Coronavirus prep
Replies
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FWIW, as others are saying or implying: I was out and about in stores and such today, and it looks like people are still masking up in about the same numbers as before the recent guidance changes. (We didn't have a full mandate here, though, so there was already some individual discretion in nearly all but health care scenarios.)
My experience was different. We did have a full mandate, and where I am (the specific areas I am mostly in in my deep blue city), the mandate was pretty well followed -- I'd see maybe one person not wearing a mask on the L, everyone was masked in a store normally, everyone at church consistently, and if anyone walked in my building lobby or gym without one, they would be required to put one on.
Our mandate is only gone as of this past Monday, and since then -- certainly by Friday/this weekend -- I'd say the numbers wearing them have dropped down quite a bit. It has ranged from about 50% with them (they are still required on public transit, so I'm not including that) to 0% (I didn't see anyone at my gym in one). Based on when they dropped them for a short while in the summer, I expect that number to decrease over the near short term.
I'm totally fine with this (I actually find people bemoaning the awfulness of people not wearing masks when they are not required by the law/particular establishment to be irritating -- not saying anyone here is doing it, but it's something I've run into), and I am not wearing them unless they are required (which they still are some places) or I'm with someone who is uncomfortable without them (and generally not since those people whom I know are also largely avoiding public in-person stuff still).
The people in these places, given the area (the vax rate in my city varies quite a bit by neighborhood/zip) are also extremely likely to be vaxxed (the gym in question has a vax requirement and I know a number of businesses in my office building also do, and so on).3 -
I was the only one wearing a mask in Home Depot yesterday and I saw 1 other person in the grocery store wearing 1.
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I have been wearing a mask through out this whole thing very diligently. At the start I even had to have extra therapy to deal with my PTSD and having something over my face like that. So I took it VERY seriously.
But I will say, once the CDC stated that mandates could end, I stopped wearing it in my day to day life. I have been vaccinated and boosted. I am pretty sure I had Covid at least once recently (I also think I had it before it was being tested for WAY back). But I am tired. I am mentally fatigued from it all. So I am making the choice that I think is best for me at this point in time. I still keep a mask on my person and in my car and if a store requires one I will put it on without whining.14 -
Athijade, I know PTSD is no fun, how depleting it is. You can only do what you are able. Many would not have taken additional therapy in their attempt to do as was required. Take great care of yourself.6
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Back to the antigen testing topic, my first government test order delivery took 3 weeks. A friend alerted me 2 days ago that second orders are available for addresses that already received one order. I ordered and it's out for delivery today. USPS is definitely doing something different with distribution, at least in my city.0
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I know the drug companies are continuing to work on figuring out vaccine dosages for children under 5, and I know they're feeling urgency about that. I wonder if it's feeling extra urgent now, with disease incidence in the population starting to trend down a bit?
As I recall, one factor (among many) in initial vaccine development being able to happen fast was that Covid was so widespread that accumulating evidence of effectiveness against controls was faster than in diseases that are not very common to start with; especially since there was a desire to avoid challenge trials (i.e., exposing people deliberately) given how serious Covid can be for some individuals.
Presumably, if our contagion levels in the population drop materially (inarguably a good thing!), it will take longer to collect enough data to validate vaccine effectiveness in children (not a great thing).1 -
Is anyone else planning to continue (permanently, for now) anything you started doing during the pandemic, that you didn't do previously? I was thinking about this, this morning.
I'll probably keep buying milk a few cartons at a time, instead of just one, and freezing them: I think it reduces grocery trip frequency, so reduces gas use a tiny bit, as well as requiring less time. Probably ditto for lemon/lime wedges I like in my morning iced matcha, which I can cut up then freeze rather than keeping a smaller number of the fresh fruits on hand.
This is all "luxury trivia" of privilege, though. I admittedly - so far, fingers crossed - have a pretty pleasant, uncomplicated life, including (speaking relative to others) during the pandemic.
It makes me wonder, though, if others have stumbled over convenient or happy life changes that are worth continuing.9 -
Is anyone else planning to continue (permanently, for now) anything you started doing during the pandemic, that you didn't do previously? I was thinking about this, this morning.
I used to have a tradition of dining at a restaurant every Friday night, I'd probably done it for over 30 years when the pandemic hit and the initial lockdown made it impossible. I tried with takeout for a few weeks but found the quality so diminished that I didn't continue. I haven't eaten dinner in a restaurant since March 2020, and very few restaurant lunches in that time, so I've lost the habit now and I'm not sure I'll revive it.
I've found myself a lot happier with the big decrease in social obligations (I'm very introverted) and I think I'll try to minimize those going forward, only attend things that I will really enjoy.9 -
Is anyone else planning to continue (permanently, for now) anything you started doing during the pandemic, that you didn't do previously? I was thinking about this, this morning.
I'll probably keep buying milk a few cartons at a time, instead of just one, and freezing them: I think it reduces grocery trip frequency, so reduces gas use a tiny bit, as well as requiring less time. Probably ditto for lemon/lime wedges I like in my morning iced matcha, which I can cut up then freeze rather than keeping a smaller number of the fresh fruits on hand.
This is all "luxury trivia" of privilege, though. I admittedly - so far, fingers crossed - have a pretty pleasant, uncomplicated life, including (speaking relative to others) during the pandemic.
It makes me wonder, though, if others have stumbled over convenient or happy life changes that are worth continuing.
I set up a workout area in our 3rd garage stall in March 2020 when this hit. Used it in the spring, summer and fall until got too cold and had to put the car back in there. Luckily about that time the gym opened up again. I set it up again in the spring of 2021 to supplement my gym workouts and planning to do it again in the next few weeks.
Other than that glad to get back to pre-pandemic living.5 -
I plan to keep doing curbside grocery shopping. More convenient and SO much better for my financial and caloric budgets. Virtually eliminates all the impulse shopping that happens wandering all over the place inside the store.11
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Count me in on the curbside shopping trend. I'm old, slow, and indecisive, so my would-be fellow shoppers are better off without me.10
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I didn't really do anything different when the pandemic hit. I still did most of my "crap" food shopping online at Walmart and Target and then made weekly jaunts to Trader Joe's and Vons for refrigerated/frozen/produce and any "crap" foods with a good sale items (Hello, 5 packages at one time of smoreos! You didn't last long, didja?!) .4
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I may still occasionally do grocery delivery, as it saves time, and I suspect I will do more carry out from places that before the pandemic I would only have thought of for dining in. It's a nice option to have. And I think I may wear a mask in crowded places during cold and flu season. It's been really nice going two years without picking up anything.8
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I will also, most likely wear a mask in crowded places during cold and flu season. I also now keep more than one four- pack of toilet paper on hand.7
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I'm keeping my cupboards fuller than I did before this started and am more proactive on restocking items before I run out, especially for items that are STILL showing up intermittently. I'm also maintaining more personal space than before.
I never did curbside grocery shopping. I buy a significant amount of fresh produce and I like to see what I'm buying. Also, it's easier to work out alternates when I can see what is in and not in stock right then.
Travel, both personal and business, has started to get back to pre-pandemic levels.6 -
The_Enginerd wrote: »I never did curbside grocery shopping. I buy a significant amount of fresh produce and I like to see what I'm buying. Also, it's easier to work out alternates when I can see what is in and not in stock right then.
Ditto re produce. And their idea of an acceptable substitute might end up being too high in sodium or too low in protein or otherwise not my idea of acceptable.3 -
The_Enginerd wrote: »I'm keeping my cupboards fuller than I did before this started and am more proactive on restocking items before I run out, especially for items that are STILL showing up intermittently. I'm also maintaining more personal space than before.
I never did curbside grocery shopping. I buy a significant amount of fresh produce and I like to see what I'm buying. Also, it's easier to work out alternates when I can see what is in and not in stock right then.
Travel, both personal and business, has started to get back to pre-pandemic levels.
The stocking and grocery shopping has been true for me, too. On the shopping, I've been grateful to be retired, so I can pick my times, and grateful to have at least one good small farmers market that goes all year (limited produce in Winter, but some greenhouse/hoop-house stuff - the market goes indoors in Winter, but it's small, in a good-sized space, and they've been super-strict about masks and such), plus others outdoors Spring through Fall with lots of produce.
This is admittedly stupid, but as someone who gets limited steps, I also hate giving up my Winter grocery steps - at least it gets me a few extra. They're not important to me for calories (trivial) but for just staying on my feet moving more, when it's not as viable for me to walk outside (cold, roadside walking dangerous with snow, don't like to drive places routinely just to walk). I get plenty of other exercise (machine rowing, stationary bike, some lifting), but conditioning is activity specific, and variety is good.7 -
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Seeing many more people without masks now, I'm just curious as to area's numbers of Covid cases and deaths. I haven't kept up but have things improved that much?0
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Seeing many more people without masks now, I'm just curious as to area's numbers of Covid cases and deaths. I haven't kept up but have things improved that much?
In most areas, yes, it has improved that much. But it depends on where you are...there are still hotspots. For in the U.S., here's a county-by-county map from the CDC...
https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/science/community-levels.html3 -
Is anyone else planning to continue (permanently, for now) anything you started doing during the pandemic, that you didn't do previously? I was thinking about this, this morning.
I'll probably keep buying milk a few cartons at a time, instead of just one, and freezing them: I think it reduces grocery trip frequency, so reduces gas use a tiny bit, as well as requiring less time. Probably ditto for lemon/lime wedges I like in my morning iced matcha, which I can cut up then freeze rather than keeping a smaller number of the fresh fruits on hand.
This is all "luxury trivia" of privilege, though. I admittedly - so far, fingers crossed - have a pretty pleasant, uncomplicated life, including (speaking relative to others) during the pandemic.
It makes me wonder, though, if others have stumbled over convenient or happy life changes that are worth continuing.
I plan to continue working from home as much as possible. I have been going into the office throughout, lock downs affected how much time I spent at the office, but we were never locked out completely. I don't ever plan on going back to the office 5 days a week - right now I am doing 2 in the office and 3 at home which works well for me.
Other than that nothing much changed for me. We isolated at the very beginning out of fear of health care capacity if we got sick, but we have been vaccinated for close to a year now. Since we got our vaccines the only restrictions we have followed are those that were mandated - as soon as restaurants opened we went back to dining in, when stores opened we went back to shopping in person, since gatherings were allowed we have family/friend get togethers. Took a little local trip which included hotel stay earlier this month. Pretty much back to my regular life. Was planning a vacation in January which Omicron ruined - now I can't go until May (because of work) - but plan on taking one then. I rarely even thing about Covid anymore.3 -
SuzySunshine99 wrote: »Seeing many more people without masks now, I'm just curious as to area's numbers of Covid cases and deaths. I haven't kept up but have things improved that much?
In most areas, yes, it has improved that much. But it depends on where you are...there are still hotspots. For in the U.S., here's a county-by-county map from the CDC...
https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/science/community-levels.html
Thanks for that
We're in a medium level. 0 -
SuzySunshine99 wrote: »Seeing many more people without masks now, I'm just curious as to area's numbers of Covid cases and deaths. I haven't kept up but have things improved that much?
In most areas, yes, it has improved that much. But it depends on where you are...there are still hotspots. For in the U.S., here's a county-by-county map from the CDC...
https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/science/community-levels.html
The CDC currently has my county and all surrounding areas in the Low category.
The cases were low and continuing to drop rapidly here when the mask mandate was lifted, and cases has continued to drop. Masking seems to average around 50% right now the several times I've gone to the grocery store this week. I kept wearing a mask the first week after the mandate was lifted and kept an eye out on our case numbers. They continue to drop rapidly, so at this point, it feels safe to stop for day to day life.3 -
Going forward, I may work from home a little more often (especially with fuel prices going crazy currently).
I will definitely keep working out at home - I was surprised how much I love it.
I will keep doing click and collect for my groceries (or sometimes delivery like this week as we are isolating with DD testing positive last week...so far the rest of us are still testing negative, though she managed to pass it on to 3 of 5 friends she saw the day before symptoms started!).8 -
Couple of thoughts:
1. No more "Disagree" button, which was a big issue on this thread and others. I'm glad it's gone.
2. I work in state government, and they just relaxed the mask mandates and health surveys for employees starting today. Employees only have to be masked if they have been exposed to COVID per CDC protocols. Testing for unvaccinated employees continues.2 -
I went into Trader Joe's either the day of or the day after the mandate was stopped. The signs were already down but most everyone inside still had their masks on. I actually didn't put mine back on until I walked inside and saw that.
I felt so shamed! 5 -
I went into Trader Joe's either the day of or the day after the mandate was stopped. The signs were already down but most everyone inside still had their masks on. I actually didn't put mine back on until I walked inside and saw that.
I felt so shamed!
At my Trader Joe’s this morning, all the customers were wearing masks (there were not many of us in there), but none of the employees were wearing them.
It’s a lot easier to put one on for 20 minutes of grocery shopping than to wear one your entire workday, I suppose.5 -
Couple of thoughts:
1. No more "Disagree" button, which was a big issue on this thread and others. I'm glad it's gone.
2. I work in state government, and they just relaxed the mask mandates and health surveys for employees starting today. Employees only have to be masked if they have been exposed to COVID per CDC protocols. Testing for unvaccinated employees continues.
I need the disagree button for this.
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Seeing many more people without masks now, I'm just curious as to area's numbers of Covid cases and deaths. I haven't kept up but have things improved that much?
My state is pretty much back to pre-pandemic overall hospitalization levels and COVID deaths are way, way down to almost be non-existent. Tracking new cases is pretty much meaningless at this point...there have been a ton of them since December but it's like trying to count the number of new cases of the common cold. My state saw the brunt of it in January and numbers have fallen off substantially over the last couple of months...which is either attributable to declining new cases or people just going about their lives and no longer testing every time they have a sniffle...probably a combination of both.
My state lifted all COVID related mandates, including mask requirements. We were pretty heavy mask compliant here, and I hardly see anyone with a mask on these days. I had a dentist appointment this morning and took one with me because I wasn't sure...but they weren't even required there except by employees.
According the the CDC, most of my state is Green4 -
My worst nightmare has happened.
The little family went down with covid. Work place transfer in a care home setting!!!! Its not essential for households to isolate over here and has not been for a while! We, he first, followed after they'd returned to work, we'd had the children twice.
The vaccines helped us greatly. He felt as if he had a cold. Me, similarly a week later, except I've since had the results of an over due test, my thyroid numbers had totally collapsed, that test was taken two weeks before I went down with it, may be with my immune system on overdrive it might actually have helped. Urgent advisory conversations, additional confirmatory testing outstanding, followed by immediate extra thyroid support and I'm crawling back onto my feet. Its not as if we go anywhere, see people, take risks like not using masks. All because of our national policy - no need to isolate even if you have someone at home who is positive, Even if you work in a care setting. Needless to say, they and we did isolate trying to keep everyone safe.
Possibly having the kids Thursday and Friday, then for a full week next week, the harder week the week after, if all goes well. I dread to think what the employment fall out will be for them.
The local authority are no longer announcing local case number but what we do hear is, cases are rising across the UK.14
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