[44Apple]

The three movie theaters remain closed. If you are a dare-devil you can eat inside at any restaurant as Florida remains a wide-open state, or choose to eat outside where the breezes can dissipate any covid droplets. People may wear masks depending on where you are. The vaccine looks to be a far off dream as the roll-out remains sparse and poorly thought out.

[tbrock555]

Thank you all for all the info, it is very helpful. We are looking at coming in May, if not May then September. To the very small handful that were telling me to stay away if I don't wear a mask, I will pray for you.

[davem4616]

the overwhelming majority of the people in TV are trying to play it safe

the outdoor activities are up and running again...not everyone is comfortable participating in them yet though so attendance is off.

the indoor activities (clubs, concerts, plays, shows, movie houses) are either not functioning yet or are doing it on a limited basis

restaurants, churches, stores are all open....with constraints....wise to dine outdoors, many churches are doing virtual, stores are requesting that you wear a mask

it's most likely not a lot different from where you are

[popbaby2]

Originally Posted by sallyg

If you want to go maskfree, dine in restaurants, and act as tho there is no pandemic or risk, Florida is for you.
I see most people masking in the grocery, but that's it.

Here are the stats for the villages which i summarized from the daily update in the villages news.

July. 286
Aug 130
Sept 112
Oct. 179
Nov. 408
Dec 963

I now know of 3 people that i knew who died of covid. I play golf, but thats it. Hunkered down till i get my shot. Many Villagers are playing Russian roulette!

[La lamy]

Originally Posted by Goodi70

Please attend the Good Golf school before "trying" golf to acquaint yourself with the rules, protocol and etiquette of the game. Too many folks just "jump in" because it's free.

Good point! There are tee times, it's not a first come, first take as long as you want game, so if you're going to take 20 shots on a par 3 you will get backlash from people behind you!

[La lamy]

My opinion is come in May (1st date you mentioned) if you want to enjoy yourself more than you might at home, or wait till September (2nd alternative you mentioned) if you want to experience more of TV (The Villages) indoor activities that may still not be fully available in May. I don't need much indoor activities myself and am presently very satisfied with all the outdoor ones, including nightly entertainment that I can enjoy from my golf cart. But you can also go into the square to dance and manage social distancing as far as I can tell.

[Byte1]

I grocery shop once a week. We eat out at a restaurant once a week. We visit with family about once a month now, rather than weekly due to the virus. We chat with our neighbors outside without masks on because we distance. We are cautious but do not allow virus panic or hysteria dictate our lives. The Villages has a very low virus infection and death rate, probably due to most being careful. I do not know when the vaccine will be available here since the current source was limited to about 2,500 doses for Sumter Co. and I am sure we have more than that in medical personnel and first responders. My guess is that since we are handling it so well here, we are on the bottom of the list for receiving the vaccine. Just guessing, since the hotline for signing up for it was full before it even opened for requests.
I am basically living somewhat normal with a few limitations such as remembering to put on my mask when walking into a store. We don't wear a mask in the restaurant, but some folks do.
The golf courses are busy, folks ride their bikes just as they did before and we see a lot more folks walking about for exercise. I understand the pools are open, but we don't use them. I think the theaters are still closed. Paper supplies in the stores have a tendency to become scarce at times, but quickly are replenished.
I have never had anyone get rude with me regarding wearing or not wearing a mask. I have never felt the need to ask anyone to step back away from me and I do not care whether they are wearing a mask or not, if I am wearing mine. I am not as cautious as some, but not as careless as others either. I take the virus seriously but not to what I consider the extreme. I do not consider it a hoax, but some feel that if you do not agree with their view, you consider the virus to be a hoax. No compromise, just their way or you are wrong, period.
Visit and enjoy. This is still a very Friendly community, regardless of what some may say. You will always find unhappy persons where ever you are. I have always found folks here to be friendlier than up North, but maybe this place just brings about happier people. Maybe it's because we are all retired and happy to be alive and free to do what we wish?

[rmd2]

I would go for the area near 466. There are way more shops on 441 than anywhere. On 466 you are between 2 town squares. 466 has some very good restaurants too so it's my favorite area. I bought in this area and never wanted to move anywhere else.

[newgirl]

Sad, and this is why we have more deaths and illness here...the explosion has just begun.

[golfing eagles]

Originally Posted by newgirl

Sad, and this is why we have more deaths and illness here...the explosion has just begun.

What is why?????

[Pat2015]

Why respond like that? She said she wears a mask indoors, and is inquiring as to the availability of activities here at this time.

[Spalumbos62]

Originally Posted by tbrock555

Thanks for the info. Actually my concerns are the opposite. I will give people all the space they want but will I get attacked for not wearing a mask outdoors? Will people freak out if I accidently get to close to them, and so on. And lipstick has not been a concern for me since, well since I was born, but thanks.

Thank you for the great question...we have very similar dilemma, we own a place there for all lost 2 years now and it's been one thing after an other to get down there...luckily we have had some renters. We're rented for Jan and March, but open for February and really tempted to make the drive from upstate ny...but have your same concerns. Its bad enough here, but we dont want to jump from frying pan to fire.
So thank you and best of luck on your decision.

[kendi]

Originally Posted by tbrock555

Thanks for the info. Actually my concerns are the opposite. I will give people all the space they want but will I get attacked for not wearing a mask outdoors? Will people freak out if I accidently get to close to them, and so on. And lipstick has not been a concern for me since, well since I was born, but thanks.

Most do not wear a mask outdoors and most mind their own business. In crowded areas there is more mask wearing but still many without. I have never seen anyone say something to another for not wearing one. Not that it doesn’t happen occasionally I’m sure. Most of the mask griping is done on social media.

[DIver0258]

Several folks have answered your question very well. We have owned here for 5 years and recently settled into our new home here permanently. Please don't let the negative individuals sway your choice to visit. We wear masks when inside a store. We do eat out weekly. We still visit with close friends that we know are like minded and cautious. I have only seen one episode of anyone getting upset about someone not wearing a mask outside. FYI we don't wear masks outside unless we will be in a very crowded environment that will put us close to others in public. Be advised some people troll these threads and make comments to arouse others, shock value if you will. Life here is pretty open as you choose it to be. Honestly all of the hype is true, The Villages is an amazing place to live. I would stay north of 44 for a visit, this will put you closer to more of the traditional villages lifestyle places. While you are here take a golf cart ride south of 44 to look at the new areas being built. Come enjoy your visit!

[EviesGP]

We're making our way back(driving) from New England. As you can imagine, we've driven thru(and stayed at) about a dozen or more states. Florida(and TV) is way more open and active than almost all of the other states combined! We even stayed in NJ on our way up. Come down when you can, as I can't imagine having to live in a northern state(cold outside and locked-down inside)?! Welcome!!!