Coronavirus prep
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Well, with the vaccine now widely available where I live, and California now "open," I'm cool with people masking or not to their own prerogative. It would be nice if the unvaxxed would stay masked but since theres no way to know, people gonna do what they want. I'm still seeing quite a few masked - I'd say a third to half.
I'm now unmasked in less crowded spaces, but still not rushing to crowded venues or theaters any time soon. Still eating on patios. That's my choice. I'll mingle when I'm ready. ✌
In my area mask usage at the grocery store that I frequent is around 75% still.
At my workplace, they stated vaccinated individuals could not longer wear a mask weeks ago, and the couple of times I've worked from the office since then I'd say mask usage was under 25%. Mask wearing seems to be about a 50/50 mix of those who haven't been vaccinated versus those who have and a still choosing to wear.
I have been eating out once or twice a week now since being fully vaccinated. We still prefer to eat outdoors and the weather has been nice so we'd prefer that even without. Where we have eaten indoors, it's been spaced enough that we've been comfortable. Even during the pandemic, we did eat out at times including indoors where permitted. We chose places that were not busy and wore a mask except when eating.
Outdoors, mask usage is basically non-existent now. I've been starting to go back to some of the busier, narrow trails and beach paths that I've avoided for the most part during the pandemic.4 -
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.
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?
I don't really think anyone has a problem with/if people want to continue to mask. People do seem to have some kind of a problem with people who no longer want to mask because they are fully vaccinated and the CDC says you don't have to. I'm far more protected with the vaccine than I ever was with the mask and at this point I don't really see any point in wearing one unless it's required somewhere or requested of me...in which case I have no problem either. I have no problem at all with people wanting to continue wearing a mask...it's their own personal decision. Hell, I know people who wore masks in public long before COVID.
There have already been several comments in here about "why would you take your mask off so soon" and such...as if those of us who no longer are wearing one because we're fully vaccinated are doing something egregious or totally outrageous.
I'm sure there's an element here of each of us noticing what we may be more sensitive to, but I *have* seen people having a problem with others continuing to mask.
I can't recall whether it's happened on this thread (quite possibly not), but in real life I've heard/seen people challenging others with "If you believed the CDC when they said a mask would protect you, why don't you believe them now when they say you don't need one if vaccinated? I thought you believed the science." That's been in something pretty close to those words, and the context made it feel a little pushy/pugnacious.
I think it varies quite a bit by location. Here, now, it seems pretty live and let live outside, with most stores I've been to still requiring them and people complying. But I've not noticed anyone here giving people a hard time for wearing masks outside, whereas at one point it was not unheard of for people to make comments about not wearing one outside. (And there were endless NextDoor threads about this.) Right around the time the CDC finally acknowledged they weren't needed outside unless in a big group where social distancing wasn't possible, people seemed to mostly collectively decide not to wear them outside. Of course if I'm just walking a short distance between places where they are required, I'll leave it on.
I personally don't care if people mask or not indoors at this point, except I am irritated by anyone who violates posted rules.4 -
Most people here are still masking inside public spaces, although more than half of all county residents are vaccinated (my understanding is that those under 12 are included in the totality/denominator of that calculation, so vaccinated adults should be a higher percentage). Most aren't masking outside, even in busy retail areas. I was in a pedestrian shopping area yesterday, and I walked up to a maskless guy outside who had a sign asking for money (please let's not get sidelined into a discussion about that) and he pulled up his mask before taking the money, which I thought was unnecessary, but totally his decision/right and none of my business. As I was walking away, I realized I had my mask on. I had just come out out of a shop and had forgotten to take it off. He probably put his mask on to mirror me, in case I would be offended if he didn't.
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Most people here were abandoning the masks well before things were even letting up and I doubt most are vaccinated sadly. Probably going to continue wearing a mask myself just in case despite having both vaccine doses since I have enough health issues without gambling on this. Also doesn't help that I'm allergic to 95% of cold/flu medications (Guaifenesin allergy)10
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kshama2001 wrote: »I've now been to a number of stores since my state of Massachusetts dropped the mask requirement. People at supermarkets and Walmart appear to be 50% or less masked.
However, at Whole Foods last Tuesday there was a much higher mask usage, and I am very curious about this. I wonder if the patrons are just more cautious, or if they are not vaccinated because they are anti-vax/vax hesitant.
Vaccines have been widely available to adults in my state for long enough that anyone who wanted a shot could get a shot, and the people in this store, which is not in a foot-traffic location, are exceedingly unlikely to have barriers such as lack of transportation.
I'll never know for sure, of course, but I suspect it is a combination of some people being more cautious and some being hesitant/anti-vax.
I noted the same thing here north of boston, but interestingly, my daughter had noted that in the stop and shop near her, it was almost 100% masked while on the same day the S&S near me was at 25-30% masked. Then, I was in whole foods last week (same community as DD's S&S) and yes there was a greater % of masks. Knowing the makeup of the various communities, I attribute the masks to greater caution and/or possible support or statement about masking in general (I should add that I do not see anti vax sentiments in either community). I am in a variety of community facebook groups including my local as well as the one with DD's S&S and whole foods. The conversations in these various community groups are different and contribute to my assumptions. Please note that this is solely an observational comment.
As for myself, yes I am maskless but I keep one in the car for "just in case". What has remained from this past year is my social distancing, especially because I am maskless and do not want to cause stress in others. My personal preference is to maintain my distance while seeing faces. But that is me.6 -
I am in Australia and the only location in my state right now that a mask is required is inside an airport (and on the aircraft) when the airport is open to the general public, but excludes parts of the airport when the general public is not allowed. I wear my mask from the staff carpark into the reception area of the office, but once I go through the office door I remove the mask. While in the non public office space we still have some strict requirements - max number of people as per the density requirements, wipe down communal spaces eg meeting rooms and lunch room after use, hand sanitising on entry / exit, stay home (and get tested) if cold or flu (and anything else that has similar symptoms to covid) until no symptoms and negative result etc.
I am fully vaccinated and it's been many many many months since an active case in my state, but when I am out and about I still make sure I distance where I can, sanitise my hands as often as possible, sanitise my shopping trolley etc, use the check-in codes when mandatory and even when optional. If someone gets in my space, I move myself back or move away.
I would prefer the ad hoc strict quarantine rules didn't apply and prefer the NSW model for lockdowns/quarantine but am not anti mask or anti vaccine and do follow all covid requirements because it isn't about me and I respect everyone's right to be safe and feel safe.
I am looking forward to a short trip to Melbourne in September and another trip to Darwin in October...assuming there are no lockdowns / quarantine requirements...but if there are...I will take the trips another time...it is what it is.
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Based on local and international news a new Covid-19 wave may be forming.
The 4th of July holiday may be additive to the Memorial Day Holiday activities as more and more burn their masks to celebrate vaccines ending the Covid-19 era.1 -
July 1 NM is lifting all government mandated restrictions...100% open...Yay!!!6
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tiptoethruthetulips wrote: »I am in Australia and the only location in my state right now that a mask is required is inside an airport (and on the aircraft) when the airport is open to the general public, but excludes parts of the airport when the general public is not allowed. I wear my mask from the staff carpark into the reception area of the office, but once I go through the office door I remove the mask. While in the non public office space we still have some strict requirements - max number of people as per the density requirements, wipe down communal spaces eg meeting rooms and lunch room after use, hand sanitising on entry / exit, stay home (and get tested) if cold or flu (and anything else that has similar symptoms to covid) until no symptoms and negative result etc.
I am fully vaccinated and it's been many many many months since an active case in my state, but when I am out and about I still make sure I distance where I can, sanitise my hands as often as possible, sanitise my shopping trolley etc, use the check-in codes when mandatory and even when optional. If someone gets in my space, I move myself back or move away.
I would prefer the ad hoc strict quarantine rules didn't apply and prefer the NSW model for lockdowns/quarantine but am not anti mask or anti vaccine and do follow all covid requirements because it isn't about me and I respect everyone's right to be safe and feel safe.
I am looking forward to a short trip to Melbourne in September and another trip to Darwin in October...assuming there are no lockdowns / quarantine requirements...but if there are...I will take the trips another time...it is what it is.
We just flew into Brisbane airport last week and today there it says one of the shops is an exposure site. Just missed it by a few days!1 -
what state are you in tiptoe?
I am in SA and as far as I know there is no mask wearing requirements here outside of quarantine hotels.
But there may be in airports, aircraft etc, I dont know - I havent been to one of them since before Covid
Mask wearing in aged care homes and medical facilities ended on Dec 23rd last year - that I do know, since I work in one.
Dr's still wear one if seeing a patient with cold/flu symptoms (in their car in the car park, such patients are not allowed into the surgery) and the occasional patient wears one by choice2 -
Here in New Zealand, we are still wearing masks on public transport (trains, buses) as well as planes.
We still have no community transmission at the moment, but people who have been making the most of the Aus/NZ travel bubble are asked to keep an eye on the locations of interest, and get tested if they have any symptoms.6 -
So, this is strictly a personal observation. I'm not sure if anyone else is experiencing this among people they know...
Since all of my friends and family are vaccinated, they are starting to venture out to public places a lot more, not wearing a mask when it's not required, socializing with other vaccinated people.
Many of these people have gotten sick lately...not with COVID...but various infections, colds, bacterial and viral things.
I'm wondering if this is the result of more than a year of quarantining and being protected from exposure to ANY germs. Maybe our immune systems are a little messed up.
It makes me want to hang out with snotty children or eat some dirt to start building my tolerance back up.16 -
I think I actually got sick in the past less than I thought and was attributing some allergy things to colds, as I haven't noticed much of a difference this year, even though I don't think I ever got covid and I spent most of the year working from home and socially distancing and wearing a mask.1
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https://www.france24.com/en/live-news/20210622-australia-struggles-to-quash-persistent-coronavirus-outbreaks
This Delta (former India??) variant is shaping up to make for a long winter in the USA the way it is popping up in states with low vaccination rates.1 -
Well, with the vaccine now widely available where I live, and California now "open," I'm cool with people masking or not to their own prerogative. It would be nice if the unvaxxed would stay masked but since theres no way to know, people gonna do what they want. I'm still seeing quite a few masked - I'd say a third to half.
I'm now unmasked in less crowded spaces, but still not rushing to crowded venues or theaters any time soon. Still eating on patios. That's my choice. I'll mingle when I'm ready. ✌
I'm responding to my own quote from earlier, now that I've been out and about a bit more.
I hadn't been out much in the past months, but in the past week I've been to quite a few places. It seemed like the first few places I went earlier on after the state reopened - animal shelter, hardware store, library - most people were NOT wearing masks anymore. It was less than 50% for sure. I just assumed that what I'd seen earlier was widespread. Wrong.
Because later in the week, I was surprised when I went to a few different grocery stores and a pet supply store, and the vast, vast majority were still wearing masks. Walmart had just as many masked up as the Whole Foods, which I was not expecting. It was probably near 8/10 people still masking. So I guess mask usage just depends on where you go.
The medical clinic (went to the pharmacy there) was at 100% of course, and I'd be fine with them just keeping mask policies at medical facilities (at least for patients and visitors) since that's where sick people congregate. I've always been a little grossed out waiting in a busy clinic with people coughing and sniffling and looking like death all around me.
I am happy that even without masks, social distancing seems to still be going strong whether people are masking or not. I like having a little personal space under normal conditions, too. It makes me like people more.
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Did an impromptu dinner out last Saturday night in our downtown area, the first since CA has "fully reopened". Some of the clubs and restaurants were PACKED. It's such a swift, stark contrast to just a month ago. I've been fine eating out and have started to get more comfortable going without a mask where no longer required, but not sure I'm ready to be in packed indoors with wall to wall people at this point. We ate at restaurant that was busy but still had tables spaced out, and took advantage of the temporary outdoor eating areas that are being allowed to remain through the end of the year. It's nice to have the expanded patio dining available with the nice weather.
We did a museum visit yesterday, and they were still requiring masks in all indoor areas, and enforcing it. People were being good about it, and for the most part, seemed to be maintaining more distance than pre-pandemic.
Our vaccination rate in my area is decent but not stellar, with an overall rate of 60/68% rate of fully vaccinated/at least one dose for all eligible. It's approximately 70%/80% for the 50+ age group, 55/64% in the 18-49 group, and 30/40% for the 12-17 age group.8 -
A coronavirus outbreak hit a Florida government building. Two people are dead but a vaccinated employee wasn't infected
"The clinical presentation gives me concern that we're dealing with a very infectious variant that is quite deadly," Hopes told Burnett.
"Clearly masks work, but the vaccine is more important at this point," Hopes said."
https://www.cnn.com/2021/06/22/us/florida-manatee-county-coronavirus-outbreak/index.html
This is the only comment about this article because I don't want to start a heated discussion. But why, why, did six people had to get infected and two people had to died when vaccines are available and masks have been recommended for un-vaccinated people?12 -
A coronavirus outbreak hit a Florida government building. Two people are dead but a vaccinated employee wasn't infected
"The clinical presentation gives me concern that we're dealing with a very infectious variant that is quite deadly," Hopes told Burnett.
"Clearly masks work, but the vaccine is more important at this point," Hopes said."
https://www.cnn.com/2021/06/22/us/florida-manatee-county-coronavirus-outbreak/index.html
This is the only comment about this article because I don't want to start a heated discussion. But why, why, did six people had to get infected and two people had to died when vaccines are available and masks have been recommended for un-vaccinated people?
In case your question is not rhetorical - those who follow Florida politics know the answer to that. Since we can't discuss politics in the main forum, I cannot elaborate.6 -
kshama2001 wrote: »A coronavirus outbreak hit a Florida government building. Two people are dead but a vaccinated employee wasn't infected
"The clinical presentation gives me concern that we're dealing with a very infectious variant that is quite deadly," Hopes told Burnett.
"Clearly masks work, but the vaccine is more important at this point," Hopes said."
https://www.cnn.com/2021/06/22/us/florida-manatee-county-coronavirus-outbreak/index.html
This is the only comment about this article because I don't want to start a heated discussion. But why, why, did six people had to get infected and two people had to died when vaccines are available and masks have been recommended for un-vaccinated people?
In case your question is not rhetorical - those who follow Florida politics know the answer to that. Since we can't discuss politics in the main forum, I cannot elaborate.
Amen to that! I am still sad for the two people that died and the family that they left behind. I hope that the other four infected people get well soon and without lingering side effects.2 -
I understand reasoning for those who wear masks and those who do not. Does anyone understand the person that walks around the store wearing a mask under their chin?6
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I understand reasoning for those who wear masks and those who do not. Does anyone understand the person that walks around the store wearing a mask under their chin?
I often wear a mask under my chin outside so I can pull it up if I go inside. So I assume that, and they forgot (or they did it to pull it up if required and maybe it wasn't required). A guy in my office building was scolded by a security person for not wearing a mask in the lobby and claimed (he was likely from the 'burbs) that he was used to thinking he needed a mask to go in places but kept finding it wasn't required so forgot. Seems plausible enough, he didn't object to putting it on when learning the rules. (I don't think he worked in the building, he was going to a title company with lots of people who visit for a closing.)1 -
I understand reasoning for those who wear masks and those who do not. Does anyone understand the person that walks around the store wearing a mask under their chin?
I went to Walgreens yesterday afternoon to pick a prescription and other things. The store is never crowded and masks are not required for vaccinated people (I am), but they are required for non-vaccinated folks. All employees are required to wear a mask. I kept mine under my nose, and sometimes under my mouth when I was alone in an empty isle, and I covered mouth and nose if somebody approached and when I went to the pharmacy area to pay.
It was easier for me having my mask down than trying to breathe thru it all the time, and at the same time I was ready for protection, as needed. Maybe it was the same for that person.
I live in the California desert and our temps have been horrendous last week reaching up to 125F. Even inside and with a dry weather, I assure you that having a mask in the heat is not comfortable at all.
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@lemurcat2 and @gisel2015 Logical explanations. The other person that wore it strangely was encountered in dollartree. I will call it "riding the lip". She had it under the nose and against her lip so that it moved up and down as she talked. But unlike Gisel's case, she was the only cashier and near every person that made a purchase. I have to assume that her mask is to fulfill employee requirements and not for personal protection.4
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Just wanted to share my experience. I was at a simulation center in a hospital yesterday. At the hospital mask are required by everyone while inside the hospital at all times.
The simulation center is on the top floor but still part of the hospital so of course we all wore masks. The guy running it told us all to take them off because “I already had covid and I am also vaccinated and you are all vaccinated”.
I had not worn makeup and had scabs on my face (poison ivy from camping that was healing) so I of course was not going to remove mine. Everyone removed theirs but me and he looked straight at me and said “no one in any of the other groups have been wearing them all day, take it off”. I kept it on. He then said it again “we’ve al been vaccinated so you can take the mask off” and looked at me again. I felt so uncomfortable the whole time and thought it was wrong to pressure me to take mine off.
If I hadn’t had the rash I probably would have taken it off because of being pressured and not wanting to be the “weird” one. However, in the hospital there are so many germs it’s probably better to have a mask on anyways.26 -
Noreenmarie1234 wrote: »I had not worn makeup and had scabs on my face (poison ivy from camping that was healing) so I of course was not going to remove mine. Everyone removed theirs but me and he looked straight at me and said “no one in any of the other groups have been wearing them all day, take it off”. I kept it on. He then said it again “we’ve al been vaccinated so you can take the mask off” and looked at me again. I felt so uncomfortable the whole time and thought it was wrong to pressure me to take mine off.
I'm kinda angry on your behalf that you were subjected to being singled out and pressured like that. I'd have looked straight back at him and said, "Yes, and I CAN leave it on, which is what I choose to do".
At this point, the choice to voluntarily wear a mask (assuming it's not required anyway) should be no different from the choice to wear earrings, or a bracelet, or a scarf.18 -
I have a friend who I walk our dogs with every weekend & her Dr told her since she had cancer to wear a mask at all times. I stated going back to the gym about 3 weeds ago which required masks but a few days ago it was no longer required so it was 50 50. I usually go when there's not many ppl anyway so I didn't wear a mask but do when there's more ppl, it's never crowded though2
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Noreenmarie1234 wrote: »I had not worn makeup and had scabs on my face (poison ivy from camping that was healing) so I of course was not going to remove mine. Everyone removed theirs but me and he looked straight at me and said “no one in any of the other groups have been wearing them all day, take it off”. I kept it on. He then said it again “we’ve al been vaccinated so you can take the mask off” and looked at me again. I felt so uncomfortable the whole time and thought it was wrong to pressure me to take mine off.
I'm kinda angry on your behalf that you were subjected to being singled out and pressured like that. I'd have looked straight back at him and said, "Yes, and I CAN leave it on, which is what I choose to do".
At this point, the choice to voluntarily wear a mask (assuming it's not required anyway) should be no different from the choice to wear earrings, or a bracelet, or a scarf.
Totally agree. What a jerk he is. You have every right to wear whatever you want. Sounds like a control freak.13 -
Noreenmarie1234 wrote: »I had not worn makeup and had scabs on my face (poison ivy from camping that was healing) so I of course was not going to remove mine. Everyone removed theirs but me and he looked straight at me and said “no one in any of the other groups have been wearing them all day, take it off”. I kept it on. He then said it again “we’ve al been vaccinated so you can take the mask off” and looked at me again. I felt so uncomfortable the whole time and thought it was wrong to pressure me to take mine off.
I'm kinda angry on your behalf that you were subjected to being singled out and pressured like that. I'd have looked straight back at him and said, "Yes, and I CAN leave it on, which is what I choose to do".
At this point, the choice to voluntarily wear a mask (assuming it's not required anyway) should be no different from the choice to wear earrings, or a bracelet, or a scarf.
I agree. What an *kitten*. My nephew had a transplant and was ordered to wear a mask by his doctors for quite awhile. Another relative of mine had to wear a mask during cancer treatment. There are a lot of reasons someone might be wearing a mask that's nobody else's business. It's fine to say, "Hey, masks aren't required anymore, so lose em if you want." But to repeatedly comment...you know bringing attention to people over and over is embarrassing. It seems pretty obvious to me that after the first time you say it, the person clearly WANTS to keep their mask on, so just leave it alone.14 -
@Noreenmarie1234 What a tool he was. If it were me I would notify his management about the pressure he put on you all. I personally know someone who had serious side effects with their first Pfizer shot and were advised by their doctor that they shouldn't have the second one so their protection is less than those fully vaccinated. If someone wants to wear a mask then others should shut the *kitten* up.16
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and totally aside from Covid _ if people want to wear whatever they want, as long as it is not interfering in the activity (so, understandably people might get told to remove loose scarfs in dealing with machinery ) then nobody elses business.
Your personal reasons don't come into it - you just are because you want to.
I agree with putting in a complaint.15
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