View Full Version : First Mask Free Thing
What is the first thing you want to do when masks are no longer required, if you live in an area with a mandate?
I was diagnosed with central serous retinopathy a couple years ago and want to go for the follow up appointments I have missed as well as a routine eye exam. While the practice is open the last time the appointment took hours and wearing a mask that long would be extra difficult for me. It involved wait in waiting room, wait in exam room, meet with physician"s assistant, wait for testing machine #1, take first test, wait for testing machine #2, take second test, wait in exam room, meet with eye doctor, more time with physician's assistant, wait to and then check out and make next appointment. Call for a ride since my eyes were dilated and wait for the ride. The wait for the ride part could be outdoors mask free now.
Put on lipstick and smile at people.
happystuff
5-13-21, 10:28am
Required or not, I've already taken long walks, been to the dentist (obviously no mask while work being done), drive in my car, do my gardening, etc. without a mask. And, required or not, there are times and occasions where I will continue to wear a mask.
I'm surprised you didn't say the first thing you would do would be to stop whining and complaining. So does this mean you will continue to do so??? Rhetorical question - LOL.
catherine
5-13-21, 10:33am
I just saw that Dr. Fauci specifically said that outside we don't need to wear masks at all. He said "We need to make this transition"--so it seems that he's actually pushing us to forego masks when we're outside, which is nice. When I went to my GS's birthday this weekend which was attended by parents of the classroom kids as well as from some family, it was funny--the party was outside. Some wore masks all the time; some wore them on their chin and pulled them up when people approached; everyone seemed to not be really sure about what to do. If I took mine off, I noticed a younger parent would take theirs off. Most of the kids came with their masks on, but then took them off as the activity level increased.
Teacher Terry
5-13-21, 10:56am
I don’t wear masks outside and have been to many restaurants where you can take it off as soon as you sit down. Not really a big deal for me. It will be nice to shop without it .
I don’t wear masks outside and have been to many restaurants where you can take it off as soon as you sit down. Not really a big deal for me. It will be nice to shop without it .
Same for us. Outside mask wearing is advised in dense population events only. I wear a mask around those who are not vaccinated, out of respect for their health, even though they could help themselves by getting the vaccine.
Cheers to less masking:cool:
ApatheticNoMore
5-13-21, 12:47pm
Maybe do cardio at the gym, I already do weights with a mask, though it's a pain. Mostly mask or not makes no difference.
I just saw that Dr. Fauci specifically said that outside we don't need to wear masks at all. He said "We need to make this transition"--so it seems that he's actually pushing us to forego masks when we're outside, which is nice.
wow this is bad public health communication. "Need to make a transition" because it's all the rage I suppose, it's just time. No the need is because outdoors and distanced never was much of a threat to anyone ever, and because if people are vaccinated very little is a threat but you keep public mandates on for awhile because you don't know who is vaccinated and perhaps because there actually is still a problem getting vaccines, not because there aren't plenty but people on the margins can't arrange their life to get them so easily.
The CDC just updated their guidelines, saying it is safe to go mask-less indoors and out for vaccinated people and no longer require distancing. Exceptions are crowded situation like public transportation and hospitals. It will be interesting to see how that goes.
https://www.npr.org/2021/05/13/996582891/fully-vaccinated-people-can-stop-wearing-masks-indoors-and-outdoors-cdc-says
I mostly would just like to see more smiling faces.
rosarugosa
5-13-21, 2:56pm
I don't really have a post-mask wish list. I did have some things I was eager to do once I was vaccinated, like being with people socially, dining out and staying at a hotel, but I've already been able to do those things.
ApatheticNoMore
5-13-21, 3:05pm
I don't really have a post-mask wish list. I did have some things I was eager to do once I was vaccinated, like being with people socially, dining out and staying at a hotel, but I've already been able to do those things.
yea pretty much vaccination changed everything*, not masks, the thing I was most eager to do turns out to be the gym as it's the first thing I rushed out and did.
* but it's a long slow mental process realizing you can do things again, needs to be eased into mentally for me it seems ...
I hope the states follow the CDC guidelines, and that stores do as well.
Despite the latest from the CDC, I plan to keep wearing my mask in public places for a while longer, even though I'm in an area that's doing very well on vax rates. It's a minor nuisance, and I wonder how we're supposed to know the difference between maskless people who have been vaxxed and the chowderheads who are still refusing to get vaxxed.
I'm a bit paranoid, I admit. But it's gotten me this far :|(
ApatheticNoMore
5-13-21, 4:13pm
The CDC thing doesn't seem to make sense, they might be betting on one shot being sufficient (and that might not be wrong), but still vaccination rates are lowish. less than 60% one shot, 40% two shots here. Of course a lot of people also got immunity the hard way, so there is that. Unvaccinated here besides some what may be Trump areas, poor areas. But most poor people have probably gotten the virus.
The CDC updates are confusing to me...good news about masks but they had us so trained to be afraid of not wearing one that it will be hard to feel safe for a while without one. The numbers could go either way I guess. It worries me to go places unmasked with DH as he still refuses to get a shot.
There's nothing saying we have to stop wearing masks. I might be comfortable, say in an uncrowded grocery store without one, but I'm still leery about things something like a popular coffee shop or restaurant and plan to just avoid popular indoor spaces for a while longer. It might be nice for some people who are tired of working from home.
I imagine there are some details of the new guidelines that will follow. I can imagine many places will come under an honor system for who's vaccinated and who's not and some will require proof.
ApatheticNoMore
5-13-21, 4:54pm
Yea good luck policing the grocery store or any other shops under the honor system, it's one thing being with friends you trust to have gotten the shot - but in public how is anyone to know who hasn't gotten it and is vulnerable .... but everyone should have gotten it? Check your privilege.
This can't work (I mean enough are vaccinated that we won't have runaway spread perhaps but), until vaccination rates are up there. Eventually you hit those who will never be vaccinated no matter what outreach you do, yea but I don't think that's 40% of the population in blueville, might alas be like 30%.
iris lilies
5-13-21, 5:09pm
The CDC updates are confusing to me...good news about masks but they had us so trained to be afraid of not wearing one that it will be hard to feel safe for a while without one. The numbers could go either way I guess. It worries me to go places unmasked with DH as he still refuses to get a shot.
What we are seeing is the intersection of “the science “and “the politics “.As if that hasn’t been in play all along.
If I am forced to be in an enclosed space with a large number of people, I will wear a mask. I will likely wear a mask out and about when shopping whether I’m going to be near other people or not.
DH who is not vaccinated is wearing masks when inside with others and is staying out of crowded places.
If I am forced to be in an enclosed space with a large number of people, I will wear a mask. I will likely wear a mask out and about when shopping whether I’m going to be near other people or not.
That is exactly what the CDC says. In dense population all should wear a mask.
Regarding other comments made here today (while I was vaccinating). I really don't think it is at all confusing.
1. If you are 14days beyond fully vaccinated, you may stop wearing a mask in/outdoors unless in a crowd situation. My city continues a mask mandate and that's fine with me.
2. If you are unvaccinated you should always wear a mask indoors and in dense crowds outdoors. Social distancing is still for you.
3. No one needs to wear a mask outdoors in a normal situation.
4. No masks indoors are needed if all present are fully vaccinated.
Science learns every day. The CDC guidance changes with it.
That is exactly what the CDC says. In dense population all should wear a mask.
Regarding other comments made here today (while I was vaccinating). I really don't think it is at all confusing.
1. If you are 14days beyond fully vaccinated, you may stop wearing a mask in/outdoors unless in a crowd situation. My city continues a mask mandate and that's fine with me.
2. If you are unvaccinated you should always wear a mask indoors and in dense crowds outdoors. Social distancing is still for you.
3. No one needs to wear a mask outdoors in a normal situation.
4. No masks indoors are needed if all present are fully vaccinated.
Science learns every day. The CDC guidance changes with it.
My reading of what the news is saying is that no masks are needed indoors for vaccinated people irregardless of whether others present are vaccinated. With a few exceptions.
So far it sounds like my state will be leaving existing restrictions in place for the near future, but I suspect they will adjust to CDC guidelines before long. I still will not be attending any activities where a lot of people are present, regardless of vaccinated or not.
[QUOTE=Rogar;382284]My reading of what the news is saying is that no masks are needed indoors for vaccinated people irregardless of whether others present are vaccinated. With a few exceptions. /QUOTE]
I just now listened to an interview with the CDC director. Yes, she said fully vaccinated people no longer need to wear a mask indoors regardless of those around us being vaccinated or not. So, the risk is now for those unvaccinated and unmasked.
It will be interesting to see what happens to the covid infection rate in places like my state that are so very much antivaxxer/antimaskers.
ToomuchStuff
5-13-21, 10:21pm
The CDC just updated their guidelines, saying it is safe to go mask-less indoors and out for vaccinated people and no longer require distancing. Exceptions are crowded situation like public transportation and hospitals. It will be interesting to see how that goes.
https://www.npr.org/2021/05/13/996582891/fully-vaccinated-people-can-stop-wearing-masks-indoors-and-outdoors-cdc-says
I mostly would just like to see more smiling faces.
The above is not quite what you linked to:
That is exactly what the CDC says. In dense population all should wear a mask.
Regarding other comments made here today (while I was vaccinating). I really don't think it is at all confusing.
1. If you are 14days beyond fully vaccinated, you may stop wearing a mask in/outdoors unless in a crowd situation. My city continues a mask mandate and that's fine with me.
2. If you are unvaccinated you should always wear a mask indoors and in dense crowds outdoors. Social distancing is still for you.
3. No one needs to wear a mask outdoors in a normal situation.
4. No masks indoors are needed if all present are fully vaccinated.
Science learns every day. The CDC guidance changes with it.
Fully vaccinated is the keyword, and not the same thing as vaccinated.
I would certainly hope people do not give a crud about people who do feel the need to wear a mask. I have friends who have been given grief for wearing masks in non mask wearing counties, one of which is awaiting a transplant.
If it is to be believed, news sources are saying 99% of hospitalizations as of late are unvaccinated people.
The CDC is still recommending masks for public transit so there goes my hope to take a ferry to Block Island while breathing freely. Another exception is health care settings including doctor's offices. Hospitals I can see more than doctor's offices which I have never found to be crowded places. So my eye exam will likely also have to wait. My new post mask wish is to go to stores and try clothes on. It is hard trying to read labels with a mask on because my reading glasses fog up. Fitting rooms are closed in my state, and I hope that's another restriction that goes away. You get covid from people breathing on you, not from clothes, but I think the stores like it because it's less work for them putting away things that are tried on.
rosarugosa
5-14-21, 5:37am
The CDC is still recommending masks for public transit so there goes my hope to take a ferry to Block Island while breathing freely. Another exception is health care settings including doctor's offices. Hospitals I can see more than doctor's offices which I have never found to be crowded places. So my eye exam will likely also have to wait. My new post mask wish is to go to stores and try clothes on. It is hard trying to read labels with a mask on because my reading glasses fog up. Fitting rooms are closed in my state, and I hope that's another restriction that goes away. You get covid from people breathing on you, not from clothes, but I think the stores like it because it's less work for them putting away things that are tried on.
I think fitting rooms might be at the discretion of the business, because I tried clothes on in a few stores within recent months.
I think fitting rooms might be at the discretion of the business, because I tried clothes on in a few stores within recent months.
I can go up to New Hampshire and try things on but that's out of the way so I am trying to work around my quarantine 15 with my existing wardrobe.
So basically now you have to "trust" that those you see who aren't wearing masks are indeed vaccinated. Don't know about that. It'll be nice here in my small office though.
So basically now you have to "trust" that those you see who aren't wearing masks are indeed vaccinated. Don't know about that. It'll be nice here in my small office though.
They are at risk. We the vaccinated, are not. I agree that it is too early. My state hasn't even reached 40%. We will not achieve herd immunity. Too many anti mask/anti covid/anti vax folks.
ApatheticNoMore
5-15-21, 1:36am
It doesn't even give time for every adult who wanted a vaccine to be fully vaccinated by current definitions. Seems we should owe people that much, not because the covid case graph slopes down by x degrees or not, but out of basic decency, social contract. It's just shredding social trust for what, getting rid of masks a month or two earlier.
But fine social trust doesn't matter, what does matter? Business of America is business I guess (never mind most shopping can be conducted with a mask in person or online, restaurants and govt policy were already allowing people to eat without masks, it's just not a bubbly enough economy).
Fully vaccinated is the keyword, and not the same thing as vaccinated.
J&J is 72% effective.
Pfizer and Moderna are 80% effective after one dose:
https://www.reuters.com/article/health-coronavirus-vaccines-int-idUSKBN2BL2UW
So a good measure of herd immunity is when people are two weeks past any dose of any vaccine. If that's not good enough why is J&J still being administered?
The local pharmacies and vaccination sites around here have been offering walk up no appointment needed vaccinations. I'd think anyone who has wanted a vaccination has had a fair chance to get one and this might be a nudge for people who have been dragging their feet.
I saw on the news Walmart is dropping their mask mandate and only requiring masks when locally mandated, but I called a store in a town in NH with no mandate and the store is still requiring masks.
ToomuchStuff
5-15-21, 4:32pm
J&J is 72% effective.
Pfizer and Moderna are 80% effective after one dose:
https://www.reuters.com/article/health-coronavirus-vaccines-int-idUSKBN2BL2UW
So a good measure of herd immunity is when people are two weeks past any dose of any vaccine. If that's not good enough why is J&J still being administered?
Because it is a one shot item, where the other two are designed as two use.
So you get one shot and two weeks later, you are fully vacinated under the J&J, LEGALLY.
Not so with the two dose others.
Because it is a one shot item, where the other two are designed as two use.
So you get one shot and two weeks later, you are fully vacinated under the J&J, LEGALLY.
Not so with the two dose others.
I was not writing about the law but about common sense, which has often been lacking in the pandemic. Another example is a mask mandate when you are walking alone by yourself in the woods miles from other people. Fortunately that piece of idiocy is now in the rearview mirror.
They are at risk. We the vaccinated, are not. I agree that it is too early. My state hasn't even reached 40%. We will not achieve herd immunity. Too many anti mask/anti covid/anti vax folks.
We were never going to reach herd immunity. This virus is too infectious and each new variant seems to be more infectious than the last. The people who refuse to get vaccinated will mostly eventually get infected. Or will spend the rest of their lives being hermits.
So a good measure of herd immunity is when people are two weeks past any dose of any vaccine.
You clearly have absolutely no concept of what herd immunity means.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Herd_immunity?wprov=sfti1
ToomuchStuff
5-16-21, 9:18am
I was not writing about the law but about common sense, which has often been lacking in the pandemic. Another example is a mask mandate when you are walking alone by yourself in the woods miles from other people. Fortunately that piece of idiocy is now in the rearview mirror.
That is like thinking a court of law, is the same thing as a court of justice.
Health codes and enforcement, are LEGAL things. To take away your freedom and be able to quarantine you, requires legal authority.
That is like thinking a court of law, is the same thing as a court of justice.
Health codes and enforcement, are LEGAL things. To take away your freedom and be able to quarantine you, requires legal authority.
I don't think anyone has the desire to police this. Maybe cruise ships because it's one check for a week or two. But everyone who walks into a Walmart? Not happening. I will use my common sense, which tells me places where 70% of people have received one dose have herd immunity, given that one dose of Moderna or Pfizer is more effective than J&J.
ToomuchStuff
5-16-21, 9:49am
I don't think anyone has the desire to police this. Maybe cruise ships because it's one check for a week or two. But everyone who walks into a Walmart? Not happening. I will use my common sense, which tells me places where 70% of people have received one dose have herd immunity, given that one dose of Moderna or Pfizer is more effective than J&J.
The last I heard was while Walmart had a national no mask policy, it was overrideable by local rules/laws, as well as by local store managers at this time. In my instance, some are shocked that I am still wearing a mask as I both am in between the two shots and I deal with our guy who is on a transplant list (as well as several other customers). Several were shocked that I didn't keep the mask mandate for our store up after locally the order came down.
There may be reasons you are ignorant of, that they do it, and even telling you why, as an employer, could violate privacy rights. If they require a mask and you do not, you face possible legal consequences of trespass and even permanent trespass.
If they require a mask and you do not, you face possible legal consequences of trespass and even permanent trespass.
Then the jails would be full - and spawning more outbreaks given the crowded conditions inmates are kept in.
I decided several weeks ago that I’m done with masks outside of work. I’m done having massive hot flashes and pouring sweat. Grocery pickup. I’m out diving so no church. Have I just gone into a store once for allergy meds that have to be signed for at pharmacy. Then the CDC announcement. Hot damn!
I was in OH this weekend for diving. The only place I wore a mask was in/out of hotel. Everywhere else
- no mask. It was lovely.
Work is considering changing their policy of masks when away from desk or in close contact if you’ve been fully vaxxed. If you don’t want to get it, too bad so sad. You might have to wear a mask all the time.
My socially lib priest had announced masks are optional. Surprised me but it’s because the state has also said so.
I am with you Tradd. With hotter temps my face gets beet red and stays that way for hours when I get overheated. It was not this way pre-menopause. Masks make it worse. It's hard to breathe and sometimes I get dizzy. Something like 19 of the 24 states that had mask requirements dropped them after the new CDC guidance, but not the People's Republic of Massachusetts.
I’m amazed the People’s Republic of IL did. I even went into the travel plazas on the toll road in IN and OH without masks. They still had the mask signs up. Most people had no masks on.
Ate at a restaurant in Toledo yesterday and most people had no masks.
iris lilies
5-16-21, 12:07pm
I am with you Tradd. With hotter temps my face gets beet red and stays that way for hours when I get overheated. It was not this way pre-menopause. Masks make it worse. It's hard to breathe and sometimes I get dizzy. Something like 19 of the 24 states that had mask requirements dropped them after the new CDC guidance, but not the People's Republic of Massachusetts.
Missouri Botanical Gardens sent a survey to all of its volunteers which included a question “will you wear a mask on our grounds?” And I replied “no” because I will not wear a mask while working on their flippin’ flower beds, outdoors for godsake.
see, I am not the best volunteer in the world! My friend who actually IS the best volunteer there (she won that award one year) is wearing a mask and has been invited back to work their grounds.lucky her (?)
all i want to do is deadhead iris. That is all, but i am good at it. Their loss.
Teacher Terry
5-16-21, 12:48pm
IL, wearing a mask while outside weeding is ridiculous.
The local pharmacies and vaccination sites around here have been offering walk up no appointment needed vaccinations. I'd think anyone who has wanted a vaccination has had a fair chance to get one and this might be a nudge for people who have been dragging their feet.
Truth. We are under 40% here. Our mobile unit went to a rural area. Country people are accustomed to driving. There are 30,000 people within 40 miles of the location. Any guesses how many vaccines they gave in 10 hours?
A whopping 12:0!
Maybe it is not all about you while I fully understand your need for comfort.
Maybe it is the paying visitors to the gardens or events who need to see, know and feel confident/safe about attending. Just a thought to consider.
Maybe it is not all about you while I fully understand your need for comfort.
Maybe it is the paying visitors to the gardens or events who need to see, know and feel confident/safe about attending. Just a thought to consider.
If people feel the need to wear a mask in an outdoor space, perhaps they should just stay home. It’s gotten beyond ridiculous. A friend who does a lot of long distance bike rides on local trails never wears a mask outside. He reports he’s gotten yelled at for not wearing one multiple times lately. He said one couple was double masked and were apparently policing other trail users from the yelling he heard at other people.
Anyone who prefers to continue wearing a mask inside or outside should feel free to do so and without harassment. Many people I saw yesterday while doing errands doing so. They had small children with them and want to protect them. Why not support them? I complimented the girls near me, on what a terrific job they were doing wearing their pretty masks. Mom and Dad threw me a huge smile (eyes speak volumes).
Anyone who prefers to continue wearing a mask inside or outside should feel free to do so and without harassment. Many people I saw yesterday while doing errands doing so. They had small children with them and want to protect them. Why not support them? I complimented the girls near me, on what a terrific job they were doing wearing their pretty masks. Mom and Dad threw me a huge smile (eyes speak volumes).
It goes both ways. The maskers turning into the mask police don’t help their cause. Petty dictators. If you are outside snd can’t cope with non-mask wearers, stay home.
We finally, after 14 months, went to a restaurant with friends after going with them to St. Anne's Shrine for Mass. (Herbgeek, we went to that place you mentioned in another post. New owners, 3rd day open--it was great!). We didn't wear masks at all. I wore a mask to Communion but that was it. It certainly feels like there's light at the end of the tunnel.
Did anyone see the SNL cold opening with Kate McKinnon as Dr. Fauci? it was hilarious!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Au2tgLjdGIs
Remember the days of smoking and nonsmoking sections in restaurants? I wonder if we will see masked and maskless sections in businesses, or masked hours (similar to the current senior hours).
ToomuchStuff
5-16-21, 4:15pm
Then the jails would be full
Laughing, thinking the old phrase, ignorance of the law is no excuse. So you go to jail everytime you get a ticket (parking, speeding, trespass, etc).
Try reason, less emotion.
iris lilies
5-16-21, 6:09pm
IL, wearing a mask while outside weeding is ridiculous.
No shit. I think it might have been a city regulation, tho.
iris lilies
5-16-21, 6:10pm
Maybe it is not all about you while I fully understand your need for comfort.
Maybe it is the paying visitors to the gardens or events who need to see, know and feel confident/safe about attending. Just a thought to consider.
I’m sorry—did you say it is not all about me?
what!!!??????
that is a shocking thought!
:)
It goes both ways. The maskers turning into the mask police don’t help their cause. Petty dictators. If you are outside snd can’t cope with non-mask wearers, stay home.
I don't believe I said anything about being a police nor anything negative about those who choose not to wear a mask.
I don't believe I said anything about being a police nor anything negative about those who choose not to wear a mask.
I was referring to my bike riding friend’s experiences. He’s not the only one who has told me of being harassed outside by self-appointed mask police.
Called the eye doctor as the term "medical facilities" was vague to me in regards to the mask mandate ending. They said they will still be requiring masks so I am not going in for now. Last time I was there almost 3 hours - too long to wear a mask.
I was referring to my bike riding friend’s experiences. He’s not the only one who has told me of being harassed outside by self-appointed mask police.
It works both ways; there are/were people actively harassing mask wearers in stores, etc. There are many, many videos on line that illustrate this.
If one’s eye doc has you there for three hours and it wasn’t because someone had an emergency I’d be looking for a new doc. I just had my appointment a couple weeks ago and I was in and out in less than half an hour.
At the end of the day now that the guidance has been relaxed people should be minding their own business. A friend was just telling me that someone told her she should take off her mask not having any idea of my friend’s vaccine status. It was a civil conversation but still inappropriate. (My friend had just had her second shot two days earlier so doesn’t yet meet fully vaxxed status.).
I called a half dozen different stores looking for the holy grail of open fitting rooms and no mask mandates after the state mandate expires. I tried NH as well as MA and had no luck. It's frustrating when I saw in the nightly news the top states for vaccination rates, which have already met Biden's target, are all in the Northeast. I could find either or but not both of my criteria.
I called a half dozen different stores looking for the holy grail of open fitting rooms and no mask mandates after the state mandate expires. I tried NH as well as MA and had no luck. It's frustrating when I saw in the nightly news the top states for vaccination rates, which have already met Biden's target, are all in the Northeast. I could find either or but not both of my criteria.
Move to Utah. My sister is there and just went to an ice cream parlor where not a single person was masked, including the teenagers working there. Surely there are clothing stores there that are equally unconcerned about people’s safety.
Why are you so hung up on the fitting room issue?
Called the eye doctor as the term "medical facilities" was vague to me in regards to the mask mandate ending. They said they will still be requiring masks so I am not going in for now. Last time I was there almost 3 hours - too long to wear a mask.
Seriously? Try 16 hours for an emergency surgery to save a life? We do it ALL THE Fing TIME!
3h too long? Ludicrous!
Why are you so hung up on the fitting room issue?
Anti-maskers MUST SHOP! Or they may die.............
Why are you so hung up on the fitting room issue?
It's a pain trying on clothes on over my regular clothes, I don't get a good sense of how they will fit, and I'm afraid I could be accused of shoplifting. Also it tends to knock that mask loose and since I'm not in the privacy of a fitting room I could be busted and fined $300.
I’ll take “Things That Never Happened” for $500, Alex.
happystuff
5-19-21, 10:38am
It's a pain trying on clothes on over my regular clothes, I don't get a good sense of how they will fit, and I'm afraid I could be accused of shoplifting. Also it tends to knock that mask loose and since I'm not in the privacy of a fitting room I could be busted and fined $300.
>8)
I’ll take “Things That Never Happened” for $500, Alex.
LOLz. :laff:
It's a pain trying on clothes on over my regular clothes, I don't get a good sense of how they will fit, and I'm afraid I could be accused of shoplifting. Also it tends to knock that mask loose and since I'm not in the privacy of a fitting room I could be busted and fined $300.
>8)
Kohls fitting rooms are opening this week but even after the state mask mandate expires they will require masks, although in Wisconsin they don't require masks. I give my company kudos we have one consistent policy, we don't play favorites depending on where you live.
Since a higher percentage of people are vaccinated in Massachusetts if anything we should be freer than Wisconsin. Kohls is obviously playing politics.
Why do you say that Kohl’s is obviously playing politics? There are any number of reasons that they have different rules in different places. My guess is that they decided to keep the mask rule in Massachusetts because they wanted to annoy you.
happystuff
5-20-21, 10:04am
Why do you say that Kohl’s is obviously playing politics? There are any number of reasons that they have different rules in different places. My guess is that they decided to keep the mask rule in Massachusetts because they wanted to annoy you.
:laff:
This is really unsettling. All along I've said --people just REALLY don't want to be told what to do. In this instance, they don't HAVE to go to this amusement park. If they want the privilege of doing so, they need to go by the rules this private family-run business has set.
https://www.wweek.com/outdoors/2021/05/18/enchanted-forest-has-canceled-its-reopening-following-comments-and-threats-about-mask-requirements-for-unvaccinated-visitors/ (https://www.wweek.com/outdoors/2021/05/18/enchanted-forest-has-canceled-its-reopening-following-comments-and-threats-about-mask-requirements-for-unvaccinated-visitors/)
Enchanted Forest, the family-run amusement park located south of Salem, announced yesterday that it would reopen this Saturday. But this morning, the owners announced on social media that reopening will now be delayed indefinitely due to “comments and threats” the business received for its masks policy.
“Until we are confident we can do so safely, we will not be able to reopen,” reads the announcement (https://www.facebook.com/EnchantedForestThemePark/).
Lollapolooza will take place in Chicago this year with full capacity. Vaxxed or negative test.
This is really unsettling. All along I've said --people just REALLY don't want to be told what to do. In this instance, they don't HAVE to go to this amusement park. If they want the privilege of doing so, they need to go by the rules this private family-run business has set.
https://www.wweek.com/outdoors/2021/05/18/enchanted-forest-has-canceled-its-reopening-following-comments-and-threats-about-mask-requirements-for-unvaccinated-visitors/ (https://www.wweek.com/outdoors/2021/05/18/enchanted-forest-has-canceled-its-reopening-following-comments-and-threats-about-mask-requirements-for-unvaccinated-visitors/)
Enchanted Forest, the family-run amusement park located south of Salem, announced yesterday that it would reopen this Saturday. But this morning, the owners announced on social media that reopening will now be delayed indefinitely due to “comments and threats” the business received for its masks policy.
“Until we are confident we can do so safely, we will not be able to reopen,” reads the announcement (https://www.facebook.com/EnchantedForestThemePark/).
I saw that. Pretty disgusting, but I've come to expect that from people.
ApatheticNoMore
5-20-21, 2:04pm
My guess is that they decided to keep the mask rule in Massachusetts because they wanted to annoy you.
:laff:
It's an easy job but someone's got to do it.
Went to the grocery today and the sign on the door said "Masks not required for fully vaccinated shoppers", so I took my mask off and wandered the aisles with a big smile on my naked face for the first time in over a year. I'd estimate that approximately 50% of the shoppers were doing the same. It felt good!
I may have found my store. A Walmart near me will not require masks for vaccinated people when the state mandate ends and they told me they hope to reopen the fitting rooms in the next week or two. It is not high fashion but I need some basics like summer pajama bottoms and they will do.
There are now only two hot spot cities or towns in the entire state (and this store is nowhere near either one). We are doing so well and I am so happy.
The only place I've been that has dropped the mandates is a gardening supply store. It was about half-and-half maskers and non. The clerk said she puts on her mask when the place is crowded. I've begin to wonder what situations I will still want to wear a mask and what I will still avoid. Medium or larger crowds in relatively close quarters indoors is still entirely out for me. Example, crowded restaurant, since all the capacity and distancing limits are also dropped. Probably maskless shopping in uncrowded stores and also in small groups of friends especially outside but no problems indoors either. Mask in close quarters with kids, if that should ever happen. The rest is up for consideration.
I called Kohls back and got a different person who said she doesn't think masks will be required when the mandate ends. They will not be mandatory at Target either. However, they don't expect their fitting rooms to open until June.
It will be interesting to see what happens with masks here once the mandate for them (and supposedly everything else) ends in mid June. I’ve not encountered anyone unmarked or heard of anyone even complaining about it. Judging from the past couple of weeks a majority have abandoned outdoor masks on hiking trails except people with kids.
We’re down to about 1600 cases per day in a state of 38 million and should be around 60% with at least one dose of the vaccine by mid June.
Teacher Terry
5-21-21, 12:18am
Our mask mandate was lifted almost 2 weeks ago. Some stores require them so I always have one in my purse. Probably 50% wearing them inside even if not required.
happystuff
5-21-21, 10:32am
Our mask mandate was lifted almost 2 weeks ago. Some stores require them so I always have one in my purse. Probably 50% wearing them inside even if not required.
I also have one on me at all times and will probably use it most of the time for a while yet.
Oregon's tourist attractions and most retail venues have agreed among themselves to require masks for now. The honor system for vaccinations doesn't impress them, apparently.
happystuff
5-21-21, 12:28pm
Oregon's tourist attractions and most retail venues have agreed among themselves to require masks for now. The honor system for vaccinations doesn't impress them, apparently.
Actually, I see this as a concern for and willingness to protect their employees as much as possible, so - if that is even part of the reason - kudos to them.
Oregon's tourist attractions and most retail venues have agreed among themselves to require masks for now. The honor system for vaccinations doesn't impress them, apparently.
My County is continuing to require masks inside businesses, because it was noticed that a large percentage of our seasonal summer tourist workforce was local island teenagers, who have not yet been vaccinated. We expect to be able to change this requirement sometime in June, as we are holding well-attended vaccination events for the younger folks right now.
I realize our local "I saw this" medical expert says kids don't get this, but the two main outbreak clusters in the County that taxed our contact-tracing and quarantine procedures were both due to high school students and school activities. So I guess I'll believe my own lying eyes.
An abundance of caution is a Good Thing where life and death are concerned.
People can walk around with masks, face shields, haz mat suits, or anything else they want if they don't want to get vaccinated. It doesn't bother me. Just don't make my vaccination count for nothing by imposing on me.
Just don't make my vaccination count for nothing by imposing on me.
https://houston.momcollective.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/This-is-Us.jpg
That ice cream image did me in, Bae. I am trying so hard to get rid of my covid bulge but now think I will celebrate our Victoria Day long weekend with some ice cream. I love the "Cream First" vanilla with slivers of chocolate added.
We are very slowly opening things up in Ontario but I will wear my mask inside to help out the workers inside for some time to come. Outside, I have not worn a mask but practiced scrupulous distancing and isolation.
happystuff
5-22-21, 1:11am
Just don't make my vaccination count for nothing by imposing on me.
>8)
rosarugosa
5-22-21, 6:18am
I am actually finding the newest new normal to be a little trickier to navigate in terms of mask etiquette. I don't want to make anyone feel uncomfortable or unsafe, and I don't want to appear disrespectful or uncaring for the well-being of my fellow humans. On the other hand, I don't particularly love wearing a mask and if we don't need them anymore, that's wonderful with me. I think most stores and businesses are still requiring them in MA, and I would still be inclined to wear one anyway in large crowded places like Costco and Market Basket, even if not required. I did recently go to a working session of the local garden club where there were about 12 of us working with flowers. All were vaccinated. Some wore masks but most did not, so I went with the did not. It didn't seem to be an issue, but I don't know these people well enough to know how people might really have been feeling on the subject.
RR I contacted Market Basket corporate and they said they are still reviewing CDC guidelines. The minimum age to work there is 14, so all their employees can now be vaccinated.
Simon Malls sites are mandating masks, and maybe other malls as well, but freestanding stores can do as they please and Target, Walmart, Aldi, and Big Y all will not be as of a week from today, so I have other options fir groceries (just not for trying on clothes quite yet).
RR I contacted Market Basket corporate and they said they are still reviewing CDC guidelines. The minimum age to work there is 14, so all their employees can now be vaccinated.
Keep in mind that it takes five weeks to become fully vaccinated. 12-15 year olds have only been able to get the shot for a week or so. At the absolute minimum they should keep requiring masks for another month. I hope you don’t starve in the meantime.
Of course youngsters are not much of a concern. That's why they can go to school only 3 not 6 feet apart among other things. They usually don't get sick or infect others.
An example of this is a coworker of mine. His grandson got the virus asymptomatically at daycare and the grandfather and others around the child all had to go for testing, but they all came up negative despite being in close contact with the kid.
https://www.nytimes.com/2021/05/16/world/americas/brazil-covid-child-deaths.html#click=https://t.co/lMeFENk1pL
Of course youngsters are not much of a concern.
Of course. All the dead children don't matter if they aren't immediate family. Nor do the long haulers and the ones that have already required organ transplants. >:(
True, children typically eat way too much ice cream, and something should be done.
Of course youngsters are not much of a concern. That's why they can go to school only 3 not 6 feet apart among other things. They usually don't get sick or infect others.
An example of this is a coworker of mine. His grandson got the virus asymptomatically at daycare and the grandfather and others around the child all had to go for testing, but they all came up negative despite being in close contact with the kid.
>8)
happystuff
5-22-21, 5:03pm
True, children typically eat way too much ice cream, and something should be done.
More broccoli and spinach for all children!
Hannaford and my pedicure place will not require masks. It seems that will be the default and stricter places the minority. Too bad for those who revel in fear and (maskless) loathing.
Hannaford and my pedicure place will not require masks. It seems that will be the default and stricter places the minority. Too bad for those who reveal in fear and (maskless) loathing.
>8)
happystuff
5-22-21, 6:33pm
Too bad for those who reveal in fear and (maskless) loathing.
>8)
Edited to add: reveal???? Or do you mean "revel"?
(couldn't resist considering a particular past grammatical response you made to me. LOL)
Too bad for those who revel in fear and (maskless) loathing.
https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/91lzVMBuw-L.jpg
I got groceries at Market Basket today and asked the manager on duty about masks after the mandate ends. He said they haven't heard from corporate yet but given that all their competitors are dropping the requirement, "I don't think we're going to be the one store that sticks it to you."
happystuff
5-27-21, 11:26am
Got together with choir friends - all vaccinated and outdoor venue. It was so nice to see everyone!
Interestingly enough, when the talk got around to masks, everyone had one with them for use if/when/as needed. Smart, compassionate, and fun - I'm so blessed with my friends!
Got together with choir friends - all vaccinated and outdoor venue. It was so nice to see everyone!
Interestingly enough, when the talk got around to masks, everyone had one with them for use if/when/as needed. Smart, compassionate, and fun - I'm so blessed with my friends!
You have an amazing and respectful bunch of friends. Yea!
I got groceries at Market Basket today and asked the manager on duty about masks after the mandate ends. He said they haven't heard from corporate yet but given that all their competitors are dropping the requirement, "I don't think we're going to be the one store that sticks it to you."
They are in fact not requiring masks for vaccinated people. I plan to only shop at mask optional stores but can't burn my masks yet as the dentist may require them, or if there is a death in the family and I have to fly somewhere for the funeral, the only circumstance under which I might get on a plane.
It’s going to be as easy to tell a vaccinated person from an unvaccinated person as it is to tell whether someone is a mass shooter or a ‘good guy with a gun’.
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