Originally Posted by Whitley (Post 2249403)

Globally 1.7 million people die a year from the common cold.

That's nothing to sneeze at.

Originally Posted by blueash (Post 2249478)

Talk about sewage... It is 100% accurate to say that the finding of viral RNA in wastewater indicates circulating infectious virus in the community. There is nothing suspect about it except I suspect you don't know what you're talking about. You in your greater wisdom could perhaps explain to me how genetic material from Covid gets into the wastewater if there is no Covid in area.

Fourth, you are wrong that masks made no difference. The data, and there is lots of it if you want to do a GoogleScholar search, showed masks did work, just less well than hoped. The failure to find greater efficacy is because of people not wearing masks correctly, and human nature to not practice good hygiene, hand wash, social distance etc. even when mask wearing.

Lastly, you are correct that some viral strains tend to weaken over time, that is sadly not always the case. If it were then we would never have a more severe influenza season. We would never have seen SARS or MERS. Polio would have disappeared without a vaccine... and measles... and ebola... and etc. etc. etc.

Originally Posted by Byte1 (Post 2249559)

I guess you learn something new, no matter how old you get. I had assumed that the reason for doctors wearing masks in surgery is so that THEY do not transmit germs/illnesses to the patient. AND they (some) would additionally wear face shields to prevent contamination from the patient.
Personally, I have no intention of wearing a mask IF it is not mandated somewhere that I have to go. I may have unknowingly had or carried the virus in the past couple years, but I am not going to change my activities or attire on the presumption that I may or may not be infected or carrying the virus. I have no problem with others wearing protection such as mask and gloves where ever they travel, in or out of their cars and in or outside of public places. When I was in Japan, many folks in Tokyo wore masks in the city. I didn't, but I am not going to pressure anyone else as to how they should or should not protect themselves.
I prefer to be the glass half full type of person, not a "the sky is falling" hysterical type. I do agree with those that believe that staying locked in their homes will protect them from catching any communicable diseases. I also believe that if you do not drive, you have less chance of having an traffic accident. If you do not fly, you will not die in a plane crash. But, I like to live dangerously. I have been known to step on the cracks in sidewalks and have even traveled in the back seat of a car without using the seat belt on more than one occasion.

Originally Posted by Vermilion Villager (Post 2249541)

Would you have open heart surgery if you knew the surgical team was operating on you without masks on?

Originally Posted by CoachKandSportsguy (Post 2248585)

At CoachK's hospitals, the hospital staff COVID infection rate is borderline to the hospitals requiring staff and patients to be masked mandatorily.

Friends of mine are coming down sick testing positive. .

Just facts, no judgements, YMMV

Boston waste water upticking and its still summertime in the NorthEast!

Originally Posted by NotGolfer (Post 2248661)

Forced close-downs. "They" said earlier that the face-diapers don't work. Think about it----hard!! Did y'all comply before by staying in as much as possible, did you wash your hands and social distance and do everything told to you before-----yet still got the infection?? Tis strange it seemed to almost "go away" and now is re-emerging.

Originally Posted by jimjamuser (Post 2249536)

A virologist might think that a disease mutating and re-emerging is common.

Originally Posted by Happinow (Post 2249598)

Simply to see how far the sheep will follow. I, for one will have nothing more to do with masks. Didn’t wear them back then…never once got Covid. Won’t wear them now. Haven’t you all learned anything? The masks are a lie, the shots are a lie and anything that comes into a Dr. Office is coded Covid. Why??? They get big money for Covid diagnosis. It’s not about you and your health…it’s about the money!

Originally Posted by Happinow (Post 2249598)

Simply to see how far the sheep will follow. I, for one will have nothing more to do with masks. Didn’t wear them back then…never once got Covid. Won’t wear them now. Haven’t you all learned anything? The masks are a lie, the shots are a lie and anything that comes into a Dr. Office is coded Covid. Why??? They get big money for Covid diagnosis. It’s not about you and your health…it’s about the money!

Originally Posted by jimjamuser (Post 2249601)

That was a rumor and a fallacy that made the rounds early in the Pandemic. Hospital coding professionals said that NO attempt was made to boost COVID diagnosis.

Originally Posted by asianthree (Post 2249614)

You are holding a Sheldon sign right. Have 3 personal experiences with stage 4, no outside contact except delivery of hospice meds, no outside help needed, died at home with spouse physicians, death certificates “complications from Covid.”

Originally Posted by Bill14564 (Post 2249539)

Thank you. Published and non-zero.

The CDC has another count on the Weekly Influenza Surveillance Report page. It shows a significant drop in 2021 (the year, not the season) with a return to normal in 2022. It is interesting that the counts on this page are significantly less than on other CDC pages. Perhaps more detailed reporting?