The masked man cometh not

[Wackowilley]

So we are out to dine at Belle Glade and select indoor seating. Our group all have on masks. Our waiter arrives without a mask but is polite in introducing himself. One of our group asks him to put on a mask. He replied I don’t need to wear one, my management doesn’t require it. Further, He said he would not wear one and that no other wait staff would either. In view of the fact he moves around a closed environment, breathing the air of all his customers without being masked and then walks right up to our table unmasked is very threatening and extremely inconsiderate. I believe if a customer doesn’t want to be exposed to higher risks of COVID exposure they should be respected by staff who should make reasonable accommodations. This isn’t about trying to make others wear masks, it’s about requesting people who are working for you to comply with your reasonable requests.

[retiredguy123]

In The Villages today, I don't think you will find many restaurants that will comply with your request.

[rustyp]

So we are out to dine at Belle Glade and select indoor seating. Our group all have on masks. Our waiter arrives without a mask but is polite in introducing himself. One of our group asks him to put on a mask. He replied I don’t need to wear one, my management doesn’t require it. Further, He said he would not wear one and that no other wait staff would either. In view of the fact he moves around a closed environment, breathing the air of all his customers without being masked and then walks right up to our table unmasked is very threatening and extremely inconsiderate. I believe if a customer doesn’t want to be exposed to higher risks of COVID exposure they should be respected by staff who should make reasonable accommodations. This isn’t about trying to make others wear masks, it’s about requesting people who are working for you to comply with your reasonable requests.

So did you leave or did dining super-cede mask wearing ?

[Malsua]

If you choose (a), your credibility might be challenged
If you choose (c), well, you action proved that you're not
So this leaves.......


It could be D or even E.

D: The server was hoping to inoculate everyone with the airborne vaccine, i.e. Omicron. You get a few days of cold like symptoms and you become part of the immune herd.

E. They come from the north where everyone is wrapped up in masks and such and think that it's "doing something" despite the fact it's ripping through there like a bullet through tissue paper. Ignoring the fact that hospital workers in genuine PPE practicing infection control...are still getting it anyway as well.

[golfing eagles]

It could be D or even E.

D: The server was hoping to inoculate everyone with the airborne vaccine, i.e. Omicron. You get a few days of cold like symptoms and you become part of the immune herd.

E. They come from the north where everyone is wrapped up in masks and such and think that it's "doing something" despite the fact it's ripping through there like a bullet through tissue paper. Ignoring the fact that hospital workers in genuine PPE practicing infection control...are still getting it anyway as well.

Less likely------I didn't attribute that level of sophistication to that group :1rotfl::1rotfl::1rotfl:

Also, you bring up an interesting point----. Given the rapid spread of omicron, is this variant truly "airborne" as opposed to droplet spread?????? Haven't seen anything that addresses that concern.

[Bill14564]

When your "reasonable" request is that they wear a mask then it is absolutely about trying to make others wear masks.

If you don't like the policies of a restaurant then you have the choice to dine elsewhere.

Get vaccinated and boosted then avoid indoor spaces if you are still worried about contracting Covid. If you are concerned then ask a restaurant about its policies before visiting - there have been no mask mandates in Florida for quite some time now.

[Papa_lecki]

Did you leave? Or was your risk of infection not as important as eating?
Also, you’re in Florida, eat outside if you’re worried.
Waiter is free to not wear a mask, just as you are free to not patronize the restaurant.

[Malsua]

Also, you bring up an interesting point----. Given the rapid spread of omicron, is this variant truly "airborne" as opposed to droplet spread?????? Haven't seen anything that addresses that concern.

What I've read is that the basic reproduction number of Omicron is 7-10.

Old school corona was between 2-3, delta is/was 6-7.

7-10 is getting up into measles territory, a known airborne spread.

Anecdotally, I know that 1 person, about 2 weeks ago, at my old job in NJ, gave it to AT LEAST 12 people. I was scheduled to be up there for a final visit before I was an Ex employee, but we canceled the trip. Anyway, I'm glad I didn't go as it appears it was a super spreader type event. Everyone is required to mask, be vaccinated, to maintain distance, all of it. None of it made a damn bit of difference. People who didn't even interact with patient zero got it and this is in a factory type environment, with 30 foot ceilings. Everyone cleared it by New years, done and done.

[Bay Kid]

Hard to eat and drink with a mask. Also hard to understand what people are saying with a mask. Hopefully you had a great mask.

[golfing eagles]

Hard to eat and drink with a mask. Also hard to understand what people are saying with a mask. Hopefully you had a great mask.

Yes, another interesting point and I'll call possibility F

Virtue signalling:1rotfl::1rotfl::1rotfl:

[golfing eagles]

What I've read is that the basic reproduction number of Omicron is 7-10.

Old school corona was between 2-3, delta is/was 6-7.

7-10 is getting up into measles territory, a known airborne spread.

Anecdotally, I know that 1 person, about 2 weeks ago, at my old job in NJ, gave it to AT LEAST 12 people. I was scheduled to be up there for a final visit before I was an Ex employee, but we canceled the trip. Anyway, I'm glad I didn't go as it appears it was a super spreader type event. Everyone is required to mask, be vaccinated, to maintain distance, all of it. None of it made a damn bit of difference. People who didn't even interact with patient zero got it and this is in a factory type environment, with 30 foot ceilings. Everyone cleared it by New years, done and done.

all highly suspicious for true airborne spread

[Marathon Man]

So we are out to dine at Belle Glade and select indoor seating. Our group all have on masks. Our waiter arrives without a mask but is polite in introducing himself. One of our group asks him to put on a mask. He replied I don’t need to wear one, my management doesn’t require it. Further, He said he would not wear one and that no other wait staff would either. In view of the fact he moves around a closed environment, breathing the air of all his customers without being masked and then walks right up to our table unmasked is very threatening and extremely inconsiderate. I believe if a customer doesn’t want to be exposed to higher risks of COVID exposure they should be respected by staff who should make reasonable accommodations. This isn’t about trying to make others wear masks, it’s about requesting people who are working for you to comply with your reasonable requests.

And, like many of the others, I believe that if someone has a concern about exposure they should avoid going to places where exposure can happen. You can only control your own actions. It is seldom reasonable to ask another to act differently in place of changing your own actions.

[CoachKandSportsguy]

Yes, another interesting point and I'll call possibility F

Virtue signalling

There is a lot of that going around everywhere, and not just with pandemic issues.

Businesses have spent a lot of time trying to make customers feel important for the sales experience. Customers can sometimes push local establishments around, however, doesn't always work and to assume that one has that special consumer powers when one walks into an establishment. . .

[JMintzer]

Hard to eat and drink with a mask. Also hard to understand what people are saying with a mask. Hopefully you had a great mask.

I was thinking the same thing...

What happened to your masks when the food arrived?

[Dotneko]

Sounds like snowbirds are back (and I am only one year removed from being one lol)
Really, if you are so concerned, then what the actual heck were you doing out at a restaurant??

[golfing eagles]

Sounds like snowbirds are back (and I am only one year removed from being one lol)
Really, if you are so concerned, then what the actual heck were you doing out at a restaurant??

Probably one of the 6 possibilities A-F listed earlier.

[Dana1963]

So we are out to dine at Belle Glade and select indoor seating. Our group all have on masks. Our waiter arrives without a mask but is polite in introducing himself. One of our group asks him to put on a mask. He replied I don’t need to wear one, my management doesn’t require it. Further, He said he would not wear one and that no other wait staff would either. In view of the fact he moves around a closed environment, breathing the air of all his customers without being masked and then walks right up to our table unmasked is very threatening and extremely inconsiderate. I believe if a customer doesn’t want to be exposed to higher risks of COVID exposure they should be respected by staff who should make reasonable accommodations. This isn’t about trying to make others wear masks, it’s about requesting people who are working for you to comply with your reasonable requests.
If you don’t agree with restaurants policy then leave meals at Belle Glade are so so.
It’s your choice

[Topspinmo]

So we are out to dine at Belle Glade and select indoor seating. Our group all have on masks. Our waiter arrives without a mask but is polite in introducing himself. One of our group asks him to put on a mask. He replied I don’t need to wear one, my management doesn’t require it. Further, He said he would not wear one and that no other wait staff would either. In view of the fact he moves around a closed environment, breathing the air of all his customers without being masked and then walks right up to our table unmasked is very threatening and extremely inconsiderate. I believe if a customer doesn’t want to be exposed to higher risks of COVID exposure they should be respected by staff who should make reasonable accommodations. This isn’t about trying to make others wear masks, it’s about requesting people who are working for you to comply with your reasonable requests.


If more people would learn how to cook would have these problems .

Couple reasons I give up on eating out around here. Can’t find restaurants worth going back too. I am convinced restaurants are one of places to catch anything going around either by people around you or the food itself.
And usually I’m over paying for crappie food and service, not to mention all the loud mouths in restaurants.

[MrFlorida]

How do you know if the cook in back is wearing a mask or not ? If mask wearing is important to you, then dine at home.

[golfing eagles]

How do you know if the cook in back is wearing a mask or not ? If mask wearing is important to you, then dine at home.

More to the point, who cares (besides covidiots) if the cook is wearing a mask vis a vis COVID. You can't get the virus from food prepared by an infected person. I would be far more concerned over hepatitis A or toxigenic E. coli, neither of which is prevented by a mask. Far better the food handlers meticulously wash their hands frequently

[jdulej]

When we go out to dinner, which we did quite a bit, we mask up for the parade through the dining room, proudly enduring the stares and frowns from the unmasked masses. We unmask ourselves at the table, since most of the time we are just talking (and thus projecting various particulates, at each other. Perfect? No, but IMO it helps a bit.
The waiter, on the other hand, is in the opposite situation S/he is leaning over you, speaking (and projecting those little globules) downward, and right at you, meanwhile, taking in whatever you are spewing out. Then, they go and do the same thing at another table!
People who have no problem with this are leaving themselves at the mercy of some poor guy who is likely making $8/hr + tips, working 3 jobs where Belle Glade is considered the cream of the crop.
No, thanks. If we see wait staff unmasked, we will turn around and walk out (after telling the concierge why)
We have not been out since before the holidays (just too crazy) so perhaps all the local restaurants have changed their policy re. masks and wait staff. If so, we'll be eating a lot more at home. I can cook a better meal than most of these places, and my wife can cook better than all of them.
We are close to beating this pandemic (which should never have been allowed to get started in the first place) but we're not quite there yet.

[Bonnevie]

from CDC data as of 1/2/21
% of Fully Vaccinated Population ≥ 65 Years of Age with a Booster Dose
57.9%

% of Fully Vaccinated Population ≥ 18 Years of Age with a Booster Dose
50.2%

January 5, 2022
Cases 388
Case Rate per 100k 293.01
% Positivity 15.75%
Deaths <10
% of population ≥ 5 years of age fully vaccinated 79.5%
New Hospital Admissions 24

I'll eat at home for now.

[Dana1963]

from CDC data as of 1/2/21
% of Fully Vaccinated Population ≥ 65 Years of Age with a Booster Dose
57.9%

% of Fully Vaccinated Population ≥ 18 Years of Age with a Booster Dose
50.2%

January 5, 2022
Cases 388
Case Rate per 100k 293.01
% Positivity 15.75%
Deaths <10
% of population ≥ 5 years of age fully vaccinated 79.5%
New Hospital Admissions 24

I'll eat at home for now.
How dare you cite SCIENCE.
Only kidding I agree with you

[JMintzer]

from CDC data as of 1/2/21
% of Fully Vaccinated Population ≥ 65 Years of Age with a Booster Dose
57.9%

% of Fully Vaccinated Population ≥ 18 Years of Age with a Booster Dose
50.2%

January 5, 2022
Cases 388
Case Rate per 100k 293.01
% Positivity 15.75%
Deaths <10
% of population ≥ 5 years of age fully vaccinated 79.5%
New Hospital Admissions 24

I'll eat at home for now.

Why are you citing year old data?

[UpNorth]

If your eyeglasses tend to fog up while wearing a mask, that should tell you something.

[Seasonal]

Sounds like snowbirds are back (and I am only one year removed from being one lol)
Really, if you are so concerned, then what the actual heck were you doing out at a restaurant??

I agree with this. We have not been out to a bar or restaurant in almost two years. Love to cruise but have not been on a ship or airplane either. That's our protection and our choices. I'm perfectly fine with others doing all of this, it's their choice.

I would never expect others to wear a mask for me.

[DAVES]

So we are out to dine at Belle Glade and select indoor seating. Our group all have on masks. Our waiter arrives without a mask but is polite in introducing himself. One of our group asks him to put on a mask. He replied I don’t need to wear one, my management doesn’t require it. Further, He said he would not wear one and that no other wait staff would either. In view of the fact he moves around a closed environment, breathing the air of all his customers without being masked and then walks right up to our table unmasked is very threatening and extremely inconsiderate. I believe if a customer doesn’t want to be exposed to higher risks of COVID exposure they should be respected by staff who should make reasonable accommodations. This isn’t about trying to make others wear masks, it’s about requesting people who are working for you to comply with your reasonable requests.

As you see from the posts there is no shortage of hostile replies. In the end, reality, you went to a restaurant to eat. You simply cannot eat with a mask on.

As far as covid, as far as hostile. It has been three years. I freely admit I am getting sloppy. Teasing a little. As far as hostile, we regularly hear stuff like my dog chewed it up, the computer crashed, now we can blame covid. I for one have heard and wrestled with too many computers already this year. Next one I'm gonna tell the computer if it doesn't ???????? I'm gonna give it covid. Can't wait to see how that goes.

[DAVES]

When we go out to dinner, which we did quite a bit, we mask up for the parade through the dining room, proudly enduring the stares and frowns from the unmasked masses. We unmask ourselves at the table, since most of the time we are just talking (and thus projecting various particulates, at each other. Perfect? No, but IMO it helps a bit.
The waiter, on the other hand, is in the opposite situation S/he is leaning over you, speaking (and projecting those little globules) downward, and right at you, meanwhile, taking in whatever you are spewing out. Then, they go and do the same thing at another table!
People who have no problem with this are leaving themselves at the mercy of some poor guy who is likely making $8/hr + tips, working 3 jobs where Belle Glade is considered the cream of the crop.
No, thanks. If we see wait staff unmasked, we will turn around and walk out (after telling the concierge why)
We have not been out since before the holidays (just too crazy) so perhaps all the local restaurants have changed their policy re. masks and wait staff. If so, we'll be eating a lot more at home. I can cook a better meal than most of these places, and my wife can cook better than all of them.
We are close to beating this pandemic (which should never have been allowed to get started in the first place) but we're not quite there yet.

I read this post. The public relations advisor for the restaurant industry. We are all coming over for a demo of the new flip mask that you can eat and speak at the same time while wearing.

[AZ SLIM]

People in masks make me uncomfortable.

[jdulej]

People in masks make me uncomfortable.

Well, if you end up in the hospital, you are gonna see a lot of them!

[Boomer]

wow — tough crowd, today. . .

Just imagine the s*%t a server in TV would have to take if wearing a mask.

Dear Mr. Shorzenabunch & Co.,

Please calm down. This is getting just plain mean.

In this line-up, I gotta luv the accusation of arrogance. (“Hellooooo, kettle. It’s the pot calling.”) Yeah. I know. That remark by me was a little mean. But it seems to be a day for irony.

Sincerely,
Boomer


Dear OP,

We had reached the point where we did not even notice if anybody was wearing a mask. But then our friend, even older than us Boomers, and with multiple co-morbidities caught it. Definite positive test result. He was vaccinated and boosted. Really worried for a few days. He kicked it though. He is fine now. (He thinks he might have picked it up at a game. Some Ohioans sure do love to sit on bleachers and holler.)

In juxtaposition — we also know a young man, 42, no co-morbidities. He decided that refusing to be vaccinated, along with a bunch of his buddies, was going to be “the hill to die on.” I hope it is not, but he is in an induced coma now and, if he survives, his lungs will never be the same.

I am still back in Ohio where our hospitals are feeling it.

We are both vaccinated and boosted, but we have decided to be more careful for a while, until this post-holiday surge here passes — I hope. The governor has called in the National Guard to help hospitals for some areas of Ohio.

That means we are not as out and about as we had been. And we are wearing our masks in the grocery, etc., and holding off on eating out for a couple of weeks.

I remain totally pizzed off at those who refuse vaccination for no good reason — because not only are they cramping my style — more importantly they are filling up our Ohio hospitals and causing surgeries to be prioritized or postponed. And now I have two people I know who are clearly illustrating that vaccination (boosted) is our best weapon in this war.

Back to the original topic: Even though, we make our choices, I must say that I would not be comfortable asking a server to put on a mask or being in a group with someone who did ask.

The virus is a whole lot smarter than us — and far more adaptable than we are. Human Nature is getting us while that ugly, little, spiky, evil genius, known as Covid, is having fun, playing games.

Boomer (who was not going to post in this thread. Damn.)

[jdulej]

I don't think your wallet is that big of a concern to the restaurant. I am sure no one else in the place cares whether you leave or not.

In the end, any one of us has very little power. All we can do is maintain our integrity to ourselves and not be intimidated by others. I don't really care one way or the other if anyone else notices my action or not. I do think it's only fair to let the restaurant know, since any responsible establishment should be interested in why they have an unsatisfied customer. What they do with the info is their business.

[golfing eagles]

Well, we all have our personal guidelines. For me, it is common courtesy to do what little I can to protect others from the pandemic. I don't really care if they want it or not, they are getting it. The value of wearing a mask to protect others (or not) has been beaten to death, and no one is getting their minds changed. I chose to believe it may help, and it's a small price to pay.
I don't know it that matches one of your labels, and don't really care.

Yes, it matches "A"----incredibly altruistic. Thank you, but I suspect you are in the very small minority of those that wear a mask in a restaurant.

[Papa_lecki]

“Cloth masks are little more than facial decorations. There's no place for them in light of Omicron," said CNN Medical Analyst Dr. Leana Wen, an emergency physician and visiting professor of health policy and management at the George Washington University Milken Institute School of Public Health, on CNN Newsroom Tuesday.

Why you should upgrade your mask as the Omicron variant spreads - CNN (https://www.cnn.com/2021/12/24/health/cloth-mask-omicron-variant-wellness/index.html)

Now, this article suggests wearing an N95 mask, BUT, the CDC specifically recommends against that.
Your Guide to Masks | CDC (https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/prevent-getting-sick/about-face-coverings.html)

[PugMom]

& i won't give anyone the evil eye if they are masking up: i assume you're vulnerable to infection, or maybe sick yourself, & keeping it away from others. i tend to avoid contact with a masked person for THEIR sake,... not mine.

[Bill14564]

“Cloth masks are little more than facial decorations. There's no place for them in light of Omicron," said CNN Medical Analyst Dr. Leana Wen, an emergency physician and visiting professor of health policy and management at the George Washington University Milken Institute School of Public Health, on CNN Newsroom Tuesday.

Why you should upgrade your mask as the Omicron variant spreads - CNN (https://www.cnn.com/2021/12/24/health/cloth-mask-omicron-variant-wellness/index.html)

Now, this article suggests wearing an N95 mask, BUT, the CDC specifically recommends against that.
Your Guide to Masks | CDC (https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/prevent-getting-sick/about-face-coverings.html)

From the site you provided:
Are specially labeled “surgical” N95 respirators, as those should be prioritized for healthcare personnel

From a CDC site off a link on your site which provides more detailed information:
When supplies are available, individuals may choose to use a basic disposable N95 respirator for personal use, instead of a mask, in some situations.

CDC recommends that specially labeled “surgical” N95 respirators should be prioritized for healthcare personnel.

[Bonnevie]

Why are you citing year old data?

I did mess up the year on the first one. it should have said 2022
that was my error not the CDC site. here is there website for you to verify:

CDC COVID Data Tracker (https://covid.cdc.gov/covid-data-tracker/#county-view?list_select_county=12119)

[Bonnevie]

Why are you citing year old data?

here's the website: CDC COVID Data Tracker (https://covid.cdc.gov/covid-data-tracker/#county-view?list_select_county=12119)

I misentered the date because I was striving for accuracy and didn't want to imply both were thru 1/5/2022. and in doing so, hit wrong key because I'm still getting used to new year.. the testing data was thru 1/2/2022, just my fault at hitting wrong key.

as you can see, the other data is thru 1/5/2022.

[ElDiabloJoe]

“But more surprising is the breakdown in vaccine hesitancy by level of education. It finds that the association between hesitancy and education level follows a U-shaped curve with the highest hesitancy among those least and most educated. People with a master’s degree had the least hesitancy, and the highest hesitancy was among those holding a Ph.D.

What’s more, the paper found that in the first five months of 2021, the largest decrease in hesitancy was among the least educated — those with a high school education or less. Meanwhile, hesitancy held constant in the most educated group; by May, those with Ph.Ds were the most hesitant group. “ Carnegie Mellon U research

Interesting. I wonder if it is because Ph.D.s are vain as to think they know better than others, or because Ph.D.s are often more theoretical than practical and thus a bit "head in the clouds" or because Ph.D.s feel they need a never-ending stream of data from which to draw their final conclusions? Makes me wonder now which industries (i.e. education, health science, engineering, etc.) the majority of Ph.D.s are in and if that has any sway upon vaccination perception. Thanks Papa_Lecki, interesting.

[golfing eagles]

Interesting. I wonder if it is because Ph.D.s are vain as to think they know better than others, or because Ph.D.s are often more theoretical than practical and thus a bit "head in the clouds" or because Ph.D.s feel they need a never-ending stream of data from which to draw their final conclusions? Makes me wonder now which industries (i.e. education, health science, engineering, etc.) the majority of Ph.D.s are in and if that has any sway upon vaccination perception. Thanks Papa_Lecki, interesting.

If they are declining vaccination, my guess is a doctorate in medieval French opera. Clearly, they have no knowledge of medical science

[Boomer]

Ya know, PhD stands for piled higher and deeper.

Some PhDs know a lot of useful stuff.

Some know a lot of interesting stuff.

But some are what I call Belly-Button Contemplators who overthink everything and can’t get outa their own way.

I know some of each. . .but those characteristics apply across all of us — no matter what the education level.

Boomer

[Bill14564]

“But more surprising is the breakdown in vaccine hesitancy by level of education. It finds that the association between hesitancy and education level follows a U-shaped curve with the highest hesitancy among those least and most educated. People with a master’s degree had the least hesitancy, and the highest hesitancy was among those holding a Ph.D.

What’s more, the paper found that in the first five months of 2021, the largest decrease in hesitancy was among the least educated — those with a high school education or less. Meanwhile, hesitancy held constant in the most educated group; by May, those with Ph.Ds were the most hesitant group. “ Carnegie Mellon U research

Is this the same study that used data that was fact checked here (https://www.wnct.com/news/north-carolina/fact-check-setting-the-record-straight-on-claims-about-vaccine-hesitancy-among-ph-d-s/)?

[JMintzer]

Is this the same study that used data that was fact checked here (https://www.wnct.com/news/north-carolina/fact-check-setting-the-record-straight-on-claims-about-vaccine-hesitancy-among-ph-d-s/)?

Not for nothing, but that was one of the the worst cases of "fact checking" I've ever seen...

[D.Bolen]

Re the original post, why would anyone concerned about people being masked dine at a public restaurant where all in his/her party (and those at other tables (and bar if there is one)) will remove their own masks upon being served drinks/food? Air may be invisible, but isn't anyone intelligent enough to compose a sentence (much less use a computer to post on this site) also intelligent enough to know that air (and any particulates therein) can freely circulate in all directions? Anyone who believes an arbitrary "social distancing" number of feet is a guarantee that covid-tainted air cannot reach him is about as mature as the toddler who covers his eyes and believes no one can see him. The image of a group of adults marching into a restaurant wearing masks, sitting down & removing them and then self-righteously chastising an unmasked waiter for risking their safety sounds like fodder for the next Saturday Night Live sketch.

[jdulej]

Re the original post, why would anyone concerned about people being masked dine at a public restaurant where all in his/her party (and those at other tables (and bar if there is one)) will remove their own masks upon being served drinks/food? Air may be invisible, but isn't anyone intelligent enough to compose a sentence (much less use a computer) also intelligent enough to know that air (and any particulates therein) can freely circulate in all directions? Anyone who believes an arbitrary "social distancing" number of feet is an ironclad guarantee that covid-tainted air cannot reach him is about as mature as the toddler who covers his eyes and believes no one can see him. The image of a group of adults marching into a restaurant wearing masks, sitting down & removing them and then self-righteously chastising an unmasked waiter for risking their safety sounds like fodder for the next Saturday Night Live sketch.

One last try, then I'm going out to eat.

I think you are correct that an arbitrary social distancing number is not an ironclad guarantee of anything. I also think the likelihood of passing a meaningful quantity of "something" from person A to person B is much higher if they are 2 feet apart than if they are 6 ft apart. The wait person is the perfect storm of badness. They move from 2 feet from person A to 2 feet from person B thus upping the chances of passing something from A to B. In fact, they may pass things from many person As to many person Bs.

So, if anyone should wear a mask, it's the waitperson.

Now, for those who think the whole thing is BS and 800K Americans would be dead now anyway life is a lot simpler but I'm not sure who has their head in the sand

[golfing eagles]

One last try, then I'm going out to eat.

I think you are correct that an arbitrary social distancing number is not an ironclad guarantee of anything. I also think the likelihood of passing a meaningful quantity of "something" from person A to person B is much higher if they are 2 feet apart than if they are 6 ft apart. The wait person is the perfect storm of badness. They move from 2 feet from person A to 2 feet from person B thus upping the chances of passing something from A to B. In fact, they may pass things from many person As to many person Bs.

So, if anyone should wear a mask, it's the waitperson.

Now, for those who think the whole thing is BS and 800K Americans would be dead now anyway life is a lot simpler but I'm not sure who has their head in the sand

Don't forget your mask!

And you're right----IF anyone should wear a mask, it should be the wait person.----IF

They probably could stay back a bit more, especially when taking an order or giving the check. A little harder to put the food in front of you, but you can lean away a bit. But the "2 feet" you state in a restaurant pales by comparison to the 2 feet you get from the face of the person next to you on a flight where you are crammed in like sardines, which you can now multiply by 200+.

[Nucky]

Vinney - SO confused - YouTube (https://youtu.be/29BoqCMRBFk)

[Gail zuwala]

Fun to read. Masks definitely work well for judgement and opinion. Two things that data (if not these forums) shows we humans are definitely good at.

Having spent most of my life in data science, my opinion is that there is no data whatsoever. Not even the tiniest, qualified, clean (unadulterated) dataset to qualify almost any opinion about COVID pandemic mitigation or almost anything else to do with it. (The exception is Coronavirus treatment which is panned universally for unknown reasons.) CNN nor CDC are datasets so don’t bother posting a link to more opinion and judgement unless it contains the source raw data reference to consume and reproduce. I know it’s unbelievable after 3 years, right? I thought we were smarter too. It isn’t there because even when data is acquired it’s unqualified or useless when compared to other data taken even in the same facility like a hospital often because standards do not exist for capturing information. Some examples (there are many); Fauci’s recent faux pas about child hospitalization and varying cause of death on certificates. Social judgement of waiters and conflicting opinions are the result of bad or lack of data. In fact apologies are happening almost daily for data or lack thereof.

Good data makes things happen. Take identifying Omicron in Africa very quickly as a good example. DNA databases are good data and an demonstrates that we have proficiency. Hard if not impossible to get judgement, politics, and opinion into the data map of a strand of DNA. For the record, that success really is science and not the kind we here as in “based on” lately.

So back to restaurant masks, is there a controlled study (data) that compares a masked waitstaff to unmasked? High level, I realize but lead me to data and I can figure it out. Which restaurants have had the most or least number of customer infections? How many nurses caught COVID in a hospital wearing PPE vs out at dinner? How many people actually have had covid? How many waitstaff versus the rest of the population? How many self identified via at home tests? How many were false positive or negative?

I’m not judging you for wearing a mask or not because I’m not even sure what it does for you or me. I’ve got nothing for data (yep, I’ve seen the “studies”) other than some great YouTube video showing potential sputum. It grosses me out even if we don’t have COVID to worry about. ������

[NotGolfer]

I heard the virus is polite in various places, such as restaurants. You're safe with your mask on, while you parade back to your table but it's polite once you sit down to converse and eat and won't bother you. Then it backs off while you parade out---maybe to the restroom or leave the establishment. The hysteria with all this is palpable....I've not seen so many folks masked since a year ago. I do suspect it's the snowbirds and renters who've joined us now.

[jaj523]

All the other diners at Belle Glade don't seem to have any problems with the unmasking. Seems there is an easy solution for you. Leave! Maybe you can find someplace else to eat in The Villages that still requires masking, but I doubt it.

[Eg_cruz]

So we are out to dine at Belle Glade and select indoor seating. Our group all have on masks. Our waiter arrives without a mask but is polite in introducing himself. One of our group asks him to put on a mask. He replied I don’t need to wear one, my management doesn’t require it. Further, He said he would not wear one and that no other wait staff would either. In view of the fact he moves around a closed environment, breathing the air of all his customers without being masked and then walks right up to our table unmasked is very threatening and extremely inconsiderate. I believe if a customer doesn’t want to be exposed to higher risks of COVID exposure they should be respected by staff who should make reasonable accommodations. This isn’t about trying to make others wear masks, it’s about requesting people who are working for you to comply with your reasonable requests.
Simple answer don’t go out in public if you don’t feel safe

[b0bd0herty]

Did you leave?

[Two Bills]

I saw a lady smoking through a mask!
Do you reckon it's a safer way to smoke?
I only know that after 40 years of not smoking, the first thing I will do when the doctor tells me my time is up, is go and buy 200 cigs.and enjoy.
I still miss my morning cuppa, and that first smoke!

[gettingby]

If more people would learn how to cook would have these problems .

Couple reasons I give up on eating out around here. Can’t find restaurants worth going back too. I am convinced restaurants are one of places to catch anything going around either by people around you or the food itself.
And usually I’m over paying for crappie food and service, not to mention all the loud mouths in restaurants.

We love living here but I have to agree, most places I eat at are marginal at best. Very disappointed in the overpriced quality of the food. On a brighter note some of the restaurants just outside TV have surprised us. As for the mask, “We don’t need no stinking mask”.

[OronocoCharlie]

I've gone back and forth on the whole mask issue. If I'm required to wear one I will, but I won't otherwise. If you're really worried, I'd suggest staying home.

[donassaid]

So, does the virus just take a break when you remove your masks to eat and drink? So sad that so many people have fallen for the mask routine. Breathing in your own carbon dioxide affects your own immune system, does little to keep the virus out and even less in spreading it, just like the vaccine. Common sense is in short supply.

[Rwirish]

So you left the restaurant?

[Professor]

"I believe if a customer doesn’t want to be exposed to higher risks of COVID exposure they should be respected by staff who should make reasonable accommodations."

I disagree. If you don't want to be exposed then don't go inside. You can't force your desires onto others, but you can use some common sense...

[msilagy]

What does this mean....."which should never have been allowed to get started in the first place". So this pandemic was allowed to start?

[BlueStarAirlines]

This isn’t about trying to make others wear masks, it’s about requesting people who are working for you to comply with your reasonable requests.

Your group just needs to stay indoors for the next 5-7 years!

You feel helpless, so wearing a mask is your way of doing something...yet, it does nothing.

Do cloth masks work against COVID? With omicron, N95 and KN95 are best (https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/health/2022/01/05/cloth-masks-not-effective-omicron-covid/9091574002/)

[DrBrutyle109]

So we are out to dine at Belle Glade and select indoor seating. Our group all have on masks. Our waiter arrives without a mask but is polite in introducing himself. One of our group asks him to put on a mask. He replied I don’t need to wear one, my management doesn’t require it. Further, He said he would not wear one and that no other wait staff would either. In view of the fact he moves around a closed environment, breathing the air of all his customers without being masked and then walks right up to our table unmasked is very threatening and extremely inconsiderate. I believe if a customer doesn’t want to be exposed to higher risks of COVID exposure they should be respected by staff who should make reasonable accommodations. This isn’t about trying to make others wear masks, it’s about requesting people who are working for you to comply with your reasonable requests.
EASY fix. Stay home!

[msilagy]

Someone told me "people are so afraid of something they may not even know they have!" So true in many cases.

[Dzurinko]

So we are out to dine at Belle Glade and select indoor seating. Our group all have on masks. Our waiter arrives without a mask but is polite in introducing himself. One of our group asks him to put on a mask. He replied I don’t need to wear one, my management doesn’t require it. Further, He said he would not wear one and that no other wait staff would either. In view of the fact he moves around a closed environment, breathing the air of all his customers without being masked and then walks right up to our table unmasked is very threatening and extremely inconsiderate. I believe if a customer doesn’t want to be exposed to higher risks of COVID exposure they should be respected by staff who should make reasonable accommodations. This isn’t about trying to make others wear masks, it’s about requesting people who are working for you to comply with your reasonable requests.

Good for Belle Glade and their wait staff!!!! Makes me want to have dinner there! Florida is not a northern state where we mandate wearing masks and all the other nonsense. This should be a good learning exercise for people. If you need to insist someone else wear a mask, then find a restaurant in another state where you can get away with it and go there to dine. In a northern state, you may have an opportunity to tell others what to do! Your other option is to stay home and cook in your kitchen and double up on the masks!! My hat is off to the wait staff at Belle Glade!!

[me4vt]

Stay home in Your Safe house and ride around on your golf cart with your mask on! “We” The FreePeople, are going to stay Free🇺🇸 It’s not the worlds responsibility to, comply with Your demands to make You feel good!!

[mkjelenbaas]

So we are out to dine at Belle Glade and select indoor seating. Our group all have on masks. Our waiter arrives without a mask but is polite in introducing himself. One of our group asks him to put on a mask. He replied I don’t need to wear one, my management doesn’t require it. Further, He said he would not wear one and that no other wait staff would either. In view of the fact he moves around a closed environment, breathing the air of all his customers without being masked and then walks right up to our table unmasked is very threatening and extremely inconsiderate. I believe if a customer doesn’t want to be exposed to higher risks of COVID exposure they should be respected by staff who should make reasonable accommodations. This isn’t about trying to make others wear masks, it’s about requesting people who are working for you to comply with your reasonable requests.
Don’t like it - don’t stay or go to that restaurant- problem solved.

[clgmann@yahoo.com]

:bigbow: thanks
So we are out to dine at Belle Glade and select indoor seating. Our group all have on masks. Our waiter arrives without a mask but is polite in introducing himself. One of our group asks him to put on a mask. He replied I don’t need to wear one, my management doesn’t require it. Further, He said he would not wear one and that no other wait staff would either. In view of the fact he moves around a closed environment, breathing the air of all his customers without being masked and then walks right up to our table unmasked is very threatening and extremely inconsiderate. I believe if a customer doesn’t want to be exposed to higher risks of COVID exposure they should be respected by staff who should make reasonable accommodations. This isn’t about trying to make others wear masks, it’s about requesting people who are working for you to comply with your reasonable requests.

[mrrmauu]

So we are out to dine at Belle Glade and select indoor seating. Our group all have on masks. Our waiter arrives without a mask but is polite in introducing himself. One of our group asks him to put on a mask. He replied I don’t need to wear one, my management doesn’t require it. Further, He said he would not wear one and that no other wait staff would either. In view of the fact he moves around a closed environment, breathing the air of all his customers without being masked and then walks right up to our table unmasked is very threatening and extremely inconsiderate. I believe if a customer doesn’t want to be exposed to higher risks of COVID exposure they should be respected by staff who should make reasonable accommodations. This isn’t about trying to make others wear masks, it’s about requesting people who are working for you to comply with your reasonable requests.

It may be best that you stay home and wear a mask 24/7. Then you won’t feel so “threatened”.

[ThirdOfFive]

So we are out to dine at Belle Glade and select indoor seating. Our group all have on masks. Our waiter arrives without a mask but is polite in introducing himself. One of our group asks him to put on a mask. He replied I don’t need to wear one, my management doesn’t require it. Further, He said he would not wear one and that no other wait staff would either. In view of the fact he moves around a closed environment, breathing the air of all his customers without being masked and then walks right up to our table unmasked is very threatening and extremely inconsiderate. I believe if a customer doesn’t want to be exposed to higher risks of COVID exposure they should be respected by staff who should make reasonable accommodations. This isn’t about trying to make others wear masks, it’s about requesting people who are working for you to comply with your reasonable requests.
The option of leaving is always there.

[thevillages2013]

If more people would learn how to cook would have these problems .

Couple reasons I give up on eating out around here. Can’t find restaurants worth going back too. I am convinced restaurants are one of places to catch anything going around either by people around you or the food itself.
And usually I’m over paying for crappie food and service, not to mention all the loud mouths in restaurants.

I second this opinion

[Lil GTO]

So we are out to dine at Belle Glade and select indoor seating. Our group all have on masks. Our waiter arrives without a mask but is polite in introducing himself. One of our group asks him to put on a mask. He replied I don’t need to wear one, my management doesn’t require it. Further, He said he would not wear one and that no other wait staff would either. In view of the fact he moves around a closed environment, breathing the air of all his customers without being masked and then walks right up to our table unmasked is very threatening and extremely inconsiderate. I believe if a customer doesn’t want to be exposed to higher risks of COVID exposure they should be respected by staff who should make reasonable accommodations. This isn’t about trying to make others wear masks, it’s about requesting people who are working for you to comply with your reasonable requests.

He did the right thing. Just as it is your right to wear a mask that does nothing but make you breath stale air and fog glasses if you wear them he has the right not to wear one.

If you’re uncomfortable with it you should have left only to go elsewhere to find the same thing.

Masks are done I won’t go anywhere that requires them and put them on and take them off as soon as possible when I visit the doctors which I have suspended unless it’s a life or death emergency which will not be from Covid

[Lil GTO]

Yes and Thank God there are no mandates

[villager2017]

Stay home

[skippy05]

I suggest you sell and move out of Florida back up north. They love lockdowns and here we love freedom. You are in the wrong state.

[Lil GTO]

There is a lot of that going around everywhere, and not just with pandemic issues.

Businesses have spent a lot of time trying to make customers feel important for the sales experience. Customers can sometimes push local establishments around, however, doesn't always work and to assume that one has that special consumer powers when one walks into an establishment. . .

Thankfully here in the villages there are so many people eating in line at most restaurants no matter the few that leave they just make it easier on the rest.

[Lil GTO]

When we go out to dinner, which we did quite a bit, we mask up for the parade through the dining room, proudly enduring the stares and frowns from the unmasked masses. We unmask ourselves at the table, since most of the time we are just talking (and thus projecting various particulates, at each other. Perfect? No, but IMO it helps a bit.
The waiter, on the other hand, is in the opposite situation S/he is leaning over you, speaking (and projecting those little globules) downward, and right at you, meanwhile, taking in whatever you are spewing out. Then, they go and do the same thing at another table!
People who have no problem with this are leaving themselves at the mercy of some poor guy who is likely making $8/hr + tips, working 3 jobs where Belle Glade is considered the cream of the crop.
No, thanks. If we see wait staff unmasked, we will turn around and walk out (after telling the concierge why)
We have not been out since before the holidays (just too crazy) so perhaps all the local restaurants have changed their policy re. masks and wait staff. If so, we'll be eating a lot more at home. I can cook a better meal than most of these places, and my wife can cook better than all of them.
We are close to beating this pandemic (which should never have been allowed to get started in the first place) but we're not quite there yet.

You have the right idea. Stay home! It’s way too crowded at restaurants anyway.

As far as the mask I never wear one have gone to many super spreader events where they weren’t worn and haven’t got the plague.

I refuse to wear them and get a chuckle when I see those that do.

[jimkerr]

Good for that waiter. I’m glad he spoke up and didn’t wear his mask.

[ThirdOfFive]

"Seasonal", a bit farther back in this discussion, made what I think is really the most important point in this whole discussion. If you want to wear a mask, then wear a mask. But nothing gives one person the right to control the perfectly legal actions of another person.

We hear the term "virtue signaling" a lot, and there is undoubtedly a fair amount of that going on, but my take on this whole thing is a bit different. I talked to my grandson a few weeks back: he had flown from Florida to Minnesota over Christmas to be with his family. On the flight to Minnesota there was a child who coughed intermittently. A woman on the flight, to use the words of my grandson, "freaked out" over the coughing kid to the extent that the flight crew let her know that if she didn't stop, they'd turn the airplane around and turn her over to the authorities. She apparently quieted down, at least to the extent that the flight continued. I have no idea what, if anything, happened to her in Minneapolis.

Fear. Fear is the primary motivator in all this. We as a nation have been so indoctrinated by government and media to live in terror of the COVID bug that things like this happen. And such incidents are NOT rare. I've witnessed them myself. A guy in Costco freaking out because the mask of another shopper didn't cover his nostrils. A guy who literally kept his family behind closed doors for a period of months, not even allowing them to go out to shop. Things like that.

But fear is a funny thing. It needs company, or at least validation. A lot of us have secret fears. They're secret because if we let others know we have them we'd feel foolish, or at least childish. If everybody had the same fear, we'd have no problem letting others see ours. But we don't. An irrational fear of COVID is the same. We need others to be as fearful as we are, because then OUR fear is validated.

Don't give in to fear.

[noslices1]

Hard to eat and drink with a mask. Also hard to understand what people are saying with a mask. Hopefully you had a great mask.

Maybe a “Hazmat Suit”

[notme6w]

No need for masks as you are in Florida, masks are useless for omicron which is a better source for its immunization quality and hopefully will burn out this pandemic

[golfing eagles]

"Seasonal", a bit farther back in this discussion, made what I think is really the most important point in this whole discussion. If you want to wear a mask, then wear a mask. But nothing gives one person the right to control the perfectly legal actions of another person.

We hear the term "virtue signaling" a lot, and there is undoubtedly a fair amount of that going on, but my take on this whole thing is a bit different. I talked to my grandson a few weeks back: he had flown from Florida to Minnesota over Christmas to be with his family. On the flight to Minnesota there was a child who coughed intermittently. A woman on the flight, to use the words of my grandson, "freaked out" over the coughing kid to the extent that the flight crew let her know that if she didn't stop, they'd turn the airplane around and turn her over to the authorities. She apparently quieted down, at least to the extent that the flight continued. I have no idea what, if anything, happened to her in Minneapolis.

Fear. Fear is the primary motivator in all this. We as a nation have been so indoctrinated by government and media to live in terror of the COVID bug that things like this happen. And such incidents are NOT rare. I've witnessed them myself. A guy in Costco freaking out because the mask of another shopper didn't cover his nostrils. A guy who literally kept his family behind closed doors for a period of months, not even allowing them to go out to shop. Things like that.

But fear is a funny thing. It needs company, or at least validation. A lot of us have secret fears. They're secret because if we let others know we have them we'd feel foolish, or at least childish. If everybody had the same fear, we'd have no problem letting others see ours. But we don't. An irrational fear of COVID is the same. We need others to be as fearful as we are, because then OUR fear is validated.

Don't give in to fear.

Couldn't agree more. I posted something very similar over a year ago---and what happened?---All those that worshipped at the altar of the holy mask were outraged---they were so convinced that they were acting for the common good and denied they had any fear whatsoever. When challenged with the concept of driving alone with a mask on as a manifestation of protecting others as opposed to paralyzing fear, all the responses were "crickets". Good luck with your post.

[nick demis]

So we are out to dine at Belle Glade and select indoor seating. Our group all have on masks. Our waiter arrives without a mask but is polite in introducing himself. One of our group asks him to put on a mask. He replied I don’t need to wear one, my management doesn’t require it. Further, He said he would not wear one and that no other wait staff would either. In view of the fact he moves around a closed environment, breathing the air of all his customers without being masked and then walks right up to our table unmasked is very threatening and extremely inconsiderate. I believe if a customer doesn’t want to be exposed to higher risks of COVID exposure they should be respected by staff who should make reasonable accommodations. This isn’t about trying to make others wear masks, it’s about requesting people who are working for you to comply with your reasonable requests.

I feel disrespected by people waring mask in my presence. How do they like being on the receiving end? Time for them to get a life or go hide in the basement. Time to stand up against the sheep. Or they can let everyone do their own thing.

[flash4353]

About 90% of us permanent residents enjoy being maskless because we have either had the virus, are fully vaccinated or both. If you are that concerned stay home and order take out. Better yet, get out of Dodge partner.

[Andyb]

Why would you even go out, stay at home if your worried?

[newgirl]

Not true..if masks do nothing why didn't anyone get colds or flu while the mandate was in order? Masks do a lot of worn correctly.

[banjobob]

CDC guideline masks are voluntary , masks limit fluid from being spread by capturing it in the mask by the same token a mask protects from being infected . hence a mask is your choice you won't be infected nor will you infect anyone else
So what's the big deal you want one I don't, you won't infect me and I won't infect you

[JerseyGurl]

Stay home or take your business elsewhere. Period. The End.

[rrtjp]

Agree

[JMintzer]

So we are out to dine at Belle Glade and select indoor seating.

Why not select "outdoor seating"? The weather has been delightful and they have heaters, if needed...

[Mikentonik]

Restaurant, Dept.store, county, state, or country. If I don’t like or agree with their policies I still have a choice to go to where I do. I have no right to make them change their policy for me, or I change mine for them. We will dine there Saturday.

[G.R.I.T.S.]

So we are out to dine at Belle Glade and select indoor seating. Our group all have on masks. Our waiter arrives without a mask but is polite in introducing himself. One of our group asks him to put on a mask. He replied I don’t need to wear one, my management doesn’t require it. Further, He said he would not wear one and that no other wait staff would either. In view of the fact he moves around a closed environment, breathing the air of all his customers without being masked and then walks right up to our table unmasked is very threatening and extremely inconsiderate. I believe if a customer doesn’t want to be exposed to higher risks of COVID exposure they should be respected by staff who should make reasonable accommodations. This isn’t about trying to make others wear masks, it’s about requesting people who are working for you to comply with your reasonable requests.

Ummmm, entertain at home?🤔

[jimmy o]

So we are out to dine at Belle Glade and select indoor seating. Our group all have on masks. Our waiter arrives without a mask but is polite in introducing himself. One of our group asks him to put on a mask. He replied I don’t need to wear one, my management doesn’t require it. Further, He said he would not wear one and that no other wait staff would either. In view of the fact he moves around a closed environment, breathing the air of all his customers without being masked and then walks right up to our table unmasked is very threatening and extremely inconsiderate. I believe if a customer doesn’t want to be exposed to higher risks of COVID exposure they should be respected by staff who should make reasonable accommodations. This isn’t about trying to make others wear masks, it’s about requesting people who are working for you to comply with your reasonable requests.
This is Florida, this is The Villages, get a life! Seems to me that your group was just looking for an excuse to stiff the waiter. How about you stock up on frozen pizza, stay home and eat it while watching reruns of Joe Biden hunkered down in his basement wearing his mask.

[ElDiabloJoe]

---Quote (Originally by jdulej)---
I'm proud because I refuse to be intimidated. If I want to wear a mask it's my business, not anyone elses. If someone else walks in without a mask, it's their business...
---End Quote---

Two things:

1. People are fools to be unvaccinated, plenty of empirical and observational data indicating it helps;

2. People are fools to wear masks. Yes, you are free to do so if you wish. You can also walk around with your underwear on your head, it's your business, not anyone else's. HOWEVER, Don't expect people won't point, stare, and laugh at you.

[YvonneandScott]

So we are out to dine at Belle Glade and select indoor seating. Our group all have on masks. Our waiter arrives without a mask but is polite in introducing himself. One of our group asks him to put on a mask. He replied I don’t need to wear one, my management doesn’t require it. Further, He said he would not wear one and that no other wait staff would either. In view of the fact he moves around a closed environment, breathing the air of all his customers without being masked and then walks right up to our table unmasked is very threatening and extremely inconsiderate. I believe if a customer doesn’t want to be exposed to higher risks of COVID exposure they should be respected by staff who should make reasonable accommodations. This isn’t about trying to make others wear masks, it’s about requesting people who are working for you to comply with your reasonable requests.

I wear a mask, I vaxed and boosted. Nobody cares that I still wear my mask and never inquire why I do it. Why? Because it’s my body and my health that I am responsible for. Before Covid, no one asked me health questions and they should not now. CDC says if you were a 3/layer mask you will be fine. You also have the choice not to eat there or stay home. Be kind to your fellow citizens and respect their rights. In Australia they are putting people on Covid Camps, how horrible!

[pdatc]

Stay home in Your Safe house and ride around on your golf cart with your mask on! “We” The FreePeople, are going to stay Free🇺🇸 It’s not the worlds responsibility to, comply with Your demands to make You feel good!!

#Preach! Some people think they can force their fears on everyone else. Not here in Free Florida!

[JMintzer]

Wow, I guess you laugh at a handicapped person struggling to walk down the street. Reminds me of someone ............

Who would that be?

[pdatc]

Recently joined and second post huh? Must be new around here and still expecting everyone to worship at their virtue signaling. First, the waiter isn’t employed by you. He works for the CC and as such follows their rules. Imagine if he had to track the wishes of every customer he was providing service to? What if a table was split with some wanting him to wear his face diaper and others not? What ever would he do??
Take your BS forced masking and your virtue signaling back up to whatever lock down state you came from. We’re Free here in Florida and won’t play the fear game. My suspicions are that you stayed and ate dinner but stiffed your waiter to really show him how powerful you are. Next time stay home, we’re sick of this type of BS.

So we are out to dine at Belle Glade and select indoor seating. Our group all have on masks. Our waiter arrives without a mask but is polite in introducing himself. One of our group asks him to put on a mask. He replied I don’t need to wear one, my management doesn’t require it. Further, He said he would not wear one and that no other wait staff would either. In view of the fact he moves around a closed environment, breathing the air of all his customers without being masked and then walks right up to our table unmasked is very threatening and extremely inconsiderate. I believe if a customer doesn’t want to be exposed to higher risks of COVID exposure they should be respected by staff who should make reasonable accommodations. This isn’t about trying to make others wear masks, it’s about requesting people who are working for you to comply with your reasonable requests.

[jdulej]

Who would that be?

Trying to get me in trouble? :) I seem to recall "someone" ridiculing a handicapped reporter at a news conf. a few years back. Also insulted of war heroes as I recall.

[Waltdisney4life]

You’re right this place is dangerous this place sucks let’s move back north who’s with me?

[Rooklift]

It is reasonable in your mind because you are the one demanding the action of another. You are wrong. If you don’t feel safe then stay home and cook for yourself.

[ex34449]

I find it hard to believe that this mask thing is still being argued and debated. They're feel good face diapers.

[jdulej]

Yet the current administration is allowing thousands daily to cross our borders, untested, not vaccinated, then flying them around the country.

And, rounding third, heading for home - the border!

[Bill14564]

I find it hard to believe that this mask thing is still being argued and debated. They're feel good face diapers.

Will you express the same disbelief to your surgeon or will you appreciate that he/she wears the "feel good face diaper" to reduce the risk of you getting an infection?

[Waltdisney4life]

Last time I checked those who are unhappy can Still move back north

[davem4616]

OP makes a second post in the 4 months that they've been part of this chat box...shares their experience, finds no sympathy
and get's shot down, from all sides

granted a self-righteous complaint...but still disappointing that all the usual dogs came out barking

[ex34449]

Will you express the same disbelief to your surgeon or will you appreciate that he/she wears the "feel good face diaper" to reduce the risk of you getting an infection?

She doesn't once I enter the room all masks come off. I'm 65, have 2 auto immune diseases, got covid just after vaccines came out. Wife and I both got it and without a hospital visit we got over it just fine and now have stronger anti bodies because of it. Almost everyone we know has it right now and they all had their shots. We just had the virus and we're practically the only two healthy.
So this virus can escape a biolab and travel worldwide in a matter of weeks but an ill fitting piece of cotton will stop it. Especially in between sips of a drink or bites of food in a public setting. lol Sorry, not that gullible.

[ex34449]

granted a self-righteous complaint...but still disappointing that all the usual dogs came out barking

Woof! lol

[rsmurano]

If you want to wear a mask, fine wear a mask but don’t count on others to do so. Just because you are wearing a mask, the world doesn’t revolve around you. If you don’t want to be around people not wearing masks, then go somewhere else or stay inside.

[ThirdOfFive]

She doesn't once I enter the room all masks come off. I'm 65, have 2 auto immune diseases, got covid just after vaccines came out. Wife and I both got it and without a hospital visit we got over it just fine and now have stronger anti bodies because of it. Almost everyone we know has it right now and they all had their shots. We just had the virus and we're practically the only two healthy.
So this virus can escape a biolab and travel worldwide in a matter of weeks but an ill fitting piece of cotton will stop it. Especially in between sips of a drink or bites of food in a public setting. lol Sorry, not that gullible.
Good post.

I often wonder: what is more dangerous?

COVID?

Or the FEAR of COVID?

[ex34449]

Good post.

I often wonder: what is more dangerous?

COVID?

Or the FEAR of COVID?

Easy answer. The fear.

[Bill14564]

Good post.

I often wonder: what is more dangerous?

COVID?

Or the FEAR of COVID?

With over 800,000 dead (plus another 1,300 every day currently), the numbers seem to be in favor of COVID being more dangerous. But maybe not, how many hundreds of thousands have died so far from the fear of COVID?

[Packer Fan]

So we are out to dine at Belle Glade and select indoor seating. Our group all have on masks. Our waiter arrives without a mask but is polite in introducing himself. One of our group asks him to put on a mask. He replied I don’t need to wear one, my management doesn’t require it. Further, He said he would not wear one and that no other wait staff would either. In view of the fact he moves around a closed environment, breathing the air of all his customers without being masked and then walks right up to our table unmasked is very threatening and extremely inconsiderate. I believe if a customer doesn’t want to be exposed to higher risks of COVID exposure they should be respected by staff who should make reasonable accommodations. This isn’t about trying to make others wear masks, it’s about requesting people who are working for you to comply with your reasonable requests.

I am not going to read 8 pages of replies but I will give you mine. There is ZERO evidence masks work. Show me the double blind study. I am vaccinated and Boosted btw, and I believe that monoclonal antibodies work and the new drugs work because we have studies that prove they work. Anyone looking at the data between masked states and unmasked states can see clearly that mask requirements do ZERO. Its like putting up 1" chain link fence on a bird cage and expecting it to keep out mosquitos.

Requiring anyone to wear them is a violation of their civil rights to be honest, and requiring our kids to wear them is a sin, and it is going to result in a lot of mental health issues (my wife is a school nurse, I can tell you it already is, but thats for another post).

You asking your server to wear one is totally inappropriate. His job is to serve you. If you are worried stay home and leave the rest of us alone.

[Packer Fan]

Will you express the same disbelief to your surgeon or will you appreciate that he/she wears the "feel good face diaper" to reduce the risk of you getting an infection?

You are comparing apples to oranges. See the article
'If masks don't work, why do surgeons wear them?' - Village News (https://www.villagenews.com/story/2021/04/22/opinion/if-masks-dont-work-why-do-surgeons-wear-them/65949.html?m=true)

[Yxstu1990]

I'm a health care worker in a hospital and my husband is a pilot for a major airline. We were both required to be vaccinated or lose our jobs. We have both worked with co-workers that were vaccinated/received the booster and they still contracted COVID. I'm sure it is just a matter of time before one of us contracts COVID if we haven't had it already.
COVID is here to stay, it's just the variant that will change. What we need to remember is that getting vaccinated should be an option. When the government starts dictating what you can and cannot do to your body, watch out. It's a slippery slope.
Also, I'm from the North. I don't wear a mask unless I'm at work. If I'm sick, I stay home. If I don't feel comfortable around someone wearing or not wearing a mask, I walk away. I don't expect anyone to change their opinions or get a vaccine because of how I feel. That's the beauty of America. Personal freedom. Let's not forget it!

[ex34449]

With over 800,000 dead (plus another 1,300 every day currently), the numbers seem to be in favor of COVID being more dangerous. But maybe not, how many hundreds of thousands have died so far from the fear of COVID?

No doubt many have died from it and those that died were clearly in a lot of pain but... it's also a fact that not taking care of oneself leads to weakness of the immune system. Covid has attacked the over weight and weakened more than any other group. The US with an obesity rate around 40%, and a morbidly obese rate just shy of 20%, how many of those should have been pushing themselves away from any table and instead hitting a trail.
I'm supposed to wear a mask to protect someone that weighs nearly twice what they should? Sorry if I sound cruel but I never force fed anyone a cheeseburger with fries.
I could have taught social distancing since high school. Never was the social type. I can all but guarantee no one has gotten sick because of me.

[ex34449]

I'm a health care worker in a hospital and my husband is a pilot for a major airline. We were both required to be vaccinated or lose our jobs. We have both worked with co-workers that were vaccinated/received the booster and they still contracted COVID. I'm sure it is just a matter of time before one of us contracts COVID if we haven't had it already.
COVID is here to stay, it's just the variant that will change. What we need to remember is that getting vaccinated should be an option. When the government starts dictating what you can and cannot do to your body, watch out. It's a slippery slope.
Also, I'm from the North. I don't wear a mask unless I'm at work. If I'm sick, I stay home. If I don't feel comfortable around someone wearing or not wearing a mask, I walk away. I don't expect anyone to change their opinions or get a vaccine because of how I feel. That's the beauty of America. Personal freedom. Let's not forget it!

Could I buy you a drink? Well said!

[ThirdOfFive]

No doubt many have died from it and those that died were clearly in a lot of pain but... it's also a fact that not taking care of oneself leads to weakness of the immune system. Covid has attacked the over weight and weakened more than any other group. The US with an obesity rate around 40%, and a morbidly obese rate just shy of 20%, how many of those should have been pushing themselves away from any table and instead hitting a trail.
I'm supposed to wear a mask to protect someone that weighs nearly twice what they should? Sorry if I sound cruel but I never force fed anyone a cheeseburger with fries.
I could have taught social distancing since high school. Never was the social type. I can all but guarantee no one has gotten sick because of me.
But look at the bright side.

COVID has just about totally cured the flu.

[MaryShields]

Masks are out thank God!

[MaryShields]

In The Villages today, I don't think you will find many restaurants that will comply with your request.
Masks are out thank God!

[ex34449]

But look at the bright side.

COVID has just about totally cured the flu.

lol. Funny how fickle we humans are isn't it. Never had the flu shot, haven't had the flu in 20 years.

[jimjamuser]

So we are out to dine at Belle Glade and select indoor seating. Our group all have on masks. Our waiter arrives without a mask but is polite in introducing himself. One of our group asks him to put on a mask. He replied I don’t need to wear one, my management doesn’t require it. Further, He said he would not wear one and that no other wait staff would either. In view of the fact he moves around a closed environment, breathing the air of all his customers without being masked and then walks right up to our table unmasked is very threatening and extremely inconsiderate. I believe if a customer doesn’t want to be exposed to higher risks of COVID exposure they should be respected by staff who should make reasonable accommodations. This isn’t about trying to make others wear masks, it’s about requesting people who are working for you to comply with your reasonable requests.
When you leave your house and you go indoors to a restaurant (or anywhere) you no longer have control of your environment and face a brutal, uncaring segment of the population that (especially for older Americans) is perfectly willing to cause you harm through disease. You expose yourself to their lack of empathy, hatred, and stupidity. And WORST of all those who reward them by staying at a restaurant like that or leaving a tip are just encouraging bad behavior. Many expert US doctors have stated that January is going to be a key time period to prevent a surge of Omicron. For the next 3 weeks, I would encourage people to hunker down, keep a low profile, wear masks, and wait and hope that this surge does NOT CLOG UP HOSPITALS (as is warned of by expert Epidemiologists)!

[LarryL]

I agree. We should be able to ask if the staff is vaccinated as well:

[jimjamuser]

How do you know if the cook in back is wearing a mask or not ? If mask wearing is important to you, then dine at home.
The cook in the back could be doing other "bad things".

[JMintzer]

Will you express the same disbelief to your surgeon or will you appreciate that he/she wears the "feel good face diaper" to reduce the risk of you getting an infection?

Apples and kumquats...

[JMintzer]

But look at the bright side.

COVID has just about totally cured the flu.

:bigbow::bigbow::bigbow:

[JMintzer]

When you leave your house and you go indoors to a restaurant (or anywhere) you no longer have control of your environment and face a brutal, uncaring segment of the population that (especially for older Americans) is perfectly willing to cause you harm through disease. You expose yourself to their lack of empathy, hatred, and stupidity. And WORST of all those who reward them by staying at a restaurant like that or leaving a tip are just encouraging bad behavior. Many expert US doctors have stated that January is going to be a key time period to prevent a surge of Omicron. For the next 3 weeks, I would encourage people to hunker down, keep a low profile, wear masks, and wait and hope that this surge does NOT CLOG UP HOSPITALS (as is warned of by expert Epidemiologists)!

Two more weeks to flatten the curve!

[JMintzer]

I agree. We should be able to ask if the staff is vaccinated as well:

Should you be able to ask about their sexual history, as well? Hepatitis is transmissible too, you know...

[ex34449]

is perfectly willing to cause you harm through disease. You expose yourself to their lack of empathy, hatred, and stupidity.

Would it be more empathetic to take away an overweight individuals steak and potatoes and replace it with a salad (no dressing)? Replace their soda with a water instead?

Would it be proper to remind one of the 40% of the population the stupidity of being overweight?

Is it hatred to see so many so horribly out of shape and un-healthy? Helping the virus to spread via their un-healthy bodies to others?

[jimjamuser]

If your eyeglasses tend to fog up while wearing a mask, that should tell you something.
Fogging glasses normally mean that the nose area of the mask is not tight enough. Some have metal nose bridges that can be pushed or bent tighter to alleviate the fogging problem. There are now multiple designs of N-95 and KN-95 masks that can be found to fit someone's face tightly.

[ex34449]

Should you be able to ask about their sexual history, as well? Hepatitis is transmissible too, you know...

Personal freedoms are just so over rated aren't they. /

[fdpaq0580]

Tag line for the new karate kid -"Mask on, Mask off".

Few, if any, have changed their minds, so this is the definition of "futile".
But what has occurred is non-maskers showing their mean streak and taking the low road by ridiculing maskers with terms like "virtue signaling", "covidiots" and "face diapers". Total lack of empathy for others.
Maskers try to justify their use by science and evidence they believe in whether others believe it or not.

Me? I may choose to wear a mask when indoors or outdoors due to pollen, mold or mildew, or in an environment that I feel may provide a higher probability for germs of any kind, including covid virus. I know the mask, any mask, is not 100% fool proof. But, like a screen on an open window, it will lessen amount of contaminants coming in or out thus lowering contaminant "loading". Hey, my life, my choice. "Judge ye not, lest ye, yourself be judged".

[jimjamuser]

I agree with this. We have not been out to a bar or restaurant in almost two years. Love to cruise but have not been on a ship or airplane either. That's our protection and our choices. I'm perfectly fine with others doing all of this, it's their choice.

I would never expect others to wear a mask for me.
Countries in the Asian part of the world have greater experience with SARS and other diseases than the US. So, they and their governments are MORE prone to vaccine and mask mandates. US......not so much!

[ElDiabloJoe]

Two things:

1. People are fools to be unvaccinated, plenty of empirical and observational data indicating it helps;

2. People are fools to wear masks. Yes, you are free to do so if you wish. You can also walk around with your underwear on your head, it's your business, not anyone else's. HOWEVER, Don't expect people won't point, stare, and laugh at you.

Wow, I guess you laugh at a handicapped person struggling to walk down the street. Reminds me of someone ............

Where on earth did you draw that inference? Wow! What a leap of logic to reach that conclusion. Disabled folks are far different from people who walk around with face tattoos and underwear on their heads.

One is (obviously) a handicap, which they neither welcomed nor can easily remedy. The other is a non-permanent choice, willingly made, to go against the cultural and/or historical norm.

Sure does help me understand how your mind works. 2+2=6.

[JMintzer]

Tag line for the new karate kid -"Mask on, Mask off".

Few, if any, have changed their minds, so this is the definition of "futile".
But what has occurred is non-maskers showing their mean streak and taking the low road by ridiculing maskers with terms like "virtue signaling", "covidiots" and "face diapers". Total lack of empathy for others.
Maskers try to justify their use by science and evidence they believe in whether others believe it or not.

Thank goodness they're never called "stupid, "ignorant' or "selfish"...

That would be a total lack of empathy towards them...

Oh, wait, does that only work one way?

Me? I may choose to wear a mask when indoors or outdoors due to pollen, mold or mildew, or in an environment that I feel may provide a higher probability for germs of any kind, including covid virus. I know the mask, any mask, is not 100% fool proof. But, like a screen on an open window, it will lessen amount of contaminants coming in or out thus lowering contaminant "loading". Hey, my life, my choice. "Judge ye not, lest ye, yourself be judged".

Yet you just judged others... Color me confused...

[ElDiabloJoe]

With over 800,000 dead (plus another 1,300 every day currently), the numbers seem to be in favor of COVID being more dangerous. But maybe not, how many hundreds of thousands have died so far from the fear of COVID?
800,000 worldwide in two years from Covid per your stats.
500,000 to 1,000,000 worldwide in two years from influenza. (Source: Global mortality associated with seasonal influenza epidemics: New burden estimates and predictors from the GLaMOR Project (https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6815659/))

Have you ever stayed home, in your decades walking this earth, paranoid you were going to die from the flu, while the media and government whipped that fear into a frenzy?
Asking for a friend...

Fear is the mindkiller. Clearly the fear is far more dangerous and economically devastating than the disease.

[Bill14564]

800,000 worldwide in two years from Covid per your stats.
500,000 to 1,000,000 worldwide in two years from influenza. (Source: Global mortality associated with seasonal influenza epidemics: New burden estimates and predictors from the GLaMOR Project (https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6815659/))

Have you ever stayed home, in your decades walking this earth, paranoid you were going to die from the flu, while the media and government whipped that fear into a frenzy?
Asking for a friend...

Fear is the mindkiller. Clearly the fear is far more dangerous and economically devastating than the disease.

800,000 in the US. The worldwide number is more like 5,440,000.

I wasn't alive yet when the flu killed over 500,000 in the US in a single year. If it happens again then yes, absolutely I will stay home.

[jimjamuser]

In the end, any one of us has very little power. All we can do is maintain our integrity to ourselves and not be intimidated by others. I don't really care one way or the other if anyone else notices my action or not. I do think it's only fair to let the restaurant know, since any responsible establishment should be interested in why they have an unsatisfied customer. What they do with the info is their business.
Some individuals by luck or fate have had an enormous historic effect!

[jimjamuser]

He did the right thing. Just as it is your right to wear a mask that does nothing but make you breath stale air and fog glasses if you wear them he has the right not to wear one.

If you’re uncomfortable with it you should have left only to go elsewhere to find the same thing.

Masks are done I won’t go anywhere that requires them and put them on and take them off as soon as possible when I visit the doctors which I have suspended unless it’s a life or death emergency which will not be from Covid
One person's rights end when they interfere with another person's rights. Just as a general principle. So, laws and government must arbitrate these questions.

[jimjamuser]

I feel disrespected by people waring mask in my presence. How do they like being on the receiving end? Time for them to get a life or go hide in the basement. Time to stand up against the sheep. Or they can let everyone do their own thing.
Some people have the nerve to wear a mask anywhere in TV Land. Do they not realize that we are "next to godly" and are perfect genetically so that we can never possibly carry disease. Never ever!

[jimjamuser]

About 90% of us permanent residents enjoy being maskless because we have either had the virus, are fully vaccinated or both. If you are that concerned stay home and order take out. Better yet, get out of Dodge partner.
90 % is a little high. Probably about 60%.

[jimjamuser]

Not true..if masks do nothing why didn't anyone get colds or flu while the mandate was in order? Masks do a lot of worn correctly.
Yes, good point to remember!

[FBH1224]

Had the same experience in Boca Raton this weekend.

[fdpaq0580]

Thank goodness they're never called "stupid, "ignorant' or "selfish"...

That would be a total lack of empathy towards them...

Oh, wait, does that only work one way?



Yet you just judged others... Color me confused...

"Let me 'splain it to you, Lucy".
First you asked about "stupid, selfish" and "ignorant". While that is also mean, it is used by both and does not imho, seem to carry with it the implied smug sneer of assumed superiority. To explain, imo using the expression "virtue signaling" is, in itself, virtue signaling. By the same token, imo, the use of "face diapers" or "covidiots" seems an attempt to show superiority by using supposedly clever or cute little quips. A "put down" rather than a rational statement.
To this point no one has changed their point of view, just become more imbedded in it.
Second, you are confused because I made a judgement. We all make judgements even while telling others and being told not to judge others. Our senses make it impossible not to judge everything around us. In my post I quoted the ancient phrase, "judge ye not lest ye yourself be judged". I never said I wouldn't judge for my self. We all judge and we are judged in return.
Ultimately, both sides of this issue are not going to change their minds and name calling makes both sides angry. A lose/lose situation. My suggestion is to ignore whether one wears a mark or not, like ignoring their socks, unless you are officially tasked with the job of making sure masks are or are not required.
How did I do?

[Reynoka]

I miss eating at restaurants but grub hub delivers from most restaurants I like. I eat in my car, outside, or at home. I have food delivered to the house when we have family over.

[Wyseguy]

I saw a lady smoking through a mask!
Do you reckon it's a safer way to smoke?
I only know that after 40 years of not smoking, the first thing I will do when the doctor tells me my time is up, is go and buy 200 cigs.and enjoy.
I still miss my morning cuppa, and that first smoke!

Or the feeling of a cigarette pack. Where else can you get 20 of anything for .65 . It has been awhile since I smoked. Still look longingly at the packs as I check out at the gas station. Back when I was 15 they sold them in vending machines.

[jimjamuser]

But look at the bright side.

COVID has just about totally cured the flu.
They found that the flu had decreased because of CV. Oh no! I forgot - that was in Australia and they determined that it was BECAUSE of mask-wearing. Sorry.

[waltwl]

He didn’t work for you. Be glad there is a waitress.

[golfing eagles]

CDC guideline masks are voluntary , masks limit fluid from being spread by capturing it in the mask by the same token a mask protects from being infected . hence a mask is your choice you won't be infected nor will you infect anyone else
So what's the big deal you want one I don't, you won't infect me and I won't infect you

Sorry, but the usual paper or cloth masks do NEXT TO NOTHING TO PROTECT THE WEARER. This is old news. Empirically, one might think that it works both ways, but it doesn't. Which was sort of the point of the thread once someone posted they proudly walk through a restaurant with their masks on until they get to their table. Accomplishes nothing. So please, please, don't remain under the illusion that you are protected by your mask---get vaccinated, get boosted, socially distance and if still paranoid, stay out of crowds, but DON"T assume you are protected to any appreciable degree by your mask

[ElDiabloJoe]

Not true..if masks do nothing why didn't anyone get colds or flu while the mandate was in order? Masks do a lot of worn correctly.

Some states (Washington) reported an unprecedented absolutely zero flu deaths. What are the chances that human nature kicked in? What if many flu deaths were wrapped up in COVID mortality numbers? Numbers, like it or not, result in resources - both priority for additional equipment requested and straight funding dollars.

Several states, over the last two years (NY, CA) went back and revised numbers downwards. Some speculate this is because of the rush to include any and all deaths, even motor vehicle deaths, as covid related if there was any covid positivity - even if that were not the cause of death.

[ElDiabloJoe]

Sorry, but the usual paper or cloth masks do NEXT TO NOTHING TO PROTECT THE WEARER. This is old news. Empirically, one might think that it works both ways, but it doesn't. Which was sort of the point of the thread once someone posted they proudly walk through a restaurant with their masks on until they get to their table. Accomplishes nothing. So please, please, don't remain under the illusion that you are protected by your mask---get vaccinated, get boosted, socially distance and if still paranoid, stay out of crowds, but DON"T assume you are protected to any appreciable degree by your mask
^ This Is Absolute Gold.

[jimjamuser]

800,000 worldwide in two years from Covid per your stats.
500,000 to 1,000,000 worldwide in two years from influenza. (Source: Global mortality associated with seasonal influenza epidemics: New burden estimates and predictors from the GLaMOR Project (https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6815659/))

Have you ever stayed home, in your decades walking this earth, paranoid you were going to die from the flu, while the media and government whipped that fear into a frenzy?
Asking for a friend...

Fear is the mindkiller. Clearly the fear is far more dangerous and economically devastating than the disease.
Disagree!

[golfing eagles]

Good post.

I often wonder: what is more dangerous?

COVID?

Or the FEAR of COVID?

Actually, it's the response to COVID from all the world governments, businesses, media outlets and sheep

[golfing eagles]

Tag line for the new karate kid -"Mask on, Mask off".

Few, if any, have changed their minds, so this is the definition of "futile".
But what has occurred is non-maskers showing their mean streak and taking the low road by ridiculing maskers with terms like "virtue signaling", "covidiots" and "face diapers". Total lack of empathy for others.
Maskers try to justify their use by science and evidence they believe in whether others believe it or not.

Me? I may choose to wear a mask when indoors or outdoors due to pollen, mold or mildew, or in an environment that I feel may provide a higher probability for germs of any kind, including covid virus. I know the mask, any mask, is not 100% fool proof. But, like a screen on an open window, it will lessen amount of contaminants coming in or out thus lowering contaminant "loading". Hey, my life, my choice. "Judge ye not, lest ye, yourself be judged".

So, in other words, you've been wearing a mask for decades, not just since COVID emerged??????? Somehow, I find this doubtful.

[OrangeBlossomBaby]

Golfing Eagles says that cloth masks do "next to nothing" to prevent COVID-19. This might be true. I'm willing to accept that judgment from this particular stranger on the internet.

I'd rather have "next to nothing" than "absolutely nothing" if those were my only options.

I used a cloth mask when I was working for Publix, because that's what they were giving us and paper masks were sold out and back ordered for awhile. When the 3-ply surgical masks became available, with the blue outer layer, I bought a box of 50 and stopped using the cloth ones. Much less uncomfortable when you're in an un-airconditioned vestibule wearing thick dishwashing gloves that are 2 sizes too big and go all the way up to your elbows, sanitizing shopping carts for 4-6 hours a day.

I eventually got used to wearing the 3-ply "paper" surgical masks, and they no longer bother me at all. So if it makes someone -else- comfortable to feel that my wearing a mask is preventing their sickness, I am fine wearing the mask for them. I've mostly stopped wearing them inside places, though I keep a couple in my purse just in case. If the paper ones weren't available I'd wear the cloth ones instead.

[rmd2]

90 % is a little high. Probably about 60%.

TV was published at about 87% vaccinated and that was a while back.

[rmd2]

Or the feeling of a cigarette pack. Where else can you get 20 of anything for .65 . It has been awhile since I smoked. Still look longingly at the packs as I check out at the gas station. Back when I was 15 they sold them in vending machines.

65 cents!! Wow, a pack of Marlboro in NY including tax is about $12 - $13 in New York.

[Wyseguy]

65 cents!! Wow, a pack of Marlboro in NY including tax is about $12 - $13 in New York.

When I was paying .65 that was in NY. I can not imagine spending 12.00 a pack or in my case that would be 24.00 a day. We drove down to Fl our Sr year and got them in the Carolinas for 5.50 a carton or about .50. It doesn't seem so very long ago. I knew I'd grow old, I just never thought it'd happen so quickly. I was also the last year where we could drink whiskey at 18yo. Then it went to Wine and Beer only, now 21yo for everything.

[ThirdOfFive]

65 cents!! Wow, a pack of Marlboro in NY including tax is about $12 - $13 in New York.
Cheaper ways to commit suicide, for sure.

[asianthree]

Some states (Washington) reported an unprecedented absolutely zero flu deaths. What are the chances that human nature kicked in? What if many flu deaths were wrapped up in COVID mortality numbers? Numbers, like it or not, result in resources - both priority for additional equipment requested and straight funding dollars.

Several states, over the last two years (NY, CA) went back and revised numbers downwards. Some speculate this is because of the rush to include any and all deaths, even motor vehicle deaths, as covid related if there was any covid positivity - even if that were not the cause of death.

The last 2 years many deaths from cancer, flu, traffic accidents, were classified as Covid. Even if you were stage 4, death certificate could go to review after the fact, and changed to Covid. Many cases went to review months after death, and some states reported weekly how many were up for review.

Sadly the stats for cancer, cardiac and others were almost non existent. If you face planted off your Harley, you were still tested for Covid. If positive you died from Covid. Gunshot was still counted as cause of death.

Thankfully, now if you fall off your Harley, and test positive you died with Covid. Puts stats back into perspective.

[ken.yotz]

A large majority of those who have died in hospitals are unvaccinated. Fortunately, they can no longer legally vote, even in Florida. Do you understand the impact?

[fdpaq0580]

So, in other words, you've been wearing a mask for decades, not just since COVID emerged??????? Somehow, I find this doubtful.

Read it again before passing judgment, please.
No where said I had been wearing for decades. Your error/assumtion/attempt to discredit me or make me look foolish in the eyes of your followers?
For all you know I may have grown up in Asia where mask wearing is and has been common for more than a few decades. Again you made an uninformed judgment call/guess to discredit my opinion in favor of your own.

If I had been wearing a mask for decades. I may have avoided many diseases and infections. Mask wearing can be helpful in many instances. Indoors or outdoors to avoid/diminish exposure to dust, pollen, others allergens or any number of diseases, mask wearing can be helpful. If they are totally useless, as many claim, no one, not doctors in surgery, researchers, no one would ever wear one. To equate the wearing of a mask only with fear of covid is, imho, pretty narrow focused, and to ridicule or make fun of anyone who has or feels the need for a mask without knowing the true circumstances for the masks speaks volumes about what kind of person is behind the statement of said ridicule.
Yes, I wear a mask from time to time. It's not about pride. It is about my condition, no one else's. It is about how I see possible risks to me.

[golfing eagles]

Read it again before passing judgment, please.
No where said I had been wearing for decades. Your error/assumtion/attempt to discredit me or make me look foolish in the eyes of your followers?
For all you know I may have grown up in Asia where mask wearing is and has been common for more than a few decades. Again you made an uninformed judgment call/guess to discredit my opinion in favor of your own.

If I had been wearing a mask for decades. I may have avoided many diseases and infections. Mask wearing can be helpful in many instances. Indoors or outdoors to avoid/diminish exposure to dust, pollen, others allergens or any number of diseases, mask wearing can be helpful. If they are totally useless, as many claim, no one, not doctors in surgery, researchers, no one would ever wear one. To equate the wearing of a mask only with fear of covid is, imho, pretty narrow focused, and to ridicule or make fun of anyone who has or feels the need for a mask without knowing the true circumstances for the masks speaks volumes about what kind of person is behind the statement of said ridicule.
Yes, I wear a mask from time to time. It's not about pride. It is about my condition, no one else's. It is about how I see possible risks to me.

I wasn't ridiculing, assuming, judging, nor discrediting you. You stated that you wear a mask for protection against "dust, pollens, and other germs". The logical conclusion is that you must have been wearing a mask for some time before COVID, since "pollen dust and other germs" have been around forever. I expressed doubt about that being the case, which you just confirmed. So now the question becomes, when did you start wearing a mask to protect from "dust, pollen, and other germs"???? Was it February 2020???
I don't "make fun" of anyone wearing a mask, but I do question their reasoning for doing so. If they think they are protecting themselves from COVID, then they are wasting their time. If they are incredibly altruistic and wear it to protect everyone else, fine and thank you. Surgeons do not wear masks to protect themselves, we wear them so as not to contaminate an open body cavity, so that analogy doesn't hold. And to my knowledge, I don't have any "followers". There are some people who appreciate a factual description of medical science as opposed to a regurgitation of garbage found on the internet, but that's all. And finally, this is not Asia, and I am hardly prone to "uninformed opinions"

[Papa_lecki]

This thread has certainly run its course.

[waterflower]

Did you get vaxxed??? Why would you ask another human being to put a covering on their face. Did you research the test (PCR) for covid were recalled for a very high false positive. If you live in fear, realize it is your issue not someone else. Build your immune system up to protect you from the flu, etc.

[EdFNJ]

This thread has certainly run its course. Yep, and "Wackowilley" (the thread starter's name NOT my opinion of him) has surprisingly never come back to make a comment after he dropped the initial bomb. Strange.

[Spalumbos62]

Sorry, but the usual paper or cloth masks do NEXT TO NOTHING TO PROTECT THE WEARER. This is old news. Empirically, one might think that it works both ways, but it doesn't. Which was sort of the point of the thread once someone posted they proudly walk through a restaurant with their masks on until they get to their table. Accomplishes nothing. So please, please, don't remain under the illusion that you are protected by your mask---get vaccinated, get boosted, socially distance and if still paranoid, stay out of crowds, but DON"T assume you are protected to any appreciable degree by your mask

Sorry...I don't agree. To sit here a take anything all of you old naysayers are spewing vs Fauci's advice...you are all crazy.
Not saying we have to stay in our homes scared, but for crying out loud... how many people do you have to hear about that didn't get vaxed and are lying in the hospital begging for the Vax. OK, wearing, or not wearing a mask does not go hand and hand with if one believes that they should be vaxed, but if you are...why wouldn't you continue to help yourself stay even more safe and wear it???? Not unless I'm supposed to believe all you that you that have done nothing but cut this person apart in this post, are not vaxed.

[ElDiabloJoe]

Sorry...I don't agree. To sit here a take anything all of you old naysayers are spewing vs Fauci's advice...you are all crazy.
Not saying we have to stay in our homes scared, but for crying out loud... how many people do you have to hear about that didn't get vaxed and are lying in the hospital begging for the Vax. OK, wearing, or not wearing a mask does not go hand and hand with if one believes that they should be vaxed, but if you are...why wouldn't you continue to help yourself stay even more safe and wear it???? Not unless I'm supposed to believe all you that you that have done nothing but cut this person apart in this post, are not vaxed.

Are you talking about St. Fauci, the guy who authorized funding of the likely development of Covid? The same St. Fauci who has backtracked, revised, and flip-flopped on nearly every single pronouncement he has made since the beginning of this "pandemic?" That Fauci's advice?

[JMintzer]

90 % is a little high. Probably about 60%.

Anything to back up your claim?

It's over 78% FULLY vaccinated per this site (which doesn't include those who have antibodies due to previous infection)...

Covid Act Now (https://covidactnow.org/us/metro/the-villages_fl/?s=27791669)

[JMintzer]

Not true..if masks do nothing why didn't anyone get colds or flu while the mandate was in order? Masks do a lot of worn correctly.

Or, maybe because people finally started washing their hands more often, stopped touching their face, and most importantly, didn't go anywhere or do anything for almost 2 years!

[fdpaq0580]

I wasn't ridiculing, assuming, judging, nor discrediting you. You stated that you wear a mask for protection against "dust, pollens, and other germs". The logical conclusion is that you must have been wearing a mask for some time before COVID, since "pollen dust and other germs" have been around forever. I expressed doubt about that being the case, which you just confirmed. So now the question becomes, when did you start wearing a mask to protect from "dust, pollen, and other germs"???? Was it February 2020???
I don't "make fun" of anyone wearing a mask, but I do question their reasoning for doing so. If they think they are protecting themselves from COVID, then they are wasting their time. If they are incredibly altruistic and wear it to protect everyone else, fine and thank you. Surgeons do not wear masks to protect themselves, we wear them so as not to contaminate an open body cavity, so that analogy doesn't hold. And to my knowledge, I don't have any "followers". There are some people who appreciate a factual description of medical science as opposed to a regurgitation of garbage found on the internet, but that's all. And finally, this is not Asia, and I am hardly prone to "uninformed opinions"

First, let me assure you that there are many readers here, myself included, who appreciate what you bring to the various discussions on to tv. Followers, not in the cult way. But plenty who accept what you say as gospel.
As to the "uninformed" comment, I believe that the best informed can be mis informed based on the source of that information. Example: when I was told I had cancer I was scheduled with radiation and chemotherapy. The drug was "sysplatin" (not sure this is spelled correctly and spellchecker is no help). Dr. Handling my chemo told me next generation was 6 months away with 1/2 the side effects. 13 years later, was told that for my cancer the old drug is still being used due to the next-generation turned out less effective and similar side effects.
As to the ridicule, I did notice that on this thread, page 2(I believe) the term "covidiots" was used. Sorry, I thought you, of all, wouldn't sink to that level to denegrate those who are seriously concerned, whether you agree or not. Their physician may have recommended they wear a mask for reasons you don't know. By you saying masks are useless, they may not wear what their doctor wanted them to wear and you have undermined their confidence in their doctor.
Last, I have worn a mask occasionally since I served overseas 1967-1972. I continued to do so in civilian life. When covid hit I did jump on the mask and meds. I take any possible help recommended by my physician. Since the rules were lifted, I only wear mask if I think the possiblity of risk is above normal. A mask really doesn't negatively affect me, so I don't mind wearing it.
Keep up your good advice. I'll looking forward to your future posts.

[jarodrig]

So we are out to dine at Belle Glade and select indoor seating. Our group all have on masks. Our waiter arrives without a mask but is polite in introducing himself. One of our group asks him to put on a mask. He replied I don’t need to wear one, my management doesn’t require it. Further, He said he would not wear one and that no other wait staff would either. In view of the fact he moves around a closed environment, breathing the air of all his customers without being masked and then walks right up to our table unmasked is very threatening and extremely inconsiderate. I believe if a customer doesn’t want to be exposed to higher risks of COVID exposure they should be respected by staff who should make reasonable accommodations. This isn’t about trying to make others wear masks, it’s about requesting people who are working for you to comply with your reasonable requests.

I’m not going to read through 12 + pages of post so my response will probably be a duplicate or multiple duplicate of what others probably said ….

I hope you and your group all got up and left but I’m guessing that you probably did not ??

Stay at home and host a private dinner party of your own and require all of your guests to wear masks during the entire meal except when reloading their pie holes with food ….

Surely they can chew and swallow with their masks in place !

[B-flat]

Simple answer don’t go out in public if you don’t feel safe

That’s it Keep It Simple stay home. I like your tag line “living is easy with eyes closed.” Strawberry Fields Forever!

[JMintzer]

"Let me 'splain it to you, Lucy".
First you asked about "stupid, selfish" and "ignorant". While that is also mean, it is used by both and does not imho, seem to carry with it the implied smug sneer of assumed superiority. To explain, imo using the expression "virtue signaling" is, in itself, virtue signaling. By the same token, imo, the use of "face diapers" or "covidiots" seems an attempt to show superiority by using supposedly clever or cute little quips. A "put down" rather than a rational statement.
To this point no one has changed their point of view, just become more imbedded in it.
Second, you are confused because I made a judgement. We all make judgements even while telling others and being told not to judge others. Our senses make it impossible not to judge everything around us. In my post I quoted the ancient phrase, "judge ye not lest ye yourself be judged". I never said I wouldn't judge for my self. We all judge and we are judged in return.
Ultimately, both sides of this issue are not going to change their minds and name calling makes both sides angry. A lose/lose situation. My suggestion is to ignore whether one wears a mark or not, like ignoring their socks, unless you are officially tasked with the job of making sure masks are or are not required.
How did I do?

Lousy...

YOU are the one who typed "Judge not, lest you be judged", while you were judging others...

Your saying "stupid, selfish and ignorant" is somehow "nicer" than "virtue signaling" is, while hysterical, a futile attempt at rationalization... As is your "whataboutism" regarding "face diapers" or "covidiots"...

[JMintzer]

I miss eating at restaurants but grub hub delivers from most restaurants I like. I eat in my car, outside, or at home. I have food delivered to the house when we have family over.

Nothing wrong with that. If it works for you, great!

Others choose to do things differently...

[JMintzer]

They found that the flu had decreased because of CV. Oh no! I forgot - that was in Australia and they determined that it was BECAUSE of mask-wearing. Sorry.

Link to back that up?

[Vermilion Villager]

Most of these posts, especially the jokes referencing A, B, C, D, E, F make a convincing argument you have not a clue how disease is transmitted. Do you think polio, typhoid, or smallpox started out as polio, typhoid, or smallpox? No...they evolved to the deadly level we know thru mutation.
17% of Florida is testing positive for a new highly contagious variant (mutation) called Omicron. Left unchecked in the human population someday the virus will mutate to a variant that our vaccines will not be protect us from. It always happens.
So you all keep making jokes using the alphabet or calling people snowbirds.

[golfing eagles]

Sorry...I don't agree. To sit here a take anything all of you old naysayers are spewing vs Fauci's advice...you are all crazy.
Not saying we have to stay in our homes scared, but for crying out loud... how many people do you have to hear about that didn't get vaxed and are lying in the hospital begging for the Vax. OK, wearing, or not wearing a mask does not go hand and hand with if one believes that they should be vaxed, but if you are...why wouldn't you continue to help yourself stay even more safe and wear it???? Not unless I'm supposed to believe all you that you that have done nothing but cut this person apart in this post, are not vaxed.

Because it doesn't protect you. If you wear it as a community service, fine, but I doubt that is why people wear them. Most of them, like you, are under the mistaken impression that they protect the wearer.

[JMintzer]

Most of these posts, especially the jokes referencing A, B, C, D, E, F make a convincing argument you have not a clue how disease is transmitted. Do you think polio, typhoid, or smallpox started out as polio, typhoid, or smallpox? No...they evolved to the deadly level we know thru mutation.
17% of Florida is testing positive for a new highly contagious variant (mutation) called Omicron. Left unchecked in the human population someday the virus will mutate to a variant that our vaccines will not be protect us from. It always happens.
So you all keep making jokes using the alphabet or calling people snowbirds.

No, it "sometimes" happens. Most of the time, they mutate into "less deadly" strains...

If they kill their hosts, they cease to be, which is contrary to their goal...

[Aafa01]

Very simple. Stay home and eat!

[golfing eagles]

Most of these posts, especially the jokes referencing A, B, C, D, E, F make a convincing argument you have not a clue how disease is transmitted. Do you think polio, typhoid, or smallpox started out as polio, typhoid, or smallpox? No...they evolved to the deadly level we know thru mutation.
17% of Florida is testing positive for a new highly contagious variant (mutation) called Omicron. Left unchecked in the human population someday the virus will mutate to a variant that our vaccines will not be protect us from. It always happens.
So you all keep making jokes using the alphabet or calling people snowbirds.

Really????? News to me, and every other medical professional, virologist and epidemiologist in the world.
Since those disease were around and killing people long before anyone had the slightest idea what a virus (or any microorganism for that matter) was, no one knows their origin or evolution. Love to know a source for that statement.

[jaj523]

And many "expert" epidemologists disagree. Death rates are going DOWN. New COVID cases are 95% Omicron. Looks like Delta is on the way out.

[golfing eagles]

First, let me assure you that there are many readers here, myself included, who appreciate what you bring to the various discussions on to tv. Followers, not in the cult way. But plenty who accept what you say as gospel.
As to the "uninformed" comment, I believe that the best informed can be mis informed based on the source of that information. Example: when I was told I had cancer I was scheduled with radiation and chemotherapy. The drug was "sysplatin" (not sure this is spelled correctly and spellchecker is no help). Dr. Handling my chemo told me next generation was 6 months away with 1/2 the side effects. 13 years later, was told that for my cancer the old drug is still being used due to the next-generation turned out less effective and similar side effects.
As to the ridicule, I did notice that on this thread, page 2(I believe) the term "covidiots" was used. Sorry, I thought you, of all, wouldn't sink to that level to denegrate those who are seriously concerned, whether you agree or not. Their physician may have recommended they wear a mask for reasons you don't know. By you saying masks are useless, they may not wear what their doctor wanted them to wear and you have undermined their confidence in their doctor.
Last, I have worn a mask occasionally since I served overseas 1967-1972. I continued to do so in civilian life. When covid hit I did jump on the mask and meds. I take any possible help recommended by my physician. Since the rules were lifted, I only wear mask if I think the possiblity of risk is above normal. A mask really doesn't negatively affect me, so I don't mind wearing it.
Keep up your good advice. I'll looking forward to your future posts.

Point taken, thank you.

Let me clarify:
There are situations in which a mask should be worn---mostly indoors where social distancing cannot be achieved. This is not to protect the individual wearer, but if everyone were to be properly masked, they would all be protecting each other. However, there is little point in being the only person to wear a mask in a restaurant with 150 unmasked patrons.
Medically, if you are immunosuppressed for whatever reason, it is probably not a great idea to be around a large number of unmasked indoor people. And if you do enter into that situation, an N-95 or higher rated mask is indicated.

I assure you the term covidiot (which probably shouldn't be used) is not directed at anyone with a legitimate concern, I reserve it for bizarre behavior such as driving in a car, cart, or walking outside alone

[jaj523]

Bet you don't know who cooked your meal, the safety standards in the kitchen, or whether the chef was wearing mask. You are kidding yourself if you think the practice of using "Grub Hub" protects you from getting COVID.

[jaj523]

He said that everybody makes judgments, and included himself in that statement.

[fdpaq0580]

Lousy...

YOU are the one who typed "Judge not, lest you be judged", while you were judging others...

Your saying "stupid, selfish and ignorant" is somehow "nicer" than "virtue signaling" is, while hysterical, a futile attempt at rationalization... As is your "whataboutism" regarding "face diapers" or "covidiots"...

Thought I explained the "judge not" thing in paragraph 3. I judge, you judge, we all judge. We are human and it is natural, normal, unavoidable.
As to "stupid, selfish and ignorant" being nicer than "virtue signaling", that is your interpretation, not what I said. I simply pointed out that while both sides use the "stupid, selfish and ignorant". But it appears the non mask group seems to have gone the extra mile to try and appear superior by the use of terms like "face diapers, covidiots", and, imo, accusing someone of "virtue signalling" is, in itself, a type of virtue signalling. Reverse bias.
In the end the name calling has nothing to help us get along, only made us more divided. No one has had their mind changed at all. Click bait sucked us all in and OP is having a great laugh

[Pachine58]

First masks do not work. Second if your worried about someone giving you Flurona stay home.

[Spalumbos62]

Because it doesn't protect you. If you wear it as a community service, fine, but I doubt that is why people wear them. Most of them, like you, are under the mistaken impression that they protect the wearer.

I believe the n95, or kn94 do have some protection. But as far as the cloth ones, or flat folded ones...yeah, i doubt they do much good.

It really does seem like this post in particular, everyone is bullying this person. Stating how wrong he is, belittling him. Truth be told. No one on this post has the answer. Then there's the ones that think fauci knows nothing bc he hasn't called things 100% perfectly...give me a break, this thing is evolving...

[JMintzer]

Thought I explained the "judge not" thing in paragraph 3. I judge, you judge, we all judge. We are human and it is natural, normal, unavoidable.
As to "stupid, selfish and ignorant" being nicer than "virtue signaling", that is your interpretation, not what I said. I simply pointed out that while both sides use the "stupid, selfish and ignorant". But it appears the non mask group seems to have gone the extra mile to try and appear superior by the use of terms like "face diapers, covidiots", and, imo, accusing someone of "virtue signalling" is, in itself, a type of virtue signalling. Reverse bias.
In the end the name calling has nothing to help us get along, only made us more divided. No one has had their mind changed at all. Click bait sucked us all in and OP is having a great laugh

Then stop the name calling.

If memory serves me, I've NEVER used the term "covidiot", nor "face diaper"...

I never said that one slur was nicer than another slur... That was you...

First you asked about "stupid, selfish" and "ignorant". While that is also mean, it is used by both and does not imho, seem to carry with it the implied smug sneer of assumed superiority. To explain, imo using the expression "virtue signaling" is, in itself, virtue signaling. By the same token, imo, the use of "face diapers" or "covidiots" seems an attempt to show superiority by using supposedly clever or cute little quips. A "put down" rather than a rational statement.

As to "virtue signaling", it's a commonly used term...

[Pachine58]

Not true at all. Learn how virus works.

[Malsua]

Most of these posts, especially the jokes referencing A, B, C, D, E, F make a convincing argument you have not a clue how disease is transmitted. Do you think polio, typhoid, or smallpox started out as polio, typhoid, or smallpox? No...they evolved to the deadly level we know thru mutation.
17% of Florida is testing positive for a new highly contagious variant (mutation) called Omicron. Left unchecked in the human population someday the virus will mutate to a variant that our vaccines will not be protect us from. It always happens.
So you all keep making jokes using the alphabet or calling people snowbirds.

You have it backwards. If you had studied biology and virology, you would know that most viruses or bacterial pathogens mutate to become more contagious and less deadly. It can go the other way, but those tend to be dead ends and disappear.

The fact of the matter is that most of those diseases you mentioned probably were extremely deadly in earlier versions and immediately killed the host, stopping their further spread. When a version mutated to keep the host alive long enough to spread it, that one got to go on and infect others. Then a version that kept the host alive even longer and spread faster, wins the evolutionary race. It's a mad race to spread faster and further without killing the host.

Omicron is the predictable mutation of a virus. It appears to be easier to spread and less deadly. Omicron may in fact be the answer to the Pandemic. If enough people get it, genuine herd immunity will be achieved and that's the end of that. How many deaths attributed to Omicron now? It's not many, and that's GLOBALLY. If the immune response to Omicron also protects against the rest of the versions of Sar-Cov2, we should be having Omicron parties.

I know the attenuated vaccines aren't much in favor these days, but it's starting to look like Omicron is pretty much exactly that.

[ex34449]

I saw this at St John's Tavern in Crystal River this evening. It was literally on the menu. I thought it was quite fitting for this thread.
Written by a gent (Dean Alfange) who passed long before this Covid BS!
.
I Do Not Choose to Be a Common Man,
It is my right to be uncommon—if I can.
I seek opportunity—not security. I do not wish to be a kept citizen, humbled and dulled by having the state look after me.
I want to take the calculated risk; to dream and to build, to fail and to succeed.
I refuse to barter incentive for a dole. I prefer the challenges of life to the guaranteed existence; the thrill of fulfillment to the stale calm of utopia.
I will not trade freedom for beneficence nor my dignity for a handout. I will never cower before any master nor bend to any threat.
It is my heritage to stand erect, proud and unafraid; to think and act for myself, enjoy the benefit of my creations and to face the world boldly and say, “This I have done.”

Peace All

[OrangeBlossomBaby]

You have it backwards. If you had studied biology and virology, you would know that most viruses or bacterial pathogens mutate to become more contagious and less deadly. It can go the other way, but those tend to be dead ends and disappear.

The fact of the matter is that most of those diseases you mentioned probably were extremely deadly in earlier versions and immediately killed the host, stopping their further spread. When a version mutated to keep the host alive long enough to spread it, that one got to go on and infect others. Then a version that kept the host alive even longer and spread faster, wins the evolutionary race. It's a mad race to spread faster and further without killing the host.

Omicron is the predictable mutation of a virus. It appears to be easier to spread and less deadly. Omicron may in fact be the answer to the Pandemic. If enough people get it, genuine herd immunity will be achieved and that's the end of that. How many deaths attributed to Omicron now? It's not many, and that's GLOBALLY. If the immune response to Omicron also protects against the rest of the versions of Sar-Cov2, we should be having Omicron parties.

I know the attenuated vaccines aren't much in favor these days, but it's starting to look like Omicron is pretty much exactly that.

It isn't exactly that. There are no variations of "exactly." Either it's exactly that, or it isn't. And - it isn't.

Meanwhile - Omicron appears to be less deadly. That's awesome. But it is still making many people very sick. That is not awesome. What's worse, is that it is affecting more vaccinated people than the Delta variant affected. The good news, is that people who are vaccinated have fewer or less severe symptoms on average. And a very high percentage of Villagers are vaccinated. So that's terrific.

Not so terrific for people who aren't vaccinated. To those who want to be but are advised by their licensed medical professionals not to, I wish you well and hope you don't get sick. To those who choose not to vaccinate, well - that's your choice. Good luck.

[golfing eagles]

It isn't exactly that. There are no variations of "exactly." Either it's exactly that, or it isn't. And - it isn't.

Meanwhile - Omicron appears to be less deadly. That's awesome. But it is still making many people very sick. That is not awesome. What's worse, is that it is affecting more vaccinated people than the Delta variant affected. The good news, is that people who are vaccinated have fewer or less severe symptoms on average. And a very high percentage of Villagers are vaccinated. So that's terrific.

Not so terrific for people who aren't vaccinated. To those who want to be but are advised by their licensed medical professionals not to, I wish you well and hope you don't get sick. To those who choose not to vaccinate, well - that's your choice. Good luck.

Yes, but that's a numbers game-----the more vaccinated people, the more the variant infects vaccinated people. If 100% of the people were vaccinated, then 100% of the infections would be among the vaccinated. This is not a failure of the vaccine, nor is it necessarily a property of the omicron variant, it is a function of the population at risk.

[Nick B]

So we are out to dine at Belle Glade and select indoor seating. Our group all have on masks. Our waiter arrives without a mask but is polite in introducing himself. One of our group asks him to put on a mask. He replied I don’t need to wear one, my management doesn’t require it. Further, He said he would not wear one and that no other wait staff would either. In view of the fact he moves around a closed environment, breathing the air of all his customers without being masked and then walks right up to our table unmasked is very threatening and extremely inconsiderate. I believe if a customer doesn’t want to be exposed to higher risks of COVID exposure they should be respected by staff who should make reasonable accommodations. This isn’t about trying to make others wear masks, it’s about requesting people who are working for you to comply with your reasonable requests.
I'm thinking as a waiter I would be after a good tip. His response would have gotten him jack

[Malsua]

It isn't exactly that. There are no variations of "exactly." Either it's exactly that, or it isn't. And - it isn't.



There are no exacts in anything, if you want to parse language. Two boards from Home Depot are exactly the same, right? Wrong, they are not. They are exact within the tolerance of measurement. If you measure down to the thousandths, they are different, if you measure to the 10ths of a micron, they are way different. If you measure down to the atomic levels, they probably are barely recognizable as even being related.

MMR is a live attenuated vaccine. It's the virus, just with key proteins knocked out to reduce virulence. Virulence is a word that simply means how sick you get.

If you have a SARS-COV2 infection and you get a headache, sore throat and the sniffles, what's the effective difference between that and an attenuated version of the first version of Sars-Cov2? I.e Functionally it would look and behave the same way, i.e. pretty much exactly the same. It means that I acknowledge it isn't a lab created vaccine, but it's acting just like one would.

People are indeed getting sick. Are all the really sick people being assayed as which version they have? All the data so far suggests that Omicron is a "pretty much the same" as a common cold. People die from colds too, it's just a very low prevalence.

[ThirdOfFive]

You have it backwards. If you had studied biology and virology, you would know that most viruses or bacterial pathogens mutate to become more contagious and less deadly. It can go the other way, but those tend to be dead ends and disappear.

The fact of the matter is that most of those diseases you mentioned probably were extremely deadly in earlier versions and immediately killed the host, stopping their further spread. When a version mutated to keep the host alive long enough to spread it, that one got to go on and infect others. Then a version that kept the host alive even longer and spread faster, wins the evolutionary race. It's a mad race to spread faster and further without killing the host.

Omicron is the predictable mutation of a virus. It appears to be easier to spread and less deadly. Omicron may in fact be the answer to the Pandemic. If enough people get it, genuine herd immunity will be achieved and that's the end of that. How many deaths attributed to Omicron now? It's not many, and that's GLOBALLY. If the immune response to Omicron also protects against the rest of the versions of Sar-Cov2, we should be having Omicron parties.

I know the attenuated vaccines aren't much in favor these days, but it's starting to look like Omicron is pretty much exactly that.
I've always been a believer in "that which does not kill you, makes you stronger".

I'm no medical guy, but I am a student of history, and the history of the initial settling of the Americas is fascinating. Those Spanish conquistadors brought a whole lot more than paella and gazpacho with them when they first landed here. On the island of Hispaniola, for example, there was a thriving population of an estimated 1.5 to 2 million Taino indians. It took scarcely 50 years for that population to dwindle, in an estimate made in 1547 (las Casas) to about 200 left on the entire island. They died from a variety of things; a lot were killed outright or worked to death, but a huge portion of them died of diseases brought by the Spanish and the Portuguese; some pretty virulent like smallpox and typhus but others that to the Europeans were probably quite mild, such as measles and the flu. In all, anywhere from twelve to fifteen MILLION indigenous peoples in Central and South America were victims of those diseases. Europeans died from them too, but nowhere near like the wholesale (calling it what it was) genocide that they unintentionally wreaked on the indigenous people. They had no resistance, and in light of the primitive medical care that they undoubtedly possessed, the outcome was inevitable.

The standard of our medical care is light-years beyond that of the Taino indians. Given that, I often wonder: where would we be now if we had done absolutely nothing about COVID, but just continued living our lives the way we always had? Would COVID be only an uncomfortable memory today?

[Spalumbos62]

Are you talking about St. Fauci, the guy who authorized funding of the likely development of Covid? The same St. Fauci who has backtracked, revised, and flip-flopped on nearly every single pronouncement he has made since the beginning of this "pandemic?" That Fauci's advice?

Oh stop being silly and condenseding....again this ugly virus keeps raising its ugly head differently every couple of months. To even think what fauci or the cdc say would stay the same with every new variance is ridiculous and I would think an average joe could realize that...jezzz

[jimjamuser]

Golfing Eagles says that cloth masks do "next to nothing" to prevent COVID-19. This might be true. I'm willing to accept that judgment from this particular stranger on the internet.

I'd rather have "next to nothing" than "absolutely nothing" if those were my only options.

I used a cloth mask when I was working for Publix, because that's what they were giving us and paper masks were sold out and back ordered for awhile. When the 3-ply surgical masks became available, with the blue outer layer, I bought a box of 50 and stopped using the cloth ones. Much less uncomfortable when you're in an un-airconditioned vestibule wearing thick dishwashing gloves that are 2 sizes too big and go all the way up to your elbows, sanitizing shopping carts for 4-6 hours a day.

I eventually got used to wearing the 3-ply "paper" surgical masks, and they no longer bother me at all. So if it makes someone -else- comfortable to feel that my wearing a mask is preventing their sickness, I am fine wearing the mask for them. I've mostly stopped wearing them inside places, though I keep a couple in my purse just in case. If the paper ones weren't available I'd wear the cloth ones instead.
I agree with about 95 % of everything in that post. However, indoors is FAR more dangerous for CV (especially now and until maybe the 1st week in Feb.) So, masks are MOST important indoors. That is WELL known so, maybe I read the post wrong?

[golfing eagles]

I agree with about 95 % of everything in that post. However, indoors is FAR more dangerous for CV (especially now and until maybe the 1st week in Feb.) So, masks are MOST important indoors. That is WELL known so, maybe I read the post wrong?

Probably. Masks are always more important indoors, and also when social distancing is impractical. COVID isn't more dangerous indoors, just more likely to spread. But the value of that mask is NOT that it protects YOU from getting the virus, the value is that it helps stop YOU from spreading a virus that you might not even know you have, and when everybody is doing the same in that room, it is fairly, but not 100% effective. When you are the only person in the room wearing a mask, its value is essentially zero.

Let me make this clear----some on this site think that I am somehow anti-mask. NOT TRUE. I advocate masking when it is required, when it is medically indicated, and when social distancing especially indoors cannot be achieved. I am only non-supportive of masking when it makes no sense and when people wear them in ridiculous situations out of misinformation, which I attempt to correct. For example, driving alone in your car with a mask on is, well, less than intelligent. Unfortunately, it like trying to paddle upstream since many have made up their minds about masks already, based on conjecture, their own "common sense", their "own research" on bogus internet sites, and conflicting information from the media. The good news---this will eventually end.

[jimjamuser]

The last 2 years many deaths from cancer, flu, traffic accidents, were classified as Covid. Even if you were stage 4, death certificate could go to review after the fact, and changed to Covid. Many cases went to review months after death, and some states reported weekly how many were up for review.

Sadly the stats for cancer, cardiac and others were almost non existent. If you face planted off your Harley, you were still tested for Covid. If positive you died from Covid. Gunshot was still counted as cause of death.

Thankfully, now if you fall off your Harley, and test positive you died with Covid. Puts stats back into perspective.
If people believe that there are LESS CV hospitalizations and deaths for ANY reason, then they are MORE likely to leave their masks at home and maybe not even get shots or the booster. That would be detrimental to Public Health because people would rationalize the taking of more chances. If all states in the US adhere to the same reporting guidelines then I would not worry about the details of the calculation method. Because the important thing to make life decisions is, for example, are there more deaths per capita in New Jersey or Kansas as there are in Florida - also more deaths per capita in Miami or TV Land? I am also suspicious that anti-maskers, dark media, and Russia could be the origins of misinformation about LOWERED CV deaths by manipulation!
Also, I have NEVER heard a Doctor (that I would listen to) speak about HUGELY manipulated death statistics downward - in point of fact, they have always stated that they believed that the CV deaths were UNDER-REPORTED!

[jimjamuser]

This thread has certainly run its course.
Only God and the TV Land gods can decide that. NOT ordinary mortals!

[jimjamuser]

Sorry...I don't agree. To sit here a take anything all of you old naysayers are spewing vs Fauci's advice...you are all crazy.
Not saying we have to stay in our homes scared, but for crying out loud... how many people do you have to hear about that didn't get vaxed and are lying in the hospital begging for the Vax. OK, wearing, or not wearing a mask does not go hand and hand with if one believes that they should be vaxed, but if you are...why wouldn't you continue to help yourself stay even more safe and wear it???? Not unless I'm supposed to believe all you that you that have done nothing but cut this person apart in this post, are not vaxed.
Many Doctors are saying that Omicron MAY (?) surge and then level off and go down in the next few weeks. It would be prudent for ALL to wait for that "all-clear" signal before partying-hardy!

[jimjamuser]

Are you talking about St. Fauci, the guy who authorized funding of the likely development of Covid? The same St. Fauci who has backtracked, revised, and flip-flopped on nearly every single pronouncement he has made since the beginning of this "pandemic?" That Fauci's advice?
Those that knock Dr. Fauci for no reason have likely been drinking at the punch-bowl of cult propaganda. I will pray for the future shedding of the propaganda blinders!

[jimjamuser]

First masks do not work. Second if your worried about someone giving you Flurona stay home.
1st....disagree - 2nd ....disagree a lot

[JMintzer]

Many Doctors are saying that Omicron MAY (?) surge and then level off and go down in the next few weeks. It would be prudent for ALL to wait for that "all-clear" signal before partying-hardy!

Until the next (and probably less deadly) variant comes along... Wash, rinse & repeat...

[jimjamuser]

I've always been a believer in "that which does not kill you, makes you stronger".

I'm no medical guy, but I am a student of history, and the history of the initial settling of the Americas is fascinating. Those Spanish conquistadors brought a whole lot more than paella and gazpacho with them when they first landed here. On the island of Hispaniola, for example, there was a thriving population of an estimated 1.5 to 2 million Taino indians. It took scarcely 50 years for that population to dwindle, in an estimate made in 1547 (las Casas) to about 200 left on the entire island. They died from a variety of things; a lot were killed outright or worked to death, but a huge portion of them died of diseases brought by the Spanish and the Portuguese; some pretty virulent like smallpox and typhus but others that to the Europeans were probably quite mild, such as measles and the flu. In all, anywhere from twelve to fifteen MILLION indigenous peoples in Central and South America were victims of those diseases. Europeans died from them too, but nowhere near like the wholesale (calling it what it was) genocide that they unintentionally wreaked on the indigenous people. They had no resistance, and in light of the primitive medical care that they undoubtedly possessed, the outcome was inevitable.

The standard of our medical care is light-years beyond that of the Taino indians. Given that, I often wonder: where would we be now if we had done absolutely nothing about COVID, but just continued living our lives the way we always had? Would COVID be only an uncomfortable memory today?
CV in the rearview mirror? Maybe partially, not completely.

[jimjamuser]

Until the next (and probably less deadly) variant comes along... Wash, rinse & repeat...
OK. I can agree with that!

[MEbner2805]

So we are out to dine at Belle Glade and select indoor seating. Our group all have on masks. Our waiter arrives without a mask but is polite in introducing himself. One of our group asks him to put on a mask. He replied I don’t need to wear one, my management doesn’t require it. Further, He said he would not wear one and that no other wait staff would either. In view of the fact he moves around a closed environment, breathing the air of all his customers without being masked and then walks right up to our table unmasked is very threatening and extremely inconsiderate. I believe if a customer doesn’t want to be exposed to higher risks of COVID exposure they should be respected by staff who should make reasonable accommodations. This isn’t about trying to make others wear masks, it’s about requesting people who are working for you to comply with your reasonable requests.

You are wrong there in your attitude! Nobody has to wear one now abd you can’t force your beliefs on others like that! It’s mean spirited!!! They are not inconsiderate at all! You took a risk going out and it’s your responsibility to only protect yourself! I can’t believe that attitude! WoW ….. nobody caters to your needs in life. We are all on our own to decide not to go out and risk it if we are afraid. Be kind to workers as we are chasing them all away!

[dmorgan111]

Why don't you just eat at home from now on?

[ElDiabloJoe]

Oh stop being silly and condenseding....again this ugly virus keeps raising its ugly head differently every couple of months. To even think what fauci or the cdc say would stay the same with every new variance is ridiculous and I would think an average joe could realize that...jezzz
Umm, you mean condescending? It's not that they don't stay the same with ever new variant, it's that the advice (commands) are complete 180-degree flip flops (Wear a mask, don't wear a mask. Wear two masks, wear one mask. We didn't fund anything, Oh, we funded stuff but not that. We have to cancel Christmas, oh - okay, we can have Christmas).

Seriously, *I'm* being silly? You really need to fact check your source (Fauci) and do it yourself, not what CNN is telling you.