Originally Posted by CarolSells (Post 1773903)

So, after a gazillion posts pro and con to wearing a mask, I don’t believe that we have swayed anyone to our side, pro or con.

How about the compromise could be that people who are leery of mingling with non-maskers at rec centers , etc. could wear their masks AND face shields. They seem to be able to stop “stuff” going both in and out. Plus, the mask could be also worn to guard against anti-gravity droplets which might drift upwards under the face shield.

Your thoughts?

Originally Posted by CarolSells (Post 1774170)

To all of the people who have responded to this post who apparently lack reading comprehension skills I would like to point out that I mentioned that the face shield, as an alternative form of PPE, blocks germs going in BOTH directions! That would seem to suggest that the wearer is being proactive in protecting their self as opposed to the ridiculous argument that one is being protected by another person’s mask.

Have all of you mask police been out and about and done much observing of the way that many of the virtuous, ever-so-thoughtful people in masks are using and wearing them? Many are around chins and worn with noses sticking out. I saw a man in Walmart pull his mask down to pick his nose! Many wearers are constantly adjusting their masks thereby touching their faces which renders it useless.

And, I find the references to my profession totally tasteless.

Originally Posted by Byte1 (Post 1774334)

And I am sure that you wore a mask during the winter of 2017-2018 when the flu killed something like 61,000? Or, were you "selfish" and have now "evolved" in your view?
Thank you for considering me and wearing your mask.

To those that wish to ostracize those that do not feel the need to wear unproven protection in the form of a sock or hanky mask, sorry if I do not know you and am not considering your precarious health care status. Perhaps your care taker should run errands for you so that you are not exposed to the "invisible menace. "

By the way, I believe that there have only been 7 covid 19 related deaths in the Villages portion of Sumter Co. And Sumter Co. is the largest portion of the Villages. I am not trying to minimize the threat, but I do believe that folks should restrict their demands for limitations to others' personal liberties, to their own lives. Do not make presumptions that you are right and others are wrong.

I'll worry about civil obedience once Martial Law is declared. Otherwise, all precautions are voluntary, not mandated. Like I said before, I wear my mask and gloves out of my own preference, not someone else's demand.

Originally Posted by Bay Kid (Post 1774129)

I guess we should have been wearing mask for years.

Originally Posted by Leadbone1 (Post 1774067)

Can’t believe we’re still talking about this. Wearing a mask cannot be mandated. It is not a law. A world renowned epidemiologist indicated that because of the size of the virus it can go right through any mask. Even an N 95 mask. It’s a microbe! The only value of a mask is psychological. You don’t wear a mask during flu season do you? Since we now know this virus has virtually the same mortality rate as the flu why are we still talking about this? I cannot believe the paranoia about this virus has lasted this long. The media obviously did a great job of scaring people to death to the point where they can’t even think for themselves anymore.

Originally Posted by RuthA (Post 1774097)

Since a virus can pass thru a mask much like a mosquito thru a chain link fence, wearing a mask is ludicrous except to make you feel better. Especially wearing one outside in the heat and humidity where even the "experts" say the virus can only survive for a minute and a half. Wearing a mask causes you to breathe in your own carbon dioxide and inhibits your own immune system. But, hey, it is a free world (at least it used to be), so wear a mask if you want. Just stop condemning other who refuse to fall for this nonsense.

Originally Posted by Klatu (Post 1774104)

From what I hear regarding the mask quarrel, some folks feel it is necessary in order to stop the virus. Hold the presses: we are not going to STOP the virus, any more than we stop the flu, colds, etc. All these "If just 75% of the people wore masks, we could defeat this virus in X weeks" are nonsense to me. We can slow the spread, we can mitigate the spread but we will not stop it. AND the young, the healthy are not likely to die from it, so if they contract it, they will be laid low for a while and then be immune. The elderly who are healthy are more vulnerable and require wearing masks themselves if they are diabetic, frail or very immune compromised. So bottom line. If you are young and healthy and walking around, you don't necessarily need a mask unless you are serving others and could infect others. If you are outdoors and not face to face with people, you don't need to be paranoid about a mask. If you are in a store, you should wear one if required. Outside, hot weather and slight wind reduce the danger from droplets dramatically.

As for the demand that everyone wear masks, it's created a kind of Mask Nazi crowd that goes crazy if they see people without masks. We should not surrender our personal freedom and liberty except in the most dire, and temporary circumstances. Or, simply put: I am not going to surrender my choice simply because you are terrified, unless you can convince me your terror is based on facts -- not "estimates" or "experts' (who often are wildly wrong) or "the need of the group" (the group always is composed of people who want to dictate what other do to make them feel virtuous). Let's lower the terror meter folks and be suspicious of all the wild claims we here.

Originally Posted by coffeebean (Post 1774447)

Of course the virus can go right through a mask. The damn buggers are so microscopic that 10,000 virus particles can fit on the head of a pin. BUT.......the virus does NOT travel on its own. The coronavirus that causes Covid-19 is transmitted in droplets which are larger than the virus and will be blocked by masks. This is an extremely easy concept to grasp.

This is a great article and I encourage you to read it to become more informed.......
Coronavirus drifts through the air in microscopic droplets – here's the science of infectious aerosols

Now, here is a video of a demonstration how a simple t-shirt material is extremely effective for blocking droplets. Tightly woven cotton is even better at blocking droplets so I can imagine how much more effective tightly woven cotton is.............
How a mask blocks droplets - YouTube

Originally Posted by baramu (Post 1774369)

What a misinformed person you are. Over 100,000 people are dead from this virus with the elderly being especially vulnerable. No, the CDC isn’t trying to scare you or lie to you. Sad train of thought.

Originally Posted by GPGuar (Post 1774214)

It’s not unreasonable, but don’t force me to wear a mask if I don’t want to. That’s my choice!

Originally Posted by jimjamuser (Post 1774432)

61,000. Hymmmm let me think, CV has killed over 100,000 in a few months. It is just beginning. No comparison!

Originally Posted by Byte1 (Post 1774334)

And I am sure that you wore a mask during the winter of 2017-2018 when the flu killed something like 61,000? Or, were you "selfish" and have now "evolved" in your view?
Thank you for considering me and wearing your mask.

To those that wish to ostracize those that do not feel the need to wear unproven protection in the form of a sock or hanky mask, sorry if I do not know you and am not considering your precarious health care status. Perhaps your care taker should run errands for you so that you are not exposed to the "invisible menace. "

By the way, I believe that there have only been 7 covid 19 related deaths in the Villages portion of Sumter Co. And Sumter Co. is the largest portion of the Villages. I am not trying to minimize the threat, but I do believe that folks should restrict their demands for limitations to others' personal liberties, to their own lives. Do not make presumptions that you are right and others are wrong.

I'll worry about civil obedience once Martial Law is declared. Otherwise, all precautions are voluntary, not mandated. Like I said before, I wear my mask and gloves out of my own preference, not someone else's demand.

Originally Posted by coffeebean (Post 1774473)

Planning on going to a theme park anytime soon? You will not be admitted or allowed to stay if you do not wear a mask.

Most, if not all, doctor's offices have mandated masks to be necessary. If you don't need medical attention, I guess you are good. Right?

Originally Posted by kathy1516 (Post 1774274)

If you wear a mask and someone else does not, what difference does it make? You’ve protected yourself. Live and let live.

Originally Posted by CFrance (Post 1774475)

The selfish people back then were the ones that wouldn't get a flu shot. There is no shot for this, so every simple precaution helps.
It's not unproven that wearing a mask protects others. I don't care if it is voluntary or not. It's about precaution and caring for humanity. If you want to risk the lives of others because you feel you have the right, I have little regard for you. I'll still wear my mask around you though, so you don't catch something and pass it on to a myriad of other people.

Originally Posted by CarolSells (Post 1774352)

Ah me. ☹️ I was going to back out of this but..

You can’t have it both ways. If my mask protects you...how is your choice to wear one now keeping you off of a ventilator later?

People were whining that they couldn’t/wouldn’t go to any rec center activities anytime in the near future if TV relaxed the mask suggestion. Doesn’t it make more sense that you could go play canasta, etc. if you protected yourself with a face shield? You keep your spittle, vapor and whatnot and don’t have to be isolated for fear of being exposed to mine. It also shields your eyes.

That was my original thought. ������

Originally Posted by Byte1 (Post 1774255)

So, you wear sunglasses to protect your neighbor? Selfish? How about those obnoxious persons that wish to get into everyone else's business and demand that they conform to "THEIR" standards or wishes? To those folks, I say "get over yourselves."
I only wear a mask and gloves when I am planning on shopping to protect my spouse. Yes, I wear gloves when I shop. DO YOU? Are you going to suggest that those that do not wear gloves are not being "courteous" to their neighbors? Maybe you do not feel that gloves are necessary? Maybe some do not believe that masks are necessary.
My compromise is this; you wear your mask to protect me from your illnesses if you wish. I will wear my mask a bit longer, but pretty soon I plan to give it up as a moot endeavor. And yes, I will use Walmart so if you folks do not wish to see me without a mask, then plan to go elsewhere. I have always used the santi wipe provided at the door to clean the cart and my hands, but that is my wish and not a mandated one to please you.
I do not judge you if you wish to wear a bio hazard suit in public, so quit judging others for their position on this plague that has been added to the long list of others that the world has survived. Some will live and some will perish. That's life. Protect yourself and do not insist that I am obligated to coddle you the way you wish to be coddled.
This is my opinion, which is just as valid as anyone else's on here. I do not believe in seat belt laws, even though I wear my seatbelt. I do not believe in helmet laws, even though I wear a helmet on my motorcycle even in those states that do not mandate it's use. Use you own common sense and do not insist on protecting others when they do not wish your intervention.
By the way, stores can display signs asking folks to wear a mask but they cannot force one to wear a mask. At least that is what one store employee said to me.
Argue all you wish but wearing a mask is just for cosmetics, so if you wish to avoid the virus, your best bet is just lock yourself up in your home and never go out until given the all clear announcement. Good luck on that.

Originally Posted by kathy1516 (Post 1774274)

If you wear a mask and someone else does not, what difference does it make? You’ve protected yourself. Live and let live.

Originally Posted by ffresh (Post 1774482)

Carol, please try to refrain from injecting common sense and logic into your responses going forward. It's very tiring to those of us who wish to blather on with emotional rants based on mere sentiments :icon_wink:

Fred

Originally Posted by coffeebean (Post 1774483)

Stores can display signs that masks are required to enter the store and they can keep you out. Sprint keeps their door locked and will not let you in unless you are wearing a mask. That is just one example.

As for your "mask wearing is just for cosmetics" statement......why are you denying the proven science behind masks blocking droplets? You don't seem to be informed about how masks can slow the spread of this virus.

Originally Posted by GoPacers (Post 1774489)

This whole discussion is like a scene from the movie Idiocracy. You just can't have a meaningful discussion with someone who is intellectually incapable of comprehending the facts.

This isn't rocket science (for most people unless you believe the movie's plot has already occurred). The ONLY way this goes away is if R0 is less than 1. The smaller we make R0 the sooner this happens. It is indisputable that social distancing and wearing masks materially impacts R0. It doesn't reduce R0 to zero; it simply reduces it, but materially so.

You can offer the argument that social distancing or wearing a mask is "your decision" but what you're really saying is that either you don't have a clue how this works or you simply don't give a rat's tail about your fellow human beings. Pick one and let us know which camp you fall in... I know when I see you I'll make my own assessment. You'll look at me and smugly say there goes a "flaming lib" but in fact, I'm just an educated flaming conservative.

So, don't social distance and don't wear a mask. Do your absolute best to pump up R0 as high as you can. More people might get sick and as a result more people might die. Let us know how if feels to look a good friend or family member in the eye and say sorry that you got COVID from me but it was my "right" to not wear that mask.

Originally Posted by Andyhope (Post 1774431)

Okay...if you want to wear a mask, do so. If you are wearing a mask , I don’t need one

Originally Posted by Byte1 (Post 1774476)

Doctors are having their appointments by video chat now. Guess we don't need a mask for that.......:1rotfl:

Originally Posted by kendi (Post 1774207)

I've noticed that this pandemic has isolated others not just from staying home, but even when out, the masks hide our expressions from one another. Add sunglasses like many do when outdoors and its like we're a bunch of zombies running around. We have lost the smiles of so many wonderful people in TV - a social connection that means a lot to many. There's usually not even a wave or nod of the head. Then, there's the attacks on others who have a different opinion. The worst part of this pandemic is how people have used it to attack rather than respect and support others. You don't have to agree with someone to respect and support - to help build a healthy community.

Originally Posted by coffeebean (Post 1774504)

Not all are telemed appointments. Would like to see a gynecological exam by telemed. LOL. Can a skin biopsy be done with a telemed appointment? Just wondering.

Originally Posted by CarolSells (Post 1773903)

So, after a gazillion posts pro and con to wearing a mask, I don’t believe that we have swayed anyone to our side, pro or con.

How about the compromise could be that people who are leery of mingling with non-maskers at rec centers , etc. could wear their masks AND face shields. They seem to be able to stop “stuff” going both in and out. Plus, the mask could be also worn to guard against anti-gravity droplets which might drift upwards under the face shield.

Your thoughts?

Originally Posted by gadaboutgal (Post 1774508)

Wearing a mask does not protect the wearer and it is not going to stop "stuff" from going in nor a shield will stop it from going under.
People were taught by their mother to cover their mouth when they coughed or sneezed==why? To protect others from the body fluids coming out of you and spreading onto others along with any germs or viruses or whatever.
We do know that Covid is expirated through the mouth and the nose, and Even when you are talking.
Maybe when the self centered refuse to wear a mask, we should just consider they were not brought up properly and are just ignorant of polite civility.

Originally Posted by CarolSells (Post 1773903)

So, after a gazillion posts pro and con to wearing a mask, I don’t believe that we have swayed anyone to our side, pro or con.

How about the compromise could be that people who are leery of mingling with non-maskers at rec centers , etc. could wear their masks AND face shields. They seem to be able to stop “stuff” going both in and out. Plus, the mask could be also worn to guard against anti-gravity droplets which might drift upwards under the face shield.

Your thoughts?

Originally Posted by gadaboutgal (Post 1774508)

Originally Posted by toeser (Post 1774145)

Did you see where the W.H.O. just threw a log on the fire by coming out with guidelines that only people who are sick or treating the sick would benefit from wearing a mask?

Originally Posted by CFrance (Post 1774475)

The selfish people back then were the ones that wouldn't get a flu shot.”

Do you have data and/or a website that backs that claim up or is it merely an opinion? I’ll wait...

Originally Posted by CarolSells (Post 1774481)

You don't get flu shots for the seasonal flu? How about for two kinds of pneumonia? How about Shingles?

If you have children, were they vaccinated against catching measles, mumps, chicken pox and polio? Perhaps I misunderstood your comment.

I was responding to Carol Sells, not CFrance

Originally Posted by gadaboutgal (Post 1774508)

Wearing a mask does not protect the wearer and it is not going to stop "stuff" from going in nor a shield will stop it from going under.
People were taught by their mother to cover their mouth when they coughed or sneezed==why? To protect others from the body fluids coming out of you and spreading onto others along with any germs or viruses or whatever.
We do know that Covid is expirated through the mouth and the nose, and Even when you are talking.
Maybe when the self centered refuse to wear a mask, we should just consider they were not brought up properly and are just ignorant of polite civility.

Originally Posted by GPGuar (Post 1774214)

It’s not unreasonable, but don’t force me to wear a mask if I don’t want to. That’s my choice!