May I have your papers please?

Is that the sort of society you want to be a part of because others make choices that aren't in accord with your own :ohdear:

As William Wallace so eloquently put it on his death bed: Freeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeedoooooommmmmmmmmmmmm!

Others may obediently put your masks on, OR stay home if you're immunologically challenged, or merely AFRAID.


Fred

There are options for all of your examples.......they don't need to be where wearing a mask creates those reactions. If they know they are going to react to wearing a mask find an alternative like a friend, family member, store shopping etc. So knowing that not wearing a mask has some danger associated to it and you refuse to find alternatives to what gives you anxiety and puts others at risk is, to me, selfish.

It's the leas you can do to protectfellow Amdricans.!!

I defer to wearing a mask until it's proven that they're useless...I wear one to protect others from infection I might be carrying, not for myself. I depend on others wearing their masks to protect me from infection they could be carrying.

Wow! Mass panic, mass hysteria!
For crying out loud, wear a mask if it makes you feel all warm and fuzzy. If you don't wear a mask, I don't care. No one wears one because someone might pass on TB to them or the Flu during flu season. The Japanese do, but hey that's another country. Mandate mask wearing? OK, so who is going to inspect your mask to make sure it is certified? How will they determine if you have kept it clean? I find it ironic that some folks think that holding a scarf up to their face or a hanky is doing the same job as a mask. Then again, one of my masks is so thin I have no problem at all breathing through it. I even chuckle sometimes when I think about all those "sky is falling" folks that think that wearing a mask is going to save their lives. I enjoy seeing folks out and about playing golf and pickleball, jogging or bike riding with no masks, just enjoying their lives without worrying about this thing. Hah, as long as I wear something over my face, no one will criticize one bit. Sure, even that probably stops 10% of the germs. I am supposed to care if you think that others are suppose to protect you? Take care of yourself. If you do not like it when someone does not wear a mask, then don't go out to places that might expose you to them. It is their right to not wear one just as it is your right to wear one if you wish. I hear hypocrites all the time say that they are wearing a mask to protect me. Right, sure, uh huh. They are worried about themselves and that is why they want everyone else to wear a mask too. Can't wait to see what will happen if the gov mandates masks. What kind of masks and how will they be policed? Motorcycle helmets have DOT stickers on certified ones so that police in regulated states can identify those that are wearing legal helmets. Does the police stop anyone that does not have a sticker on them? They have better things to do. Of course, maybe we can get social services to do traffic stops now. That's what some folks in Congress want.
Stop worrying about what others are doing when you can avoid them by just staying away from them. If you do not like it that folks are practicing their RIGHT not to wear a mask, then express your right of Freedom by walking away from them. They have the same right you have, to wear or not wear a mask. I wear one that is hardly any protection at all, but I don't have to hear hysterical people cry about their safety. I did wear a professional mask when this first started, as well as gloves and eye protection. That was before I realized that the chances of me being around anyone infected was so slim, and even more slim to die from it if I did catch it. I social distance and take other precautions to avoid bringing home any infection to my spouse. I figure that if others are worried about becoming infected, it is not my responsibility to protect them when it is their option to stay home.
Sorry if your "mask shaming" doesn't work on me. I promise that I won't insist that you carry a gun to protect me from being mugged (which is more likely than catching the virus) if you don't insist that I wear a mask to protect you. I promise that if I become infected, I will wear a mask (a better one than I am wearing now).
This is just a discussion, so don't take it personal. It's better to keep your blood pressure down so that you do not end up in a hospital where you have a greater chance of being exposed to the virus.
By the way, if social distancing is OK for restaurants so that folks do not have to wear a mask, then why are you concerned about those that do not wish to wear a mask in a grocery store? They social distance and you do not have to walk up to them, breaking that personal safety area. If you are that worried about others not wearing a mask, then tell folks to maintain their distance from you. See, easy peasie.

I've seen video of how the virus drops off within 6 feet and becomes a non issue when someone is infected with the virus. The "experts" tell us that a six foot distance is what is necessary to be safer than any closer because the virus does just not project that far. I believe this science or I would not dine in restaurants. The restaurants that make me feel safer are the ones which have raised dividers between their booths. The added protection makes me feel safer.

So sorry to hear about your relative. I guess nothing is 100% as far as being protected in this pandemic and I wouldn't expect that. I just refuse to hold up in my home forever and not get out there and enjoy life. I always wear masks indoors and hope that as more and more people will do that, we all will be safer to live our lives in this new normal of ours.

I'm respectful when dining in a restaurant. I wear my mask as I enter and move about in the restaurant. I wear a mask while ordering. The mask comes off when my drink is served and remains off until I get up to leave the restaurant. Hubby does these same practices.

I get what you are saying. In 100% of your scenarios, a face shield would be the alternative to wearing a mask maybe with the exception of the autistic child who does not understand the need.

Also......in any one of your scenarios, every one of those people could just stay home.

Walmart has one set of doors locked from the outside so patrons can not enter. I would hope exiting all doors is still available in case of fire.

All doors that I've seen in Walmart can be used as an exit. No idea about the ones in the storage rooms but all the visible doors can be exited.

EXCELLENT point. These young whipper snappers are the "mindful" ones who are going to "Covid parties" to see who can catch the virus first. Is this really the generation of our future? Scary stuff.

May I see your Passport please?
May I see your insurance card please?
May I see your picture ID please?

It is wear a mask OR physical distancing NOT both. People who are wearing a mask must not have confidence in the mask if they are afraid of people who not wearing one. If you are afraid then you move away, you can only change your behavior not everyone around you

OR … is it Mask panic, Mask hysteria?


As to the rest of your post: VERY WELL stated - I concur!

Fred

Because it has been a proven fact that wearing a mask does little or no good unless they are properly rated, fitted and worn properly. I have seen very few (if any) who have fitted mask with that are worn and rated properly. If you are going to do something do it properly or don’t do it at all.

T shirt
 

I would trust that about as much as I do the service animal vests on dogs.

don't want to wear a mask
 

This person could have everything delivered. Problem solved.

You could try a face shield. It would be easier to breathe.

Just an aside -- I would not be visiting anyone in a hospital these days.

Ohiobuckeye
 

Personally I call it Stupid! It's up to them what they want to do but I'm playing it safe & not going to breath their fumes. Don't know if this virus is a hype or what but I'm not taking any chances. Do what you want!

Your poster omits one last segment. The guy that is peeing with the pants on, and there should be a person without pants on. And it should show that the person without pants on would not get peed on. You wear the mask so that I do not get "peed on" or in this case, I don't get the virus because you are wearing a mask WITH Covid. Thank you. If you wear the mask then I don't have to. TO think that I have been wearing a mask for no reason.

We have been told to wear masks AND physical distance. We must do BOTH. That is what I have heard and read time and time again by our experts.

I do love a good declarative statement. I like to see some link or reference for your "proven fact" because you are wrong in assuming that studies relating to the risk of spreading an infection are the same as studies on the risk of acquiring an infection.

N95 masks are meant to protect a well person from an aerosolized or droplet infection begin spread to them from a contagious person. They are required to stop 95% of the infectious particles. You are completely misunderstanding the different purpose for masks being worn now by everyone in public spaces.

The American Disability Act does not give anyone permission to not wear facial barriers. It does not matter if you have some anxiety disorder that makes you feel if you wear a mask you will suffocate. The ADA requires reasonable accommodations. It does not require that the needs of society completely bend to someone's disability. So if you can't wear a mask then you must wear a face scarf or a face shield or a motorcycle helmet with the shield down. You have no right under the ADA to present a risk to the general public.

If you have the disability of alcoholism, that does not give you permission to drive.

There have also been posts stating that no one can ask a person about a disability. That is also not true. Businesses have specific language they are required to use. The general public is under no such restraint and any person can ask you anything. This may certainly be rude but it is not an ADA issue.

The mask doesn’t protect you, it protects others. Go on YouTube and search on masks and the spread of COVID. An infected person who sneezes can send out virus particles more than 20 feet with no mask. With a mask, the spray is less than 18 inches. That is why masks and social distancing works.

Maybe approach mask wearing from the perspective that they make you look younger and thinner

It also means that you can ditch the foundation, blush, contour cream, and lipstick because no one's going to see that part of your face anyway.

Oh really? Why should I be mandated to protect my "fellow Americans?" Did all of them serve their country, that were able? Do all of them carry a concealed weapon to protect their "fellow American?" Do they all contribute to charity? Sorry, if I do not take very well to those that attempt to shame folks into conforming to their standards.

I wear a mask, but not for you or any other "fellow American" other than my spouse. I do not even feel that it helps much, but wear one hoping that I might not come home from shopping and pass on a deadly virus. Is it deadly to me? Probably not. I have a pretty good immune system. Even if not, why should you care?

I am not wearing my mask just to appease my "fellow American" because I know that if you are going to get it, you will. No mask will probably save anyone that is actually exposed to someone infected. I know there are many folks that wear masks that have been infected. I know many folks that do not wear masks that have not been infected. The mask may help but more than likely, it is just as effective as carrying a four leaf clover or wearing garlic around you neck. If you want insurance, then you might want to shore up your relationship with GOD.

I have read where many posters use medical personnel as examples of why to wear a mask during a pandemic. Apparently, some of those posters do not realize that those little cloth masks are NOT being used by medical personnel when dealing with pandemics. They quarantine areas of hospitals and enter only with full bio hazard suits. Did you see anyone being treated for Ebola by medical personnel wearing only a face mask? And yet, you all feel that a mask is going to save you? You shame others for not wearing one? Why are you not wearing gloves, long sleeved shirts, long pants, eye and head protection? Surly you are not naive enough to think that a simple homemade cloth face mask is going to save you if you are exposed? This is not a simple cold.

I apologize. I am not trying to discourage anyone. Wear your placebo just like I do when I go out to shop. If it keeps your spirits up, then the mask is working in one manner, at least.

Over the many years on here, I have fired off a post and then re read it and deleted it or made some serious changes.

Did you actually read what you posted here ? Do you actually feel that intellectually endowed to know better than those who have dealt with similar situations for many years, and have a medical view point on a medical problem ?

I have read others that sound off the same philosophy, but they are radical extremist very much into "p"; I can only assume that is your basis, and I sincerely hope that not one person takes your advice

OK, point taken. You do know that in my posts, I have NEVER suggested or advised anyone NOT to wear a mask, right? I have also stated that I wear a mask when shopping. My point was to stress that many on here are over exaggerating the performance of these inadequate masks and that they do nothing more than perform a placebo effect. And that is good, because many on here seem like they live only through gloom and doom.

There are a lot of "experts" on here and it seems that there is only one or two that support FACTUAL statements with real facts to back them up. Other than that, all I hear is hearsay and opinions. I have expressed my opinion.

Villages portion of Sumter Co = Approx 52,000 residents
Deaths attributed to COVID19 in same area = 8 (maybe 9)

Someone want to do the math for the percentage of deaths to residents? I believe it is well less than 1%.

Until the ratio percentage moves up (and it is hardly budging) I am not going to panic and run around screaming "the sky is falling."

Be positive, be happy, live longer. It won't be the virus that gets you. It will be a stress related fatality.

Just in case someone misconstrues my comment again, Please wear a mask so that other folks don't panic when they see you. And wash your hands and keep them away from your face, like your momma told you. :bigbow:

Asymptomatic infected people do shed the virus. They can infect someone who may become ill or die. There’s no excuse for not wearing a mask if you’re not advised by a physician that doing so is harmful. The “mixed” messages ended months ago when concern for the availability for front line health workers was a concern. Perhaps everyone will finally get the message that masks are necessary since a prominent person finally tweeted out a picture of wearing one and encouraged everyone else to do so.

You mean like this? :duck:
:)

Yep, lots of experts on here. It is incredible that we waste our government money actually paying people (so called experts), when all we need is to give out the address for this site. Problem solved, all of America would be informed.

I grew up during a time when we had one voice speaking during a crisis. Since we lack that, I personally, have decided to listen to the experts who have made quite an outstanding career in this specific area (like needing legal advice and going to a lawyer) and listen to them.

I was “short” with you because talking down as I thought you did, or making fun of those who listen to advice from our experts is not acceptable to me.

I know nothing about this....I have been more confused than most with all the campaigns to malign one while embracing P’s advice. That just makes no sense to me, but perhaps I am just old fashioned.

I apologize for being curt, and I really hurt for the the fact that our country does not have one voice (yes I understand alternate opinions). Meantime, as I read about demonstrations against wearing masks, I will continue to wear that mask, and will offer no advice to anyone on medical matters.

Imagine being a medical professional treating a patient in an ER who refuses to wear a mask and swears at you? This happened a few days ago to my oldest niece who is a Physician Assistant at a hospital near Durham, NC. She told Mr. I Ain't Wearing An Expletive Deleted Mask that she would return to treat him only if he put on a mask. My niece returned to the treatment room several minutes later to check on Prince Charming who did finally put on a mask. That young woman has the patience of a saint. God bless the medical professionals treating the COVID-19 patients all over the U.S. and the world. Wear a mask for them so we can put this hellish year behind us. Rant over.

Another example of disrespect towards our medical professionals.

I can't at this point fathom the level of obtuse thinking it takes to refuse wearing a mask. Overloading the medical system is killing more than just COVID patients.

Perhaps people not wearing masks should sign a document stating they will not seek medical care if they get sick.

Another option: anyone who comes down with any contagious illness during the COVID-19 Pandemic, requiring a visit to the ER, Urgent Care, or Hospital - should be denied health insurance coverage if they don't show up wearing a mask.

The hospitals, urgent care centers, and emergency rooms are way too busy these days dealing with people who are dying from COVID. You want a doctor badly enough, either wear a mask, or pay cash for your visit.

Stop bullying people about not wearing a mask. You don’t know why they are not wearing one.

I wear a mask when in crowds or when asked to. BUT, stop fooling yourself. Non medical masks will not prevent you from getting the virus. They will help reduce your chances but are not a preventative. Mask mania has taken over and people think wearing a mask will eliminate the virus. Stop the name calling and bullying.

Watching TV now as I’m reading your post and the dr said
“The more people wear masks, the less spread of coronavirus”.

I would imagine most are not wearing a mask because the mask is uncomfortable and hot. Not a good reason if you ask me.