Coronavirus prep
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One of the few benefits to living in South Dakota is no state income tax.
I took my cat to the vet today. While chatting, she asked if I had got 'the shot'. It was a bit odd, but then I realized she probably doesn't see many people wearing a mask.0 -
paperpudding wrote: »Breaking news: AZ vaccine in Australia will only be for over 60's
Pfizer for all under 60's
Changed from 50 as of today.
I presume those under 60 who have already had one dose of AZ still get their 2nd dose though
We (Canada) are giving those who received AZ the option of taking Pfizer or Moderna for their second dose. Everyone I know who got first dose AZ chose to get an mRNA second shot. I guess vaccine science in general supports mixing doses, and the preliminary data on this specific combination is good.
(But we aren't using AZ for first doses for anyone anymore - there was a small cohort of about I believe a million people who received it.)
Also now that we are getting a boatload of Moderna vaccine I suspect that they will start mixing that with those who got Pfizer for the first dose. Because our strategy was to give everyone we could a first dose, we now are getting a bunch of Moderna in time for second shots - but hardly anyone got it for their first.
Everyone I know who went to the public health unit vaccine clinic got Pfizer except me, I got Moderna. The SO got his two days after me (same week) and got Pfizer.
When Ford announced the accelerated second shots in Ontario, in our district we were looking at shortages of Moderna so I thought they might mix mine. So it's interesting to hear now that there's a big influx of Moderna.1 -
Wow, masking has dropped way off here.
The governor gave his permission that if you're fully vaccinated, you can go without a mask. I went to the grocery store this a.m. and besides myself, there was 1 other person I saw who was wearing a mask.
I'm not sure I agree or am comfortable about it but what are ya gonna do? I'll just continue doing what I'm doing and see what this new guideline does to our numbers.
I am now fully vaccinated (13 days post second dose) and I am going to ditch the mask as soon as it is allowable wherever I am not required to wear it. Any store I have been in recently still has a sign up telling us to wear one, so of course I do.
Why are you ditching the mask so soon? I wouldn't be if I lived there. You are still at risk of catching it and it's just a mask. Keep as safe as you can if in crowded places with others close to you. Just my thoughts on it unless it makes you feel unwell when using it then why not stay as say as possible for a little longer? Not enough are vaccinated yet.8 -
paperpudding wrote: »Breaking news: AZ vaccine in Australia will only be for over 60's
Pfizer for all under 60's
Changed from 50 as of today.
I presume those under 60 who have already had one dose of AZ still get their 2nd dose though
Yes I wonder what is going to happen now in Australia. Husband and I got our first AZ a few weeks ago. Not dead yet from a clot so guess going ok and always wanted Pfizzer shot. I still feel better we had something rather than nothing at all. Our government is crap with this roll out. Ashamed actually.4 -
Wow, masking has dropped way off here.
The governor gave his permission that if you're fully vaccinated, you can go without a mask. I went to the grocery store this a.m. and besides myself, there was 1 other person I saw who was wearing a mask.
I'm not sure I agree or am comfortable about it but what are ya gonna do? I'll just continue doing what I'm doing and see what this new guideline does to our numbers.
I am now fully vaccinated (13 days post second dose) and I am going to ditch the mask as soon as it is allowable wherever I am not required to wear it. Any store I have been in recently still has a sign up telling us to wear one, so of course I do.
Why are you ditching the mask so soon? I wouldn't be if I lived there. You are still at risk of catching it and it's just a mask. Keep as safe as you can if in crowded places with others close to you. Just my thoughts on it unless it makes you feel unwell when using it then why not stay as say as possible for a little longer? Not enough are vaccinated yet.
It's not 100%, but it's 95% effective which is an outstanding efficacy rate. The vast majority of new COVID cases and hospitalizations (around 97% if I remember) are unvaccinated individuals. Our CDC has established that if you are fully vaccinated you do not need to wear a mask indoors or outdoors unless required by a particular establishment. I wear a mask as required on public transportation, hospitals and Dr. office, airline flight, etc. I no longer wear a mask when in the grocery store or other retail unless they specifically request it in which case I am more than happy to oblige. It is also summer in the US and starting to be very hot most places...it's been over 100F everyday where I'm at for the last two weeks and a mask is extremely uncomfortable in those conditions. IMO, the risk is low enough if vaccinated to ditch the mask. Nothing is ever 100%, nor will it ever be. COVID won't ever just disappear and it's unlikely that there will ever be "enough" vaccinated in the US for actual herd immunity. At some point, life needs to carry on.15 -
cwolfman13 wrote: »Wow, masking has dropped way off here.
The governor gave his permission that if you're fully vaccinated, you can go without a mask. I went to the grocery store this a.m. and besides myself, there was 1 other person I saw who was wearing a mask.
I'm not sure I agree or am comfortable about it but what are ya gonna do? I'll just continue doing what I'm doing and see what this new guideline does to our numbers.
I am now fully vaccinated (13 days post second dose) and I am going to ditch the mask as soon as it is allowable wherever I am not required to wear it. Any store I have been in recently still has a sign up telling us to wear one, so of course I do.
Why are you ditching the mask so soon? I wouldn't be if I lived there. You are still at risk of catching it and it's just a mask. Keep as safe as you can if in crowded places with others close to you. Just my thoughts on it unless it makes you feel unwell when using it then why not stay as say as possible for a little longer? Not enough are vaccinated yet.
It's not 100%, but it's 95% effective which is an outstanding efficacy rate. The vast majority of new COVID cases and hospitalizations (around 97% if I remember) are unvaccinated individuals. Our CDC has established that if you are fully vaccinated you do not need to wear a mask indoors or outdoors unless required by a particular establishment. I wear a mask as required on public transportation, hospitals and Dr. office, airline flight, etc. I no longer wear a mask when in the grocery store or other retail unless they specifically request it in which case I am more than happy to oblige. It is also summer in the US and starting to be very hot most places...it's been over 100F everyday where I'm at for the last two weeks and a mask is extremely uncomfortable in those conditions. IMO, the risk is low enough if vaccinated to ditch the mask. Nothing is ever 100%, nor will it ever be. COVID won't ever just disappear and it's unlikely that there will ever be "enough" vaccinated in the US for actual herd immunity. At some point, life needs to carry on.
I have very similar thoughts as well. I have been working at an Urgent Care that has been COVID testing since tests were available. Though proper PPE protocols were preformed, it did not stop some of my coworkers from contracting COVID. About 1/4 of my coworkers contracted COVID, but of course, this could have come from anywhere outside of work as well. Most of us are fully vaxed as of February. I still have to wear a mask at work, and if I'm required to do so in other establishments, I will. However, I will not be wearing a mask if I am not required to.
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SuzySunshine99 wrote: »To the topic of working "for" and company in one state, but "working from home" from another. I wonder what complicating factors there may be with the IRS.
It doesn't matter to the IRS for your federal income tax as long as you're not working outside the country.
But for your state taxes, you end up having to file both in the state that you live in and the state where your company is located. You won't be double-taxed on the income, but you still have to file in both.
For a while, my husband, who is a freelance contractor, did jobs for different companies around the country. We filed state income taxes in 10 states that year, including our home state. Thank God for our accountant!
Ouch!
I live in MA and got paid by a company in FL, but because there is no state income tax in FL, I only had to file state taxes for MA.1 -
paperpudding wrote: »Breaking news: AZ vaccine in Australia will only be for over 60's
Pfizer for all under 60's
Changed from 50 as of today.
I presume those under 60 who have already had one dose of AZ still get their 2nd dose though
Yes I wonder what is going to happen now in Australia. Husband and I got our first AZ a few weeks ago. Not dead yet from a clot so guess going ok and always wanted Pfizzer shot. I still feel better we had something rather than nothing at all. Our government is crap with this roll out. Ashamed actually.
I have read up further on this since my last post.
People under 60 who have started on AZ and had no problem, still to have second AZ shot (so that will be me )
Australia is not encouraging mixing of brands and supplies of Pfizer are still limited - and going to be more limited now
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kshama2001 wrote: »SuzySunshine99 wrote: »To the topic of working "for" and company in one state, but "working from home" from another. I wonder what complicating factors there may be with the IRS.
It doesn't matter to the IRS for your federal income tax as long as you're not working outside the country.
But for your state taxes, you end up having to file both in the state that you live in and the state where your company is located. You won't be double-taxed on the income, but you still have to file in both.
For a while, my husband, who is a freelance contractor, did jobs for different companies around the country. We filed state income taxes in 10 states that year, including our home state. Thank God for our accountant!
Ouch!
I live in MA and got paid by a company in FL, but because there is no state income tax in FL, I only had to file state taxes for MA.
My husband works for a company based in Kansas City (home office), and we live in NC. A large percentage of their employees work all over the country. We only pay NC state tax. I think it depends on how things are set up.1 -
Wow, masking has dropped way off here.
The governor gave his permission that if you're fully vaccinated, you can go without a mask. I went to the grocery store this a.m. and besides myself, there was 1 other person I saw who was wearing a mask.
I'm not sure I agree or am comfortable about it but what are ya gonna do? I'll just continue doing what I'm doing and see what this new guideline does to our numbers.
I am now fully vaccinated (13 days post second dose) and I am going to ditch the mask as soon as it is allowable wherever I am not required to wear it. Any store I have been in recently still has a sign up telling us to wear one, so of course I do.
Why are you ditching the mask so soon? I wouldn't be if I lived there. You are still at risk of catching it and it's just a mask. Keep as safe as you can if in crowded places with others close to you. Just my thoughts on it unless it makes you feel unwell when using it then why not stay as say as possible for a little longer? Not enough are vaccinated yet.
We have a very high vaccination rate here (75% first dose so far) and I am confident in the science that the vaccines will protect us. Even with only first doses our cases are plummeting here. My family has all been vaccinated (most first and getting second soon) as are all my work colleagues.
I trusted the science as it evolved with masking, vaccines, distancing etc - so when the science also tells me that vaccines are effective and masks are no longer necessary I trust that as well.9 -
paperpudding wrote: »Breaking news: AZ vaccine in Australia will only be for over 60's
Pfizer for all under 60's
Changed from 50 as of today.
I presume those under 60 who have already had one dose of AZ still get their 2nd dose though
We (Canada) are giving those who received AZ the option of taking Pfizer or Moderna for their second dose. Everyone I know who got first dose AZ chose to get an mRNA second shot. I guess vaccine science in general supports mixing doses, and the preliminary data on this specific combination is good.
(But we aren't using AZ for first doses for anyone anymore - there was a small cohort of about I believe a million people who received it.)
Also now that we are getting a boatload of Moderna vaccine I suspect that they will start mixing that with those who got Pfizer for the first dose. Because our strategy was to give everyone we could a first dose, we now are getting a bunch of Moderna in time for second shots - but hardly anyone got it for their first.
Everyone I know who went to the public health unit vaccine clinic got Pfizer except me, I got Moderna. The SO got his two days after me (same week) and got Pfizer.
When Ford announced the accelerated second shots in Ontario, in our district we were looking at shortages of Moderna so I thought they might mix mine. So it's interesting to hear now that there's a big influx of Moderna.
When my oldest son got his first (in Toronto) he got Pfizer but they said it just depends what they have that day, some days that same clinic were giving Moderna. We are supposed to be getting I think 7 million Moderna in June so you should be good for your second dose. But yeah since most people got Pfizer for their first dose if they don't mix it it seems like they will have too much Moderna? Idk - I guess that is what happens when they stopped holding the second doses and just used whatever they had for the first.
I got both Pfizer but if they had given me Moderna for my second I honestly wouldn't have cared - I'm sure it would be fine. My neighbour asked my husband which vaccine he got and he didn't even know, he just took what they gave him, lol. Some people are picky though - my son insisted he would only take the Pfizer vaccine - idk why I think they are both basically the same.
Did you have side effects from your first dose? I have the impression that Moderna has more side effects than Pfizer.0 -
Wow, masking has dropped way off here.
The governor gave his permission that if you're fully vaccinated, you can go without a mask. I went to the grocery store this a.m. and besides myself, there was 1 other person I saw who was wearing a mask.
I'm not sure I agree or am comfortable about it but what are ya gonna do? I'll just continue doing what I'm doing and see what this new guideline does to our numbers.
I am now fully vaccinated (13 days post second dose) and I am going to ditch the mask as soon as it is allowable wherever I am not required to wear it. Any store I have been in recently still has a sign up telling us to wear one, so of course I do.
Why are you ditching the mask so soon? I wouldn't be if I lived there. You are still at risk of catching it and it's just a mask. Keep as safe as you can if in crowded places with others close to you. Just my thoughts on it unless it makes you feel unwell when using it then why not stay as say as possible for a little longer? Not enough are vaccinated yet.
We have a very high vaccination rate here (75% first dose so far) and I am confident in the science that the vaccines will protect us. Even with only first doses our cases are plummeting here. My family has all been vaccinated (most first and getting second soon) as are all my work colleagues.
I trusted the science as it evolved with masking, vaccines, distancing etc - so when the science also tells me that vaccines are effective and masks are no longer necessary I trust that as well.
The problem is that the delta variant is very infectious and one dose of any vaccine only offers about 30% protection, according to my readings. The only way to have more protection is to have both vaccines.
Delta Variant and COVID-19 Vaccines: What to Know https://www.webmd.com/vaccines/covid-19-vaccine/news/20210610/delta-variant-and-covid-19-vaccines-what-to-know
A study conducted in the United Kingdom that was cited by the Biden administration finds that one dose of the Pfizer vaccine provided about 33% protection against the delta variant, which is officially designated B.1.617.2.
Two doses of the Pfizer vaccine, meanwhile, provided about 88% protection. The study is a pre-print and has not yet been peer reviewed. (Click here to learn more about coronavirus variants.)5 -
Wow, masking has dropped way off here.
The governor gave his permission that if you're fully vaccinated, you can go without a mask. I went to the grocery store this a.m. and besides myself, there was 1 other person I saw who was wearing a mask.
I'm not sure I agree or am comfortable about it but what are ya gonna do? I'll just continue doing what I'm doing and see what this new guideline does to our numbers.
I am now fully vaccinated (13 days post second dose) and I am going to ditch the mask as soon as it is allowable wherever I am not required to wear it. Any store I have been in recently still has a sign up telling us to wear one, so of course I do.
Why are you ditching the mask so soon? I wouldn't be if I lived there. You are still at risk of catching it and it's just a mask. Keep as safe as you can if in crowded places with others close to you. Just my thoughts on it unless it makes you feel unwell when using it then why not stay as say as possible for a little longer? Not enough are vaccinated yet.
We have a very high vaccination rate here (75% first dose so far) and I am confident in the science that the vaccines will protect us. Even with only first doses our cases are plummeting here. My family has all been vaccinated (most first and getting second soon) as are all my work colleagues.
I trusted the science as it evolved with masking, vaccines, distancing etc - so when the science also tells me that vaccines are effective and masks are no longer necessary I trust that as well.
The problem is that the delta variant is very infectious and one dose of any vaccine only offers about 30% protection, according to my readings. The only way to have more protection is to have both vaccines.
Delta Variant and COVID-19 Vaccines: What to Know https://www.webmd.com/vaccines/covid-19-vaccine/news/20210610/delta-variant-and-covid-19-vaccines-what-to-know
A study conducted in the United Kingdom that was cited by the Biden administration finds that one dose of the Pfizer vaccine provided about 33% protection against the delta variant, which is officially designated B.1.617.2.
Two doses of the Pfizer vaccine, meanwhile, provided about 88% protection. The study is a pre-print and has not yet been peer reviewed. (Click here to learn more about coronavirus variants.)
The info I read is that one does of Pfizer is 94% effective in preventing hospitalization with the Delta variant, and 96% after two doses. I have had two doses - I am as protected as I am going to be at this point. If I do happen to get exposed I am VERY unlikely to need hospitalization or medical care.
I think that the end point of hospitalization rates and deaths is a more important gauge for effectiveness at this point.
4 -
kshama2001 wrote: »Morgan Stanley CEO to NYC workers: Be back in the office by September or else (https://www.cnn.com/2021/06/16/investing/morgan-stanley-ceo-return-to-office/index.html)
"If you can go to a restaurant in New York City, you can come into the office. And we want you in the office," Gorman said.
It seems that not everybody is giving the workers a choice unless there are special circumstances for doing that. I am not going to comment on this subject because I am retired so my thoughts really don't count in the matter. I am just posting this information based on the comments written by many members.
[snip]
This has merit:
"If you want to get paid New York rates, you work in New York," Gorman said. "None of this 'I'm in Colorado...and getting paid like I'm sitting in New York City.' Sorry. That doesn't work."
After I moved back to Massachusetts, I could have made more money if I was willing to commute into Boston, but I wasn't, and I was fine with working remotely and getting paid South Florida rates.
When I commuted in FL, between getting ready for work and time spent in the car, I lost three hours per day, not to mention the expense of driving and maintaining a suitable wardrobe.
When working remotely, I stay in my pjs til lunch and then change into my exercise clothes.
I place a lot of value in that improvement in my quality of life.
If an employer can say they're going to pay you less based on where you live, they can just as easily say they're going to pay you less because of how many dependents you have or because you just inherited your parent's house or you just hit the lottery. Or because you're a woman so they assume you have a man who's actually paying the bills.
It's different if they're saying an employee who comes to the office is more valuable to them, whether it's because some aspects of the job can't be done at all or can't be done efficiently remotely, or because they believe employees who come to the office are more inculcated into the corporate culture, and they value that, or because they have found that remote workers are less available and responsive to sudden issues that need to be dealt with quickly.
My employer decided a few years ago to close our local office and have us work from home, saving them on office rent and getting us to provide them with free electricity and Internet access, free phone service, and, on days when I have to go into the city for work purposes, making me pay the "rent" on a table in a coffee shop before and/or after my work appointments, because they won't reimburse for "local meals" and even when traveling they won't reimburse for a cup of coffee ordered outside of a meal, and there's no time to do a home-to-downtown commute twice during working hours.
I would be pretty angry if they now decided they should be able to pay me less because of all the money I'm saving by not having to commute.4 -
SuzySunshine99 wrote: »To the topic of working "for" and company in one state, but "working from home" from another. I wonder what complicating factors there may be with the IRS.
It doesn't matter to the IRS for your federal income tax as long as you're not working outside the country.
But for your state taxes, you end up having to file both in the state that you live in and the state where your company is located. You won't be double-taxed on the income, but you still have to file in both.
For a while, my husband, who is a freelance contractor, did jobs for different companies around the country. We filed state income taxes in 10 states that year, including our home state. Thank God for our accountant!
Some states have agreements to address this issue. I have lived most of my life in a different state from the places I worked (large metro area whose suburbs are in multiple states) and have never paid income taxes or filed in a state because I worked there but didn't live there.2 -
Wow, masking has dropped way off here.
The governor gave his permission that if you're fully vaccinated, you can go without a mask. I went to the grocery store this a.m. and besides myself, there was 1 other person I saw who was wearing a mask.
I'm not sure I agree or am comfortable about it but what are ya gonna do? I'll just continue doing what I'm doing and see what this new guideline does to our numbers.
I am now fully vaccinated (13 days post second dose) and I am going to ditch the mask as soon as it is allowable wherever I am not required to wear it. Any store I have been in recently still has a sign up telling us to wear one, so of course I do.
Why are you ditching the mask so soon? I wouldn't be if I lived there. You are still at risk of catching it and it's just a mask. Keep as safe as you can if in crowded places with others close to you. Just my thoughts on it unless it makes you feel unwell when using it then why not stay as say as possible for a little longer? Not enough are vaccinated yet.
We have a very high vaccination rate here (75% first dose so far) and I am confident in the science that the vaccines will protect us. Even with only first doses our cases are plummeting here. My family has all been vaccinated (most first and getting second soon) as are all my work colleagues.
I trusted the science as it evolved with masking, vaccines, distancing etc - so when the science also tells me that vaccines are effective and masks are no longer necessary I trust that as well.
The problem is that the delta variant is very infectious and one dose of any vaccine only offers about 30% protection, according to my readings. The only way to have more protection is to have both vaccines.
Delta Variant and COVID-19 Vaccines: What to Know https://www.webmd.com/vaccines/covid-19-vaccine/news/20210610/delta-variant-and-covid-19-vaccines-what-to-know
A study conducted in the United Kingdom that was cited by the Biden administration finds that one dose of the Pfizer vaccine provided about 33% protection against the delta variant, which is officially designated B.1.617.2.
Two doses of the Pfizer vaccine, meanwhile, provided about 88% protection. The study is a pre-print and has not yet been peer reviewed. (Click here to learn more about coronavirus variants.)
The info I read is that one does of Pfizer is 94% effective in preventing hospitalization with the Delta variant, and 96% after two doses. I have had two doses - I am as protected as I am going to be at this point. If I do happen to get exposed I am VERY unlikely to need hospitalization or medical care.
I think that the end point of hospitalization rates and deaths is a more important gauge for effectiveness at this point.
Last month there was a local epidemic of the Delta variant inside a hospital that had more than 80 infections, and families of hospital workers were also infected. 7 elderly people died (and considering the vaccination rates in the elderly, it’s likely that most of them had at least one, probably two shots). 80% of those infected in this local epidemic had received at least one shot. 11% of the hospital staff in the department where the epidemic started were infected, even though most hospital staff has received two vaccinations, and half of them had symptoms, some serious.
Granted, the infected patients were already *in* the hospital for some other reason so they weren’t in full health when infected, but those numbers are still concerning, especially the ones about hospital staff who has already received 2 vaccinations.
Since this was a hospital breakout, the problem wasn’t just that people got the virus and some mild symptoms. The problem was a large number of hospital staff being quarantined, so there wasn’t enough people to take care of other patients. The hospital area had to temporarily shut down all functions except emergency room and emergency surgeries, ICU and childbirth units to make sure they can still perform those critical duties, and the area went into full lockdown, schools went remote, graduation ceremonies were cancelled etc.7 -
Wow, masking has dropped way off here.
The governor gave his permission that if you're fully vaccinated, you can go without a mask. I went to the grocery store this a.m. and besides myself, there was 1 other person I saw who was wearing a mask.
I'm not sure I agree or am comfortable about it but what are ya gonna do? I'll just continue doing what I'm doing and see what this new guideline does to our numbers.
I am now fully vaccinated (13 days post second dose) and I am going to ditch the mask as soon as it is allowable wherever I am not required to wear it. Any store I have been in recently still has a sign up telling us to wear one, so of course I do.
Why are you ditching the mask so soon? I wouldn't be if I lived there. You are still at risk of catching it and it's just a mask. Keep as safe as you can if in crowded places with others close to you. Just my thoughts on it unless it makes you feel unwell when using it then why not stay as say as possible for a little longer? Not enough are vaccinated yet.
We have a very high vaccination rate here (75% first dose so far) and I am confident in the science that the vaccines will protect us. Even with only first doses our cases are plummeting here. My family has all been vaccinated (most first and getting second soon) as are all my work colleagues.
I trusted the science as it evolved with masking, vaccines, distancing etc - so when the science also tells me that vaccines are effective and masks are no longer necessary I trust that as well.
That is fine but I would'nt trust it too much but you do as you wish of course. If I lived there I wouldn't trust it all and keep cautious for a while longer. Take care. Do what you feel you need to do. I can't see being cautious a bad thing.6 -
paperpudding wrote: »paperpudding wrote: »Breaking news: AZ vaccine in Australia will only be for over 60's
Pfizer for all under 60's
Changed from 50 as of today.
I presume those under 60 who have already had one dose of AZ still get their 2nd dose though
Yes I wonder what is going to happen now in Australia. Husband and I got our first AZ a few weeks ago. Not dead yet from a clot so guess going ok and always wanted Pfizzer shot. I still feel better we had something rather than nothing at all. Our government is crap with this roll out. Ashamed actually.
I have read up further on this since my last post.
People under 60 who have started on AZ and had no problem, still to have second AZ shot (so that will be me )
Australia is not encouraging mixing of brands and supplies of Pfizer are still limited - and going to be more limited now
That is us also. I'm happy to have anything even with us not having any community Covid in our city so far. I love to travel so the quicker we sort this the better. At least I can fly to New Zealand and just went interstate but was half an hour from a Covid person! OMG.1 -
Wow, masking has dropped way off here.
The governor gave his permission that if you're fully vaccinated, you can go without a mask. I went to the grocery store this a.m. and besides myself, there was 1 other person I saw who was wearing a mask.
I'm not sure I agree or am comfortable about it but what are ya gonna do? I'll just continue doing what I'm doing and see what this new guideline does to our numbers.
I am now fully vaccinated (13 days post second dose) and I am going to ditch the mask as soon as it is allowable wherever I am not required to wear it. Any store I have been in recently still has a sign up telling us to wear one, so of course I do.
Why are you ditching the mask so soon? I wouldn't be if I lived there. You are still at risk of catching it and it's just a mask. Keep as safe as you can if in crowded places with others close to you. Just my thoughts on it unless it makes you feel unwell when using it then why not stay as say as possible for a little longer? Not enough are vaccinated yet.
We have a very high vaccination rate here (75% first dose so far) and I am confident in the science that the vaccines will protect us. Even with only first doses our cases are plummeting here. My family has all been vaccinated (most first and getting second soon) as are all my work colleagues.
I trusted the science as it evolved with masking, vaccines, distancing etc - so when the science also tells me that vaccines are effective and masks are no longer necessary I trust that as well.
The problem is that the delta variant is very infectious and one dose of any vaccine only offers about 30% protection, according to my readings. The only way to have more protection is to have both vaccines.
Delta Variant and COVID-19 Vaccines: What to Know https://www.webmd.com/vaccines/covid-19-vaccine/news/20210610/delta-variant-and-covid-19-vaccines-what-to-know
A study conducted in the United Kingdom that was cited by the Biden administration finds that one dose of the Pfizer vaccine provided about 33% protection against the delta variant, which is officially designated B.1.617.2.
Two doses of the Pfizer vaccine, meanwhile, provided about 88% protection. The study is a pre-print and has not yet been peer reviewed. (Click here to learn more about coronavirus variants.)
The info I read is that one does of Pfizer is 94% effective in preventing hospitalization with the Delta variant, and 96% after two doses. I have had two doses - I am as protected as I am going to be at this point. If I do happen to get exposed I am VERY unlikely to need hospitalization or medical care.
I think that the end point of hospitalization rates and deaths is a more important gauge for effectiveness at this point.
Last month there was a local epidemic of the Delta variant inside a hospital that had more than 80 infections, and families of hospital workers were also infected. 7 elderly people died (and considering the vaccination rates in the elderly, it’s likely that most of them had at least one, probably two shots). 80% of those infected in this local epidemic had received at least one shot. 11% of the hospital staff in the department where the epidemic started were infected, even though most hospital staff has received two vaccinations, and half of them had symptoms, some serious.
Granted, the infected patients were already *in* the hospital for some other reason so they weren’t in full health when infected, but those numbers are still concerning, especially the ones about hospital staff who has already received 2 vaccinations.
Since this was a hospital breakout, the problem wasn’t just that people got the virus and some mild symptoms. The problem was a large number of hospital staff being quarantined, so there wasn’t enough people to take care of other patients. The hospital area had to temporarily shut down all functions except emergency room and emergency surgeries, ICU and childbirth units to make sure they can still perform those critical duties, and the area went into full lockdown, schools went remote, graduation ceremonies were cancelled etc.
Well that is concerning.
I am a bit confused as to how you would have a breakout in a hospital with 80 infections. I mean there are covid patients in every hospital here at this point and have been for months I haven't heard of it being spread like that through the staff.
If you are saying that it is spreading inside a hospital where staff are presumably using high level infection control procedures and personal protective equipment, plus everyone is fully vaccinated, then I don't even know what to say about that. That is pretty shocking. It would seem at that point that everything we have been doing to control it is pretty much futile.4 -
Wow, masking has dropped way off here.
The governor gave his permission that if you're fully vaccinated, you can go without a mask. I went to the grocery store this a.m. and besides myself, there was 1 other person I saw who was wearing a mask.
I'm not sure I agree or am comfortable about it but what are ya gonna do? I'll just continue doing what I'm doing and see what this new guideline does to our numbers.
I am now fully vaccinated (13 days post second dose) and I am going to ditch the mask as soon as it is allowable wherever I am not required to wear it. Any store I have been in recently still has a sign up telling us to wear one, so of course I do.
Why are you ditching the mask so soon? I wouldn't be if I lived there. You are still at risk of catching it and it's just a mask. Keep as safe as you can if in crowded places with others close to you. Just my thoughts on it unless it makes you feel unwell when using it then why not stay as say as possible for a little longer? Not enough are vaccinated yet.
We have a very high vaccination rate here (75% first dose so far) and I am confident in the science that the vaccines will protect us. Even with only first doses our cases are plummeting here. My family has all been vaccinated (most first and getting second soon) as are all my work colleagues.
I trusted the science as it evolved with masking, vaccines, distancing etc - so when the science also tells me that vaccines are effective and masks are no longer necessary I trust that as well.
The problem is that the delta variant is very infectious and one dose of any vaccine only offers about 30% protection, according to my readings. The only way to have more protection is to have both vaccines.
Delta Variant and COVID-19 Vaccines: What to Know https://www.webmd.com/vaccines/covid-19-vaccine/news/20210610/delta-variant-and-covid-19-vaccines-what-to-know
A study conducted in the United Kingdom that was cited by the Biden administration finds that one dose of the Pfizer vaccine provided about 33% protection against the delta variant, which is officially designated B.1.617.2.
Two doses of the Pfizer vaccine, meanwhile, provided about 88% protection. The study is a pre-print and has not yet been peer reviewed. (Click here to learn more about coronavirus variants.)
The info I read is that one does of Pfizer is 94% effective in preventing hospitalization with the Delta variant, and 96% after two doses. I have had two doses - I am as protected as I am going to be at this point. If I do happen to get exposed I am VERY unlikely to need hospitalization or medical care.
I think that the end point of hospitalization rates and deaths is a more important gauge for effectiveness at this point.
Last month there was a local epidemic of the Delta variant inside a hospital that had more than 80 infections, and families of hospital workers were also infected. 7 elderly people died (and considering the vaccination rates in the elderly, it’s likely that most of them had at least one, probably two shots). 80% of those infected in this local epidemic had received at least one shot. 11% of the hospital staff in the department where the epidemic started were infected, even though most hospital staff has received two vaccinations, and half of them had symptoms, some serious.
Granted, the infected patients were already *in* the hospital for some other reason so they weren’t in full health when infected, but those numbers are still concerning, especially the ones about hospital staff who has already received 2 vaccinations.
Since this was a hospital breakout, the problem wasn’t just that people got the virus and some mild symptoms. The problem was a large number of hospital staff being quarantined, so there wasn’t enough people to take care of other patients. The hospital area had to temporarily shut down all functions except emergency room and emergency surgeries, ICU and childbirth units to make sure they can still perform those critical duties, and the area went into full lockdown, schools went remote, graduation ceremonies were cancelled etc.
Well that is concerning.
I am a bit confused as to how you would have a breakout in a hospital with 80 infections. I mean there are covid patients in every hospital here at this point and have been for months I haven't heard of it being spread like that through the staff.
If you are saying that it is spreading inside a hospital where staff are presumably using high level infection control procedures and personal protective equipment, plus everyone is fully vaccinated, then I don't even know what to say about that. That is pretty shocking. It would seem at that point that everything we have been doing to control it is pretty much futile.
I absolutely agree. I don't know the exact details about how it happened, I've only been reading the newspaper, and I'm pretty sure there's going to be some sort of investigation into this. My best guess is that there was someone asymptomatic and/or false negative test spreading it, whether it was a patient or staff member or both.
Thankfully that situation is now under control and from what I understand they're pretty much back to normal in the hospital and in the area.0 -
paperpudding wrote: »Breaking news: AZ vaccine in Australia will only be for over 60's
Pfizer for all under 60's
Changed from 50 as of today.
I presume those under 60 who have already had one dose of AZ still get their 2nd dose though
We (Canada) are giving those who received AZ the option of taking Pfizer or Moderna for their second dose. Everyone I know who got first dose AZ chose to get an mRNA second shot. I guess vaccine science in general supports mixing doses, and the preliminary data on this specific combination is good.
(But we aren't using AZ for first doses for anyone anymore - there was a small cohort of about I believe a million people who received it.)
Also now that we are getting a boatload of Moderna vaccine I suspect that they will start mixing that with those who got Pfizer for the first dose. Because our strategy was to give everyone we could a first dose, we now are getting a bunch of Moderna in time for second shots - but hardly anyone got it for their first.
Everyone I know who went to the public health unit vaccine clinic got Pfizer except me, I got Moderna. The SO got his two days after me (same week) and got Pfizer.
When Ford announced the accelerated second shots in Ontario, in our district we were looking at shortages of Moderna so I thought they might mix mine. So it's interesting to hear now that there's a big influx of Moderna.
When my oldest son got his first (in Toronto) he got Pfizer but they said it just depends what they have that day, some days that same clinic were giving Moderna. We are supposed to be getting I think 7 million Moderna in June so you should be good for your second dose. But yeah since most people got Pfizer for their first dose if they don't mix it it seems like they will have too much Moderna? Idk - I guess that is what happens when they stopped holding the second doses and just used whatever they had for the first.
I got both Pfizer but if they had given me Moderna for my second I honestly wouldn't have cared - I'm sure it would be fine. My neighbour asked my husband which vaccine he got and he didn't even know, he just took what they gave him, lol. Some people are picky though - my son insisted he would only take the Pfizer vaccine - idk why I think they are both basically the same.
Did you have side effects from your first dose? I have the impression that Moderna has more side effects than Pfizer.
My second shot isn't until September 6th and I won't even be eligible to rebook until August 2nd, don't know if that will actually get me an appointment any earlier than what I already have so who knows what the supply will be then.
I had NO side effects whatsoever, other than a day or two of mild tenderness at the injection site if I touched it, which was probably from the injection itself and not the vaccine.
When I gave verbal consent to be vaccinated I was specifically asked "for the Moderna vaccine" so I knew which one it was, plus my emailed "receipt" states the type.3 -
paperpudding wrote: »Breaking news: AZ vaccine in Australia will only be for over 60's
Pfizer for all under 60's
Changed from 50 as of today.
I presume those under 60 who have already had one dose of AZ still get their 2nd dose though
We (Canada) are giving those who received AZ the option of taking Pfizer or Moderna for their second dose. Everyone I know who got first dose AZ chose to get an mRNA second shot. I guess vaccine science in general supports mixing doses, and the preliminary data on this specific combination is good.
(But we aren't using AZ for first doses for anyone anymore - there was a small cohort of about I believe a million people who received it.)
Also now that we are getting a boatload of Moderna vaccine I suspect that they will start mixing that with those who got Pfizer for the first dose. Because our strategy was to give everyone we could a first dose, we now are getting a bunch of Moderna in time for second shots - but hardly anyone got it for their first.
Everyone I know who went to the public health unit vaccine clinic got Pfizer except me, I got Moderna. The SO got his two days after me (same week) and got Pfizer.
When Ford announced the accelerated second shots in Ontario, in our district we were looking at shortages of Moderna so I thought they might mix mine. So it's interesting to hear now that there's a big influx of Moderna.
When my oldest son got his first (in Toronto) he got Pfizer but they said it just depends what they have that day, some days that same clinic were giving Moderna. We are supposed to be getting I think 7 million Moderna in June so you should be good for your second dose. But yeah since most people got Pfizer for their first dose if they don't mix it it seems like they will have too much Moderna? Idk - I guess that is what happens when they stopped holding the second doses and just used whatever they had for the first.
I got both Pfizer but if they had given me Moderna for my second I honestly wouldn't have cared - I'm sure it would be fine. My neighbour asked my husband which vaccine he got and he didn't even know, he just took what they gave him, lol. Some people are picky though - my son insisted he would only take the Pfizer vaccine - idk why I think they are both basically the same.
Did you have side effects from your first dose? I have the impression that Moderna has more side effects than Pfizer.
My second shot isn't until September 6th and I won't even be eligible to rebook until August 2nd, don't know if that will actually get me an appointment any earlier than what I already have so who knows what the supply will be then.
I had NO side effects whatsoever, other than a day or two of mild tenderness at the injection site if I touched it, which was probably from the injection itself and not the vaccine.
When I gave verbal consent to be vaccinated I was specifically asked "for the Moderna vaccine" so I knew which one it was, plus my emailed "receipt" states the type.
Oh yeah I am sure that my husband was told the type as well he just didn't pay attention to it.I knew what we were getting.
I read yesterday that everyone is going to be eligible to rebook by June 28 I think they are really pushing to get everyone in sooner. My kids are also early September at this point.
A new wrinkle in the mixed doses I never thought of is travel - people are wondering if they will be considered "fully vaccinated" by international standards.
1 -
Is it the same science? I thought that the recommendations were changing as new info comes to light?Theoldguy1 wrote: »Wow, masking has dropped way off here.
The governor gave his permission that if you're fully vaccinated, you can go without a mask. I went to the grocery store this a.m. and besides myself, there was 1 other person I saw who was wearing a mask.
I'm not sure I agree or am comfortable about it but what are ya gonna do? I'll just continue doing what I'm doing and see what this new guideline does to our numbers.
I am now fully vaccinated (13 days post second dose) and I am going to ditch the mask as soon as it is allowable wherever I am not required to wear it. Any store I have been in recently still has a sign up telling us to wear one, so of course I do.
Why are you ditching the mask so soon? I wouldn't be if I lived there. You are still at risk of catching it and it's just a mask. Keep as safe as you can if in crowded places with others close to you. Just my thoughts on it unless it makes you feel unwell when using it then why not stay as say as possible for a little longer? Not enough are vaccinated yet.
We have a very high vaccination rate here (75% first dose so far) and I am confident in the science that the vaccines will protect us. Even with only first doses our cases are plummeting here. My family has all been vaccinated (most first and getting second soon) as are all my work colleagues.
I trusted the science as it evolved with masking, vaccines, distancing etc - so when the science also tells me that vaccines are effective and masks are no longer necessary I trust that as well.
That is fine but I would'nt trust it too much but you do as you wish of course. If I lived there I wouldn't trust it all and keep cautious for a while longer. Take care. Do what you feel you need to do. I can't see being cautious a bad thing.
The same science that told us to wear a mask (which I believed and,did) is now saying masks not needed if fully vaccinated.
Why would you believe one statement and not the other?
0 -
Wow, masking has dropped way off here.
The governor gave his permission that if you're fully vaccinated, you can go without a mask. I went to the grocery store this a.m. and besides myself, there was 1 other person I saw who was wearing a mask.
I'm not sure I agree or am comfortable about it but what are ya gonna do? I'll just continue doing what I'm doing and see what this new guideline does to our numbers.
I am now fully vaccinated (13 days post second dose) and I am going to ditch the mask as soon as it is allowable wherever I am not required to wear it. Any store I have been in recently still has a sign up telling us to wear one, so of course I do.
Why are you ditching the mask so soon? I wouldn't be if I lived there. You are still at risk of catching it and it's just a mask. Keep as safe as you can if in crowded places with others close to you. Just my thoughts on it unless it makes you feel unwell when using it then why not stay as say as possible for a little longer? Not enough are vaccinated yet.
We have a very high vaccination rate here (75% first dose so far) and I am confident in the science that the vaccines will protect us. Even with only first doses our cases are plummeting here. My family has all been vaccinated (most first and getting second soon) as are all my work colleagues.
I trusted the science as it evolved with masking, vaccines, distancing etc - so when the science also tells me that vaccines are effective and masks are no longer necessary I trust that as well.
The problem is that the delta variant is very infectious and one dose of any vaccine only offers about 30% protection, according to my readings. The only way to have more protection is to have both vaccines.
Delta Variant and COVID-19 Vaccines: What to Know https://www.webmd.com/vaccines/covid-19-vaccine/news/20210610/delta-variant-and-covid-19-vaccines-what-to-know
A study conducted in the United Kingdom that was cited by the Biden administration finds that one dose of the Pfizer vaccine provided about 33% protection against the delta variant, which is officially designated B.1.617.2.
Two doses of the Pfizer vaccine, meanwhile, provided about 88% protection. The study is a pre-print and has not yet been peer reviewed. (Click here to learn more about coronavirus variants.)
The info I read is that one does of Pfizer is 94% effective in preventing hospitalization with the Delta variant, and 96% after two doses. I have had two doses - I am as protected as I am going to be at this point. If I do happen to get exposed I am VERY unlikely to need hospitalization or medical care.
I think that the end point of hospitalization rates and deaths is a more important gauge for effectiveness at this point.
Last month there was a local epidemic of the Delta variant inside a hospital that had more than 80 infections, and families of hospital workers were also infected. 7 elderly people died (and considering the vaccination rates in the elderly, it’s likely that most of them had at least one, probably two shots). 80% of those infected in this local epidemic had received at least one shot. 11% of the hospital staff in the department where the epidemic started were infected, even though most hospital staff has received two vaccinations, and half of them had symptoms, some serious.
Granted, the infected patients were already *in* the hospital for some other reason so they weren’t in full health when infected, but those numbers are still concerning, especially the ones about hospital staff who has already received 2 vaccinations.
Since this was a hospital breakout, the problem wasn’t just that people got the virus and some mild symptoms. The problem was a large number of hospital staff being quarantined, so there wasn’t enough people to take care of other patients. The hospital area had to temporarily shut down all functions except emergency room and emergency surgeries, ICU and childbirth units to make sure they can still perform those critical duties, and the area went into full lockdown, schools went remote, graduation ceremonies were cancelled etc.
Well that is concerning.
I am a bit confused as to how you would have a breakout in a hospital with 80 infections. I mean there are covid patients in every hospital here at this point and have been for months I haven't heard of it being spread like that through the staff.
If you are saying that it is spreading inside a hospital where staff are presumably using high level infection control procedures and personal protective equipment, plus everyone is fully vaccinated, then I don't even know what to say about that. That is pretty shocking. It would seem at that point that everything we have been doing to control it is pretty much futile.
I absolutely agree. I don't know the exact details about how it happened, I've only been reading the newspaper, and I'm pretty sure there's going to be some sort of investigation into this. My best guess is that there was someone asymptomatic and/or false negative test spreading it, whether it was a patient or staff member or both.
Thankfully that situation is now under control and from what I understand they're pretty much back to normal in the hospital and in the area.
The scenario you are describing is very much at odds to any other information I have seen about vaccine efficacy with regards to the delta variant, and also to our experience here with cases dropping significantly as vaccines are administered, even with the delta variant becoming more prevalent. This recent analysis from Public Health England shows strong efficacy even with one dose - so it's really odd.
I guess time will tell whether we really will be getting significant vaccine breakthrough cases. I hope not.
https://khub.net/web/phe-national/public-library/-/document_library/v2WsRK3ZlEig/view/4796072663 -
Theoldguy1 wrote: »Is it the same science? I thought that the recommendations were changing as new info comes to light?Theoldguy1 wrote: »Wow, masking has dropped way off here.
The governor gave his permission that if you're fully vaccinated, you can go without a mask. I went to the grocery store this a.m. and besides myself, there was 1 other person I saw who was wearing a mask.
I'm not sure I agree or am comfortable about it but what are ya gonna do? I'll just continue doing what I'm doing and see what this new guideline does to our numbers.
I am now fully vaccinated (13 days post second dose) and I am going to ditch the mask as soon as it is allowable wherever I am not required to wear it. Any store I have been in recently still has a sign up telling us to wear one, so of course I do.
Why are you ditching the mask so soon? I wouldn't be if I lived there. You are still at risk of catching it and it's just a mask. Keep as safe as you can if in crowded places with others close to you. Just my thoughts on it unless it makes you feel unwell when using it then why not stay as say as possible for a little longer? Not enough are vaccinated yet.
We have a very high vaccination rate here (75% first dose so far) and I am confident in the science that the vaccines will protect us. Even with only first doses our cases are plummeting here. My family has all been vaccinated (most first and getting second soon) as are all my work colleagues.
I trusted the science as it evolved with masking, vaccines, distancing etc - so when the science also tells me that vaccines are effective and masks are no longer necessary I trust that as well.
That is fine but I would'nt trust it too much but you do as you wish of course. If I lived there I wouldn't trust it all and keep cautious for a while longer. Take care. Do what you feel you need to do. I can't see being cautious a bad thing.
The same science that told us to wear a mask (which I believed and,did) is now saying masks not needed if fully vaccinated.
Why would you believe one statement and not the other?
My comment meant science (the same scientists) that said we should wear masks and we trusted them (at least some did) are now telling us, based on the latest data we don't have to wear them. IMO we trusted the advice we needed to wear them at the time, we should trust the same people who are telling us now they are not needed.
I believe the science is solid. The science says that if you are fully vaccinated, you do not need to wear a mask, as you are at low risk of getting seriously ill if you were to contract the virus.
But, this science assumes that ONLY vaccinated people are going maskless. We know that is not the case.
So, some people may want to continue to wear masks if they are concerned about the un-masked, un-vaccinated population.
I still wear mine in indoor public places because my husband is tested 4x per week for a contracted job he is doing. If he tests positive, he's out of work for at least 2 weeks with no pay, even if he has no symptoms.15 -
Wow, masking has dropped way off here.
The governor gave his permission that if you're fully vaccinated, you can go without a mask. I went to the grocery store this a.m. and besides myself, there was 1 other person I saw who was wearing a mask.
I'm not sure I agree or am comfortable about it but what are ya gonna do? I'll just continue doing what I'm doing and see what this new guideline does to our numbers.
I am now fully vaccinated (13 days post second dose) and I am going to ditch the mask as soon as it is allowable wherever I am not required to wear it. Any store I have been in recently still has a sign up telling us to wear one, so of course I do.
Why are you ditching the mask so soon? I wouldn't be if I lived there. You are still at risk of catching it and it's just a mask. Keep as safe as you can if in crowded places with others close to you. Just my thoughts on it unless it makes you feel unwell when using it then why not stay as say as possible for a little longer? Not enough are vaccinated yet.
We have a very high vaccination rate here (75% first dose so far) and I am confident in the science that the vaccines will protect us. Even with only first doses our cases are plummeting here. My family has all been vaccinated (most first and getting second soon) as are all my work colleagues.
I trusted the science as it evolved with masking, vaccines, distancing etc - so when the science also tells me that vaccines are effective and masks are no longer necessary I trust that as well.
That is fine but I would'nt trust it too much but you do as you wish of course. If I lived there I wouldn't trust it all and keep cautious for a while longer. Take care. Do what you feel you need to do. I can't see being cautious a bad thing.
You can still take precautions without wearing a mask everywhere. If you're fully vaccinated, you're pretty well protected...far more protected than the mask ever provided in the first place. In NM pretty much nobody is wearing a mask anymore and we were pretty early adopters of the mask mandates. I'm really not sure why we would trust in the science as it evolved with masks and social distancing, etc and then all of a sudden not trust the science when our CDC tells us we don't have to wear a mask if we're fully vaccinated. You either trust the science or you don't.
Like I said, nobody really wears a mask here anymore...but people continue to social distance, wash hands, etc. NM is about 75% with at least one vaccine and 60% fully vaccinated. We are as of right now lifting all restrictions and fully opening July 1 unless something changes between now and a week and a half from now. Between the vaccine and cases, we're pretty much at herd immunity in NM. It's never going to go away completely and it's time to get on with living life.12 -
I have had a pool tile guy here for 3 days in the AZ record heat. When someone is at your house 8 hours a day, you get to know them pretty quick.
He didn't think that Covid would affect him. Got it, spent 5 weeks in the hospital. He's an independent contractor for a larger pool company (self employed). Will likely have medical bills for the rest of his life. He still isn't 100%.
I have a mister fan that I'm keeping out for him, blowing on him all the time.
He's "grateful to God" he's still alive. He also went and got fully vaxxed after getting out of the hospital. He (obviously) sincerely regrets he wasn't vaxxed sooner.
It's very sad to see how this crap has ruined lives, though he just seems to be happy he's still alive. The healthcare situation is so bad in the US. How they can hold someone financial hostage the rest of their lives is BS.23 -
Update on our local UK weekly cases. The cases of the D variant are up three times on last week! Predominantly youngsters who have not qualified for a vaccine. Now the over 18's can book a vaccine. I heard one young lad say he has to wait till the end of July for his first! I find it so hard to credit that this started with one or two cases in a localised population and now is present in each and ever English County!!!
I feel for the kids, through to those in their 30's, being trapped each possible way, Education, at school College and University, many loosing jobs, others having to work in essential sectors now falling ill because a variant can only go for the youngsters and those who chose to be unvaccinated.
Over here, the advice is to wear masks inside vaccinated or not. This gives more confidence to those who as yet are unvaccinated. Anyway, I thought the jury was still out as to the ability to pass on the virus, even vaccinated and even if you are asymptomatic.5 -
I do believe the science, including that my personal risk is considered very low according to best information at this point. Nonetheless, I'm continuing to wear a mask in indoor public spaces where strangers are close.
I'm thinking (as I've said before) about social norms at a time when not all are able to be vaccinated (young people), and there's still enough disease circulating to be a threat to even vaccinated people for whom even mild infection could be very dangerous. Also, personally I'm not particularly interested in being even mildly/moderately sick with Covid myself as a breakthrough infection, even if I don't end up in the ICU or intubated, and a mask doesn't bother me.
It's a personal choice, though, not something I want to strongly urge on others, let alone hector them about. (Reciprocally, I don't see why anyone who feels differently than I do would feel the need or desire to talk me out of it, either.)
As an aside, not directly related to anything above: "Believe the science" seems a little flag-wave-y, lately, to me. (I'm not saying partisan, BTW, I'm saying symbolic, kind of.)
To me, science is the process: Forming hypotheses, testing them, accumulating evidence, forming theories as evidence accumulates and studies are replicated, but also rejecting hypotheses and even theories if counter-evidence emerges. That's one of the things that's been confounding, from my perspective, in the overall public dialog about science during the pandemic. Cartoon-exaggerating it: "Science said X, now science says Y, so clearly science doesn't know what it's doing." Huh?
I respect long-term experts best opinions in the absence of well-tested hypotheses (they likely know better than my gut does, in areas whether they have years and decades of experience and knowledge). I respect theories even more as they emerge . . . but I don't expect the conclusion today to be unchallenged forever. To me, that's not how science works. 🤷♀️
Over-cautious easy bet-hedges aren't crazy, IMO, just a matter of personal preference . . . freedom, even. 😉😆16 -
Wow, masking has dropped way off here.
The governor gave his permission that if you're fully vaccinated, you can go without a mask. I went to the grocery store this a.m. and besides myself, there was 1 other person I saw who was wearing a mask.
I'm not sure I agree or am comfortable about it but what are ya gonna do? I'll just continue doing what I'm doing and see what this new guideline does to our numbers.
I am now fully vaccinated (13 days post second dose) and I am going to ditch the mask as soon as it is allowable wherever I am not required to wear it. Any store I have been in recently still has a sign up telling us to wear one, so of course I do.
Why are you ditching the mask so soon? I wouldn't be if I lived there. You are still at risk of catching it and it's just a mask. Keep as safe as you can if in crowded places with others close to you. Just my thoughts on it unless it makes you feel unwell when using it then why not stay as say as possible for a little longer? Not enough are vaccinated yet.
We have a very high vaccination rate here (75% first dose so far) and I am confident in the science that the vaccines will protect us. Even with only first doses our cases are plummeting here. My family has all been vaccinated (most first and getting second soon) as are all my work colleagues.
I trusted the science as it evolved with masking, vaccines, distancing etc - so when the science also tells me that vaccines are effective and masks are no longer necessary I trust that as well.
The problem is that the delta variant is very infectious and one dose of any vaccine only offers about 30% protection, according to my readings. The only way to have more protection is to have both vaccines.
Delta Variant and COVID-19 Vaccines: What to Know https://www.webmd.com/vaccines/covid-19-vaccine/news/20210610/delta-variant-and-covid-19-vaccines-what-to-know
A study conducted in the United Kingdom that was cited by the Biden administration finds that one dose of the Pfizer vaccine provided about 33% protection against the delta variant, which is officially designated B.1.617.2.
Two doses of the Pfizer vaccine, meanwhile, provided about 88% protection. The study is a pre-print and has not yet been peer reviewed. (Click here to learn more about coronavirus variants.)
The info I read is that one does of Pfizer is 94% effective in preventing hospitalization with the Delta variant, and 96% after two doses. I have had two doses - I am as protected as I am going to be at this point. If I do happen to get exposed I am VERY unlikely to need hospitalization or medical care.
I think that the end point of hospitalization rates and deaths is a more important gauge for effectiveness at this point.
I prefer NOT to get exposed. I trust science, I just have a problem these days trusting people... I am fully vaccinated since the end of February, but I don't know if people around me are fully vaccinated too or just faking it so they don't have to wear masks.
Better safe than sorry, and being careful doesn't affect anybody, so what's the problem?17
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