More vaccinations, less Masks!

[Leadbone1]

Encouraged to see less folks walking around with their faces covered up. Since getting fully vaccinated I personally have stopped wearing a mask in any business establishment, with doctors office being the only exception. Encouraged to see others joining me. I’ve never believed that they stop a virus anyway. I hope that people are done being controlled and will embrace FREEDOM once again. For those who don’t buy into any of this, by all means, you have the freedom to stay home or double mask when in public if you want to. I and many others however are totally done with all this control and paranoia!

[JohnN]

I encourage all people to not wear masks too, so everybody gets exposed to Covid sooner and we reach "herd immunity" sooner. We're gonna get exposed anyway, vaccine or not, so let's just do it.

I have been vaccinated, but I'll continue to wear a mask though I dislike it. If only for the peace of mind and consideration of many others and an added tad of safety for myself since I believe they do help. Florida's (and the nation's) virus death toll rate is nothing to brag about.

I wish health and happiness to everyone.

[kcrazorbackfan]

To everyone that doesn’t want to wear a mask, go ahead, just don’t invade my 6’ space around me. I have, and will continue to do so, tell people to back off.

[Bogie Shooter]

To everyone that doesn’t want to wear a mask, go ahead, just don’t invade my 6’ space around me. I have, and will continue to do so, tell people to back off.

I agree!
------------
All this anti-mask BS is getting old.......nobody is really listening to you anyway.

[Leadbone1]

To everyone that doesn’t want to wear a mask, go ahead, just don’t invade my 6’ space around me. I have, and will continue to do so, tell people to back off.

“Your Space” ������ Good luck with that. If you said that to me I would tell you to just go home if your that paranoid!

[Stu from NYC]

“Your Space” ������ Good luck with that. If you said that to me I would tell you to just go home if your that paranoid!

Nothing wrong with asking people politely to stand 6 ft behind me.

[Happinow]

Encouraged to see less folks walking around with their faces covered up. Since getting fully vaccinated I personally have stopped wearing a mask in any business establishment, with doctors office being the only exception. Encouraged to see others joining me. I’ve never believed that they stop a virus anyway. I hope that people are done being controlled and will embrace FREEDOM once again. For those who don’t buy into any of this, by all means, you have the freedom to stay home or double mask when in public if you want to. I and many others however are totally done with all this control and paranoia!
Totally agree. The gig is over. Haven’t worn a mask in 8 months.

[JohnN]

“Your Space” ������ Good luck with that. If you said that to me I would tell you to just go home if your that paranoid!

....and the next day - the alternate online villages paper reads - angry man pulls out a gun on another man in a fight over masks

[Swoop]

I encourage all people to not wear masks too, so everybody gets exposed to Covid sooner and we reach "herd immunity" sooner. We're gonna get exposed anyway, vaccine or not, so let's just do it.

I have been vaccinated, but I'll continue to wear a mask though I dislike it. If only for the peace of mind and consideration of many others and an added tad of safety for myself since I believe they do help. Florida's (and the nation's) virus death toll rate is nothing to brag about.

I wish health and happiness to everyone.

The Florida death toll may be “nothing to brag about”. But considering Florida doesn’t have, and has never had, a mask mandate, we have done better than most mask mandated states. Over the past year, if masks were truly effective, there would have been a discernible difference between the states that did, and did not, have mandates. You can show me all the YouTube videos you want about masks, but the actual death count speaks volumes about the effectiveness of masks...

[Gulfcoast]

Between natural immunity and the vaccinations I'm feeling optimistic that masks will be a thing of the past by this summer. I'm seeing fewer and fewer people wearing them. Every day the risk of contracting the virus goes down which is awesome.

[JohnN]

The Florida death toll may be “nothing to brag about”. But considering Florida doesn’t have, and has never had, a mask mandate, we have done better than most mask mandated states. Over the past year, if masks were truly effective, there would have been a discernible difference between the states that did, and did not, have mandates. You can show me all the YouTube videos you want about masks, but the actual death count speaks volumes about the effectiveness of masks...

I don't want to show you any videos at all. Do as you choose. Good luck.

[vison34]

Being humble towards others rather than saying this is my right and the hell with you must be very hard. Does a mask really hurt you????? Do you wonder why stores and medical facilities require masks???

[billethkid]

eventually the anti mask/non vaccine folks will be the most vulnerable group left!!

[Bogie Shooter]

eventually the anti mask/non vaccine folks will be the most vulnerable group left!!

The will give the new strains a place to feed on...........

[Leadbone1]

eventually the anti mask/non vaccine folks will be the most vulnerable group left!!

And since we still live in the United States of America it is their choice to be in that group! That seems to be a concept that a lot of people have forgotten

[Leadbone1]

Being humble towards others rather than saying this is my right and the hell with you must be very hard. Does a mask really hurt you????? Do you wonder why stores and medical facilities require masks???

I have been in Walmart, Publix, Home Depot, restaurants, and none of them have said a word to me about not wearing a mask because legally they cannot. There is no legislatively mandated requirement to wear a mask in the state of Florida. Stores just can’t make up their own rules. They can request, but they cannot demand it.

[Bonnevie]

the vaccine isn't 100% fool proof, especially with the variants. I wonder how history will record this mania that wearing a mask is such an affront to one's freedom especially as it compares to the sacrifices of others though out history.

continuing to wear a mask reinforces their need until the majority of people can be vaccinated. why some want to plant their flag on this issue astounds me.

[Swoop]

The same people who say, follow the science, are the same ones who ignore the facts. The numbers do not lie. Strict mask mandate states have done no better that states without mandates.

[Chi-Town]

I go with the more vaccinations premise, but less masks not yet.

[patfla06]

You still need to wear a mask!
Why is this so difficult?

[Leadbone1]

The same people who say, follow the science, are the same ones who ignore the facts. The numbers do not lie. Strict mask mandate states have done no better that states without mandates.

Exactly! Unfortunately there are people that embrace being controlled and filled with paranoia! Figure that out?

[OrangeBlossomBaby]

Encouraged to see less folks walking around with their faces covered up. Since getting fully vaccinated I personally have stopped wearing a mask in any business establishment, with doctors office being the only exception. Encouraged to see others joining me. I’ve never believed that they stop a virus anyway. I hope that people are done being controlled and will embrace FREEDOM once again. For those who don’t buy into any of this, by all means, you have the freedom to stay home or double mask when in public if you want to. I and many others however are totally done with all this control and paranoia!

Yes, everyone please feed the angry adults who want to spread FEAR and bully everyone else into staying home, by refusing to wear masks for just a little while longer! That way, people who aren't vaccinated yet (because they're not eligible), like the restaurant workers, golf pros, rec center employees, the guy who fixes your roof, etc - they won't know which ones of you were vaccinated and which ones of you might be spreading COVID.

Nothing says "love thy neighbor" by making people afraid to go to work every day.

[Two Bills]

Nothing better than being dead right!:icon_wink:

[OrangeBlossomBaby]

I have been in Walmart, Publix, Home Depot, restaurants, and none of them have said a word to me about not wearing a mask because legally they cannot. There is no legislatively mandated requirement to wear a mask in the state of Florida. Stores just can’t make up their own rules. They can request, but they cannot demand it.

Legally they absolutely can. They have chosen not to. Supermarkets and restaurants are private property. The proprietor of that property (and designated representatives) have the RIGHT to make you leave, for any reason that doesn't violate the Civil Rights act. Your freedom of expression ends on the sidewalk outside their parking lot.

[Swoop]

Exactly! Unfortunately there are people that embrace being controlled and filled with paranoia! Figure that out?
Rather than actually “following the science” they would prefer to burry their mask covered heads in the sand...

[mulligan]

I think in order to get insurance for any covid related medical treatments, you should have to show your medicare card and proof of vaccination. Don't have both, sorry cash up front.

[billethkid]

In addition to medical providers where the rule is no mask no entry....there are several businesses in TV that advocate and enforce no mask no service.

I do not think any business that enforces mask wearing thinks for one second about violating anybody's rights. They are, like their medical counterparts concerned about deterring the transmitting or contracting the proven, deadly virus....and the protection of their employees and customers.

Exercise your right to not wear a mask. Expect to not be served in some locations.

[Gulfcoast]

In addition to medical providers where the rule is no mask no entry....there are several businesses in TV that advocate and enforce no mask no service.

I do not think any business that enforces mask wearing thinks for one second about violating anybody's rights. They are, like their medical counterparts concerned about deterring the transmitting or contracting the proven, deadly virus....and the protection of their employees and customers.

Exercise your right to not wear a mask. Expect to not be served in some locations.

I agree with this 100%. If a business requires/enforces masks, I'll wear one or I'll simply shop somewhere else.

Judging from my recent travels, the whole mask thing is really beginning to fall by the wayside with fewer and fewer people wearing them.

[Byte1]

I have my shots, and after 12 days no longer wear a mask unless the business requires it.....maybe. For those that say the vaccine is not a 100%, you are probably wrong. For as many "experts" that say it is not 100%, I can find as many that say it is 100%. 100% that you will NOT be hospitalized. And for those that insist that you can carry the virus, the only way you can after vaccinated is to carry it on your clothes. If you advise folks to step back 6 ft from you AFTER you have been vaccinated, you are likely to get some resistance because there is no "personal" space in a business. It is just a polite thing to do, IF you feel inclined. Many of us get a bit impatient with the fear mongering, hysteria and don't blame us if we are going back to "NORMAL." I see absolutely NO reason to continue to wear a mask after being inoculated and then waiting the suggested 12 days. If you are really that paranoid that you still think that "safe" folks should wear a mask, then maybe you should seek some professional assistance to help you get over your fear. Even without the shots, I did not worry or care about anyone shopping around me without their wearing a mask. I really expect to see a bunch of you suggesting that everyone continue to wear a mask during flu season. Well, Americans love their FREEDOM and you can wish in one hand and **** in the other.....you know how the saying goes. I have not heard anyone on here come up with a valid or even a good reason as to why one should endure the two shot regimen and then continue to wear a mask. If you suggest that it is for the "comfort" of others, I would have to say that in my opinion, you are out of your mind.
I am not a "Non-Vax'er"
I am not a "Non-Masker."
I have my vaccination and I have coddled the hysterical long enough regarding the wearing of a mask. If my resisting the wearing of a mask now, is considered being a "big meanie" then I am a big meanie and can live with it.
My read on the issue, and the version I plan to live by until proven wrong, is that once I achieve immunity I will not catch the virus and if I ingest virus spores(?) then they will be destroyed by my antibodies and not transmitted to others. Do not insist that I am wrong unless you can PROVE otherwise. Quoting a political hack like Fauci means nothing to me, because I never liked him and do not trust him to be truthful. When is the last time he has seen a patient?
And for those that try to shame folks that are vaccinated because they no longer wear their mask, ...shame on you! Just because no one knows if I have had my shots or not, means nothing to me. I know, and that is all that is important. If you do not know and you fear me, stay the he** away. Like I have said before, I am waiting to my custom T shirt that says "Have shots, but still keep your distance." I never did like folks in my "personal" space. I am NOT your keeper. If you need coddling, they have nursing homes for you. Don't presume to dictate how I should act just to please you. I consider that as your being selfish.

You do what you wish. But, I find it hilarious that you would put yourself through getting these shots and then continue to act like you are going to get doused with acid rain every time you leave your home. If you do not have the shots, then that is all on you. You wear the mask and you stay your distance IF you fear contact with others. I fulfilled my obligation to you by making myself "safe." Now, it is up to you to do the same or stay home. If you do not wish to stay home, do not blame me if you catch the covid. I just don't care. I do not care if you wear your mask for the rest of your life. Do not expect me to conform to your standards, just because you are a whimpy little sissy that's too weak to take care of yourself. How many of you can tell that I have never had a flu vaccination? Do you insist that everyone wear a mask to protect you from the flu?
Never mind, I ran this one on and on again. Some folks on here should just start a club of losers that can hold each other up so you don't hurt yourself with sharp objects.
Sorry, being harsh again after saying I wouldn't. Must be the reaction from the shots. Probably tends to make one a bit irritable.
Be safe, be happy and don't breath the air...........:D

[drcar]

And since we still live in the United States of America it is their choice to be in that group! That seems to be a concept that a lot of people have forgotten

Interesting comments, we live in the USA, and we are REQUIRED to wear a seat belt, sorta the same idea right?

[blueash]

My read on the issue, and the version I plan to live by until proven wrong, is that once I achieve immunity I will not catch the virus and if I ingest virus spores(?) then they will be destroyed by my antibodies and not transmitted to others. Do not insist that I am wrong unless you can PROVE otherwise.

Ok, I can prove otherwise. The vaccines in data submitted for their approval did 100% prevent hospitalization and death from Covid. The same data showed, however, that persons who had been fully immunized could catch Covid with clinical symptoms but not severe symptoms. If you are clinically ill, you are contagious. Period.
Can I still get COVID-19 after the vaccine? | wbir.com (https://www.wbir.com/article/news/health/coronavirus/vaccine/can-i-still-get-covid-19-after-the-vaccine/51-a7ad3624-2ec1-4163-bdb6-6eb6dfaf0150)
SoCal nurse who contracted COVID-19 after vaccination urges others to still get the vaccine - ABC7 Los Angeles (https://abc7.com/covid-19-vaccine-san-gabriel-valley-lisa-blais/10381212/)
After COVID-19 vaccination: Is it OK to visit with friends and loved ones? - Mayo Clinic (https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/coronavirus/expert-answers/visits-after-covid-19-vaccination/faq-20506463)

So the 5% who do not get protection are still capable of becoming ill and spreading disease. It is a higher percent with the newer J&J vaccine. This, of course, does not answer the question, can a person who never develops clinical illness catch Covid and spread it. This is not a trivial question as it is well known that subclinical Covid is very common and those persons are contagious. Nothing is known about vaccine protection against sub-clinical disease.

By the way Dr. Fauci is certainly not a political hack. You may not understand infectious disease as he does, having spent his career on the subject. And you certainly show a lack of scientific education when you write about ingesting virus spores. Please don't pontificate on the science involved in the public health recommendations. You can have an uninformed opinion, of course, but there are actual virologists and infectious disease experts who would differ with your conclusions.

[MSchad]

eventually the anti mask/non vaccine folks will be the most vulnerable group left!!

And what will have changed for them from day one till then?

[OrangeBlossomBaby]

At this point in the game, I'm mostly continuing to wear a mask inside buildings (except that one time at World of Beer) out of respect for people who want to be vaccinated but aren't eligible yet (or haven't been called for their appointment yet), and who want to start returning to normal but are hesitant and concerned about the risks of the spread of the virus. If they see that most people are respectful of their science-based, practical, logical concerns, it will make them more eager to be out and about, and help make the entire community healthier, and more mentally at ease.

I don't really worry about my own health. Working in a supermarket for most of the pandemic, with people who REFUSED to wear masks and coughed, sneezed, stood up close and personal to me, touched me, etc etc - if I haven't gotten sick yet, I'm not gonna get sick.

But there are people who WANT to return to normal - they want to take the masks off, they want to be vaccinated. Those are the people who I'm wearing the mask for. Out of respect for them.

[Byte1]

At this point in the game, I'm mostly continuing to wear a mask inside buildings (except that one time at World of Beer) out of respect for people who want to be vaccinated but aren't eligible yet (or haven't been called for their appointment yet), and who want to start returning to normal but are hesitant and concerned about the risks of the spread of the virus. If they see that most people are respectful of their science-based, practical, logical concerns, it will make them more eager to be out and about, and help make the entire community healthier, and more mentally at ease.

I don't really worry about my own health. Working in a supermarket for most of the pandemic, with people who REFUSED to wear masks and coughed, sneezed, stood up close and personal to me, touched me, etc etc - if I haven't gotten sick yet, I'm not gonna get sick.

But there are people who WANT to return to normal - they want to take the masks off, they want to be vaccinated. Those are the people who I'm wearing the mask for. Out of respect for them.

How is that respect? They are probably telling themselves, "why bother to get the shots if I have to continue to wear a mask?" No disrespect intended but I find that idea of "respecting" someone else by coddling them to be a major problem in this country. And of course, this is just my opinion. I find it to be condescending and would be insulted if I was on the other end of your "respecting." Why not just be honest and say that you do not trust the vaccine?

[kathyspear]

Interesting comments, we live in the USA, and we are REQUIRED to wear a seat belt, sorta the same idea right?

Some people think those laws are unconstitutional.

kathy

[Neils]

I have been in Walmart, Publix, Home Depot, restaurants, and none of them have said a word to me about not wearing a mask because legally they cannot. There is no legislatively mandated requirement to wear a mask in the state of Florida. Stores just can’t make up their own rules. They can request, but they cannot demand it.

Wrong. If you are on their property they can make the rules. You comply or trespass

[Byte1]

Ok, I can prove otherwise. The vaccines in data submitted for their approval did 100% prevent hospitalization and death from Covid. The same data showed, however, that persons who had been fully immunized could catch Covid with clinical symptoms but not severe symptoms. If you are clinically ill, you are contagious. Period.
Can I still get COVID-19 after the vaccine? | wbir.com (https://www.wbir.com/article/news/health/coronavirus/vaccine/can-i-still-get-covid-19-after-the-vaccine/51-a7ad3624-2ec1-4163-bdb6-6eb6dfaf0150)
SoCal nurse who contracted COVID-19 after vaccination urges others to still get the vaccine - ABC7 Los Angeles (https://abc7.com/covid-19-vaccine-san-gabriel-valley-lisa-blais/10381212/)
After COVID-19 vaccination: Is it OK to visit with friends and loved ones? - Mayo Clinic (https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/coronavirus/expert-answers/visits-after-covid-19-vaccination/faq-20506463)

So the 5% who do not get protection are still capable of becoming ill and spreading disease. It is a higher percent with the newer J&J vaccine. This, of course, does not answer the question, can a person who never develops clinical illness catch Covid and spread it. This is not a trivial question as it is well known that subclinical Covid is very common and those persons are contagious. Nothing is known about vaccine protection against sub-clinical disease.

By the way Dr. Fauci is certainly not a political hack. You may not understand infectious disease as he does, having spent his career on the subject. And you certainly show a lack of scientific education when you write about ingesting virus spores. Please don't pontificate on the science involved in the public health recommendations. You can have an uninformed opinion, of course, but there are actual virologists and infectious disease experts who would differ with your conclusions.

Like I said, there are experts with both views and I prefer the one that sounds more logical. You are correct that I am not an expert, and I admitted that. However, I can also tell the difference between BS and chocolate cake.
I certainly will not use a questionable news media for advice and I will not give much stock to our gov. run or subsidized medical experts.
If you are sincere about researching the validity of the vaccines, then try looking at both sides. I did and will go with private sector professionals.
If I thought that I could still get covid after receiving the vaccination, or even transmit it, then I would not have allowed them to put that crap in me. Tell me why anyone with a lick of sense would get the vaccination if they were told it wouldn't do anything for them. As a matter of fact, that is probably why a whole lot of younger folks refuse to get vaccinated.
But like I said, this is my opinion. I doubt you will consider it, but there are some interesting studies out there by Israeli scientists that are pretty intriguing. They also have an interesting nasal spray that has been 99.99% effective in killing viruses being inhaled through the nose.
But, if it make folks more hysterical, panic driven and dependent on the gov. let's not be positive about the fact that covid is almost a nothing burger now that the death rate from covid is way down. And it is not necessarily from wearing masks. And isn't it funny that the interest is driven by politics? And YES, fauci really IS a political hack.

[Byte1]

Wrong. If you are on their property they can make the rules. You comply or trespass

Maybe true, and yet NO ONE is being ejected from any business.....:boom:

[stanley]

Interesting comments, we live in the USA, and we are REQUIRED to wear a seat belt, sorta the same idea right?

Not really...wearing seat belts is the law

[Byte1]

Nothing better than being dead right!:icon_wink:

There's only a couple folks that I recall that have gotten out of here alive and that was a long time ago and recorded in the Scriptures.
My suggestion is to do what you feel is right for you, not what someone else wants you to do that you don't even know. Selfish or is it self-survival?

[drcar]

Some people think those laws are unconstitutional.

kathy

LOL, well some people are wrong, has been challanged

[Inexes@aol.com]

Encouraged to see less folks walking around with their faces covered up. Since getting fully vaccinated I personally have stopped wearing a mask in any business establishment, with doctors office being the only exception. Encouraged to see others joining me. I’ve never believed that they stop a virus anyway. I hope that people are done being controlled and will embrace FREEDOM once again. For those who don’t buy into any of this, by all means, you have the freedom to stay home or double mask when in public if you want to. I and many others however are totally done with all this control and paranoia!

It's a question on everyone's minds: What can you do once you're vaccinated?
Dr. Bob Wachter, the chair of UCSF's department of medicine who has become among the most widely quoted coronavirus experts in the country, shared his response to this question.
Wachter wrote on Twitter that after getting vaccinated, he flew to Florida to visit his parents, ages 85 and 90, and wore two masks (not N95) but no face shield on the plane. He hugged his mother, who is vaccinated, but not his father, who is not.
Wachter's response suggests that the vaccine offers new freedom to do things that have been deemed unsafe amid the COVID-19 pandemic, but precautions should still be taken.
If you've recently received a jab or two in your arm, you're probably starting to think about what activities you'd like to do as you return to a less-restricted everyday life. To help you navigate your new life with a vaccination, we've looked to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and experts, including Wachter, for their advice on what you can do safely if you're vaccinated.
One important point to keep in mind when you get vaccinated: Pfizer and Moderna vaccines require two doses, and they're not fully effective, reaching 95% efficacy against illness, until two weeks after the second dose. The single-dose Johnson & Johnson vaccine reaches 85% efficacy against severe disease after two weeks.
On to the questions ...
Q: Can you throw caution to the wind when vaccinated?
A: "No, not caution to the wind," Wachter wrote in an email. "The chances of you getting really sick and dying are essentially zero. But there is still a small chance of getting mild COVID, and some chance (odds still not known) of catching asymptomtic COVID and giving it to someone else. My preference is not to get it period, and definitely not to spread it — particularly if I’m around someone who is vulnerable (like someone over 70). So I am more comfortable doing things (like getting a haircut and flying) but still doing masks and distancing, trying my best to avoid being exposed."
Wachter's stance that you still need to be careful if you're vaccinated is the consensus among experts, and Dr. Peter Chin-Hong, a professor of medicine at UCSF, said this is especially important in an "unregulated environment," such as inside a grocery store, on a bus or in any group situation.
“You’re in a mixed crowd, and we don’t know who has been vaccinated and who is not," said Chin-Hong.
Q: Do I still need to wear a mask in public if I’m vaccinated?
A: The CDC advises that people continue to wear a mask and so do the experts.
"I think you should be wearing a mask in public since you don’t know the immunity status of the people you’ll be in contact with," Wachter advised.
"Yes, you still need to wear a mask," concurred Chin-Hong. "I don’t know if I have protection myself in a large unregulated setting and I still could potentially transmit it to others.”
Q: Do I still need to wear a mask on a run if I’m vaccinated?
A: "Depends how close you’ll come to people, and what the local rules say," Wachter wrote. "But the chances that you’ll catch COVID and that you’ll spread it to others have gone down substantially. So if the rules allow you to run without a mask, and you won’t be coming close to people, I think it’s fine not to wear a mask."
“Yes, you should wear a mask in crowded places," explained Chin-Hong. "If you’re running in Golden Gate Park in an area where there's not a lot of people, you probably don’t need it.”
Q: Can I travel on a plane safely?
A: Vaccinated or not, the CDC still recommends essential travel only, but health officials say that if you do fly, you're much safer with a vaccine than without one.
Wachter said that while he just flew to visit his elderly parents in Florida, he wouldn’t have done it last month. "I wore a double mask and when people around me took off their masks to eat, I kept mine on," he wrote in an email. "The air is filtered on the plane quite well, so I felt that after 10-15 minutes after people had their masks back on, it was safe for me to remove mine to (quickly) grab a bite to eat. I ate and drank very quickly and immediately put back the mask when done."
Chin-Hong agreed that the risk is low on a plane if you're vaccinated and sporting a face covering.
"The vaccine should give you peace of mind that at least you wouldn’t get severe disease and you have a very low chance of getting infected," Chin-Hong said. "I would definitely have a soda on the plane. I might even go into the bathroom but I would keep my mask on.”
Q: If parents are vaccinated and children are not, can the family fly to international destinations?
A: International is trickier due to the concern about carrying worrisome mutations from one country to another — and especially with unvaccinated children.
"The kids are safer than adults (particularly if under 12) but the risk to them isn’t zero, and some of the new variants appear to be harder on kids than the old virus," Wachter said. "I’d wait until everybody is vaccinated — vaccine for kids will probably be ready in the fall."
While Hawaii isn't an overseas destination, it offers a getaway and, Chin-Hong said, "Hawaii is very safe right now." He also advised against countries where variants are a concern. "I probably wouldn’t take the family to South Africa on a safari," he said.
If you do choose to travel abroad, you can expect countries with quarantine and test requirements to likely add post-vaccination guidelines.
Q: Can I visit my elderly parents who are vaccinated?
A: "Yes, in a small group of vaccinated people it’s going to be fine," said Chin-Hong. "You can give them a hug and have dinner with them."
As noted earlier, Wachter just visited his parents in Florida and his mom was vaccinated, but his father was not. "So I’m hugging her and not him — with him, I’m staying more than 6 feet away, keeping fans on, and wearing mask if I have to be closer," he shared.
Wachter explained on Twitter his father wasn't vaccinated as he's mostly confined to bed. His mother waited three and a half hours in a parking lot site, which his father couldn't have done. His father is a veteran and is signed up for a shot at a nearby Veterans Affairs location soon.
Q: Can I eat indoors at a restaurant?
A: "I wouldn’t," Wachter shared. "There’s still a lot of virus around and I’m going to wait until case rates are lower. If you do, make sure waiter is wearing mask, and wear yours until you eat."
“You will have more security in these places with a vaccinated individual and your individual chance of getting infected is very low, but I would still use protection, wear a mask," said Chin-Hong. "You’re protecting the staff. Wait staff are only starting to get vaccinated. The chances are very low. You want to give them the benefit of the doubt. I still personally feel better outdoors, but if there was a big snowstorm and I had to eat indoors I would be OK with it."
Q: Can I have other vaccinated people over for an indoor dinner and sit close and not wear masks?
A: "Yes, a small group of vaccinated people getting together should be safe," said Wachter.
“Yes for a modest crowd, five or six max," specified Chin-Hong. "You want to make sure you know where they are in their vaccination. Generally two weeks after the second dose is the mantra for being safe."
Q: Can I have unvaccinated people over for an indoor dinner and sit close and not wear masks?
A: "I would not," Wachter said. "Again, there is a small but real chance that you can be infected and spread it to one of them — particularly if they’re high risk (older age, maybe they have a pre-existing condition you don’t know about), it could be a problem. Also, if they’re unvaccinated they could infect you — you won’t get super sick but I’d still rather not have COVID, since we’re not sure about the possibility of long-term problems from even asymptomatic infection (though it seems unlikely). Anyway, I wouldn’t risk it. Outdoors should be fine."
Chin-Hong agree it's wise to skip indoor gatherings, no matter how small, with unvaccinated friends.
“If unvaccinated people are visiting me, I’d still want to do it outside and be safe," he said. "Not only might I give it to them, I would worry they might give it to each other."
Q: Can I throw a birthday party at my house with a mix of vaccinated and unvaccinated people?
A: The CDC advises against gathering in large groups event if you're vaccinated, and so do both Chin-Hong and Wachter. "Birthday parties are exciting, and you’d be singing, yelping in joy and having a lot of aerosols in an indoor place," Chin-Hong said. "That would be scary. Keep it outside and do social distance and have the extra protection of a mask.”
Wachter added that if everyone at the party were fully vaccinated, it should be OK, but "mixture is risky if you’re inside, less so if outside."

[billethkid]

Maybe true, and yet NO ONE is being ejected from any business.....:boom:

Like the medical providers there are businesses in TV that require one to wear a mask.....you are given a choice of
> wear your mask
>they will provide you a mask
>you may leave

They can and are doing so.

[Byte1]

Like the medical providers there are businesses in TV that require one to wear a mask.....you are given a choice of
> wear your mask
>they will provide you a mask
>you may leave

They can and are doing so.

Interesting. Haven't seen any yet, and I also haven't been limited in my shopping. However, I respect their signs if posted and wear a mask when they display the request.

Not going to concern myself with it in a few days as I will be virus free and protected without a mask. I will still wash my hands frequently, as it is an old habit from living overseas.

[OrangeBlossomBaby]

How is that respect? They are probably telling themselves, "why bother to get the shots if I have to continue to wear a mask?" No disrespect intended but I find that idea of "respecting" someone else by coddling them to be a major problem in this country. And of course, this is just my opinion. I find it to be condescending and would be insulted if I was on the other end of your "respecting." Why not just be honest and say that you do not trust the vaccine?

I do trust the vaccine. I'm looking forward to the day I'm eligible to get it. As are millions of people in Florida, and billions around the world. But we're not even close to "most" people being vaccinated yet. Many of us aren't eligible to get it yet. Many are eligible, and are still waiting for their appointments.

So for those of us who choose to not isolate ourselves, but have a practical, scientifically-based, reasonable concern (not panic) about being out in public while vulnerable to a deadly virus, I am continuing to mask when I'm inside other peoples' buildings. Reducing the anxiety that MANY people have when they go out, at next to zero inconvenience or expense to ourselves, is the humane thing to do.

[butlerperkins@gmail.com]

2021 0305 Friday @ 15:05
It sounds as though you are flaunting your immunity. So be it. Now, do some good: Go volunteer in an assisted living facility, without your mask, of course.

[tvbound]

Coronavirus Update: Maps And Charts For U.S. Cases And Deaths : Shots - Health News : NPR (https://www.npr.org/sections/health-shots/2020/09/01/816707182/map-tracking-the-spread-of-the-coronavirus-in-the-u-s)

[Byte1]

Who are you responding too?

Good question. Then again, how does one "flaunt" their immunity? I think he/she is looking at the subject through a glass half empty. If I decide to go mask-less, I do not consider it "flaunting" rather giving others a sense of security/safety by suggesting that I am safe to be around because I have been vaccinated. I sincerely hope that this mask addiction or dependency does not result in a mandate to wear a mask during flu season.
We have already seen how this virus has become political and profitable for those in D.C. After all, 90% of the Covid relief package is nothing to do with the virus, but just plain old pork. I think some are seeing dollar signs at the cost of the taxpayers. I will stop there so that my comment is not construed as political.
When I cease wearing my mask, it is NOT to flaunt my immunity, but to give folks confidence that some of us are being proactive in stopping the spread. In my opinion, wearing a useless mask in public ONLY gives folks a false sense of security and safety. I am not saying that there is not a certain element of protection even with a bit of thin cloth over the mouth and nose.
I will not disparage those that are scared and wish to protect themselves. I just want them to know that we live in a free society that allows differing opinions. Sometimes, it just takes me longer to prove that mine is right....:icon_wink:

[Number 10 GI]

Interesting comments, we live in the USA, and we are REQUIRED to wear a seat belt, sorta the same idea right?

Incrementalism at work.

[Number 10 GI]

Wrong. If you are on their property they can make the rules. You comply or trespass

There are restrictions on what they can demand on their own property that is open to the public. Are you OK with them restricting entry by minorities or religious preference? How about no gays or LGTQURSTVJKL or whatever? See there restrictions on what they can demand you comply with.

[dhdallas]

Lions & tigers & bears, oh my! (Dorothy, Wizard of Oz)

I am in FL for the winter & there are no mask mandates in this state. FL is right in the middle as to the number of COVID cases. Some businesses have mask rules but they don't enforce them. I haven't worn a mask since this thing started a year ago, had COVID which was no big deal (as it is for 99.9% of people), and am NOT going to wear a mask or get a vaccine rushed into production with genetic instructions.

Are you going to wear a mask and hide from the world forever? Enough is enough!

“People are sheep. TV is the shepherd.”
― Jess C. Scott, (Gluttony): A Twilight Parody

[Byte1]

Dr.Fauci suggests that we may not be able to go mask free until sometime in 2022. Not exactly exciting to look forward to, a year more of a dark cloud over everyone's head. Now, that is a glass half empty.

[OrangeBlossomBaby]

There are restrictions on what they can demand on their own property that is open to the public. Are you OK with them restricting entry by minorities or religious preference? How about no gays or LGTQURSTVJKL or whatever? See there restrictions on what they can demand you comply with.

Masks, and lack thereof, are not covered under the American Civil Liberties Act. Mask wearers, and mask refusers, are not protected classes.

And if you want people to believe you actually possess the ability for intelligent discourse, you might want to learn the terms being used by intelligent people.

It's LGBTQ, or LGB, or LGBTQ+ - any of them will get the point across without looking like someone who doesn't really pay attention to the things he pretends to care about.

[coffeebean]

“Your Space” ������ Good luck with that. If you said that to me I would tell you to just go home if your that paranoid!

I guess you just haven't been listening to the experts and the science. EVERYONE has personal space. Don't invade mine or I will verbally let you have it.

[coffeebean]

Nothing wrong with asking people politely to stand 6 ft behind me.

The keyword is being polite. I'm always polite when I ask folks to keep their distance. It's the eye rolls and the smirks that get me going. THEN I'll let you have it!!!!!

[stanley]

I guess you just haven't been listening to the experts and the science. EVERYONE has personal space. Don't invade mine or I will verbally let you have it.

Ouch ....that scares me to no end! :ohdear::ohdear:

[coffeebean]

Totally agree. The gig is over. Haven’t worn a mask in 8 months.

And you're proud of that fact? WOW. just WOW!

[stanley]

And you're proud of that fact? WOW. just WOW!

I'm proud of the fact I haven't worn a mask since last March.

[coffeebean]

I have been in Walmart, Publix, Home Depot, restaurants, and none of them have said a word to me about not wearing a mask because legally they cannot. There is no legislatively mandated requirement to wear a mask in the state of Florida. Stores just can’t make up their own rules. They can request, but they cannot demand it.

I was under the impression that a store can make their own rules. Some choose not to enforce their own rules though.They can ask you to vacate the premises if you do not follow their rules, what ever those rules are. Is that an incorrect impression?

[coffeebean]

The same people who say, follow the science, are the same ones who ignore the facts. The numbers do not lie. Strict mask mandate states have done no better that states without mandates.
Florida has not had a mask mandate however, many businesses in our local area have required masks. I believe that is what has kept our numbers from skyrocketing. We are seniors in these parts and most of us have done our best to help to slow the spread of this virus. Masking and distancing has been alive and well for us seniors who value life and the continuation of breathing without a respirator.

[coffeebean]

I agree with this 100%. If a business requires/enforces masks, I'll wear one or I'll simply shop somewhere else.

Judging from my recent travels, the whole mask thing is really beginning to fall by the wayside with fewer and fewer people wearing them.

Just when we have been asked to not only stay the course but to ramp up what we have been doing all along. We are getting close to that light at the end of the tunnel but we aren't there yet. I'm going to continue to mask and certainly keep my distance from everyone with the exception of my husband. I'm protected but I'm wearing a mask to protect the folks who have not been vaccinated yet.

[Garywt]

Encouraged to see less folks walking around with their faces covered up. Since getting fully vaccinated I personally have stopped wearing a mask in any business establishment, with doctors office being the only exception. Encouraged to see others joining me. I’ve never believed that they stop a virus anyway. I hope that people are done being controlled and will embrace FREEDOM once again. For those who don’t buy into any of this, by all means, you have the freedom to stay home or double mask when in public if you want to. I and many others however are totally done with all this control and paranoia!

Being controlled and losing Freedom is alway laughable to me. No one was controlled and no freedom was lost. Of course we have been asked to wear masks until 80% of the US population has received their vaccination but people have done what they wanted from day one.

[Dgizzi]

We have only worn a mask when a place required it. I don’t believe in wearing a mask walking around outside. If the virus was in the “air” we would have all gotten sick! I am with you. I am only 57, I would like the vaccine but it hasn’t stopped me from going out.

[coffeebean]

I have to wonder if those who have been, and still are, under the spell of. . .well. . .you know who I mean — can explain why he and his wife had their vaccines in secret before they left town and moved to Florida.

Just think of the good that could have been done by making those shots public instead. What could the motivation possibly have been for them to get the vaccine in secret? It would have been a wonderful photo op that could have saved the American people more misery.



Thank you Boomer! I was wondering who was going to break this news on TOTV. I'm absolutely LIVID about this. They could have done so much good, not just four our country but for the world by setting a good example especially for those folks who are on the fence about being vaccinated. His supporters are notorious anti-vaxxers. He just may have given them pause to reconsider inoculation.

He did not set a good example for America for Universal Masking, in fact he mocked those who wore masks. He has done it again by being secretive about getting their vaccinations. Why didn't they roll up their sleeves for the cameras like other celebrities and politicians have for the good of our country? I know the answer but I had better not voice it on this forum.

[coffeebean]

How is that respect? They are probably telling themselves, "why bother to get the shots if I have to continue to wear a mask?" No disrespect intended but I find that idea of "respecting" someone else by coddling them to be a major problem in this country. And of course, this is just my opinion. I find it to be condescending and would be insulted if I was on the other end of your "respecting." Why not just be honest and say that you do not trust the vaccine?

I implicitly trust the Moderna vaccine I received. The vaccines are what is going to get us out of this global mess. It will be the vaccines that will get us to a SAFE herd immunity. We aren't there yet so I will continue to mask to protect those who have not been able to be vaccinated yet.

There is evidence that vaccinated people are not contagious and will not infect others if they do contract the virus. Until all testing is completed and we vaccinated people are told there is no way we can infect others, I will continue to wear my mask and keep my distance from others. I'm protected and I feel as safe now as I did pre-pandemic so my wearing a mask is not out of fear. It is for my respect and empathy for those who are clamoring to be vaccinated.

[coffeebean]

Some people think those laws are unconstitutional.

kathy

Really? I've never heard that.

[stanley]

I implicitly trust the Moderna vaccine I received. The vaccines are what is going to get us out of this global mess. It will be the vaccines that will get us to a SAFE herd immunity. We aren't there yet so I will continue to mask to protect those who have not been able to be vaccinated yet.

There is evidence that vaccinated people are not contagious and will not infect others if they do contract the virus. Until all testing is completed and we vaccinated people are told there is no way we can infect others, I will continue to wear my mask and keep my distance from others. I'm protected and I feel as safe now as I did pre-pandemic so my wearing a mask is not out of fear. It is for my respect and empathy for those who are clamoring to be vaccinated.

You contradict yourself.....quite often I might add

[stanley]

Really? I've never heard that.

The laws, or the Constitution?

[coffeebean]

I'm proud of the fact I haven't worn a mask since last March.

Do you realize that you are personally responsible for perpetuating this pandemic? Are you proud you have not done your part to slow the spread of this virus? That is NOTHING to be proud about.

[coffeebean]

You contradict yourself.....quite often I might add
No way in hell do I ever contradict myself. Give me one example.

[coffeebean]

The laws, or the Constitution?

I have never heard that there are people who think the seat belt laws are unconstitutional. I was responding to another poster when I said that so I just spelled it out for you. Better now?

[stanley]

No way in hell do I ever contradict myself. Give my one example.

Too many post's to look back on and quote
You know.....

[stanley]

I have never heard that there are people who think the seat belt laws are unconstitutional. I was responding to another poster when I said that so I just spelled it out for you. Better now?

Now things are getting incoherant.

[Swoop]

Florida has not had a mask mandate however, many businesses in our local area have required masks. I believe that is what has kept our numbers from skyrocketing. We are seniors in these parts and most of us have done our best to help to slow the spread of this virus. Masking and distancing has been alive and well for us seniors who value life and the continuation of breathing without a respirator.
The point is Florida hasn’t had a mask mandate and has only had minimal shutdowns of restaurants, gyms, hair salons, etc.. Yet other states that have had strict mask mandates, long term shutdowns of businesses and tight restrictions on gatherings have done no better than Florida.
The numbers don’t lie. Mask wearing has had little to no appreciable effect on the spread of the Corona virus.

[dhdallas]

Soon most people will have been vaccinated or are already immune as a result of having had COVID. You would think we could be done with masks, distancing and all of the fear. Wrong! Now, depending on what “expert” you want to believe, we are to continue to wear masks & practice social distancing...until when…forever? Enough is enough!

If fate or your god or the universe has you marked for death in the near future, do you really want to spend your last few precious days/months/years hiding behind a mask, avoiding people, avoiding family and enjoyable activities, living in fear, and rarely venturing outside the home because a small percentage of people (who by & large already have issues) have died? Yes, the millions of deaths worldwide attributed to COVID do seem staggering but when compared to a world population of billions, the actual percentage is very small.

For a person who has lived a full & enjoyable life, why suddenly stop living now? A nursing home bed awaits replete with adult diapers, thickened liquids, and pureed foods. Is that the future we are saving ourselves for?

John Augustus Shedd was an American author and professor. In 1928 he penned "Salt from My Attic", a collection of aphorisms and apothegms in which he noted, “A ship in harbor is safe, but that is not what ships are built for.”

I haven't worn a mask since this thing started a year ago, have had COVID which was no big deal (as it is for 99.9% of people), and am NOT going to wear a mask or get a vaccine rushed into production with genetic instructions.

Are you going to wear a mask and hide from the world forever? Enough is enough!

Dave Dallas
Village of Bradford

“Dying is nothing; what's terrible is not to live.”
-Victor Hugo, Les Miserables

[coffeebean]

Too many post's to look back on and quote
You know.....
How about subject matter? As you probably have already figured out, I am extremely passionate about certain subject matters. No one has ever pointed out to me that I contradict myself or have made statements that were false. Much of what I say I have looked up and researched. Google is my friend. I am straight forward with my thinking and I make no bones about my thoughts on the subjects I am passionate about. I honestly don't think I contradict myself on anything. I would really like to know where you feel I do. When I give my opinion on things, I say it is my opinion. IMHO means "in my humble opinion". I've been using that acronym quite frequently lately. I have also used SMDH some lately. That means "shaking my damn head".

If anyone else who has read my posts feel that I am contracting myself, please feel free to let me know when I have done that. I'm all ears.

[Swoop]

How about subject matter? As you probably have already figured out, I am extremely passionate about certain subject matters. No one has ever pointed out to me that I contradict myself or have made statements that were false. Much of what I say I have looked up and researched. Google is my friend. I am straight forward with my thinking and I make no bones about my thoughts on the subjects I am passionate about. I honestly don't think I contradict myself on anything. I would really like to know where you feel I do. When I give my opinion on things, I say it is my opinion. IMHO means "in my humble opinion". I've been using that acronym quite frequently lately. I have also used SMDH some lately. That means "shaking my damn head".

If anyone else who has read my posts feel that I am contracting myself, please feel free to let me know when I have done that. I'm all ears.

You have stated that if we had all worn masks the virus would have been over by now.
You have also stated that you know that wearing masks was only to help slow the spread of the virus not to irradiate it.
Sounds pretty contradictory to me...

[coffeebean]

Ooooo...touchy touchy now...calm down

I'll be honest with you. I have had a ball sparring with you this evening. You are new to me as I've never seen your posts before. It's been fun. I always enjoy a meeting of the minds. I will be happy to agree to disagree with you. Take care.

[kcrazorbackfan]

“Your Space” ������ Good luck with that. If you said that to me I would tell you to just go home if your that paranoid!

Yeah, my space; I can control the space around me. If you can't, then that's YOUR problem.

I'm around the public for about 10+ hours a day; I've worn a mask everyday since this started a year ago and haven't been infected yet. Maybe it's luck; maybe it's keeping people out of my space.

[coffeebean]

You have stated that if we had all worn masks the virus would have been over by now.
You have also stated that you know that wearing masks was only to help slow the spread of the virus not to irradiate it.
Sounds pretty contradictory to me...


My words and thoughts are not being correctly relayed here. What I actually commented on was that if EVERYONE wore masks and distanced from the very beginning, we would not be in such mess of a pandemic here in the US. We did not do very well managing the pandemic and we as a population should be embarrassed on the word stage. I still feel this way and have not changed my view.

I never said masking would "eradicate" the virus, but it certainly would have put all of us in a better place. I would not think that eradication was possible actually. The virologists and immunologists told us that masking and distancing would slow the spread of the virus and I believed them. That is the word I was trying to impress to the folks who were resisting the guidelines by the CDC.

If I ever gave you the impression that I thought masking would eradicate this virus, I apologize for that. I must have used the term "slow the spread of the virus" at least a hundred times in all my postings.

I thank you for your input.

[coffeebean]

The point is Florida hasn’t had a mask mandate and has only had minimal shutdowns of restaurants, gyms, hair salons, etc.. Yet other states that have had strict mask mandates, long term shutdowns of businesses and tight restrictions on gatherings have done no better than Florida.
The numbers don’t lie. Mask wearing has had little to no appreciable effect on the spread of the Corona virus.

Really? No better than Florida? The numbers don't lie? To be honest, I don't pay attention to the numbers because they are pretty much skewed. There are so many differences between the states the way cases and deaths are reported, I gave up on all those stats LONG ago. They don't hold any water for me and that is my opinion.

True story...........Very early on in this pandemic, there was a news story about two hair stylists who were Covid positive. They continued to work with their customers while they were Covid positive and contagious. The two stylists wore masks and they made their patrons wear masks. Funny thing is, of the customers who were tested for Covid, none of them tested positive. That situation really resonated with me. That is when Universal masking hit home for me and I realized that masks really do work to slow the spread of the virus.

This is the CDC report of these two stylists and their customers........

Absence of Apparent Transmission of SARS-CoV-2 from Two Stylists After Exposure at a Hair Salon with a Universal Face Covering Policy — Springfield, Missouri, May 2020 | MMWR (https://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/volumes/69/wr/mm6928e2.htm)

[Swoop]

My words and thoughts are not being correctly relayed here. What I actually commented on was that if EVERYONE wore masks and distanced from the very beginning, we would not be in such mess of a pandemic here in the US. We did not do very well managing the pandemic and we as a population should be embarrassed on the word stage. I still feel this way and have not changed my view.

I never said masking would "eradicate" the virus, but it certainly would have put all of us in a better place. I would not think that eradication was possible actually. The virologists and immunologists told us that masking and distancing would slow the spread of the virus and I believed them. That is the word I was trying to impress to the folks who were resisting the guidelines by the CDC.

If I ever gave you the impression that I thought masking would eradicate this virus, I apologize for that. I must have used the term "slow the spread of the virus" at least a hundred times in all my postings.

I thank you for your input.

This is your exact quote: “Masks haven't been as effective as they should be simply because there are too many people who are resistant to wear them properly or wear them at all. We never had a chance here in America to get to the point that this virus would be over.”

Over and eradicated both mean ended. Maybe that’s not what you meant, but then you should choose your words more carefully...

[coffeebean]

This is your exact quote: “Masks haven't been as effective as they should be simply because there are too many people who are resistant to wear them properly or wear them at all. We never had a chance here in America to get to the point that this virus would be over.”

Over and eradicated both mean ended. Maybe that’s not what you meant, but then you should choose your words more carefully...

Yup. That is exactly what I said. How in the world did you find that posting? I could not have found that post if my life depended on it. You are good!!!!!! You just made a huge smile come across my face and I thank you for that.

As for my words, you are right about that. I should not have used the term "virus would be over". I do agree with you that the word "over" does mean eradicate. I honestly don't know why I said that because I don't think that is what I actually meant. That posting must be from months ago!

[Swoop]

Really? No better than Florida? The numbers don't lie? To be honest, I don't pay attention to the numbers because they are pretty much skewed. There are so many differences between the states the way cases and deaths are reported, I gave up on all those stats LONG ago. They don't hold any water for me and that is my opinion.

True story...........Very early on in this pandemic, there was a news story about two hair stylists who were Covid positive. They continued to work with their customers while they were Covid positive and contagious. The two stylists wore masks and they made their patrons wear masks. Funny thing is, of the customers who were tested for Covid, none of them tested positive. That situation really resonated with me. That is when Universal masking hit home for me and I realized that masks really do work to slow the spread of the virus.

This is the story of these two stylists and their customers........

Absence of Apparent Transmission of SARS-CoV-2 from Two Stylists After Exposure at a Hair Salon with a Universal Face Covering Policy — Springfield, Missouri, May 2020 | MMWR (https://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/volumes/69/wr/mm6928e2.htm)
Why let a silly thing like facts or statistics interfere with your “feelings” about mask use?!?
Here’s my true story. Over the last 5 months, three times I have played water volleyball on the same team as someone who tested positive later that same day. The first two times, both myself and all the other players on that court were tested and all tested negative. The third time most of us didn’t even bother to get tested. At that point we realized that even though we were playing within three feet of someone for two hours, the fact we were not wearing masks really didn’t have an impact - especially outdoors.

[Swoop]

Yup. That is exactly what I said. How in the world did you find that posting? I could not have found that post if my life depended on it. You are good!!!!!! You just made a huge smile come across my face and I thank you for that.

As for my words, you are right about that. I should not have used the term "virus would be over". I do agree with you that the word "over" does mean eradicate. I honestly don't know why I said that because I don't think that is what I actually meant. That posting must be from months ago!
Actually 2/25/21 😉

[coffeebean]

Why let a silly thing like facts or statistics interfere with your “feelings” about mask use?!?
Here’s my true story. Over the last 5 months, three times I have played water volleyball on the same team as someone who tested positive later that same day. The first two times, both myself and all the other players on that court were tested and all tested negative. The third time most of us didn’t even bother to get tested. At that point we realized that even though we were playing within three feet of someone for two hours, the fact we were not wearing masks really didn’t have an impact - especially outdoors.

Absolutely agree that the virus doesn't really have an impact OUTDOORS. I have never advocated masking outdoors when distancing is possible. in fact, I have never worn a mask outdoors and I've been to a few driveway parties early on in the pandemic. But distancing is key to avoiding the virus.

That fact that you were not distanced from these people when they were contagious is very encouraging. "They" have said all along, not only is the closeness of the exposure relevant, but the length of time of the exposure is what leads to transmission. It has been documented that being outdoors and in the sun is very much a death knell for the virus. Glad you and no one on your team ever contracted the virus.

[graciegirl]

People who try to keep from getting the Covid-19 virus, which their body cannot build immunity to unless they contract the disease or get the vaccine...........Those people who try not to get the Covid-19 are not PARANOID.

Paranoia is an unbased fear.

95 Percent of Americans Killed by COVID Were 50+ (https://www.aarp.org/health/conditions-treatments/info-2020/coronavirus-deaths-older-adults.html)

[PugMom]

so here's my quandry: the vax are out & being dispersed, so why are 'elected officials' saying we need more masking up until 2022? (yes-i heard an 'official' say this. am trying to keep posts non-political so as not to close the thread) we have been told we need the vax, then all will be well. it feels like they move the goalpost a lot. we get the vax but STILL need to mask up. meanwhile we see same folks out & about with their own families & their own restaurants, after scaring the beejeezus out of everybody with the gloom & doom talk.. they lie on the facts, the NUMBERS, yet still feel they can preach as experts on a subject only recently known to man.

[graciegirl]

so here's my quandry: the vax are out & being dispersed, so why are 'elected officials' saying we need more masking up until 2022? (yes-i heard an 'official' say this. am trying to keep posts non-political so as not to close the thread) we have been told we need the vax, then all will be well. it feels like they move the goalpost a lot. we get the vax but STILL need to mask up. meanwhile we see same folks out & about with their own families & their own restaurants, after scaring the beejeezus out of everybody with the gloom & doom talk.. they lie on the facts, the NUMBERS, yet still feel they can preach as experts on a subject only recently known to man.

I don't know where to start. Some of your conjecture is true. There are facts we have known for a long time about all viruses and that and scientist knowledge of the Corona Virus and it's ability to change each time it inhabits an organism is vague but true. Knowing what you don't know is part of overall knowledge and there are no pat and proven answers. It is a germ. It doesn't have morals. Our bodies have never met it and it kills older people. At MY age, one in ten will die if the catch it. We know that 95% of people who have died in the United States were over fifty. Apparently something about aging makes us all more vulnerable. I personally knew FIVE people who died from this virus and two of them were frequent posters on this forum. It is wise to be very careful.

95 Percent of Americans Killed by COVID Were 50+ (https://www.aarp.org/health/conditions-treatments/info-2020/coronavirus-deaths-older-adults.html)

[OrangeBlossomBaby]

People who try to keep from getting the Covid-19 virus, which their body cannot build immunity to unless they contract the disease or get the vaccine...........Those people who try not to get the Covid-19 are not PARANOID.

Paranoia is an unbased fear.

95 Percent of Americans Killed by COVID Were 50+ (https://www.aarp.org/health/conditions-treatments/info-2020/coronavirus-deaths-older-adults.html)

That is an awesome meme. I think the only thing that would've made it better is if there was another "talk bubble" with someone shouting "I don't have to go on that lifeboat because mah freedums!"

[Swoop]

I don't know where to start. Some of your conjecture is true. There are facts we have known for a long time about all viruses and that and scientist knowledge of the Corona Virus and it's ability to change each time it inhabits an organism is vague but true. Knowing what you don't know is part of overall knowledge and there are no pat and proven answers. It is a germ. It doesn't have morals. Our bodies have never met it and it kills older people. At MY age, one in ten will die if the catch it. We know that 95% of people who have died in the United States were over fifty. Apparently something about aging makes us all more vulnerable. I personally knew FIVE people who died from this virus and two of them were frequent posters on this forum. It is wise to be very careful.

95 Percent of Americans Killed by COVID Were 50+ (https://www.aarp.org/health/conditions-treatments/info-2020/coronavirus-deaths-older-adults.html)
Over 40% of Covid deaths were nursing home residents, where the life expectancy is already very short. Before Covid, more than 50% of people admitted to nursing homes died within the first six months. The vast majority of people who died with Covid had multiple comorbidities. Only a small percentage of all Covid deaths occurred among otherwise “healthy” people. If I was in the high risk group, I would take extreme precaution. But I also wouldn’t expect everyone else to have to take the same level of precaution...

[graciegirl]

Over 40% of Covid deaths were nursing home residents, where the life expectancy is already very short. Before Covid, more than 50% of people admitted to nursing homes died within the first six months. The vast majority of people who died with Covid had multiple comorbidities. Only a small percentage of all Covid deaths occurred among otherwise “healthy” people. If I was in the high risk group, I would take extreme precaution. But I also wouldn’t expect everyone else to have to take the same level of precaution...

Actually it was 39% that died in Nursing homes, and that included staff at the nursing homes. And we all know that nursing homes may have lots of reasons why people easily caught the virus. However with the vaccine those numbers are improving.

Nursing homes see decrease in COVID-19 cases, deaths after vaccinating residents | wfmynews2.com (https://www.wfmynews2.com/article/news/community/nursing-homes-see-decrease-in-covid-19-cases-deaths-after-vaccinating-residents/51-748d8eb6-af20-410a-83d8-a98bc41618d9)

[Swoop]

Actually it was 39% that died in Nursing homes, and that included staff at the nursing homes. And we all know that nursing homes may have lots of reasons why people easily caught the virus. However with the vaccine those numbers are improving.

Nursing homes see decrease in COVID-19 cases, deaths after vaccinating residents | wfmynews2.com (https://www.wfmynews2.com/article/news/community/nursing-homes-see-decrease-in-covid-19-cases-deaths-after-vaccinating-residents/51-748d8eb6-af20-410a-83d8-a98bc41618d9)
I guess it depends on your source: The Most Important Coronavirus Statistic: 42% Of U.S. Deaths Are From 0.6% Of The Population (https://www.google.com/amp/s/www.forbes.com/sites/theapothecary/2020/05/26/nursing-homes-assisted-living-facilities-0-6-of-the-u-s-population-43-of-u-s-covid-19-deaths/amp/)
42% of Covid deaths came from .6% of the population, nursing home residents..

[Velvet]

The will give the new strains a place to feed on...........

Exactly, until the virus is burnt out, we are not completely free. From what I hear the South African variant, and the Brazilian can reinfect people who have had Covid, and they are not easily avoided by the vaccine either. And both variants are in the US.

Some people I know, feel that a maskless person close by is similar to a person pointing a loaded gun at you. They can both kill you.

[jimjamuser]

The Florida death toll may be “nothing to brag about”. But considering Florida doesn’t have, and has never had, a mask mandate, we have done better than most mask mandated states. Over the past year, if masks were truly effective, there would have been a discernible difference between the states that did, and did not, have mandates. You can show me all the YouTube videos you want about masks, but the actual death count speaks volumes about the effectiveness of masks...
As to the YouTube videos showing the spread of droplets, you are saying NOT to believe your lying eyes.

[jimjamuser]

Between natural immunity and the vaccinations I'm feeling optimistic that masks will be a thing of the past by this summer. I'm seeing fewer and fewer people wearing them. Every day the risk of contracting the virus goes down which is awesome.
The graph of the CV cases seems to be leveling off. Also, there are worse variants coming. Too early to let down your guard (or your mask).

[jimjamuser]

And since we still live in the United States of America it is their choice to be in that group! That seems to be a concept that a lot of people have forgotten
The God-given right for America to do the wrong thing. Winston Churchill said that Americans always do the right thing - after ALL other possibilities are exhausted.

[jimjamuser]

I have been in Walmart, Publix, Home Depot, restaurants, and none of them have said a word to me about not wearing a mask because legally they cannot. There is no legislatively mandated requirement to wear a mask in the state of Florida. Stores just can’t make up their own rules. They can request, but they cannot demand it.
That attitude is why America is #1 in the world in CV. Great!

[jimjamuser]

I have my shots, and after 12 days no longer wear a mask unless the business requires it.....maybe. For those that say the vaccine is not a 100%, you are probably wrong. For as many "experts" that say it is not 100%, I can find as many that say it is 100%. 100% that you will NOT be hospitalized. And for those that insist that you can carry the virus, the only way you can after vaccinated is to carry it on your clothes. If you advise folks to step back 6 ft from you AFTER you have been vaccinated, you are likely to get some resistance because there is no "personal" space in a business. It is just a polite thing to do, IF you feel inclined. Many of us get a bit impatient with the fear mongering, hysteria and don't blame us if we are going back to "NORMAL." I see absolutely NO reason to continue to wear a mask after being inoculated and then waiting the suggested 12 days. If you are really that paranoid that you still think that "safe" folks should wear a mask, then maybe you should seek some professional assistance to help you get over your fear. Even without the shots, I did not worry or care about anyone shopping around me without their wearing a mask. I really expect to see a bunch of you suggesting that everyone continue to wear a mask during flu season. Well, Americans love their FREEDOM and you can wish in one hand and **** in the other.....you know how the saying goes. I have not heard anyone on here come up with a valid or even a good reason as to why one should endure the two shot regimen and then continue to wear a mask. If you suggest that it is for the "comfort" of others, I would have to say that in my opinion, you are out of your mind.
I am not a "Non-Vax'er"
I am not a "Non-Masker."
I have my vaccination and I have coddled the hysterical long enough regarding the wearing of a mask. If my resisting the wearing of a mask now, is considered being a "big meanie" then I am a big meanie and can live with it.
My read on the issue, and the version I plan to live by until proven wrong, is that once I achieve immunity I will not catch the virus and if I ingest virus spores(?) then they will be destroyed by my antibodies and not transmitted to others. Do not insist that I am wrong unless you can PROVE otherwise. Quoting a political hack like Fauci means nothing to me, because I never liked him and do not trust him to be truthful. When is the last time he has seen a patient?
And for those that try to shame folks that are vaccinated because they no longer wear their mask, ...shame on you! Just because no one knows if I have had my shots or not, means nothing to me. I know, and that is all that is important. If you do not know and you fear me, stay the he** away. Like I have said before, I am waiting to my custom T shirt that says "Have shots, but still keep your distance." I never did like folks in my "personal" space. I am NOT your keeper. If you need coddling, they have nursing homes for you. Don't presume to dictate how I should act just to please you. I consider that as your being selfish.

You do what you wish. But, I find it hilarious that you would put yourself through getting these shots and then continue to act like you are going to get doused with acid rain every time you leave your home. If you do not have the shots, then that is all on you. You wear the mask and you stay your distance IF you fear contact with others. I fulfilled my obligation to you by making myself "safe." Now, it is up to you to do the same or stay home. If you do not wish to stay home, do not blame me if you catch the covid. I just don't care. I do not care if you wear your mask for the rest of your life. Do not expect me to conform to your standards, just because you are a whimpy little sissy that's too weak to take care of yourself. How many of you can tell that I have never had a flu vaccination? Do you insist that everyone wear a mask to protect you from the flu?
Never mind, I ran this one on and on again. Some folks on here should just start a club of losers that can hold each other up so you don't hurt yourself with sharp objects.
Sorry, being harsh again after saying I wouldn't. Must be the reaction from the shots. Probably tends to make one a bit irritable.
Be safe, be happy and don't breath the air...........:D
It is a mystery - how can someone say so little right and so much wrong in ALL those words.

[Swoop]

As to the YouTube videos showing the spread of droplets, you are saying NOT to believe your lying eyes.
Simple question, if masks are truly effective against the spread of the virus, then why haven’t states with strict mask mandates fared better than Florida with no mandates?

[graciegirl]

I guess it depends on your source: The Most Important Coronavirus Statistic: 42% Of U.S. Deaths Are From 0.6% Of The Population (https://www.google.com/amp/s/www.forbes.com/sites/theapothecary/2020/05/26/nursing-homes-assisted-living-facilities-0-6-of-the-u-s-population-43-of-u-s-covid-19-deaths/amp/)
42% of Covid deaths came from .6% of the population, nursing home residents..

That still leaves 60% who were not in nursing homes and over fifty............and none were disposable.

How old are you to be so cavalier about age? We are alive and valuable no matter how old we are or where we are living.

[graciegirl]

Simple question, if masks are truly effective against the spread of the virus, then why haven’t states with strict mask mandates fared better than Florida with no mandates?

Maybe it is because that so many of us people who live here in Florida, and particularly The Villages, and particularly wise older people, are aware of the dangers of the spread of Covid-19 and wear a mask.

Florida is the third most populous State. Deaths from Covid around 30,000. I think there were close to that in New York State in the first three months of the epidemic. I will expect you to check for me. How old are you?

[Joe V.]

That attitude is why America is #1 in the world in CV. Great!

My you do come up with some big whoppers.

[Swoop]

That still leaves 60% who were not in nursing homes and over fifty............and none were disposable.

How old are you to be so cavalier about age? We are alive and valuable no matter how old we are or where we are living.
I’m not being cavalier, I’m just stating facts and I certainly didn’t call anyone “disposable”.
The vast majority of those who died with Covid had other health issues. On average they had 2.6 comorbidities. According to the CDC only 6% of Covid coded deaths did not include comorbidities. So, since I am not overweight, don’t have lung disease, heart disease, cancer, or diabetes, I feel confident that if I get Covid, I will survive it, just like 99.5% of the population.

[Dr Winston O Boogie jr]

Encouraged to see less folks walking around with their faces covered up. Since getting fully vaccinated I personally have stopped wearing a mask in any business establishment, with doctors office being the only exception. Encouraged to see others joining me. I’ve never believed that they stop a virus anyway. I hope that people are done being controlled and will embrace FREEDOM once again. For those who don’t buy into any of this, by all means, you have the freedom to stay home or double mask when in public if you want to. I and many others however are totally done with all this control and paranoia!

My understanding is that masks protect the people around the wearer more so than the people wearing them.

I also understand that this vaccine is very different from other vaccines. Some say that it is not technically a vaccine. It does not prevent this virus from entering your system. What it does is uses your rNA to prevent the virus from replicating itself once it enters your system. This prevents the virus from making you ill or killing you.

What this means is that even though you have been vaccinated and waited two weeks for the vaccine to become effective, you can still carry the virus and pass it one to other people.

I have had both shots and my incubation period ends tomorrow. I will continue to wear a mask indoors in public places until everyone in the state of Florida who wants to be vaccinated has been so. After that I don't feel that I should have to alter my life style to suit people who have decided not to be vaccinated.

I also see that many stores and other businesses REQUIRE the wearing of masks. I believe that they have every right in a free country to require whatever they want in order to allow you to enter their premises.

It is also now a federal law to wear a mask when on federal property. So when you go to the post office or any other federal building, you are required to wear a mask.

To me, it's not all that complicated or difficult. I wear a mask indoors when the public places. I don't wear it in my home, or when driving my golf cart or car and in most cases, I don't wear it outside. We were told a long time ago that it is very difficult to contract this virus out of doors and I don't believe that has changed. In fact I think that it has been proven by the so called super spreaders that have not spread anything. The number of cases in The Villages has not gone up since the squares have opened. The number of cases did not increase after the big Trump rally.

It's pretty easy to have a mask with you at all times and out it on for the short amount of time that you are in a store or any other business.

[Dr Winston O Boogie jr]

Yeah, my space; I can control the space around me. If you can't, then that's YOUR problem.

I'm around the public for about 10+ hours a day; I've worn a mask everyday since this started a year ago and haven't been infected yet. Maybe it's luck; maybe it's keeping people out of my space.

So far about 8% of the population of Florida have been infected by this virus. So we have less than a one and ten chance of getting it. The fact that you deal with a lot of people on a regular basis increases your chances of contracting it, but the fact that you wear a mask and are careful about social distancing probably balances that off.

I don't think that you are lucky. I think that with a 8% chance of contracting this virus, people who get it are unlucky. And people that protect themselves by following CDC guidelines are lowering their odds of contracting the virus even more.

[coffeebean]

Simple question, if masks are truly effective against the spread of the virus, then why haven’t states with strict mask mandates fared better than Florida with no mandates?
My guess is that those folks under a mask mandate did not wear their masks properly. Not covering the nose is like not wearing a mask at all. Also....IMHO, those states that mandated masks probably had a high number of people wearing neck gators which are actually worse than not wearing a mask at all. Even with several layers of cloth on a neck gator, droplets are split into aerosols. I saw that a while back on the Today Show segment about different types of masks.

One more reason, IMHO, people in states with mask mandates wore masks with one way valves. Just another way to trick f%$k the system.Those one way valves work the wrong way to reduce transmission of virus in droplets and aerosols. The valve is to allow the wearer to breath easier but that valve allows the expelled breath to disperse in the atmosphere. If that person is Covid positive, that valve lets out all the virus with the exhaled air. Have you noticed there are physician's offices that do not allow masks with valves? That is the reason.

[coffeebean]

Hi folks,
It has been brought to my attention that I made an inaccurate statement in one of my posts on this thread. My post #65 states as follows:

"There is evidence that vaccinated people are not contagious and will not infect others if they do contract the virus. Until all testing is completed and we vaccinated people are told there is no way we can infect others, I will continue to wear my mask and keep my distance from others. I'm protected and I feel as safe now as I did pre-pandemic so my wearing a mask is not out of fear. It is for my respect and empathy for those who are clamoring to be vaccinated."

I would like to correct that first sentence to say, "There is evidence that vaccinated people MAY NOT BE contagious and MAY NOT infect others if they do contract the virus".

Thank you for understanding.

[Swoop]

My guess is that those folks under a mask mandate did not wear their masks properly. Not covering the nose is like not wearing a mask at all. Also....IMHO, those states that mandated masks probably had a high number of people wearing neck gators which are actually worse than not wearing a mask at all. Even with several layers of cloth on a neck gator, droplets are split into aerosols. I saw that a while back on the Today Show segment about different types of masks.

One more reason, IMHO, people in states with mask mandates wore masks with one way valves. Just another way to trick f%$k the system.Those one way valves work the wrong way to reduce transmission of virus in droplets and aerosols. The valve is to allow the wearer to breath easier but that valve allows the expelled breath to disperse in the atmosphere. If that person is Covid positive, that valve lets out all the virus with the exhaled air. Have you noticed there are physician's offices that do not allow masks with valves? That is the reason.
So those states that have had strict mask mandates, that kept gyms & restaurants closed, kept “non-essential” businesses closed and prohibited gatherings, ultimately did no better than Florida with no mandates and minimal interruptions to businesses, because people in mask mandate states didn’t wear their masks properly or wore the wrong masks?!?
Really, that’s the best you can do? Then again I guess as bad as it sounds, it’s still the best option for you. Because otherwise you would have to come to the realization that masks are truly not a very effective way of slowing the spread...

[coffeebean]

So those states that have had strict mask mandates, that kept gyms & restaurants closed, kept “non-essential” businesses closed and prohibited gatherings, ultimately did no better than Florida with no mandates and minimal interruptions to businesses, because people in mask mandate states didn’t wear their masks properly or wore the wrong masks?!?
Really, that’s the best you can do? Then again I guess as bad as it sounds, it’s still the best option for you. Because otherwise you would have to come to the realization that masks are truly not a very effective way of slowing the spread...

The exact opposite of what you have said. Masks most certainly do work as source control. That is really all those home made and surgical masks are efficient at. As protection for the wearer, there is little protection which is what I have read.

I will never ever believe that masks are useless. I've seen too many YouTube videos which prove to me the science behind containing droplets and aerosols. Yes, those masks do contain aerosols. I've seen the documentation with my own two eyes how effective those home made and surgical masks are.

Doctors in operating rooms have been wearing surgical masks forever. The reason is for source control, not for their protection. Same for every day folks in and about their day to day life, there has been and continues to be a very urgent need to control aerosol and droplet transmission of the virus. There are variants out there that were not tested initially in the trials for these current mRNA vaccines.

As an aside..........The manufacturers of these mRNA vaccines have claimed that their vaccines will not allow the variants to escape, just not at that high rate of efficacy as has been previously found in trials.

PS.....I am not going to post videos any further on this site. I have posted too many to count that demonstrate, beyond a shadow of a doubt that masks are useful as source control when worn properly over the NOSE and mouth. Those infrared cameras do not lie. If you don't believe the proof in the videos, then there is not hope for anyone who believes differently.

LETS AGREE TO DISAGREE. I COULD NEVER COME AROUND TO YOUR WAY OF THINKING.

[ronsroni]

Wow. Culling the herd?
Enjoy the phantom strains.
As for me, mask up for the USA.
Oh.
AND HUMANITY.

[jswirs]

eventually the anti mask/non vaccine folks will be the most vulnerable group left!!
I don't think so. The anti-mask, anti vaccine folks will have the strongest natural immune system.

[Tmarkwald]

Dr.Fauci suggests that we may not be able to go mask free until sometime in 2022.

Dr. Fauci has zero credibility any more. He is not a god...

[Tmarkwald]

That attitude is why America is #1 in the world in CV. Great!

America is #1 in the world for Covid because of population count only. Take a known metric - Deaths/Million and the US is WAY behind the UK, Belgium, Portugal, Italy, etc...

Oh, and China has virtually NO deaths...

Please, source your comments. This chart is from this morning - I watch it daily...

source: Coronavirus Update (Live): 117,500,802 Cases and 2,606,689 Deaths from COVID-19 Virus Pandemic - Worldometer (https://www.worldometers.info/coronavirus/#countries)

[coffeebean]

Dr. Fauci has zero credibility any more. He is not a god...

Agree.....Dr. Fauci is not a God. I still believe he is very credible. You just don't take years of education, hard work and devotion to your work and then lose credibility just because you change your direction. Science is evolving and Dr. Fauci's direction also evolves. Those folks who do not believe in science and the evolution of science are the ones who no longer trust this man.

[coffeebean]

So those states that have had strict mask mandates, that kept gyms & restaurants closed, kept “non-essential” businesses closed and prohibited gatherings, ultimately did no better than Florida with no mandates and minimal interruptions to businesses, because people in mask mandate states didn’t wear their masks properly or wore the wrong masks?!?
Really, that’s the best you can do? Then again I guess as bad as it sounds, it’s still the best option for you. Because otherwise you would have to come to the realization that masks are truly not a very effective way of slowing the spread...

I have some more information that I would like to pass on regarding why those states with mask mandates may have not done any better than Florida regarding the "numbers". This is second hand information because I am relaying comments from someone on another discussion forum. This forum has folks from all over the country and from abroad also so there is a cross section of folks joining in the conversation. I was quite surprised to hear of this happening in another part of our country.....

The commenter said that in the state he/she lives there is a mask mandate yet only about 50% of people he/she sees actually wear masks. These people he/she mentions are not wearing their masks incorrectly but DO NOT WEAR masks at all.

I can only imagine that the mask mandate is not enforced so people take advantage of that. Sad really, if this is true. I have no reason to believe the person relaying this information was not telling the truth. So, there is one more reason as to why states with strict mandates did not do any better than Florida which never had a mask mandate.

[Byte1]

I have my shots and now when I shop, I wear my mask (since it is posted at the entrance) below my nose. I still stay at least 6 ft away from folks and wash my hands, but I have always done that. If you think you can still get the virus after being vaccinated, then why bother? Just stay home and ensure your own safety. The experts I listen to say that when immune, and you inhale the virus it will die and you are not able to pass it on. If you don't believe that, then listen to your own favorite "expert." I will never discourage anyone from trying to stay safe. Just don't bother telling me that I should wear a mask to make others feel secure. If they need me to make them feel secure, then they need a new momma to run to. Why would you believe a stranger anyway?

[CFrance]

“Your Space” ������ Good luck with that. If you said that to me I would tell you to just go home if your that paranoid!
There's a mark on the floor at the grocery store. Use it.

[OrangeBlossomBaby]

I have my shots and now when I shop, I wear my mask (since it is posted at the entrance) below my nose.

Just don't bother wearing a mask at all. You have no intention of respecting the REASON for the sign. So flaunt it. Flaunt that disrespect and walk in boldly without a mask at all. Make sure everyone knows that you don't give a flying fart about the REASON for the rules, and therefore the rules don't apply to you.


Wearing a mask just below your nose is an insult to everyone who refuses to wear one at all. They at least have the guts to state plainly that the rules don't apply to them. Wearing the mask below your nose is also an insult to everyone who chooses to wear one correctly - because you are purposefully defying the REASON for the mask.

You seem to be presenting an equal opportunity insulter stance.

[CFrance]

2021 0305 Friday @ 15:05
It sounds as though you are flaunting your immunity. So be it. Now, do some good: Go volunteer in an assisted living facility, without your mask, of course.
Who are you answering? Please quote the post in your response going forward. Even Admin has asked people to do this.

[CFrance]

Dr.Fauci suggests that we may not be able to go mask free until sometime in 2022. Not exactly exciting to look forward to, a year more of a dark cloud over everyone's head. Now, that is a glass half empty.
No, that is a glass scientifically and medically qualified.