They are guidelines just like a hot weather advisory is a guideline which usually tells older people and those with compromised health to limit their time outdoors.

It doesn't mean that the elderly and those with compromised health are not allowed outdoors. They can go outside if that is what they choose to do.

A guideline to wear a mask and avoid crowded places are guidelines that you are free to follow. Always maintain at least 6 feet between yourself and another person and you should have no problem. Just don't expect others to do as you do.

You nailed it about our country not being a model for anything. We are mocked and ridiculed through the world. We have become a laughingstock, sadly. Our future is bleak right now.

You are correct that 60% would be 3 out of 5 - 2 of 3 would be 66%. I guess I thought 66 was close to 60 and 2 out of 3 sounded more relatable to most people. So, I stand corrected! The other part about 60% being positive results divided by total tested people. I am ASSUMING that the results of that small study can be extrapolated to the whole population of South Dakota. I am NOT assuming that it would be exactly 60% of the whole state. I doubt that EVEN the preparers of the statistics that were releasing that information could guarantee it to be even within 10% accuracy for the whole state.

I would say that it ONLY indicates that South Dakota is a much HOTTER hot spot than FL. is right now. It could be because of lower temperatures and more indoor gatherings ( maybe in churches, without masks). There may be a whole host of other factors. I really do NOT know. Maybe wearing cowboy boots is a magnet for the virus? I am sure that some University is studying that.

I was just trying to make TV Land more aware of the problem and the need to have more awareness and to overcome COVID fatigue and an unreasoned fear of mask-wearing. We are older than South Dakota and we live more closely together, so there is a reasonable worry that TV Land could have cases around 60% and then what happens?

Masks CAN be a solution but we Americans are no where near the compliance that is needed to mitigate the virus. I'm afraid we will never see the compliance that is needed for masks to really be effective in slowing the spread. Sad, isn't it?

Glad you brought that up. Just in case anyone has not seen this video.........

How Well Do Masks Work? (Schlieren Imaging In Slow Motion!) - YouTube

So.......are you saying that those who refuse to do the right thing and do their part to quell a virus which has created havoc on the world are to be tolerated?

The people in South Dakota sure seem to love their governor. They even threw her parade!
She must be doing something right for her citizens to approve so highly of her.

Yes, absolutely we have to tolerate each other. The bottom line is we only have control over ourselves. If I am worried about catching this virus, I am going to 1) avoid crowds 2) stay 6 feet away from others at all times 3) wash my hands frequently 4) shop at less busy times. Masks won't do a thing if you don't do those 4 things and if you are doing those 4 things you should be good no matter what others may or may not do.

So explain why states that have mandatory mask mandates are spiking at a rates equal to or higher than states without mandatory mask requirements? Look at the states & look at the number of positive cases. Then based on those numbers, justify why “we need immediate county action on a mask mandate”.

Spoke to a friend who is a key member of the staff of a hospital which I will not name. From what I've heard they have 60 beds and only 12 are occupied with Covid19 patients only 2 of them are critical. Yup, I'm convinced the numbers are fudged and it wasn't only this person's report.

On the opening of the squares I'm blessed that I partied, did the nightclub dance scene until I was 32 while still unmarried. I had enough of that party dance drinking scene to last me the rest of my life. I find it comical 50, 60 and 70 year old somethings acting like teenagers. You don't have to hit that party scene to enjoy a contented and happy life.

Stay healthy everyone do what you feel is right for you.

I don’t think they’re acting at all, especially not like teenagers. They’re living their life as 50, 60 and 70 year olds who actually enjoy the squares as part of their contented and happy life.

I find it comical...or maybe a better word is sad...when somebody judges others by their own standards when they really don’t have a clue.

Why should the kids have all the fun? When we move there I plan to spend my days going to fitness classes, golfing, biking, shopping, attending club meetings, swimming at the pool and once or twice a week we'll head to the squares for dinner, adult drinks and live entertainment.

.....

“Stay healthy everyone do what you feel is right for you.”

That means I can go 180 mph on the highway with my Kawasaki 6R cause it feels right to me. (The bike is more steady at higher speeds.) Right?

I can explain it by questioning the accuracy of your statement and by referring you to this article, which is one of many confirming the effectiveness of mask mandates: Mask mandates: Why every state should have one, in 4 charts - Vox