Originally Posted by jet10s (Post 1804478)

because the science does not prove anything about wearing cotton rags on your face -- and I will not wear one -- and that is that -- shop will be on-line

Originally Posted by Marcyd (Post 1804560)

From what I understand from researching it, asymptomatic people do not shed the virus. So my not wearing a mask is not hurting anyone else. However, wearing a mask does reduce the wearer’s oxygen intake up to 60%, increases the risk of CO2 poisoning, contaminants sit inside the mask and are re-inhaled, and besides all that...breathing fresh air is vital to immune health. So I don’t wear a mask because I don’t believe it protects others and it hurts the one who wears it. And thank you so much for the way you posted this 😊

Originally Posted by Luc582 (Post 1804611)

I wear a mask purely as a courtesy to those that serve us and are mandated to wear a mask when working. Does the mask protects me? Not really. If someone sneezes or coughs near me, the micro spray generated would most likely reach my eyes, which are great recipients for any forms of microbes or virus traveling through the air. So a mask would not protect me. The debate of the masks has been used as a political tool by our politicians and media. Until the elections, we are doomed with such debate of mask pros and cons.

So if someone doesn’t wear a mask when entering a public building or any establishments, they are not courteous to those that serves them.

Originally Posted by psoccermom (Post 1804705)

People need to stop being so judgmental. I can't wear a mask because of a panic disorder. If I feel like I can't breathe it will trigger a panic attack. If you see me without a mask it is not because I don't care about you or am being discourteous, it's because of a medical condition. If you feel your mask is protecting you then you should have no issue with me. I keep my distance from you and I wash my hands all the time. Don't talk to me to cause me to expel droplets. I am trying to live my life as safely as I can without spreading germs. Please show respect for others, who can't for medical reasons, wear a mask. (FYI- according to the ADA you can't ask people with medical conditions to prove it. It's illegal)

Originally Posted by Marcyd (Post 1804560)

From what I understand from researching it, asymptomatic people do not shed the virus. So my not wearing a mask is not hurting anyone else. However, wearing a mask does reduce the wearer’s oxygen intake up to 60%, increases the risk of CO2 poisoning, contaminants sit inside the mask and are re-inhaled, and besides all that...breathing fresh air is vital to immune health. So I don’t wear a mask because I don’t believe it protects others and it hurts the one who wears it. And thank you so much for the way you posted this 😊

Originally Posted by erojohn (Post 1804722)

Dr Kelly Victory, MD | Explains Everything about Covid19 | Social Distancing | Herd Immunity - YouTube
This will probably get taken off but here goes. Dr Victory yes real name, has some interesting views. Keep an open mind and spend a few minutes taking in this information. All we have is time. You may change your mind. This is not political, Just information.

Originally Posted by queasy27 (Post 1804347)

Among other reasons, there's the "my body, my choice" contingent, the "you're not the boss of me" folks, the people who claim (wrongly) that "nobody can mandate my health choices, the "it's all overblown nonsense by the mainstream media" and "person X doesn't wear them so I don't need to." There's also a conspiracy-oriented minority who believe that masks are killing us!

I'm also still wearing gloves, which seems to have fallen by the wayside. I went to the ophthalmologist today and felt comfortable holding the paperwork clipboard and when the doctor handed me that plastic thing to cover one eye. I put gloves on whenever I enter an enclosed space and throw them away when I exit.

Originally Posted by Stu from NYC (Post 1803949)

I find it very uncomfortable to wear a mask for more than say a half hour but it is the right thing to do so we will always wear one when around others.

Originally Posted by Buckeye Boy (Post 1804019)

Don’t be so quick to judge those not wearing masks. I attended a virus seminar conducted by 6 in the know doctors. Among the dozens of questions one was “can a persons get the virus twice?” Without exception all the doctors thought it was highly, highly
unlikely that it can be contracted twice.
And I know you will say that you know or heard of someone getting it twice. The
doctors’ reply to that was it is generally considered that the second positive test was a ‘reactivation’ of the previous illness and NOT a ‘resurgence’. In all cases the virus was rediscovered less than 30 days after it was believed to have left the system....ie: a false negative.
So what is my point about all this.
If a person who has had the virus and beat it (and there are thousands of such people) be expected to wear a mask even though they cannot transmit nor contract it again. Should they wear it just to make you feel better?

Originally Posted by OrangeBlossomBaby (Post 1804028)

Yes, they should. Why? Because you don't know WHO in that store is refusing a mask because they're immune and can't possibly be carriers.

The store management doesn't check medical records of the customers on their way in. We don't know, what we don't know.

If Joe Immune refuses to wear a mask, and Susie Asymptomatic sees him not wearing a mask, and sees that the store manager isn't enforcing it for Joe Immune, then there's no reason for Susie to feel that she should have to wear a mask. SHE Doesn't ask Joe why he isn't wearing one either. They're strangers.

There are thousands of people who REFUSE to wear a mask. Set the example. Be an adult.

Originally Posted by Martian (Post 1804041)

I like to think that in days gone by, people would have looked to the government to provide solid consistent guidance in what we should do in the pandemic.

At this point, I think that the advice would have been something like, "This is a new virus and the science is not clear about what to do and how to minimize the risk. Therefore, in the meantime, while we research and develop methods to control or stop the spread of the virus, here are the things we currently think should be done".

Instead, in today's political environment we are bombarded with misinformation - from BOTH sides - leaving everyone confused as to just what should and should not be done. One day a scientist is hailed as the voice of reason and sound guidance, then suddenly he is a liar and everything he said for the past 7 months is a lie. Seriously?

So, things like wearing a mask, become a political dog whistle, instead of an inexpensive thing that can be done easily by everyone to at least help - not cure, not solve, not make the virus go away. Just help. You know, Americans helping Americans. If we can do enough things to HELP maybe more of us will get through this alive.

But, not today, not with the hate and division. Just this week a person not wearing a mask in a Walmart was confronted and in response pulled a gun on the person telling them to put on a mask. Seriously, threaten to kill someone over wearing a mask?

I suggest everyone take a deep breath and maybe, just maybe stop calling the other side terrorists and traitors.

Maybe if every time you feel the urge to call someone a derogatory name, you substitute American - and see if that might just help tone down the vitriolic rhetoric? And let's give this "America Love it or Leave It" dog whistle a rest. This is America, we are Americans. One of the things that have ALWAYS made America great was that we could disagree with each other, but still be Americans first and Republican or Democrat, or Conservative or Liberal second.

Originally Posted by NotGolfer (Post 1804385)

I've heard many reasons...one is they have asthma and it's harder to breathe with one on. Another is they have anxiety issues like PTSD that sets them off. I've seen some other reasons as well. As for masks---there is still speculation between experts that they even work. I think until it's conclusive "some" prefer not to. My question is..."they" tell us to wear masks AND social distance. IF the mask works then why social distance? If the mask works why can't family members be with dying family members or visit loved ones in care centers?

Originally Posted by Tblue (Post 1804466)

I may be sorry I put my 2 cents in here. I wore a mask for 38 years, it does not make me a “mask expert” but I do know just a little about them. To be the most effective you need a proper fit, around the nose and sides, sometimes tape is needed for a proper seal around the nose. It seems common knowledge masks do not protect the wearer because the virus is so much smaller than the fiber in a medical grade mask, but maybe not the N95 mask. Many say wear the mask to protect others. It is also common knowledge that to spread the virus you generally need have to have symptoms, coughing, congestion, fever and such. In todays world if you have symptoms you just need to stay home. However if you do have symptoms and cough the mask will catch the moisture and maybe stop some of the virus attached to the moisture, a good thing. But how much of the virus is just coughed out thru the mask fibers or an improper fit that is not attached to moisture? But yes it should stop some of the spread. However when I see people wearing masks in the store they are fiddling with them, so now the virus is on your hands. Next issue is when you get back in your car and take the mask off and place it in the console you have contaminated your hands again and the inside of your car. What if you just drove with the mask on and went home, as soon as you walk in the house off comes the mask and you generally put it on the counter. Again you contaminated your hands and your counter top. So yes, masks will stop some of the spread if you have symptoms and are around people but any good from the mask is un-done or even reversed in my opinion by not properly sealing the mask, fiddling with the mask, removing the mask and likely contaminating your hands and the inside of your car or home counter top. Many will reuse the contaminated mask. Just my thoughts, if you have symptoms stay home, wash you hands and keep them away from your face as we were advise early on. I do not wear a mask, unless the store requires one, I slip on a new mask as I enter making sure I have as good as seal as possible, it’s not that difficult. I try not to fiddle with it and remove it in such a way as not to contaminate my hands best I can, and throw the mask away. I have a small spray alcohol bottle in the car and spray my hand. If I had symptoms and had to use a mask I would do the same thing but dispose of the mask in a sealed plastic sandwich bag.

Originally Posted by Jeff5115 (Post 1803824)

Whenever I enter a commercial building I put on a mask. There are many people who still refuse to wear a mask in this situation. I am curious why someone would refuse to wear a mask? I am not criticizing anyone for not wearing a mask just wondering why they prefer not to?

Originally Posted by jet10s (Post 1804478)

because the science does not prove anything about wearing cotton rags on your face -- and I will not wear one -- and that is that -- shop will be on-line

Originally Posted by Yung Dum (Post 1804481)

Wearing a mask does not make you a wimp, a liberal, or a frightened paranoid germaphobe. It does, however, show that you care about the health of your fellow human beings. If everyone wore a mask at all times in public, we could open up everything and go back to business as usual, though to a slightly lesser extent (such as wearing masks). But if millions of people refuse to wear them whatever reason, whether it’s political, personal comfort, or vanity this thing will never get better. If you feel a mask has a detrimental effect on your own health, don’t go out. If it’s uncomfortable, wear a face shield. But don’t put others at risk for your own sake. A mask is not to prevent you from catching the virus, but to prevent you from spreading it. Even if you tested negative yesterday, you could be positive today. A test does not make you immune. Instead of working together as a nation, we have chosen to make this a largely political issue, making it worse for all of us. Our elected officials (both parties) have all done their best to stoke the flames of division on this. Do you really believe the entire world cares so much about our elections that they are willing to go along with this so-called hoax? Come on people. Wake up to reality. We’re all Americans who love our country. Why can’t we work together on at least this one issue? At least can’t we give a try? That would make America great again.

Originally Posted by Yung Dum (Post 1804481)

Wearing a mask does not make you a wimp, a liberal, or a frightened paranoid germaphobe. It does, however, show that you care about the health of your fellow human beings. If everyone wore a mask at all times in public, we could open up everything and go back to business as usual, though to a slightly lesser extent (such as wearing masks). But if millions of people refuse to wear them whatever reason, whether it’s political, personal comfort, or vanity this thing will never get better. If you feel a mask has a detrimental effect on your own health, don’t go out. If it’s uncomfortable, wear a face shield. But don’t put others at risk for your own sake. A mask is not to prevent you from catching the virus, but to prevent you from spreading it. Even if you tested negative yesterday, you could be positive today. A test does not make you immune. Instead of working together as a nation, we have chosen to make this a largely political issue, making it worse for all of us. Our elected officials (both parties) have all done their best to stoke the flames of division on this. Do you really believe the entire world cares so much about our elections that they are willing to go along with this so-called hoax? Come on people. Wake up to reality. We’re all Americans who love our country. Why can’t we work together on at least this one issue? At least can’t we give a try? That would make America great again.

Originally Posted by Marcyd (Post 1804560)

From what I understand from researching it, asymptomatic people do not shed the virus. So my not wearing a mask is not hurting anyone else. However, wearing a mask does reduce the wearer’s oxygen intake up to 60%, increases the risk of CO2 poisoning, contaminants sit inside the mask and are re-inhaled, and besides all that...breathing fresh air is vital to immune health. So I don’t wear a mask because I don’t believe it protects others and it hurts the one who wears it. And thank you so much for the way you posted this 😊

Originally Posted by Mrprez (Post 1803826)

I don't think there is one universal reason. Different strokes for different folks. Might have something to do with the mixed messages since this whole thing started. Don't wear a mask to masks will save your life. Which is it?

Originally Posted by cathiehines (Post 1804630)

Also, you're told not to touch your face. I see people constantly picking up items on shelves that have been touched by others and then adjusting the mask as their glasses are fogging up or they are having difficulty breathing. Unless you have an N95 mask, these other disposable and designer cloth masks are pretty much useless. Plus, there are differing medical opinions about the masks. Fauci is a joke, changing his advice everytime the wind blows. Such a glory hound.

Originally Posted by kendi (Post 1804634)

The people I talk to that don’t wear masks are not selfish in character nor is their decision not to wear one selfish. It’s really not appropriate to make a general statement like that about non mask wearers.

Originally Posted by psoccermom (Post 1804705)

People need to stop being so judgmental. I can't wear a mask because of a panic disorder. If I feel like I can't breathe it will trigger a panic attack. If you see me without a mask it is not because I don't care about you or am being discourteous, it's because of a medical condition. If you feel your mask is protecting you then you should have no issue with me. I keep my distance from you and I wash my hands all the time. Don't talk to me to cause me to expel droplets. I am trying to live my life as safely as I can without spreading germs. Please show respect for others, who can't for medical reasons, wear a mask. (FYI- according to the ADA you can't ask people with medical conditions to prove it. It's illegal)

Originally Posted by Northwoods (Post 1804456)

.........My experience has been that younger people are the ones that don't wear a mask when they go into a grocery store or other buildings.

Originally Posted by merrymini (Post 1804669)

I do not believe that the masks are only to protect others from yourself. When people have chemo and are immune compromised, they wear masks To protect themselves from others and their germs.

Originally Posted by OrangeBlossomBaby (Post 1804458)

You know this is the age of the internet - and word processing is pretty easy to do. And people have Photoshop or similar programs. And that not all people who shop at these stores are unskilled seniors who don't know how easy it is to make up a fake letterhead of a non-existent doctor and scrawl some ink on the bottom as a pretend signature. They could even make a fake "medical exception card" and laminate it with clear packing tape, so they can re-use it without having to reprint it.

You can make a fake letter in 5-10 minutes, depending on how fast you type.

Originally Posted by Tblue (Post 1804466)

I may be sorry I put my 2 cents in here. I wore a mask for 38 years, it does not make me a “mask expert” but I do know just a little about them. To be the most effective you need a proper fit, around the nose and sides, sometimes tape is needed for a proper seal around the nose. It seems common knowledge masks do not protect the wearer because the virus is so much smaller than the fiber in a medical grade mask, but maybe not the N95 mask. Many say wear the mask to protect others. It is also common knowledge that to spread the virus you generally need have to have symptoms, coughing, congestion, fever and such. In todays world if you have symptoms you just need to stay home. However if you do have symptoms and cough the mask will catch the moisture and maybe stop some of the virus attached to the moisture, a good thing. But how much of the virus is just coughed out thru the mask fibers or an improper fit that is not attached to moisture? But yes it should stop some of the spread. However when I see people wearing masks in the store they are fiddling with them, so now the virus is on your hands. Next issue is when you get back in your car and take the mask off and place it in the console you have contaminated your hands again and the inside of your car. What if you just drove with the mask on and went home, as soon as you walk in the house off comes the mask and you generally put it on the counter. Again you contaminated your hands and your counter top. So yes, masks will stop some of the spread if you have symptoms and are around people but any good from the mask is un-done or even reversed in my opinion by not properly sealing the mask, fiddling with the mask, removing the mask and likely contaminating your hands and the inside of your car or home counter top. Many will reuse the contaminated mask. Just my thoughts, if you have symptoms stay home, wash you hands and keep them away from your face as we were advise early on. I do not wear a mask, unless the store requires one, I slip on a new mask as I enter making sure I have as good as seal as possible, it’s not that difficult. I try not to fiddle with it and remove it in such a way as not to contaminate my hands best I can, and throw the mask away. I have a small spray alcohol bottle in the car and spray my hand. If I had symptoms and had to use a mask I would do the same thing but dispose of the mask in a sealed plastic sandwich bag.

Originally Posted by jet10s (Post 1804478)

because the science does not prove anything about wearing cotton rags on your face -- and I will not wear one -- and that is that -- shop will be on-line

Originally Posted by nick demis (Post 1804501)

If you believe that if everyone wares a mask, it will curb the virus in 8 weeks, I have a bridge to sell you in New York City

Originally Posted by Annie66 (Post 1804510)

I know this video will not change many minds, but it reinforces the value of masks.

Sask Masks - Experiment results from a Mask vs. No Mask...

Originally Posted by coffeebean (Post 1804858)

I'm sure you are right about this but......there must be SOMETHING that can be considered a legitimate letter. How about getting a notarized letter with a raised seal? That might be a possibility.

Originally Posted by Jeff5115 (Post 1803824)

Whenever I enter a commercial building I put on a mask. There are many people who still refuse to wear a mask in this situation. I am curious why someone would refuse to wear a mask? I am not criticizing anyone for not wearing a mask just wondering why they prefer not to?