will give people all the space they want but will I get attacked for not wearing a mask outdoors? Will people freak out if I accidently get to close to them, and so on. And lipstick has not been a concern for me since, well since I was born, but thanks.

Most do not wear a mask outdoors and most mind their own business. In crowded areas there is more mask wearing but still many without. I have never seen anyone say something to another for not wearing one. Not that it doesn’t happen occasionally I’m sure. Most of the mask griping is done on social media.

[DIver0258]

Several folks have answered your question very well. We have owned here for 5 years and recently settled into our new home here permanently. Please don't let the negative individuals sway your choice to visit. We wear masks when inside a store. We do eat out weekly. We still visit with close friends that we know are like minded and cautious. I have only seen one episode of anyone getting upset about someone not wearing a mask outside. FYI we don't wear masks outside unless we will be in a very crowded environment that will put us close to others in public. Be advised some people troll these threads and make comments to arouse others, shock value if you will. Life here is pretty open as you choose it to be. Honestly all of the hype is true, The Villages is an amazing place to live. I would stay north of 44 for a visit, this will put you closer to more of the traditional villages lifestyle places. While you are here take a golf cart ride south of 44 to look at the new areas being built. Come enjoy your visit!

[EviesGP]

We're making our way back(driving) from New England. As you can imagine, we've driven thru(and stayed at) about a dozen or more states. Florida(and TV) is way more open and active than almost all of the other states combined! We even stayed in NJ on our way up. Come down when you can, as I can't imagine having to live in a northern state(cold outside and locked-down inside)?! Welcome!!!

[DAVES]

I do not want to start any debates here, masks or no masks, shut downs or no shut downs, distancing or no distancing, etc. I do have strong feelings in a way I am sure half would agree with me and half would not but debate is not my purpose here. I am just trying to find out how things are there now. Me and my wife are planning to visit sometime soon to see if it is a good fit for a possible permanent move. Just wondering how close to what the villages normally are would we experience. Are most things open. We are not golfers at all but will surely try it when we are there. Also what is the situation with supermarkets, restaurants, churches, working out in the gym, swimming pools, walking paths, gun ranges, billiards clubs/tournaments and all the other clubs. In north Jersey now and it is miserable here, as it is in NYC as much of my family and friends still there tell me. I want to visit the villages to see all it has to offer, just trying to find out if I come there now or very soon how much of what it has to offer will be available. Again, not looking for any debates, just trying to find out how much I would miss out on if I came down there now or are things fairly close to normal. Thanks again for all the help.

Your question seems to be should you move to the villages. "Not looking for any debates."
Truly simple reply, it is a major decision. We do not know you and yet you ask us to make a life change decision for you.

My view my life style is if you don't have the time to do something right you may need to have the time to do it again.

The villages has or used to have a plan where you could rent one of their properties at a reasonable cost. I think the limit is two weeks. We did that 3x before buying. You could for a longer stay rent someone's home in the Villages.

I'm sure you will get replies that my village is better than ..............
You need to decide what you want, what you can spend, if you need to sell an up north home, business etc before moving or not moving.

We are in full time residence. We are from where you are now. Right now, I used to hate it when people sent us e-mails hey it is 70-80 how is the snow and cold? Truth you can be happy or miserable anywhere. If, you decide to move to the villages be sure to bring some windshield ice scrapers. They are great for removing bugs from you windshield in love bug seasons. We are happy. All of us everywhere are as happy or as miserable as we choose to be.

[stebooo]

Pretty much everything is open to some extent. Weather cool, but you will enjoy knowing it only gets better, when in. Full swing

[wmailman]

I say go for it, visit the Villages, you won’t regret it. I do not live in the villages but have visited a few times. I am a very active 60 year-old, in excellent health, who loves most outdoor activities especially biking. I also work in healthcare so I understand the virus and while I respect the virus, I don’t fear it. I also realize because of my good health, even though I am 60, I am probably in a low risk category. I also happen to live in lockdown hell of Pennsylvania and completely agree with the previous poster about how our governor is trying to bankrupt small businesses. People in Florida are so lucky to have a governor who understands all the destruction and trauma being caused by complete lockdowns, to businesses as well the effects of social isolation, especially to senior citizens, like my father, who live alone. I visited Tampa for a bike trip in November and couldn’t believe how life was almost normal in Florida, with lots of outdoor activities, seeing people walking, jogging, biking, boating, outdoor dining, etc. living as safe as one could under the current circumstances, yet taking precautions with wearing masks when indoors. The great thing about Florida is if you’re into outdoor activities, there are 1 million things you can do outdoors at a time when people in the northeast are being locked down and living with crappy weather. I had an unexpected opportunity to visit Florida last month, in mid December, at the time our governor was locking us down once again and creating fear for anyone who even thought to fly by plane. I needed a break from the lock down and so I booked a one week trip to the Villages. Couldn’t pass up those $70 round-trip airfares. I didn’t regret it for a moment. Once again I was amazed how life was so different from back home, so much to do outdoors. I biked every day, took walks, played the long putt minigolf near Fenney, spent time in the hot tub every day at our rental home, dined outdoors at Edna’s on the Green under the most gorgeous oak trees with their live music but preferred not to dine in a restaurant for safety reasons.
I did several indoor exercise classes, Walk Away the Pounds, for the first time. I was very impressed with the safety measures that were taken. I also attended an indoor line dance. Everybody wore masks inside and for the exercise class, once the exercising started, people had the choice whether to keep their mask on or not. I chose to keep my mask on, as did about half the people. We were spaced out very far apart, the ceiling fans were going, I felt very safe. I loved my week there.
I loved it so much that I just re-booked another week in February. Airfare is now $90 round-trip so prices are slowly creeping up.The only thing that really concerns me about visiting the villages is the airplane. I take my precautions, I wear 2 masks and a face shield, the same protection I were at work. While I feel very safe, I realize it is not 100% guarantee of not catching the virus. Go for it, take your precautions and you won’t regret it.

[jklfairwin]

I wear a mask inside anywhere and avoid places where social distancing is not possible. Outside walking I wear a mask slung below my chin and pull it up quickly whenever I encounter the occasional inevitable group absentmindedly taking up most of the walkway and then pull it down again when clear. That seems to work well. I never comment on those not wearing masks, even in stores, but give them plenty of space.