What is your guess as to percentage of Villagers who are vaccinated against Covid-19?

[graciegirl]

Heard on the news that half the country has been vaccinated. I saw a map with deep colors showing counties with the most vaccination. Sumter county stands out right away on a map of Florida.

I wonder what percentage of Villagers have been vaccinated.

I am guessing about 70%.

I am proud of our careful thinking of ourselves and others.

[Tmarkwald]

Heard on the news that half the country has been vaccinated. I saw a map with deep colors showing counties with the most vaccination. Sumter county stands out right away on a map of Florida.

I wonder what percentage of Villagers have been vaccinated.

I am guessing about 70%.

I am proud of our careful thinking of ourselves and others.

I agree. Lots of smart people here..

[Neils]

Gracie
I heard a comment on TV last week saying that 80% of Sumter county residents had a least one shot. So my guess forTV would be 85%

[Stu from NYC]

Might even be 90%. Happy to see clubs and other activities reopening.

Went to a club breakfast just over a week ago and you had to tell the organizer you have the vaccine before being ok to go. Was very happy to see that.

[bobdeb]

And maybe we'll get to do it all over again in 6 months?

[Tmarkwald]

And maybe we'll get to do it all over again in 6 months?

Sure, who cares? Better to be immune than dead.

[tuccillo]

67% of Sumter County has had 1 shot, 54% has had 2 shots as of 4/18.

Sumter County, FL COVID-19 Vaccine Tracker | theadvertiser.com (https://data.theadvertiser.com/covid-19-vaccine-tracker/florida/sumter-county/12119/)

Gracie
I heard a comment on TV last week saying that 80% of Sumter county residents had a least one shot. So my guess forTV would be 85%

[OrangeBlossomBaby]

My guess is that at least 70% have had their first shot or the J&J shot, in Sumter County. I think the reason for that, is because it has a LOT of people who are older than 65, which means they had access to a vaccine longer than anyone else. On the other hand, there are neighborhoods and sections of the county that are NOT Villages, where families live, who have NOT had access to the vaccine until the past few weeks. So they are less likely to have had their first shot by now, than the seniors.

In addition, up until this month, there were THOUSANDS more seniors here, than there are now. Those seniors also have had their shots. But they're not here anymore. They count in the category of "vaccines distributed in this county" but they don't count as "people who are living here right now who have been vaccinated."

So I don't think the percentage is going to mean much, if you're counting something as vague as "how many people in Sumter County have been vaccinated." If you mean how many seniors, probably a lot more than 60%. If you mean all people who are living in the county at the present moment, I'd say closer to 60%. If you mean ONLY villagers, and no other residents, I'd say probably closer to 80%.

[Mortal1]

Heard on the news that half the country has been vaccinated. I saw a map with deep colors showing counties with the most vaccination. Sumter county stands out right away on a map of Florida.

I wonder what percentage of Villagers have been vaccinated.

I am guessing about 70%.

I am proud of our careful thinking of ourselves and others.

is that I sneeze and cough into my arm...take mine and my wife's temp every day and I don't go into crowded areas like the town squares or stores. I wash my hands frequently and carry hand sanitizer(75% alcohol)which I use after coughing, sneezing and handling objects others might have touched.

Nope...haven't got the vaccine yet(I'm 67...wife is 65). We don't plan to and I do not consider our decision to be NOT careful thinking or ourselves and others. Since you can still infect others if vaccinated I don't see the need for your comment. Especially since I view your posts as the most common sense and caring of all posters.

[Tmarkwald]

Since you can still infect others if vaccinated I don't see the need.

And this is why it still goes on.

Rather than believing the science, we have bullheaded people who think they are somehow special or immune.

You can lead a horse to water....

Some things you just cannot change. Common sense being one of them I suppose.

[Swoop]

According to the CDC 87% of those who have been hospitalized or died from Covid were obese or overweight. Also according to the CDC, on average, those who died from Covid had 2.6 comorbidities. The most common being diabetes, lung disease, heart disease and hypertension. As someone who is not overweight and has none of the common preexisting conditions, my risk level is extremely low. Therefore I will most likely opt not to take the vaccine.

[Altavia]

Covid Act Now (https://covidactnow.org/us/florida-fl/county/sumter_county/?s=1763684)

SUMTER COUNTY, FLORIDA

In Sumter County, Florida, 80,527 people (60.8%) have received at least one dose and 65,351 (49.4%) are fully vaccinated. Fewer than 0.001% of people who have received a dose experienced a severe adverse reaction, none of them deadly.

[bobdeb]

I'm fully vaccinated, but I do know that there are those who are waiting to see how safe it is in their minds before doing so. And they are far more afraid of you than you of them.

There's a scary mentality out there.

[Altavia]

According to the CDC 87% of those who have been hospitalized or died from Covid were obese or overweight. Also according to the CDC, on average, those who died from Covid had 2.6 comorbidities. The most common being diabetes, lung disease, heart disease and hypertension. As someone who is not overweight and has none of the common preexisting conditions, my risk level is extremely low. Therefore I will most likely opt not to take the vaccine.

You may want to do some research into the 10% of COVID survivors who become long haulers.

I know several relatively young healthy people who survived COVID but are now miserable suffering brain fog, Chronic fatigue, horrible headaches and other symptoms.

What It Means to Be a Coronavirus “Long-Hauler” – Health Essentials from Cleveland Clinic (https://health.clevelandclinic.org/what-it-means-to-be-a-coronavirus-long-hauler/)

[Swoop]

You may want to do some research into the 10% of COVID survivors who become long haulers.

I know several relatively young healthy people who survived COVID but are now miserable suffering brain fog, Chronic fatigue, horrible headaches and other symptoms.

What It Means to Be a Coronavirus “Long-Hauler” – Health Essentials from Cleveland Clinic (https://health.clevelandclinic.org/what-it-means-to-be-a-coronavirus-long-hauler/)
I know more than 20 people who have had the virus and none have had lingering symptoms. Per the link you provided: “Our experience shows most long-haulers tend to fall into the high risk category”...

[charmed59]

My guess is that at least 70% have had their first shot or the J&J shot, in Sumter County. I think the reason for that, is because it has a LOT of people who are older than 65, which means they had access to a vaccine longer than anyone else. On the other hand, there are neighborhoods and sections of the county that are NOT Villages, where families live, who have NOT had access to the vaccine until the past few weeks. So they are less likely to have had their first shot by now, than the seniors.

In addition, up until this month, there were THOUSANDS more seniors here, than there are now. Those seniors also have had their shots. But they're not here anymore. They count in the category of "vaccines distributed in this county" but they don't count as "people who are living here right now who have been vaccinated."

So I don't think the percentage is going to mean much, if you're counting something as vague as "how many people in Sumter County have been vaccinated." If you mean how many seniors, probably a lot more than 60%. If you mean all people who are living in the county at the present moment, I'd say closer to 60%. If you mean ONLY villagers, and no other residents, I'd say probably closer to 80%.

According to the Florida Department of Health, Florida vaccinated just over 190,000 seasonal folks who live in Florida in the winter but have a permanent addresses elsewhere. They are not counted as part of the 80,000 residents of Sumter County that have been vaccinated.

There are approximately 124,000 permanent residents of Sumter County over the age of 16. So about 64% of those residents have at least one vaccine, 52% are fully vaccinated.

If you look at the number for those 55 and older in Sumter County, those numbers are 80% at least one vaccine, 67% fully vaccinated. I’d guess that is also the percentage for The Villages.

[justjim]

Gracie
I heard a comment on TV last week saying that 80% of Sumter county residents had a least one shot. So my guess forTV would be 85%

Remember not all of TV is in Sumter - there is Lake and Marion counties to consider. This makes it a SWAG. Maybe 60% has one shot and 55% both shots. Obviously this changes each week. Just a guess. :ho:

[camaguey48]

According to the Florida Department of Health, Florida vaccinated just over 190,000 seasonal folks who live in Florida in the winter but have a permanent addresses elsewhere. They are not counted as part of the 80,000 residents of Sumter County that have been vaccinated.

There are approximately 124,000 permanent residents of Sumter County over the age of 16. So about 64% of those residents have at least one vaccine, 52% are fully vaccinated.

If you look at the number for those 55 and older in Sumter County, those numbers are 80% at least one vaccine, 67% fully vaccinated. I’d guess that is also the percentage for The Villages.
There's a lot of guessing going on. Ask the good Doctor.

[Byte1]

And maybe we'll get to do it all over again in 6 months?

A question that has been circulating in regards to a booster shot in 6 months is "WHY?" Why should anyone bother to get the booster IF our gov insists that we should continue to wear masks? I wonder about this myself, considering the fact that I really had to think about whether or not I wanted the shots in the first place. Now, after coercing many reluctant folks to get the shots, they are being told that they must continue to wear their masks? AND on top of that, they must get a booster after only six months? I empathize with those that find this hard to swallow.

Sorry about going slightly off topic of how many in the Villages have their shots, but I too have been thinking about the six month booster and whether or not there will be as high a turn out for the second stage of this saga. Not sure that our stats are going to show as well on the next turnout, UNLESS we receive some assurances from those on high that they are going to provide a light at the end of this long tunnel.

[Byte1]

So why does the Governor of the state forbid the use of vaccine passports? He is out of touch thats why.

Thank goodness!

[nick demis]

Does this mean we have reached herd immunity? Can we do away with masks? Can things open up fully again? Just asking.

[Petersweeney]

You know, on the bright side, no one is dying from the flu anymore or pneumonia or whatever

[drgoofy]

The variants are constantly evolving! That's the reason for continued mask wearing and the potential need for a booster. Because we are dealing with a "novel" virus, there are changing parameters.

[scottiesrgreat@gmail.com]

I have NEVER been afraid of Covid. The only reason I wear/wore a mask and distanced is to be thoughtful for those who have been afraid.

Wasting this past year ++ in the final years of my life on earth has been the biggest challenge of my long life. Ok, I have a stupid rant..... I am sure people think they are being kind when they say “Stay Safe!” - but, it makes me cringe inside when anyone says it in the context of Covid. My mom & dad used to tell me to “be safe” and I find myself telling my friends and loved ones to be safe - but it is in reference to things like - staying safe from bad drivers, pick-pockets, cyber-criminals, slippery streets during a ice/snow storm, embarking on a long trip, going up a ladder to clean gutters ....

Anyway, sorry for rambling - if knowing makes you happy - yes, I got the vaccinations. I have absolutely no desire to know if you have gotten the vaccine. I will wear a mask - where I must. I will, however, choose to patronize businesses that do not mandate masks (please don’t get in a tizzy - it is my choice, if you feel different - that is your choice).

If masks remain mandatory - I will not waste my time getting any more Covid vaccinations. Again, don’t get in a tizzy - my choice.

‘Stay Sane!!’ :-) :-) :-) I think this is much more appropriate :-). But - again - it is just what I think. Say and do what you want to!

[shelley77]

And this is why it still goes on.

Rather than believing the science, we have bullheaded people who think they are somehow special or immune.

You can lead a horse to water....

Some things you just cannot change. Common sense being one of them I suppose.

Here's some Science:

Abstract
Many countries across the globe utilized medical and non-medical facemasks as non-pharmaceutical intervention for reducing the transmission and infectivity of coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19). Although, scientific evidence supporting facemasks’ efficacy is lacking, adverse physiological, psychological and health effects are established. Is has been hypothesized that facemasks have compromised safety and efficacy profile and should be avoided from use. The current article comprehensively summarizes scientific evidences with respect to wearing facemasks in the COVID-19 era, providing prosper information for public health and decisions making.

Here's the whole study, if you're really interested in the "Science"

Facemasks in the COVID-19 era: A health hypothesis (https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7680614/)

[MDLNB]

It looks as if the USA will be added to the list of those countries mandating a "burqa" in the near future. Hmm, I wonder if an additional mask is required of those wearing the traditional "burqa."
Conspiracy theory?
Conspiracy: "a secret plan by a group to do something unlawful or harmful."
What difference does it make on stats that tell us how many are inoculated, when the information provides no value as to when or how we will ever get back to the norm? When is ENOUGH really considered ENOUGH?

[donassaid]

Or maybe lots of naive people. I wouldn't call taking an "experimental vaccine" that has caused the death of numerous healthy people and severe symptoms in many others to avoid a virus with a 99% recovery rate, particularly smart. To each his own. Guess i won't be attending any events that "require proof of vaccination".

[MDLNB]

"As of this morning Florida is second in the nation behind Michigan in new Covid cases. Not good. "

New cases is highly doubtful. Every positive or false positive is counted as a new case. One person requiring proof of a "negative" test result in order to return to work will be counted several times as a new case. If you want REAL stats, count how many died FROM covid, not WITH covid. The numbers are skewed......why? Power?

[graciegirl]

As of this morning Florida is second in the nation behind Michigan in new Covid cases. Not good.

Florida has the third highest population in the U.S.

Michigan has half the population of Florida. states in order of population 2020 - Bing (https://www.bing.com/search?q=states+in+order+of+population+2020&cvid=858b50c9d81045c18e6c50840bf21e72&aqs=edge.4.0l7.12473j0j1&pglt=43&FORM=ANSPA1&PC=DCTS)


Home - Johns Hopkins Coronavirus Resource Center (https://coronavirus.jhu.edu/region/us/florida)

[MDLNB]

" I wouldn't call taking an "experimental vaccine" that has caused the death of numerous healthy people and severe symptoms in many others to avoid a virus with a 99% recovery rate, particularly smart."

It's NOT "experimental." "Numerous?" How many were saved by the vaccination? Probably more than "numerous."

[sallyg]

And maybe we'll get to do it all over again in 6 months?

No problem. Whatever it takes. I will gladly get another vaccination, esp if it protects against variants.

[graciegirl]

It looks as if the USA will be added to the list of those countries mandating a "burqa" in the near future. Hmm, I wonder if an additional mask is required of those wearing the traditional "burqa."
Conspiracy theory?
Conspiracy: "a secret plan by a group to do something unlawful or harmful."
What difference does it make on stats that tell us how many are inoculated, when the information provides no value as to when or how we will ever get back to the norm? When is ENOUGH really considered ENOUGH?

Actually, this is the accepted definition of conspiracy theory;

"A conspiracy theory is an explanation for an event or situation that invokes a conspiracy by sinister and powerful groups, often political in motivation, when other explanations are more probable. The term has a negative connotation, implying that the appeal to a conspiracy is based on prejudice or insufficient evidence. A conspiracy theory is not simply a conspiracy; instead, it refers to a hypothesized conspiracy with specific characteristics, such as an opposition to the mainstream consensus among those people who are qualified to evaluate its accuracy."

Enough is enough when many, many, many people are no longer dying every day from the Coronavirus called Covid-19. I hear it is awful to be suffocated with thick, solid mucous, blocking your ability to breathe. Alone, without the person who loves you most. The danger of course is higher, the older we are. It isn't someone doing something bad to us on purpose. It is a terrible accident of nature and we have no recourse but to do all of the things we as mankind have done. It is just common sense in the face of very real and dangerous virus.

[MDLNB]

No problem. Whatever it takes. I will gladly get another vaccination, esp if it protects against variants.


Hmmm, I wonder how many will complacently get multiple shots for "variants" and still quietly accept wearing a mask with no prediction on when they will be able to rid themselves of the hindrance in the future.

[hrenner]

A question that has been circulating in regards to a booster shot in 6 months is "WHY?" Why should anyone bother to get the booster IF our gov insists that we should continue to wear masks? I wonder about this myself, considering the fact that I really had to think about whether or not I wanted the shots in the first place. Now, after coercing many reluctant folks to get the shots, they are being told that they must continue to wear their masks? AND on top of that, they must get a booster after only six months? I empathize with those that find this hard to swallow.

Sorry about going slightly off topic of how many in the Villages have their shots, but I too have been thinking about the six month booster and whether or not there will be as high a turn out for the second stage of this saga. Not sure that our stats are going to show as well on the next turnout, UNLESS we receive some assurances from those on high that they are going to provide a light at the end of this long tunnel.
The study said that vaccine shots have only been studied for six months and they know it is effective for six months. After six months? It could be effective for years. The click bait headlines fooled you. Read the article!

[MDLNB]

Enough is enough when many, many, many people are no longer dying every day.


Oh? And when in our history has there been a time where "many, many people have not died "every day?" Being positive is one thing, but willingly accepting a vague promise of a return to normalcy with no sight of light at the end of the tunnel, might be construed as naive to some.
Not disagreeing with you. Just wondering when "enough" will really be "enough."

[mrf6969]

I have NEVER been afraid of Covid. The only reason I wear/wore a mask and distanced is to be thoughtful for those who have been afraid.

Wasting this past year ++ in the final years of my life on earth has been the biggest challenge of my long life. Ok, I have a stupid rant..... I am sure people think they are being kind when they say “Stay Safe!” - but, it makes me cringe inside when anyone says it in the context of Covid. My mom & dad used to tell me to “be safe” and I find myself telling my friends and loved ones to be safe - but it is in reference to things like - staying safe from bad drivers, pick-pockets, cyber-criminals, slippery streets during a ice/snow storm, embarking on a long trip, going up a ladder to clean gutters ....

Anyway, sorry for rambling - if knowing makes you happy - yes, I got the vaccinations. I have absolutely no desire to know if you have gotten the vaccine. I will wear a mask - where I must. I will, however, choose to patronize businesses that do not mandate masks (please don’t get in a tizzy - it is my choice, if you feel different - that is your choice).

If masks remain mandatory - I will not waste my time getting any more Covid vaccinations. Again, don’t get in a tizzy - my choice.

‘Stay Sane!!’ :-) :-) :-) I think this is much more appropriate :-). But - again - it is just what I think. Say and do what you want to!
Excellent! If people were being truthful I am sure a great majority would agree with how you feel. I know I do.

[graciegirl]

Hmmm, I wonder how many will complacently get multiple shots for "variants" and still quietly accept wearing a mask with no prediction on when they will be able to rid themselves of the hindrance in the future.

Probably the same percentage that used birth control.

[jeanninern@yahoo.com]

However, if you do contract Covid-19 you may not die, but you could expose others to the virus who may not be so lucky.

[Dasher0928]

According to the CDC 87% of those who have been hospitalized or died from Covid were obese or overweight. Also according to the CDC, on average, those who died from Covid had 2.6 comorbidities. The most common being diabetes, lung disease, heart disease and hypertension. As someone who is not overweight and has none of the common preexisting conditions, my risk level is extremely low. Therefore I will most likely opt not to take the vaccine.

And there are effective biological (medications) to treat the effects of the virus. I have a doctor who has a plan to treat promptly, in the unlikelihood I do contract the virus, rather than being told to go home and wait until problems develop causing the need for hospitalization.

[MDLNB]

Probably the same percentage that used birth control.


Not even apples and oranges. Not even fruit to veggies. Definitely not relevant.



I agree with the idea that has been posted many times that some will feel misled and not be so easily "coerced" into getting boosters for an illness that still requires one to wear a mask for an indefinite amount of time in the future. Some folks have survived a whole year in the worst of this virus without a vaccine. Not advising anyone to avoid getting their vaccinations, but I can definitely understand why some would be hesitant. I have mine and encourage everyone to think seriously about getting vaccinated. But, there are many questions that should be considered, rather than "going along" with peer pressure without weighing all the available information.

[FT9508]

is that I sneeze and cough into my arm...take mine and my wife's temp every day and I don't go into crowded areas like the town squares or stores. I wash my hands frequently and carry hand sanitizer(75% alcohol)which I use after coughing, sneezing and handling objects others might have touched.

Nope...haven't got the vaccine yet(I'm 67...wife is 65). We don't plan to and I do not consider our decision to be NOT careful thinking or ourselves and others. Since you can still infect others if vaccinated I don't see the need for your comment. Especially since I view your posts as the most common sense and caring of all posters.
Now here's the kind of deep careful thinking ya just got to admire ????

[Dasher0928]

Covid Act Now (https://covidactnow.org/us/florida-fl/county/sumter_county/?s=1763684)

SUMTER COUNTY, FLORIDA

In Sumter County, Florida, 80,527 people (60.8%) have received at least one dose and 65,351 (49.4%) are fully vaccinated. Fewer than 0.001% of people who have received a dose experienced a severe adverse reaction, none of them deadly.

The serious concern about the shots have to do with long term 6-12 months out effects, which could cause the body to develop auto-immune issues. This has been the issue with previous attempts, which has been demonstrated in animal studies. I am very comfortable to wait until this mile marker has been reached.

[MDLNB]

However, if you do contract Covid-19 you may not die, but you could expose others to the virus who may not be so lucky.


Agreed. However, what is the percentage chance that you WILL contract the virus, and then what is the percentage that you will contract it and then also pass it on to another that won't "be so lucky?" The virus is now way over 99% survivable. The infection rate is based on positive test results, which are skewed by many factors. Return recipients of those being tested positive are counted as newly infected. There is evidence of many false positives also. Many deaths are labeled with a cause of death "with" covid, not death by covid. Stats can be deceiving, more as much as politics. And now, we have the promise of the "miracle" vaccine, so there is a 100% survival rate for those vaccinated.



The masks should come off. Those that won't or can't get the vaccination should protect themselves. The rest of us should go back to a normal lifestyle.

[allsport]

And according to the current research once a year after that. Small price to pay for health. I have a young daughter who has a rare blood type and she gave blood a couple of days after her vaccine. She is now planning on giving blood as often as she can because the blood goes to premies in the Children's Hospital and they tell her if the blood has antibodies. She will be able to track how long she is protected.

[davephan]

I would guess that about 80% are vaccinated. If you look at the State of Florida website, add up the seniors 65 and older that are vaccinated, and compare that to the 4.5 million seniors in Florida. Almost 80% of the seniors in Florida are vaccinated.

Another interesting statistic was released recently, the number of people that became COVID-19 positive after being fully vaccinated. There were 5,814 people that were COVID-19 positive after being fully vaccinated. If you compare that to the 85 million that are vaccinated, that’s an infection rate of 0.01%. Of those people infected, the cases were not severe. If those numbers are correct, the vaccinations are 99.99% effective!

It would be interesting to see the statistics on how many COVID-19 deaths there are in the population of vaccinated people.

But there will always be a percentage of the population that will refuse to get the vaccination. That percentage of refusing the vaccination is much higher, as the ages lower.

[MDLNB]

"It is a terrible accident of nature and we have no recourse but to do all of the things we as mankind have done."

Some folks do not believe this is an "accident" and do not believe that things will go back to normal. I have seen no one in power that has been able to (with credibility) promise the public that we will ever be able to go back to OUR normal living. I see no reason that folks should accept a new norm where masks are part of everyday "living." When half the medical field state that once vaccinated there is no reason to wear a mask in public, someone needs to provide a better explanation/reason if they wish a mass compliance. Saying one is a "expert" does not prove their statements when half the "experts" suggest differently.

[OrangeBlossomBaby]

I would guess that about 80% are vaccinated. If you look at the State of Florida website, add up the seniors 65 and older that are vaccinated, and compare that to the 4.5 million seniors in Florida. Almost 80% of the seniors in Florida are vaccinated.


The state of Florida has a population of just under 25 million. Seniors make up only 4.5 million of those 25 million. That's 20%. Most people under 50 have not yet been vaccinated (but are in the process of doing so effective 2 weeks ago when the under-50 crowd was given the green light).

I'm guessing around half the population between 50 and 65 have gotten their first vaccine, but aren't completely vaccinated yet.

So the overall average of 80% from YOUR first sentence, I believe, doesn't fall in line with logic and deductive reasoning.

I'd say the overall average is still under 70% state-wide.

[davephan]

The state of Florida has a population of just under 25 million. Seniors make up only 4.5 million of those 25 million. That's 20%. Most people under 50 have not yet been vaccinated (but are in the process of doing so effective 2 weeks ago when the under-50 crowd was given the green light).

I'm guessing around half the population between 50 and 65 have gotten their first vaccine, but aren't completely vaccinated yet.

So the overall average of 80% from YOUR first sentence, I believe, doesn't fall in line with logic and deductive reasoning.

I'd say the overall average is still under 70% state-wide.

The population of Florida is 21.5 million, not 25 million. The 80% is for seniors being vaccinated from the State of Florida website. The vast majority of people in the Villages are 65 and older. Of course there a few people younger than 65 in the Villages, but not many.

Of the seniors in the Villages, I’d put that percentage at about 80%. I’d also guess that the numbers of anti-vaccination people in the Villages are lower than in other parts of Florida of the same age group, because of the concentration of seniors in the Villages, and the higher risk for concentrations of older people.

[OrangeBlossomBaby]

"It is a terrible accident of nature and we have no recourse but to do all of the things we as mankind have done."

Some folks do not believe this is an "accident" and do not believe that things will go back to normal. I have seen no one in power that has been able to (with credibility) promise the public that we will ever be able to go back to OUR normal living. I see no reason that folks should accept a new norm where masks are part of everyday "living." When half the medical field state that once vaccinated there is no reason to wear a mask in public, someone needs to provide a better explanation/reason if they wish a mass compliance. Saying one is a "expert" does not prove their statements when half the "experts" suggest differently.

Oh please. Mammograms never existed, once upon a time. And now they're considered a normal and expected part of an average woman's journey through adulthood. They've become the "new normal" for women, and other than complaining about how uncomfortable they are to get (I attest!), the vast majority of women get them and don't even batt an eye when the doctor reminds them it's time for the next one.

Triple antibiotic ointment didn't exist, once upon a time. And now any parent keeps a tube of the stuff in the cabinet to smear on Junior when he scrapes his leg. There's nothing nefarious about it, and it has become the "new normal" to prepare for the inevitability. It is a preventative for infection. You no longer have to pour whiskey over the wound or pack it with macerated herb poultices and hope it doesn't fester.

Masks has been a normal in some parts of the world for decades. No one gives it a second thought. You leave the house, you wear a mask. No big deal. It's not mandated in those countries, no one is telling them they must do so. They do anyway. There's no reason why we can't do the same here, except that everyone is so focused on "mah freedumz" that they forget "mah health" is one of those freedumz.

Sort of like, if the color green offends you, but it's discovered that green can actually be helpful to humanity in some strange way, then when most of the world starts putting a green rock outside their door, you decide you'll just steal all the rocks because it offends your delicate sensibilities and violates your freedom to not have to see green.

Seriously. That's the mentality I perceive when I hear people railing against masks because of conspiracies and political agendas. If you don't want to wear a mask because you just don't LIKE them, be honest. That is a valid reason to not WANT to wear them. I hate the things, myself. I personally would love to not wear them in other peoples' buildings. No one thinks less of me for not wanting half my face to be covered when I'm out grocery shopping. No one thinks less of me for really wishing no one else had to do the same, so I could read their lips since I'm hard of hearing.

But I'll still wear the mask, until the CDC says it's safe for the vast majority of people (around 80%, regardless of age) to not wear them. The CDC is saying it's safe for vaccinated people to not wear them. But MOST people are not fully vaccinated. And so as a precaution, no matter how unnecessary it is for ME, I'll continue. Your health is more important than my facial comfort.

And if you haven't gotten the virus yet and have shopped at Publix in the last year, you're welcome.

[M2inOR]

As of this morning Florida is second in the nation behind Michigan in new Covid cases. Not good.
Rate per thousand, or total number of cases?

Can’t look at total number of cases alone, as Florid has a very large population when compared to most other states.

[Girlcopper]

According to the CDC 87% of those who have been hospitalized or died from Covid were obese or overweight. Also according to the CDC, on average, those who died from Covid had 2.6 comorbidities. The most common being diabetes, lung disease, heart disease and hypertension. As someone who is not overweight and has none of the common preexisting conditions, my risk level is extremely low. Therefore I will most likely opt not to take the vaccine.
Thats fine. Your choice. Just stay far away from me

[Altavia]

Sumter is doing relatively well, most new cases are younger people in the coastal population areas.

Covid Act Now (https://covidactnow.org/?s=1763684)

[oneclickplus]

Heard on the news that half the country has been vaccinated. I saw a map with deep colors showing counties with the most vaccination. Sumter county stands out right away on a map of Florida.

I wonder what percentage of Villagers have been vaccinated.

I am guessing about 70%.

I am proud of our careful thinking of ourselves and others.

I don't think it's helpful to imply that those choosing not to vaccinate are somehow uncaring of others. The Villages population is 96.8% white non-hispanic. Can I surmise then that Villages residents are racist? These false connections between two pieces of data do not automatically correlate. Do I hate the planet when I buy a bottle of water (the plastic being then disposed)?

The link below shows a correlation between getting the vaccine and acquiring Herpes Zoster. Maybe I don't want to risk getting Herpes Zoster. True to the bias of many, the article suggests that maybe some should get another vaccine for Herpes before getting the COVID shot. LOL

New vaccine side effect? In Israel, six people develop herpes zoster - The Jerusalem Post (https://www.jpost.com/health-science/new-vaccine-side-effect-in-israel-six-people-develop-herpes-zoster-665632)

The text below is verbatim from the Pfizer fact sheet at the FDA website. Here is the link to the PDF:
http://www.fda.gov/media/144414/download
The text was copied from the PDF revised as of 4/6/21

Comment: this "vaccine" doesn't look "safe" to me at all. It is for all these safety reasons that I choose not to ever vaccinate. By the way, on that map with colors for what areas have been vaccinated, you will see a little circle with no color at all. That's my house.

-------------------------------------------------------

The Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 Vaccine is an unapproved vaccine. In clinical trials, approximately 20,000 individuals 16 years of age and older have received at least 1 dose of the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 Vaccine.

There is a remote chance that the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 Vaccine could cause a severe allergic reaction. A severe allergic reaction would usually occur within a few minutes to one hour after getting a dose of the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 Vaccine. For this reason, your vaccination provider may ask you to stay at the place where you received your vaccine for monitoring after vaccination. Signs of a severe allergic reaction can include:
• Difficulty breathing
• Swelling of your face and throat
• A fast heartbeat
• A bad rash all over your body
• Dizziness and weakness
Side effects that have been reported with the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 Vaccine include:
• severe allergic reactions
• non-severe allergic reactions such as rash, itching, hives, or swelling of the face
• injection site pain
• tiredness
• headache
• muscle pain
• chills
• joint pain
• fever
• injection site swelling
• injection site redness
• nausea
• feeling unwell
• swollen lymph nodes (lymphadenopathy)
• diarrhea
• vomiting
• arm pain

These may not be all the possible side effects of the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 Vaccine. Serious and unexpected side effects may occur. Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 Vaccine is still being studied in clinical trials.

[OrangeBlossomBaby]

I don't think it's helpful to imply that those choosing not to vaccinate are somehow uncaring of others. The Villages population is 96.8% white non-hispanic. Can I surmise then that Villages residents are racist? These false connections between two pieces of data do not automatically correlate. Do I hate the planet when I buy a bottle of water (the plastic being then disposed)?

The link below shows a correlation between getting the vaccine and acquiring Herpes Zoster. Maybe I don't want to risk getting Herpes Zoster. True to the bias of many, the article suggests that maybe some should get another vaccine for Herpes before getting the COVID shot. LOL

New vaccine side effect? In Israel, six people develop herpes zoster - The Jerusalem Post (https://www.jpost.com/health-science/new-vaccine-side-effect-in-israel-six-people-develop-herpes-zoster-665632)

The text below is verbatim from the Pfizer fact sheet at the FDA website. Here is the link to the PDF:
http://www.fda.gov/media/144414/download
The text was copied from the PDF revised as of 4/6/21

Comment: this "vaccine" doesn't look "safe" to me at all. It is for all these safety reasons that I choose not to ever vaccinate. By the way, on that map with colors for what areas have been vaccinated, you will see a little circle with no color at all. That's my house.

-------------------------------------------------------

The Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 Vaccine is an unapproved vaccine. In clinical trials, approximately 20,000 individuals 16 years of age and older have received at least 1 dose of the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 Vaccine.

There is a remote chance that the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 Vaccine could cause a severe allergic reaction. A severe allergic reaction would usually occur within a few minutes to one hour after getting a dose of the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 Vaccine. For this reason, your vaccination provider may ask you to stay at the place where you received your vaccine for monitoring after vaccination. Signs of a severe allergic reaction can include:
• Difficulty breathing
• Swelling of your face and throat
• A fast heartbeat
• A bad rash all over your body
• Dizziness and weakness
Side effects that have been reported with the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 Vaccine include:
• severe allergic reactions
• non-severe allergic reactions such as rash, itching, hives, or swelling of the face
• injection site pain
• tiredness
• headache
• muscle pain
• chills
• joint pain
• fever
• injection site swelling
• injection site redness
• nausea
• feeling unwell
• swollen lymph nodes (lymphadenopathy)
• diarrhea
• vomiting
• arm pain

These may not be all the possible side effects of the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 Vaccine. Serious and unexpected side effects may occur. Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 Vaccine is still being studied in clinical trials.


Same POSSIBLE side effects for taking most FDA-approved prescription medicines of almost any kind at all.

And the "side effects may occur" is more of a disclaimer than a caveat emptor, that also appears on the patient information of pretty much every prescription drug on the market.

As does the list of possible results of an allergy to the ingredients of the product.

In addition, this is known of ALL vaccines, not just the new ones - that potential side effects will ALWAYS be similar to, but milder than the symptoms of the disease that the vaccines exist to prevent.

[JimmyDebbie]

My husband and I survived Covid last October (not hospitalized) and still have Covid antibodies. Studies that I’ve researched indicate that T-cell immunity also should work against Covid variants and will most likely trigger a lifetime response against Covid. I will take my God-given immune system and how it works over receiving a vaccine. I respect those who have not had Covid and choose to take a vaccine and believe that respect should work both ways for those of us who choose not to take a vaccine (especially if that person has already had covid and has immunity).

[doccraig]

Anxious to see how this largest human trial in history pans out. Hopefully, there will be great data produced that is honestly presented. This is the hoped for long term study.

[Spalumbos62]

Or maybe lots of naive people. I wouldn't call taking an "experimental vaccine" that has caused the death of numerous healthy people and severe symptoms in many others to avoid a virus with a 99% recovery rate, particularly smart. To each his own. Guess i won't be attending any events that "require proof of vaccination".


Trust me, vaccinated people are very happy that the naive people won't be attending these events.
I guess this is where " the whiners" go next.
First they complained they weren't gonna to put "that shot" into their bodies.....now they are all complaining they aren't included. Well, you had a choice-still do. You choose and these are the repercussions....its 100% on you.

[MDLNB]

"Masks has been a normal in some parts of the world for decades. No one gives it a second thought. "

Normal??? If you count Muslim countries as "normal" then I guess you may have a point. Some in urban areas of Japan wear masks, but I do not know if that would be considered "normal" for Japan. I have heard of many things in THIS country that are deemed "normal" by a few folks, but not the majority which would define "normal."

The rest of your comparison is not really a valid argument, but I do get what you are suggesting.

And nope, I do not think that I have had the virus in the past year of shopping at many stores. I have lived my life as normal as possible and do wear a mask ONLY where it is posted. I am seriously considering whether I intend to continue to wear one in those places after observing many folks that do not. I know of many folks that have had the virus and shrugged it off easier than a cold, and I am in better shape than them.

As for the post requesting that someone "stay away from me" I have stayed my distance from most people as much as I have been able, for many years. That is my norm. That has been my habit in order to protect myself from other illnesses. But, like I have said several times in the past, it is not up to me to protect anyone else. The responsibility for protection is on the person wishing that protection, not everyone else around that person. If one gets the vaccination and still worries about catching the virus, perhaps they should think about why they bothered to get inoculated to begin with. If a person comes around me that has refused to get vaccinated, it is not up to me to "stay away" from them when they have the choice to be near or not. I take responsibility for myself and only those I choose. It is not a moral, ethical or patriotic imperative that I assume responsibility for someone else's careless behavior. I do believe that I am mostly considerate of others....but not responsible for their welfare.

[alehew]

If you get the vaccine why do u still wear a mask. Fauci has flipped back and forth. People are dying from the vaccine. I personally don't care if you get it or not but its everyone's freedom to choose.

[kendi]

And this is why it still goes on.

Rather than believing the science, we have bullheaded people who think they are somehow special or immune.

You can lead a horse to water....

Some things you just cannot change. Common sense being one of them I suppose.

STOP!!! Opinions can be stated without insulting the other.

[kendi]

Anxious to see how this largest human trial in history pans out. Hopefully, there will be great data produced that is honestly presented. This is the hoped for long term study.

Agree. And it is a bit unnerving to be the guinea pig. Only reason husband and I got it is so we could could see/hold our new grand babies.

[Spalumbos62]

Probably the same percentage that used birth control.


Well that comment made no sense...not unless you want to stir a pot on this thread , otherwise not appropriate.

[Looking for next wife]

Welcome to the Freedom Cafe
We trust you to make your own choices if you want to wear a face mask and in the same spirit of our individual liberty, we allow our staff to make their own choices about the safety procedures they prefer as they prepare and serve your food. We encourage our employees to wash their hands after using the bathroom but we do understand that some people may be allergic to certain soaps or may simply prefer not to wash their hands. It is not our place to infringe on their freedoms and tell them what to do.We understand that you may be used to and expect chicken that has been cooked to 165 degrees, however, we do have to respect that some of our cooks may have seen a meme or a youtube video that says that 100 degrees is sufficient and we allow that because we do not want to encroach on their beliefs. Some servers may want to touch your food as they serve it and, as such, there is no reason a healthy person with clean hands can't touch your food. In the interest of freedom, we will take their word for it that they are healthy and clean. Water temperature and use of detergent are highly personal choices so we are allowing our dishwasher team to decide how they prefer to wash the silverware that you will be putting in your mouth. Some of you may get sick, but almost everyone survives food poisoning. We think you will agree that it is a small price to pay for the sweet freedom of no one ever being told what to do and especially not for the super silly reason of helping to keep complete strangers healthy.

[Swoop]

Thats fine. Your choice. Just stay far away from me
Really?!? If you’ve been vaccinated why are you worried about my proximity to you???

[GrumpyOldMan]

Because an individual has ignored all advice from experts and has not died of COVID does not mean they are right, it just means they have been lucky.

I just got back from 3 weeks in Ecuador, and the difference between here and there is incredible. I stayed in Cuenca and ate out most of the time I was there. The reason, I did was the precautions I saw in place. In 3 weeks in a large city I saw maybe 3 or 4 people without masks on, and they appeared to be American/European tourists. EVERY store you enter has a door mat with disinfectant to wide your feet as you go into the store. Every store/restaurant has a person that sprays your hands and most also take your temperature, as you enter. If it is a restaurant, when you get to your table they spray or wipe down the table. All tables are at social distancing separation. If you hang around and people leave, you will see their tables be disinfected when they leave. Almost everywhere you you go there are disinfectant dispensers by doors, on sidewalks etc. for public use.

All of those precautions are inexpensive, and easy to implement. None of them guarantee you won't get COVID, but every little bit helps. But I think even more importantly, everyone seemed to want to help, to do what they could to help. The attitude was NOT they were being forced to do these things, it was they wanted to help each other.

Which is the point.

It seems so many people here are of the opinion the if there isn't a perfect solution/protection, they are not going to do anything. They feel that if anyone or the government suggests anything to help, they are going instantly into anger mode and refusing just on principle - no one is taking away their rights. Instead of asking, "What I can do to help", the attitude here, "I can do anything I want - I have my rights!"

With COVID, all the precautions, distancing, masks, washing hands, etc. all help. None are perfect, but they help. They are easy, they are a way each of us can show we care about each other.

In Ecuador there were no visible arguments about wearing masks, EVERYONE (99.9%) just did it. Everyone (99.9%) thank store employees for disinfecting customer hands and taking temperatures.

It's sad we hate each other so much.

[graciegirl]

Well that comment made no sense...not unless you want to stir a pot on this thread , otherwise not appropriate.

Birth control is a way to control the outcome as to what happens to you.

Birth control is used by people who think of how things are and make plans and are careful about choices.

When our grandchildren became teens I told them three things every time I was with them;

Don't drink and drive.
Don't have unprotected sex.
Save your money.

Getting vaccinated from a virus that has killed millions of people in this world seems like it fits in there with my list.

[CFrance]

And maybe we'll get to do it all over again in 6 months?
So be it. We'll still be alive and well.

[davem4616]

my guess is something north of 80%

[cherylncliff]

Might even be 90%. Happy to see clubs and other activities reopening.

Went to a club breakfast just over a week ago and you had to tell the organizer you have the vaccine before being ok to go. Was very happy to see that.

Based on the governors executive order, that was probably illegal for them to ask if you had been vaccinated as a condition of entry.

[Velvet]

It looks as if the USA will be added to the list of those countries mandating a "burqa" in the near future. Hmm, I wonder if an additional mask is required of those wearing the traditional "burqa."
Conspiracy theory?
Conspiracy: "a secret plan by a group to do something unlawful or harmful."
What difference does it make on stats that tell us how many are inoculated, when the information provides no value as to when or how we will ever get back to the norm? When is ENOUGH really considered ENOUGH?

Well, if it meant that we were all safe, I’d wear a tent personally. Survival of the fittest ... in our case fittest of the mind.

I know members of the nudist colony would not likely agree with me, but I still have a hard time with understanding why people who wear socks, or other clothing regularly, seem so concerned about face masks. And then when it comes to skiing and cold they have no concerns.

[stebooo]

I'm still waiting for a call back from Walgreens.

[bobdeb]

Interesting...

[popbaby2]

is that I sneeze and cough into my arm...take mine and my wife's temp every day and I don't go into crowded areas like the town squares or stores. I wash my hands frequently and carry hand sanitizer(75% alcohol)which I use after coughing, sneezing and handling objects others might have touched.

Nope...haven't got the vaccine yet(I'm 67...wife is 65). We don't plan to and I do not consider our decision to be NOT careful thinking or ourselves and others. Since you can still infect others if vaccinated I don't see the need for your comment. Especially since I view your posts as the most common sense and caring of all posters.

Im curious. Why not get the vaccine?

[popbaby2]

Really?!? If you’ve been vaccinated why are you worried about my proximity to you???

Because it is 95% effective. You can still give it to me. I will probably not die but i can pass it on. And that person may die. You are being selfish.

[Looking for next wife]

Check Ted Nugent situation today. Hilarious.

Lots of the vaccine naysayers and Covid naysayers have caught it and died, always begging for their followers to change their minds just before they went saying they were wrong. I think he also asked why we never heard of the first 18 Covids and only the 19th. Lol.

Possibly not a Harvard MBA.

[popbaby2]

Or maybe lots of naive people. I wouldn't call taking an "experimental vaccine" that has caused the death of numerous healthy people and severe symptoms in many others to avoid a virus with a 99% recovery rate, particularly smart. To each his own. Guess i won't be attending any events that "require proof of vaccination".

Stay away from me. Im not naive but follow the science. Its not experimental. Lot mre serious than 99% recovery rate. Your comment is just wrong

[Velvet]

Check Ted Nugent situation today. Hilarious.

Lots of the vaccine naysayers and Covid naysayers have caught it and died, always begging for their followers to change their minds just before they went saying they were wrong. I think he also asked why we never heard of the first 18 Covids and only the 19th. Lol.

Possibly not a Harvard MBA.

Covid 19 - the 19 comes from the year it was discovered 2019, not because it was the 19th type of Covid. But I guess he didn’t know that :)

[MSchad]

I know more than 20 people who have had the virus and none have had lingering symptoms. Per the link you provided: “Our experience shows most long-haulers tend to fall into the high risk category”...
I totally agree. I have 3 family members that had covid and have no lingering problems. One had a rougher time than the other two, but was over weight. A higher risk category.

[charmed59]

Based on the governors executive order, that was probably illegal for them to ask if you had been vaccinated as a condition of entry.

The governor’s executive order does not apply to private clubs or homes.

I have already seen neighborhood get togethers that exclude those who are not yet vaccinated.

Face it, with so many folks not wanting to be vaccinated either now or ever we will probably not hit herd immunity until enough of them get it naturally, and that may be awhile. Meanwhile, groups are looking for a slice of normal. They can set up maskless socials or activities where everyone is vaccinated, making their own bubble of immunity.
Certainly my extended family has done this.

Is suspect when everyone has a chance of getting the vaccine the CDC will finally be sure enough to lift mask suggestions for all those who are vaccinated or have antibodies. They would have done it earlier, but unfortunately, there are those who do not have immunity that would use that opportunity to go without a mask and inadvertently infect more people. So they are waiting for everyone who wants to get immunity to get it.

[MSchad]

So why does the Governor of the state forbid the use of vaccine passports? He is out of touch thats why.
CDC says you can still spread covid if vaccinated or not. So what is the point of a passport? Now if you couldn’t catch it or spread it, then that would be totally different.

[MSchad]

I have NEVER been afraid of Covid. The only reason I wear/wore a mask and distanced is to be thoughtful for those who have been afraid.

Wasting this past year ++ in the final years of my life on earth has been the biggest challenge of my long life. Ok, I have a stupid rant..... I am sure people think they are being kind when they say “Stay Safe!” - but, it makes me cringe inside when anyone says it in the context of Covid. My mom & dad used to tell me to “be safe” and I find myself telling my friends and loved ones to be safe - but it is in reference to things like - staying safe from bad drivers, pick-pockets, cyber-criminals, slippery streets during a ice/snow storm, embarking on a long trip, going up a ladder to clean gutters ....

Anyway, sorry for rambling - if knowing makes you happy - yes, I got the vaccinations. I have absolutely no desire to know if you have gotten the vaccine. I will wear a mask - where I must. I will, however, choose to patronize businesses that do not mandate masks (please don’t get in a tizzy - it is my choice, if you feel different - that is your choice).

If masks remain mandatory - I will not waste my time getting any more Covid vaccinations. Again, don’t get in a tizzy - my choice.

‘Stay Sane!!’ :-) :-) :-) I think this is much more appropriate :-). But - again - it is just what I think. Say and do what you want to!

Well said.

[MSchad]

However, if you do contract Covid-19 you may not die, but you could expose others to the virus who may not be so lucky.
You can still expose others to the virus even after you are vaccinated. That is why they are saying you still have to wear the mask. Contracting it or not isn’t the question, it’s passing it on.

[Scbang]

Oh please. Mammograms never existed, once upon a time. And now they're considered a normal and expected part of an average woman's journey through adulthood. They've become the "new normal" for women, and other than complaining about how uncomfortable they are to get (I attest!), the vast majority of women get them and don't even batt an eye when the doctor reminds them it's time for the next one.

Triple antibiotic ointment didn't exist, once upon a time. And now any parent keeps a tube of the stuff in the cabinet to smear on Junior when he scrapes his leg. There's nothing nefarious about it, and it has become the "new normal" to prepare for the inevitability. It is a preventative for infection. You no longer have to pour whiskey over the wound or pack it with macerated herb poultices and hope it doesn't fester.

Masks has been a normal in some parts of the world for decades. No one gives it a second thought. You leave the house, you wear a mask. No big deal. It's not mandated in those countries, no one is telling them they must do so. They do anyway. There's no reason why we can't do the same here, except that everyone is so focused on "mah freedumz" that they forget "mah health" is one of those freedumz.

Sort of like, if the color green offends you, but it's discovered that green can actually be helpful to humanity in some strange way, then when most of the world starts putting a green rock outside their door, you decide you'll just steal all the rocks because it offends your delicate sensibilities and violates your freedom to not have to see green.

Seriously. That's the mentality I perceive when I hear people railing against masks because of conspiracies and political agendas. If you don't want to wear a mask because you just don't LIKE them, be honest. That is a valid reason to not WANT to wear them. I hate the things, myself. I personally would love to not wear them in other peoples' buildings. No one thinks less of me for not wanting half my face to be covered when I'm out grocery shopping. No one thinks less of me for really wishing no one else had to do the same, so I could read their lips since I'm hard of hearing.

But I'll still wear the mask, until the CDC says it's safe for the vast majority of people (around 80%, regardless of age) to not wear them. The CDC is saying it's safe for vaccinated people to not wear them. But MOST people are not fully vaccinated. And so as a precaution, no matter how unnecessary it is for ME, I'll continue. Your health is more important than my facial comfort.

And if you haven't gotten the virus yet and have shopped at Publix in the last year, you're welcome.

Very well said..

[Scbang]

Welcome to the Freedom Cafe
We trust you to make your own choices if you want to wear a face mask and in the same spirit of our individual liberty, we allow our staff to make their own choices about the safety procedures they prefer as they prepare and serve your food. We encourage our employees to wash their hands after using the bathroom but we do understand that some people may be allergic to certain soaps or may simply prefer not to wash their hands. It is not our place to infringe on their freedoms and tell them what to do.We understand that you may be used to and expect chicken that has been cooked to 165 degrees, however, we do have to respect that some of our cooks may have seen a meme or a youtube video that says that 100 degrees is sufficient and we allow that because we do not want to encroach on their beliefs. Some servers may want to touch your food as they serve it and, as such, there is no reason a healthy person with clean hands can't touch your food. In the interest of freedom, we will take their word for it that they are healthy and clean. Water temperature and use of detergent are highly personal choices so we are allowing our dishwasher team to decide how they prefer to wash the silverware that you will be putting in your mouth. Some of you may get sick, but almost everyone survives food poisoning. We think you will agree that it is a small price to pay for the sweet freedom of no one ever being told what to do and especially not for the super silly reason of helping to keep complete strangers healthy.

Once we visited Heaven and Hell. They all had long chopsticks ( or forks ) that are too long to feed themselves.
In heaven, everyone fed complete strangers happily.
In hell, they are all suspicious of each other and try to intercept when someone try to feed someone else. All get hungry, angry and yes you are in HELL!

I am not sure the definition of freedom means what you said at the end.

[MDLNB]

CDC says you can still spread covid if vaccinated or not. So what is the point of a passport? Now if you couldn’t catch it or spread it, then that would be totally different.


That's interesting. CDC ALSO said that once inoculated, you can't give the virus to anyone. And folks wonder why we don't trust the gov to give us good information.


Many doctors argue that when you receive immunizations, you can't pass on the illness. CDC or some political hack for the CDC says to wear a mask. Who is correct? I figure that if I am going to go to the effort of getting two shots of a foreign substance injected into my body, I am going to consider myself protected and act according. I know that if I get it (according to advertising) I have a hundred percent assurance of not even having to go to the hospital, and I won't die. So, I am not telling anyone what they should do, but I know what I will do.

[MDLNB]

You can still expose others to the virus even after you are vaccinated. That is why they are saying you still have to wear the mask. Contracting it or not isn’t the question, it’s passing it on.


The doctors I listen to say that you cannot pass it on if you are immune to it. Who's right? Does it matter? If you get the vaccination, you won't have to worry about my passing it on to you.

[jimjamuser]

is that I sneeze and cough into my arm...take mine and my wife's temp every day and I don't go into crowded areas like the town squares or stores. I wash my hands frequently and carry hand sanitizer(75% alcohol)which I use after coughing, sneezing and handling objects others might have touched.

Nope...haven't got the vaccine yet(I'm 67...wife is 65). We don't plan to and I do not consider our decision to be NOT careful thinking or ourselves and others. Since you can still infect others if vaccinated I don't see the need for your comment. Especially since I view your posts as the most common sense and caring of all posters.
OK, I will try to explain why Not getting vaccinated COULD have deadly consequences to the entire human race. Fully vaccinated people have almost zero chance of spreading CV. The anti-vaxxers will be spreading it among themselves and children under 16 (until they can be vaccinated). This will allow the VIRUS to evolve or mutate into a POSSIBLY (?) greater KILLER of HUMANS. It COULD (?) evolve to the point that it can avoid our current vaccines. That would be a DISASTER. Nobody wants that dire situation. 80% of the people in the US COULD (?) have all their effort and expense to get vaccinated to be for NOTHING - because of the 20% of anti-vaxxers that would not be vaccinated. Then, the US deaths would possibly double to 1 MILLION. And people would start over needing a NEW vaccine. ALL anti-vaxxers should think long and hard about whether they want to treat themselves and their fellow citizens that callously! The shots are free to the patient and have few side effects or dangers - they are also readily available. Think about it!

[jimjamuser]

According to the CDC 87% of those who have been hospitalized or died from Covid were obese or overweight. Also according to the CDC, on average, those who died from Covid had 2.6 comorbidities. The most common being diabetes, lung disease, heart disease and hypertension. As someone who is not overweight and has none of the common preexisting conditions, my risk level is extremely low. Therefore I will most likely opt not to take the vaccine.
Not a good choice. Refer to my reasoning in a prior post.

[jimjamuser]

Or maybe lots of naive people. I wouldn't call taking an "experimental vaccine" that has caused the death of numerous healthy people and severe symptoms in many others to avoid a virus with a 99% recovery rate, particularly smart. To each his own. Guess i won't be attending any events that "require proof of vaccination".
Please read post #87

[jimjamuser]

Agreed. However, what is the percentage chance that you WILL contract the virus, and then what is the percentage that you will contract it and then also pass it on to another that won't "be so lucky?" The virus is now way over 99% survivable. The infection rate is based on positive test results, which are skewed by many factors. Return recipients of those being tested positive are counted as newly infected. There is evidence of many false positives also. Many deaths are labeled with a cause of death "with" covid, not death by covid. Stats can be deceiving, more as much as politics. And now, we have the promise of the "miracle" vaccine, so there is a 100% survival rate for those vaccinated.



The masks should come off. Those that won't or can't get the vaccination should protect themselves. The rest of us should go back to a normal lifestyle.
You just can't snap your fingers and WILL a "normal lifestyle". We have to WAIT and hope that enough people get vaccinated to achieve a risk-free herd immunity. The anti-vaxxers could upset the "normal lifestyle".

[OrangeBlossomBaby]

Welcome to the Freedom Cafe
We trust you to make your own choices if you want to wear a face mask and in the same spirit of our individual liberty, we allow our staff to make their own choices about the safety procedures they prefer as they prepare and serve your food. We encourage our employees to wash their hands after using the bathroom but we do understand that some people may be allergic to certain soaps or may simply prefer not to wash their hands. It is not our place to infringe on their freedoms and tell them what to do.We understand that you may be used to and expect chicken that has been cooked to 165 degrees, however, we do have to respect that some of our cooks may have seen a meme or a youtube video that says that 100 degrees is sufficient and we allow that because we do not want to encroach on their beliefs. Some servers may want to touch your food as they serve it and, as such, there is no reason a healthy person with clean hands can't touch your food. In the interest of freedom, we will take their word for it that they are healthy and clean. Water temperature and use of detergent are highly personal choices so we are allowing our dishwasher team to decide how they prefer to wash the silverware that you will be putting in your mouth. Some of you may get sick, but almost everyone survives food poisoning. We think you will agree that it is a small price to pay for the sweet freedom of no one ever being told what to do and especially not for the super silly reason of helping to keep complete strangers healthy.

That was beautiful. Kudos!
:bigbow:

[MDLNB]

You just can't snap your fingers and WILL a "normal lifestyle". We have to WAIT and hope that enough people get vaccinated to achieve a risk-free herd immunity. The anti-vaxxers could upset the "normal lifestyle".


Naw, I am not one to take advice from folks that I do not believe in. I prefer KNOWN experts and they tell me that I can live "normal" again. According to the political "experts" we will never go back to "normal." What other folks do is none of my business. I do not insist that they do as I do, and I do not fear them. If someone does not approve of my "inoculated and covid free" normal lifestyle, then it is up to them to stay away from me. Not the other way around. I did my "patriotic, ha,ha, duty" by getting my shots and now I am SAFE. Everyone has been screaming that the world MUST/MUST get their vaccinations, so now they need to back off and allow us to live again.

I will take a shorter GREAT life, over a LONG, long, long mentally, physically and controlled life. If folks are fine with wearing a mask for the rest of their lives, I think my great-grandson has a "Binky" that they can make several masks from. I did my duty and wore my paper and home made masks for the past year and now I am finished. Back to normal. Everyone must do what one must do to make themselves feel happy.

[Aloha1]

CDC says you can still spread covid if vaccinated or not. So what is the point of a passport? Now if you couldn’t catch it or spread it, then that would be totally different.

False.

"After warning for months that vaccinated people should still be cautious in order to not infect others, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention suggests they may not be at much risk of transmitting the coronavirus.

“Vaccinated people do not carry the virus — they don’t get sick,” Dr. Rochelle Walensky, director of the CDC, told MSNBC’s Rachel Maddow on Tuesday. That’s “not just in the clinical trials, but it’s also in real-world data.”

[Swoop]

OK, I will try to explain why Not getting vaccinated COULD have deadly consequences to the entire human race. Fully vaccinated people have almost zero chance of spreading CV. The anti-vaxxers will be spreading it among themselves and children under 16 (until they can be vaccinated). This will allow the VIRUS to evolve or mutate into a POSSIBLY (?) greater KILLER of HUMANS. It COULD (?) evolve to the point that it can avoid our current vaccines. That would be a DISASTER. Nobody wants that dire situation. 80% of the people in the US COULD (?) have all their effort and expense to get vaccinated to be for NOTHING - because of the 20% of anti-vaxxers that would not be vaccinated. Then, the US deaths would possibly double to 1 MILLION. And people would start over needing a NEW vaccine. ALL anti-vaxxers should think long and hard about whether they want to treat themselves and their fellow citizens that callously! The shots are free to the patient and have few side effects or dangers - they are also readily available. Think about it!
Let me explain all the things wrong with your post. First, historically, Covid viruses have mutated to the point they became less able or unable to transfer between humans, in 2 to 3 years. So although the the opposite is possible, history would indicate otherwise. Second, Dr Fauci has previously stated that we would achieve herd immunity if 70% of the population has been vaccinated...

[MSchad]

False.

"After warning for months that vaccinated people should still be cautious in order to not infect others, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention suggests they may not be at much risk of transmitting the coronavirus.

“Vaccinated people do not carry the virus — they don’t get sick,” Dr. Rochelle Walensky, director of the CDC, told MSNBC’s Rachel Maddow on Tuesday. That’s “not just in the clinical trials, but it’s also in real-world data.”
So in other words, the vaccines are 100% effective. And the reports of those that have been vaccinated and still contracted the virus are false. And if true, they still couldn’t spread it? And, Dr. Fauci was just on the news saying vaccinated still need to wear masks to prevent spreading in case they unknowingly have the virus. Hmmm

[coralway]

Heard on the news that half the country has been vaccinated. I saw a map with deep colors showing counties with the most vaccination. Sumter county stands out right away on a map of Florida.

I wonder what percentage of Villagers have been vaccinated.

I am guessing about 70%.

I am proud of our careful thinking of ourselves and others.





Seeing as how TV is about 95% white, I would guesstimate about 80-85% by now have at least the first dose

[lennythenet]

ENOUGH is when people finally say “I am vaccinated, I am not wearing this mask anymore! “

[fishon]

Ha, ha.
You will die of something.
The government statistics will claim covid.
Stay frightened my friends.
Your government expects it.

[coffeebean]

Based on the governors executive order, that was probably illegal for them to ask if you had been vaccinated as a condition of entry.

Does the governor's executive order apply to social gatherings not involving businesses?

[coffeebean]

Because it is 95% effective. You can still give it to me. I will probably not die but i can pass it on. And that person may die. You are being selfish.
I would use another word but that would not go over very big.

[jimjamuser]

Sumter is doing relatively well, most new cases are younger people in the coastal population areas.

Covid Act Now (https://covidactnow.org/?s=1763684)
Yes,, after spring break.

[jimjamuser]

My husband and I survived Covid last October (not hospitalized) and still have Covid antibodies. Studies that I’ve researched indicate that T-cell immunity also should work against Covid variants and will most likely trigger a lifetime response against Covid. I will take my God-given immune system and how it works over receiving a vaccine. I respect those who have not had Covid and choose to take a vaccine and believe that respect should work both ways for those of us who choose not to take a vaccine (especially if that person has already had covid and has immunity).
Some people with CV have gotten a worse dose of CV after a few months. Check that out for information.

[jimjamuser]

"Masks has been a normal in some parts of the world for decades. No one gives it a second thought. "

Normal??? If you count Muslim countries as "normal" then I guess you may have a point. Some in urban areas of Japan wear masks, but I do not know if that would be considered "normal" for Japan. I have heard of many things in THIS country that are deemed "normal" by a few folks, but not the majority which would define "normal."

The rest of your comparison is not really a valid argument, but I do get what you are suggesting.

And nope, I do not think that I have had the virus in the past year of shopping at many stores. I have lived my life as normal as possible and do wear a mask ONLY where it is posted. I am seriously considering whether I intend to continue to wear one in those places after observing many folks that do not. I know of many folks that have had the virus and shrugged it off easier than a cold, and I am in better shape than them.

As for the post requesting that someone "stay away from me" I have stayed my distance from most people as much as I have been able, for many years. That is my norm. That has been my habit in order to protect myself from other illnesses. But, like I have said several times in the past, it is not up to me to protect anyone else. The responsibility for protection is on the person wishing that protection, not everyone else around that person. If one gets the vaccination and still worries about catching the virus, perhaps they should think about why they bothered to get inoculated to begin with. If a person comes around me that has refused to get vaccinated, it is not up to me to "stay away" from them when they have the choice to be near or not. I take responsibility for myself and only those I choose. It is not a moral, ethical or patriotic imperative that I assume responsibility for someone else's careless behavior. I do believe that I am mostly considerate of others....but not responsible for their welfare.
The principle of social security and other modern government programs IS that we are ALL responsible for each other. We SHARE responsibility for roads, bridges, and national defense. It is just like one big giant TEAM. You get the benefits of that teamwork. The John Wayne-like frontier hero is long gone.

[jimjamuser]

If you get the vaccine why do u still wear a mask. Fauci has flipped back and forth. People are dying from the vaccine. I personally don't care if you get it or not but its everyone's freedom to choose.
Please read post # 87

[jimjamuser]

Because an individual has ignored all advice from experts and has not died of COVID does not mean they are right, it just means they have been lucky.

I just got back from 3 weeks in Ecuador, and the difference between here and there is incredible. I stayed in Cuenca and ate out most of the time I was there. The reason, I did was the precautions I saw in place. In 3 weeks in a large city I saw maybe 3 or 4 people without masks on, and they appeared to be American/European tourists. EVERY store you enter has a door mat with disinfectant to wide your feet as you go into the store. Every store/restaurant has a person that sprays your hands and most also take your temperature, as you enter. If it is a restaurant, when you get to your table they spray or wipe down the table. All tables are at social distancing separation. If you hang around and people leave, you will see their tables be disinfected when they leave. Almost everywhere you you go there are disinfectant dispensers by doors, on sidewalks etc. for public use.

All of those precautions are inexpensive, and easy to implement. None of them guarantee you won't get COVID, but every little bit helps. But I think even more importantly, everyone seemed to want to help, to do what they could to help. The attitude was NOT they were being forced to do these things, it was they wanted to help each other.

Which is the point.

It seems so many people here are of the opinion the if there isn't a perfect solution/protection, they are not going to do anything. They feel that if anyone or the government suggests anything to help, they are going instantly into anger mode and refusing just on principle - no one is taking away their rights. Instead of asking, "What I can do to help", the attitude here, "I can do anything I want - I have my rights!"

With COVID, all the precautions, distancing, masks, washing hands, etc. all help. None are perfect, but they help. They are easy, they are a way each of us can show we care about each other.

In Ecuador there were no visible arguments about wearing masks, EVERYONE (99.9%) just did it. Everyone (99.9%) thank store employees for disinfecting customer hands and taking temperatures.

It's sad we hate each other so much.
That was a good post. And, nice dog!

[Looking for next wife]

Once we visited Heaven and Hell. They all had long chopsticks ( or forks ) that are too long to feed themselves.
In heaven, everyone fed complete strangers happily.
In hell, they are all suspicious of each other and try to intercept when someone try to feed someone else. All get hungry, angry and yes you are in HELL!

I am not sure the definition of freedom means what you said at the end.


Thank you for your reading and observation. What I meant, of course, was "sarcastic" for sure at the end; and the, evidently not so "obvious to everyone" sarcasm of the entire thing.

[MDLNB]

The principle of social security and other modern government programs IS that we are ALL responsible for each other. We SHARE responsibility for roads, bridges, and national defense. It is just like one big giant TEAM. You get the benefits of that teamwork. The John Wayne-like frontier hero is long gone.


I am sorry that you believe that. But, everyone is entitled to believe what they must. Thank you for your opinion, even if it is NOT shared by other Americans.

[Looking for next wife]

I guess you can always tell the ones that did not make the football team.

[coffeebean]

If you get the vaccine why do u still wear a mask. Fauci has flipped back and forth. People are dying from the vaccine. I personally don't care if you get it or not but its everyone's freedom to choose.

Which vaccine are people dying from? From where I sit, the J&J vaccine has had 7 woman develop blood clots with one woman dying. The vaccine distribution has been paused in the US because of this development.

The mRNA vaccines (Moderna and Pfizer) have not had any pauses since their roll out in our country and other countries. I would imagine that there would be pauses in their distribution if people were dying as you say they are. But that is just my opinion. I'm aware there have been deaths post vaccination but none of those deaths have been shown to be a direct result of the vaccines.

[jimjamuser]

Let me explain all the things wrong with your post. First, historically, Covid viruses have mutated to the point they became less able or unable to transfer between humans, in 2 to 3 years. So although the the opposite is possible, history would indicate otherwise. Second, Dr Fauci has previously stated that we would achieve herd immunity if 70% of the population has been vaccinated...
The way I saw the news in print and on TV was that the British variant spread MORE easily than the original US variant and was also MORE deadly, And sure enough, it is the one causing the huge problem in Michigan. The South African variant is even more deadly than the British and spreads at least as fast as the British. I don't know what more I can tell you? Maybe be wary of your information source? My intent was to try and change the hearts and minds of SOME anti-vaxxers here in TV Land. It was worth a try!

[Swoop]

The way I saw the news in print and on TV was that the British variant spread MORE easily than the original US variant and was also MORE deadly, And sure enough, it is the one causing the huge problem in Michigan. The South African variant is even more deadly than the British and spreads at least as fast as the British. I don't know what more I can tell you? Maybe be wary of your information source? My intent was to try and change the hearts and minds of SOME anti-vaxxers here in TV Land. It was worth a try!
MERS & SARS were both novel Covid viruses. SARS lasted two years, and the MERS outbreak lasted less than three years. No vaccine for either. Both mutated.

[jimjamuser]

Once we visited Heaven and Hell. They all had long chopsticks ( or forks ) that are too long to feed themselves.
In heaven, everyone fed complete strangers happily.
In hell, they are all suspicious of each other and try to intercept when someone try to feed someone else. All get hungry, angry and yes you are in HELL!

I am not sure the definition of freedom means what you said at the end.


Thank you for your reading and observation. What I meant, of course, was "sarcastic" for sure at the end; and the, evidently not so "obvious to everyone" sarcasm of the entire thing.
I recognized the sarcasm. It was well done and appropriate.

[jimjamuser]

I am sorry that you believe that. But, everyone is entitled to believe what they must. Thank you for your opinion, even if it is NOT shared by other Americans.
OK. Thank you!

[jimjamuser]

Which vaccine are people dying from? From where I sit, the J&J vaccine has had 7 woman develop blood clots with one woman dying. The vaccine distribution has been paused in the US because of this development.

The mRNA vaccines (Moderna and Pfizer) have not had any pauses since their roll out in our country and other countries. I would imagine that there would be pauses in their distribution if people were dying as you say they are. But that is just my opinion. I'm aware there have been deaths post vaccination but none of those deaths have been shown to be a direct result of the vaccines.
It is a risk vs rewards calculation. And the rewards greatly outweigh the risks.

[jimjamuser]

MERS & SARS were both novel Covid viruses. SARS lasted two years, and the MERS outbreak lasted less than three years. No vaccine for either. Both mutated.
I don't see a direct extrapolation to CV-19? So far we are closing in on 600,000 US citizens being VERY DEAD! I just warned in post # 87 that if the anti-vaxxer's opinion became too widespread, the US could have a MILLION dead. We certainly don't want that. Do we?

[asianthree]

Really don’t worry about the percentage of vaccinated to non vaccinated. After all why worry about things you can not change. Life did not change for us in 2020, saw family, grandkids, ate out when available.
Tomorrow Could slip on a ice cube the dog was playing with, or have a cerebral hemorrhage, or life could come to a halt.
Live for today, for tomorrow may not come

[Bucco]

I don't see a direct extrapolation to CV-19? So far we are closing in on 600,000 US citizens being VERY DEAD! I just warned in post # 87 that if the anti-vaxxer's opinion became too widespread, the US could have a MILLION dead. We certainly don't want that. Do we?

I know nothing about medicine.

But, I am shocked by the attitude concerning over 1/2 million Americans dying because of this virus. 1/2 million...that is a big number that should getba lot of attention.

Add to that, our American attitude toward our fellow Americans with vaccine, masks, etc. The entire world, not just us Americans have suffered, physically, mentally and economically so frustration is understandable, but the "every man for himself" attitude wears thin for me.

[J1ceasar]

Another person who does not understand statistics. Half the population is overweight or has diabetes or heart disease. There's a TV show with a detective asks the doctor. What did he die of, and the doctor says his heart stopped. The detective says but when everyone dies their heart has stopped so it's 100% and their heart is stopped. That's kind of like your statistic of 87%. When people get heart attacks, the first thing doctors look at is their teeth. Because if you don't take care of your teeth you haven't taken care of the rest of you. So if you're in that 13%. That's still died without being overweight or with diabetes or a heart attack, you may have less of a chance but that's still 13% of a half a million people that have died so do you want to be 65,000 and one? And do you realize if you get sick I want you can give it to your partner before you know you have it or your neighbors or your friends or your family, I would much rather have a statistical chance of 5% than a statistical chance of 13%, next time you get in your car think about driving with only three wheels that's pretty much what you're saying it's safe because I have at least three wheels on the ground and I can keep the one in the trunk in the trunk, so get a shot so you protect me and my wife thank you and I really don't understand why you're not getting a shot are you afraid of needles

[golfing eagles]

is that I sneeze and cough into my arm...take mine and my wife's temp every day and I don't go into crowded areas like the town squares or stores. I wash my hands frequently and carry hand sanitizer(75% alcohol)which I use after coughing, sneezing and handling objects others might have touched.

Nope...haven't got the vaccine yet(I'm 67...wife is 65). We don't plan to and I do not consider our decision to be NOT careful thinking or ourselves and others. Since you can still infect others if vaccinated I don't see the need for your comment. Especially since I view your posts as the most common sense and caring of all posters.

I'm confused. You take your temp every day (which is worthless), you "sanitize" objects that others may have touched (also worthless), but you won't get a safe and highly effective vaccine because you you bought into the fallacy that you can still infect others when the CDC states that only 0.008% of vaccinated individuals can get COVID. You might want to rethink your "logic"

[graciegirl]

My guess is Democrats 97% and Republicans 45% Kinda like the national average.

The Demographics of Sumter County would not support your numbers. Allow me to show you a map of Florida with the darker colors showing at least 57% vaccinations. Sumter county clearly stands out. The registered voters too are also public information. Sumter county shows a majority of Republican voters.

Many of us followed the Facebook group that discussed and shared information on the available vaccinations in The Villages daily. There was no political issue. I think your guess is wrong and your information inaccurate.

This map from the New York Times updated today, clearly shows Sumter county as the darkest color in Florida. THE only county with the darkest color.

Covid-19 Vaccine Rollout: County and State Tracker - The New York Times (https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2020/us/covid-19-vaccine-doses.html)

[Katieburr]

And this is how the virus goes on and on and on. The anti maskers, the vaccine nonbelievers, and the wait and see-ers are the reason we are still in this mess. It is not that difficult to wear a mask, and get a shot. After all, we’ve been getting shots in the arm since we were all babies. The only way out to is follow the science. My husband and I are fully vaccinated and it felt like a weight off our shoulders to get that done.

[chet2020]

Here's some Science:

Abstract
Many countries across the globe utilized medical and non-medical facemasks as non-pharmaceutical intervention for reducing the transmission and infectivity of coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19). Although, scientific evidence supporting facemasks’ efficacy is lacking, adverse physiological, psychological and health effects are established. Is has been hypothesized that facemasks have compromised safety and efficacy profile and should be avoided from use. The current article comprehensively summarizes scientific evidences with respect to wearing facemasks in the COVID-19 era, providing prosper information for public health and decisions making.

Here's the whole study, if you're really interested in the "Science"

Facemasks in the COVID-19 era: A health hypothesis (https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7680614/)

This paper has one author. The title of the paper is "Face Masks in the COVID-19 era: A health hypothesis." Note the word "hypothesis." It was published in the journal "Medical Hypotheses" which says its purpose "is to publish interesting theoretical papers. The journal will consider radical, speculative and non-mainstream scientific ideas provided they are coherently expressed."

In a nutshell, it's just this guy's opinion. This paper is crap.

[newgirl]

Hope not, my second shot made me sicker then a dog for 8 days!

[Byte1]

Here's some Science:

Abstract
Many countries across the globe utilized medical and non-medical facemasks as non-pharmaceutical intervention for reducing the transmission and infectivity of coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19). Although, scientific evidence supporting facemasks’ efficacy is lacking, adverse physiological, psychological and health effects are established. Is has been hypothesized that facemasks have compromised safety and efficacy profile and should be avoided from use. The current article comprehensively summarizes scientific evidences with respect to wearing facemasks in the COVID-19 era, providing prosper information for public health and decisions making.

Here's the whole study, if you're really interested in the "Science"

Facemasks in the COVID-19 era: A health hypothesis (https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7680614/)

Interesting article. And from the NIH too. If I am not mistaken, this kind of reinforces what Golfing Eagles has said all along. :thumbup:

[Byte1]

This paper has one author. The title of the paper is "Face Masks in the COVID-19 era: A health hypothesis." Note the word "hypothesis." It was published in the journal "Medical Hypotheses" which says its purpose "is to publish interesting theoretical papers. The journal will consider radical, speculative and non-mainstream scientific ideas provided they are coherently expressed."

In a nutshell, it's just this guy's opinion. This paper is crap.

I understand that the NIH has a pretty good reputation. Do you have some reason to disagree? Perhaps if this same article was published in the NYT, it would pass scrutiny?

[Byte1]

Well, if it meant that we were all safe, I’d wear a tent personally. Survival of the fittest ... in our case fittest of the mind.

I know members of the nudist colony would not likely agree with me, but I still have a hard time with understanding why people who wear socks, or other clothing regularly, seem so concerned about face masks. And then when it comes to skiing and cold they have no concerns.

Maybe we "wear socks, or other clothing" for comfort. I don't wear a mask which hinders my breathing for COMFORT.

[chet2020]

I understand that the NIH has a pretty good reputation. Do you have some reason to disagree? Perhaps if this same article was published in the NYT, it would pass scrutiny?

The NIH keeps a listing of all scientific papers, good or bad, as does the Library of Congress. The NIH did not write this paper. Just like your local library does not write the books that are on its shelves. The LinkedIn page of the author is below. He is a "Clinical Exercise Physiologist" (not a physician) and is currently unemployed. But sure, forget the opinions of physicians, virologists, and epidemiologists in the world who study this full-time, this exercise physiologist has it all figured out.

https://www.linkedin.com/in/baruch-vainshelboim-5591b532/

[Byte1]

The NIH keeps a listing of all scientific papers, good or bad, as does the Library of Congress. The NIH did not write this paper. Just like your local library does not write the books that are on its shelves. The LinkedIn page of the author is below. He is a "Clinical Exercise Physiologist" (not a physician) and is currently unemployed. But sure, forget the opinions of physicians, virologists, and epidemiologists in the world who study this full-time, this exercise physiologist has it all figured out.

https://www.linkedin.com/in/baruch-vainshelboim-5591b532/

Ok, good. Now tell me what you disagree with from the article. I can accept disparaging of the "Clinical Exercise Physiologist" as not meeting your standards of "Expert" but I am interested in the errors you might have found. I am always open to "FACTS" but it seems we get opinions from many "EXPERTS." Thank you for your response.

[OrangeBlossomBaby]

I understand that the NIH has a pretty good reputation. Do you have some reason to disagree? Perhaps if this same article was published in the NYT, it would pass scrutiny?

The NIH is basically a catch-all for published medical-related papers. It doesn't discriminate between double-blind peer reviewed studies, and op-ed conspiracy pieces. It will publish someone's paper suggesting that the aliens from the planet 14.9992 in the 78th Galaxy have infiltrated our DNA and the human race was actually supposed to be origami cranes, but the Zrrk that injected the DNA misstepped with a gene and so here we are.

As long as the paper is "coherently expressed" they'll publish it.

[chet2020]

Ok, good. Now tell me what you disagree with from the article. I can accept disparaging of the "Clinical Exercise Physiologist" as not meeting your standards of "Expert" but I am interested in the errors you might have found. I am always open to "FACTS" but it seems we get opinions from many "EXPERTS." Thank you for your response.

I enjoy reading what exercise physiologists have to say - about exercise physiology.

If you click under "Author Information," all of that info is false. He does not work at VA Palo Alto Health nor Stanford University, and there's no evidence he ever has. So right off the bat, his credibility is an issue.

More to your point, an example from the article: He suggests that wearing a mask can cause hypoxemia (oxygen deficit) without citing any studies that show mask-induced hypoxemia. He provides info about the dangers of hypoxemia, (“It is well established that acute significant deficit in O2 [hypoxemia] and increased levels of CO2 [hypercapnia] even for a few minutes can be severely harmful and lethal, while chronic hypoxemia and hypercapnia cause health deterioration, exacerbation of existing conditions, morbidity and ultimately mortality.”) So he does a great job scaring us about the dangers of hypoxia, then does not provide single reference to a paper linking mask-wearing to hypoxia.

[Byte1]

I enjoy reading what exercise physiologists have to say - about exercise physiology.

If you click under "Author Information," all of that info is false. He does not work at VA Palo Alto Health nor Stanford University, and there's no evidence he ever has. So right off the bat, his credibility is an issue.

More to your point, an example from the article: He suggests that wearing a mask can cause hypoxemia (oxygen deficit) without citing any studies that show mask-induced hypoxemia. He provides info about the dangers of hypoxemia, (“It is well established that acute significant deficit in O2 [hypoxemia] and increased levels of CO2 [hypercapnia] even for a few minutes can be severely harmful and lethal, while chronic hypoxemia and hypercapnia cause health deterioration, exacerbation of existing conditions, morbidity and ultimately mortality.”) So he does a great job scaring us about the dangers of hypoxia, then does not provide single reference to a paper linking mask-wearing to hypoxia.

Excellent response.
However, is there any contradictory evidence to suggest that his(?) opinion is flawed? Just wondering. I hear a lot of opinions that are framed as fact on here, and some folks back up their statements with links to articles. An article that is accepted by NIH surely must have some legitimacy, or am I mistaken? Personally, I find it interesting BUT difficult to accept the author's opinion, primarily based on how many medical professionals and scientists utilize masks for hours, daily. But, that is only my opinion.

[Aloha1]

So in other words, the vaccines are 100% effective. And the reports of those that have been vaccinated and still contracted the virus are false. And if true, they still couldn’t spread it? And, Dr. Fauci was just on the news saying vaccinated still need to wear masks to prevent spreading in case they unknowingly have the virus. Hmmm

The odds of GETTING Covid after full vaccination as pointed out by Our resident Doc, Golfing Eagles, is .0006 %, so of course there are a FEW who might contract it with little to no risk of dying. If you want to go hide, that's your right. Just don't expect the rest of us to be afraid of living life. As far as Fauci goes, he goes wherever the wind blows. I have lost all faith in his pronouncements.

[Topspinmo]

You know, on the bright side, no one is dying from the flu anymore or pneumonia or whatever


Maybe That cause there all being counted as COVID deaths? :ohdear:

[OrangeBlossomBaby]

Excellent response.
However, is there any contradictory evidence to suggest that his(?) opinion is flawed? Just wondering. I hear a lot of opinions that are framed as fact on here, and some folks back up their statements with links to articles. An article that is accepted by NIH surely must have some legitimacy, or am I mistaken? Personally, I find it interesting BUT difficult to accept the author's opinion, primarily based on how many medical professionals and scientists utilize masks for hours, daily. But, that is only my opinion.

There doesn't need to be. That's now how science and research works. It's on the researcher to prove his hypothesis. If he injects false information into his study, then the entire study is flawed and not credible. That's the end of the study. No one needs to prove that his hypothesis is incorrect. He's already invalidated it with false data.

[coffeebean]

Hope not, my second shot made me sicker then a dog for 8 days!

WOW! You must have the immune system of a 16 year old. Good for you!

[coffeebean]

Interesting article. And from the NIH too. If I am not mistaken, this kind of reinforces what Golfing Eagles has said all along. :thumbup:

I'd like to see GE weigh in on this abstract.

Golfing Eagles.....where are you?

[UpNorth]

Nobody knows the long term effects of these synthetic mRNA vaccines. They haven't been used for even a year yet. They are not FDA approved. The government has promised to idemnify the manufacturers against any lawsuits resulting from long term problems. They said it would take 3 years to develop a vaccine, yet these arrived in months, thanks to Trump's "Warp Speed" approach. If anything goes wrong in the future, Trump will likely be blamed.

[chet2020]

Excellent response.
However, is there any contradictory evidence to suggest that his(?) opinion is flawed? Just wondering. I hear a lot of opinions that are framed as fact on here, and some folks back up their statements with links to articles. An article that is accepted by NIH surely must have some legitimacy, or am I mistaken? Personally, I find it interesting BUT difficult to accept the author's opinion, primarily based on how many medical professionals and scientists utilize masks for hours, daily. But, that is only my opinion.

The NIH did not review this paper and say "this is a great paper, let's put it on our website." They put ALL papers on their website without review, even crappy ones like this.

Here's the thing. If he makes a hypothesis, he should support it with data. Why should I disprove his hypothesis when he didn't prove it in the first place?

[graciegirl]

Nobody knows the long term effects of these synthetic mRNA vaccines. They haven't been used for even a year yet. They are not FDA approved. The government has promised to idemnify the manufacturers against any lawsuits resulting from long term problems. They said it would take 3 years to develop a vaccine, yet these arrived in months, thanks to Trump's "Warp Speed" approach. If anything goes wrong in the future, Trump will likely be blamed.

I am a very bottom line person. For me the vaccine was a choice to die now or die later. We are still here, all of us. We may not be able to bear children in the future or we may all switch in three years to being FISCAL CONSERVATIVES.....or we may grow warts on our fannies. If a person is over seventy they were at more than moderate risk from dying from Covid-19 if they contracted it. That was o.k. for some people but for the people who are smart and sassy and vocal and feisty and who live in The Villages, they apparently weighed the risk and even if they voted (cough) the way they voted and the media says they are anti-vaccine, about 70% of us here in The Villages got the shot(s). Good for us. Now we will wait and watch. Please try not to get pregnant or impregnate others.

[Tmarkwald]

Nobody knows the long term effects of these synthetic mRNA vaccines. They haven't been used for even a year yet. They are not FDA approved. The government has promised to idemnify the manufacturers against any lawsuits resulting from long term problems. They said it would take 3 years to develop a vaccine, yet these arrived in months, thanks to Trump's "Warp Speed" approach. If anything goes wrong in the future, Trump will likely be blamed.

Not exactly -

The mRNA revolution: How COVID-19 hit fast-forward on an experimental technology (https://newatlas.com/science/mrna-revolution-vaccine-covid-therapy-pandemic-future-cancer/)

[coffeebean]

Not exactly -

The mRNA revolution: How COVID-19 hit fast-forward on an experimental technology (https://newatlas.com/science/mrna-revolution-vaccine-covid-therapy-pandemic-future-cancer/)

I have to laugh at all those folks who insist the mRNA vaccines were "fast tracked". They are so wrong about that. I've known for quite some time now that these vaccines had their origin stages many years ago. This is a great article. Thanks for posting.

[UpNorth]

I have to laugh at all those folks who insist the mRNA vaccines were "fast tracked". They are so wrong about that. I've known for quite some time now that these vaccines had their origin stages many years ago. This is a great article. Thanks for posting.


I read that New Atlas article several days ago.

And thanks for taking part in the experiment!:icon_wink: