Coronavirus- Why aren't more American wearing masks out in public ???

[Raenia]

I think I am going to leave the rest on my front steps in an open box with a note saying thank you to delivery people and asking the to take one if needed.

That's a really good idea, I may steal it once I've made enough extras to mail to my in-laws.

[Jack0Life]

Its fucking unbelievable I posted this thread 10+ days ago and some of the people in charge of this country are just now realizing the important of wearing masks in public.
Stop procrastinating. Have enough masks that you can mandate people to wear one when out in public especially in a grocery store.

Just for example I went out shopping yesterday.
Stop #1. I went to Lotte(its a Korean grocery store). I'd say about 90% of people shopping in there have masks on.
Stop #2, Went to Costco. Maybe 25% of the people there had masks on. Huge contrast.
I wear my thick clothe mask every time I'm out in public. I don't care if people stares.

BTW. Its irritates me to see people wearing gloves while shopping like its some kind of miracle protection.
Whats the point ?? They wear them the entire time shopping. Don't they touch everything just like people not wearing gloves ??
Gloves are highly effective when physician throw them away once they are done examine you. If you wear them for the entire shopping trip, how exactly is that helping ??
I bring a hand santitizer with me and I try using it as much as I can during my shopping trip.

Back out shopping this week and its a huge difference.
Lotte: Pretty much everyone had masks on. i saw maybe 2 that didn't wore one.
Costco: At least 90% are wearing masks now.
Amazing that all it took was the CDC to recommend wearing masks when out in public.

[Laserjet3051]

today at work (large employer) i saw 1 person in a mask

today at the supermarket, the same, 1 person.

both were older (60s/70s).

[AnnaGrowsAMustache]

NZ here. I've seen a lot of people in masks but it's not completely widespread. We don't have much community transmission here, so maybe that's why. However, one local guy who always wears a mask is a doctor at the main hospital. I don't really know the guy, just aware of his profession because he lives on the same street. Consequently, I always wear a mask. If he thinks its a good idea, I'm gonna go with that!

[dodojojo]

I have a variety of masks in the mix. My buffs and balaclava which have worked the best so far.  But may be too warm as we head into summer.

Tried my eye masks--had high hopes but they were too warm and difficult to breathe with. 

Cut a couple of socks but haven't tried them out yet. 

Friend just dropped off a cloth mask! 

Lots of bandanas and handkerchiefs plus some other cycling swag I can repurpose.  I have jersey I have no chance of ever fitting into again--may cut it up into masks.  I think the stretchy material may make for good fitting masks.

[GuitarStv]

Buffs are great.  The most comfortable mask I've worn though is my half-face painting respirator.  It's easy to adjust, not too hot, breathes well, and soft on the face.  The canister filters only last a month or so, but if the goal is just to prevent transmission from me it should be fine.  Even if I pull the canisters off I think it would work for this purpose actually.

[Suelavie]

Hi!

Yes I wear a mask when in a public space where physical distanciation is challenging. 

I do know that it is not protecting me from the COVID, but I care about people around me and since it is getting more and more obvious that we can have this shit without having symptoms and be contagious, I believe our duty is to pay attention to others.  It seems that other people are understanding this also in the city where I live (Montreal, Canada). 

By the way, it is NOT a cultural established norm in all Asian countries to wear masks.  In South Korea, for example, I read that the governmental instruction to wear a mask is there only since the beginning of the present year.  Before that, some people, not everybody were wearing them only when the pollution level was particularly high.

I would't buy mask that would be important for caregiver to use.  This is why I bought (locally made) masks.  They are very confortable, tight (I don't have to touch my face to readjust them) and cheap (20 CAD for 3 masks, since the person doing them is doing them to make a positive contribution, and not to make profit).  They may not be the best (3 layers, 2 of cotton and 1 of flanel), but my idea (not scientific!!) is that it won't probably won't have negative effect on my health since I wear them only once a week when going to the grocery: I believe it is not a long period.

The person who is making them is usually a designer of pet clothes.  So she is used to produce sturdy clothes.  The page is in French, but if that is useful to you: https://www.etsy.com/shop/denicolaimodegriffee/  (by the way, if you are ordering from out of Canada, the shipment cost may be higher, but I am sure people in your country produce that kind of stuff also).

(Sorry, I don't know how to rotate the picture)

[Jack0Life]

By the way, it is NOT a cultural established norm in all Asian countries to wear masks.  In South Korea, for example, I read that the governmental instruction to wear a mask is there only since the beginning of the present year.  Before that, some people, not everybody were wearing them only when the pollution level was particularly high.

I would't buy mask that would be important for caregiver to use.  This is why I bought (locally made) masks.  They are very confortable, tight (I don't have to touch my face to readjust them) and cheap (20 CAD for 3 masks, since the person doing them is doing them to make a positive contribution, and not to make profit).  They may not be the best (3 layers, 2 of cotton and 1 of flanel), but my idea (not scientific!!) is that it won't probably won't have negative effect on my health since I wear them only once a week when going to the grocery: I believe it is not a long period.

The person who is making them is usually a designer of pet clothes.  So she is used to produce sturdy clothes.  The page is in French, but if that is useful to you: https://www.etsy.com/shop/denicolaimodegriffee/  (by the way, if you are ordering from out of Canada, the shipment cost may be higher, but I am sure people in your country produce that kind of stuff also).

(Sorry, I don't know how to rotate the picture)

It pretty much is for decades.
https://www.voanews.com/science-health/coronavirus-outbreak/not-just-coronavirus-asians-have-worn-face-masks-decades

[Suelavie]

I know that VOA is a serious broadcaster, but I find quite strange that they entitled their article (https://www.voanews.com/science-health/coronavirus-outbreak/not-just-coronavirus-asians-have-worn-face-masks-decades ) "Not Just Coronavirus: Asians Have Worn Face Masks for Decades"

Making such a generalization is not really good journalism, IMO.  To say "Asians" in title and then saying: "That’s because Asians, especially in Japan, China and Taiwan, have worn masks for a host of cultural and environmental reasons, including non-medical ones, since at least the 1950s." 

Asia is not comprised of 3 countries, but of 48.  48. 

I would rather rely on an article able to nuance: "For many of these countries, mask-wearing was a cultural norm even before the coronavirus outbreak."
-https://www.bbc.com/news/world-52015486

Or on an article way more precise, like the following: "Porter le masque ou non, telle est la question en Corée du Sud" including this sentence "Or, contrairement aux idées reçues, le port du masque n’est pas une habitude de longue date au pays du Matin calme."  https://ici.radio-canada.ca/nouvelle/1692773/port-masque-coree-du-sud-coronavirus-covid-19 

I am sorry for the francophone source.  But if this issue really interests you, you can copy-paste in Google translator the whole article or just the above quote (excerpt).  The signification is:  "Contrary to popular belief, wearing a mask has not been a long-standing habit in the land of the Morning Calm. " (Land of the Morning Calm is a knickname for South Korea).  By the way "Radio-Canada" (CBC in English) is the equivalent of the BBC in the UK.

ALSO: Culture is neither monolithic nor sacred, nor permanent. Indeed, there is probably nothing as fluid as culture.  "‘Culture is everywhere, under continuous creation – fluid, interconnected, diffusing, interpenetrating, homogenising, diverging, hegemonising, resisting, reformulating, creolising, open rather than closed, partial rather than total, crossing it’s own boundaries, persisting where we don’t  expect it to, and changing where we do.’    Sanjek, R. (1991) ‘The ethnographic Present’

I say that because we should be mature enough to see when something needs to change.  We cannot just say: "We can't do this because it is not in our culture" or "It is easier or natural for them because it is in their culture". 

If we see that it is logical to wear mask (even if it is "just" to save other's life, not ours), then we have the duty to do efforts to wear them.  This is a very small effort compared to what was asked from our grand-parent (to give their life at war).  Come on! Just staying at home, washing our hands (with running water right in our kitchen), physical distancing and wearing a masking when making our grocery for the moment.

We should be able to do these.

[js82]

today at work (large employer) i saw 1 person in a mask

today at the supermarket, the same, 1 person.

both were older (60s/70s).

As of this week my employer has mandated face masks(and is providing them for those that don't have them) for employees that need to come on-site to work instead of working from home.

That said, face masks in the supermarket seem to be about 50-50 at this point.

[dodojojo]

Our county made masks mandatory starting today.  We were already at about 50-75% compliance prior.

[Jack0Life]

It seems that now when I'm out in public, I get offended by people still not wearing some type of facial protection.
Its perfectly demonstrate how irresponsible and uneducated some of these Americans are.
I wear masks out in public to protect others from getting the virus(in case I'm asymptomatic). I would just assume others would do the same for the same reason.
The government should really mandate facial protection when out in public. At least all the stores should be proactive and mandate it themselves.

[Wrenchturner]

I have a single N95 mask that I got from the industrial supplier that my employer buys them from.  Got it at the beginning of March.  I've worn it twice now, only to visit a medical lab for bloodwork and today to a doctor's office.  The medical staff only have surgical masks which made me feel weird.  Most people seem to appreciate that I wear it actually.

I think I can keep reusing this one as long as I don't wear it much.  I've been getting my groceries through a pickup service which I feel is very low risk for transmission.

[Wrenchturner]

It seems that now when I'm out in public, I get offended by people still not wearing some type of facial protection.
Its perfectly demonstrate how irresponsible and uneducated some of these Americans are.
I wear masks out in public to protect others from getting the virus(in case I'm asymptomatic). I would just assume others would do the same for the same reason.
The government should really mandate facial protection when out in public. At least all the stores should be proactive and mandate it themselves.

Back at the end of March I was at work and opened a fridge door with a piece of paper towel over the handle.  One guy said something like "don't be a pussy", although he was mostly joking.  I told him, maybe I'm the risk...  People have a hard time understanding all this transmission stuff and I try not to hold it against them.

[KBecks]

Outside of going for a few walks where I see very few pepole and can usually maintain good distancing, I haven't been in public for nearly two weeks.

I have sewed two masks so far, and they turned out good enough, but have been slow about making more. My spouse is skeptical about wearing a mask, but he has not been out much either.  I have one N95 mask for each member of our family that I purchased in February before the story was big in the United States. I am saving them and if one of our family members gets the virus, we would probably use them then.  I am not much of a crafter and sewing masks is not my idea of fun.

I should get back to sewing more masks because when we start going out again, I'd like us all to be careful. It will be difficult to remind the kids to distance and handwash so the physical use of masks is a good reminder.

[Jack0Life]

Don't know how accurate this is but even if its close, it would illustrate the infection rate would greatly diminish if everyone wore a mask.

[Dancin'Dog]

Don't know how accurate this is but even if its close, it would illustrate the infection rate would greatly diminish if everyone wore a mask.

That image and message SHOULD have been headline news from day one.  I can't believe it too so long to explain that everyone needs to wear masks in public. 


Every store should have required all customers to wear masks to enter the store.  If we had a Real president that would have been done from the first days of this.  Even now when I have to go out I see over 1/2 of the public are morons & not wearing masks.  It is infuriating. 

[SwordGuy]

.

[Missy B]

So I've seen a number of posts from people who are wearing cloth or surgical masks in public to protect others but don't think they are protecting themselves. You actually are.
The link below is to an article by an emergency room MD with a PhD. in biochemistry. He goes into detail about why cloth masks are actually good (and much better than we've been told by people who think that because dry viruses could pass between the spaces in the weave they are worthless as protection).

It is the best article I've read that explains relative risk and effectiveness.

https://www.linkedin.com/content-guest/article/saving-your-health-one-mask-time-peter-tippett-md-phd/?fbclid=IwAR2HbziA513_x-Nv5cJF3n_hNFrEtRNs9Mb4vfOi6z88XO3EqdtDyMM8PoU

The type of mask he is referring to in the exerpt below is a simple surgical mask, *not* an N95 mask.

Great masks and poor masks can both stop water droplets. Most coughs and sneezes are really composed of a fine spray of water droplets soaked with virus. Stopping the droplets also stops the virus. Dry virus "dies" (see Caveat 2) very quickly so even though individual virus particles are extremely tiny and can enter in the air around a mask, or even go through the mask, they are less likely to infect you than a droplet teeming with viruses being kept “alive” by the droplet. The most likely way a dose of virus will get in your nose or mouth is:

Via touch of your own hand (most likely by far)
Via water droplet-laden virus (cough, sneeze or even breathing)
Via free (or dry) virus “particles” (least worrisome)

Getting Infected is Not “Black and White” 

A tiny number of virus organisms placed in the back of a person’s throat one time is not likely to lead to the average person getting “sick” with COVID. If we placed a tiny number of live viruses in the throats of 1,000 people, less than half would probably get sick. If we placed 1,000 or 1,000,000 viral organisms, the average person probably would get sick. And if we placed a tiny number of organisms 10 or 100 times in a week, the average person would also likely get sick because of the multiple exposures. This is because even in your throat, your body has protective countermeasures such as mucus and cilia and your blood and other fluids likewise have generic immune and other protections. They are just not as strong as we need them to be.

Your nose reduces the risk of viral particles getting to your throat. A mask reduces the risk of the viral particles getting to your nose, and social distancing reduces the risk of them getting to your mask. Together, these countermeasures work very well. 
If your nose reduces the risk by 80% (see Caveat 1), and a mask by another 80% and the six-foot distance by 80% more, then collectively, the failure rate would be (0.2*0.2*0.2 = .008) = 0.8%. In other words, the collection of countermeasures would be (1 minus the failure rate) = over 99% effective in reducing your chances of getting sick. In this example, any two together would be 96% effective and any one alone would be 80% effective. 

So based on this example calculation, if you are standing with your mouth closed and normally breathing close to a COVID carrier as they are speaking to you, you may have a 20% chance of getting sick from that exposure. Add a mask and that would go down to 4%, add distance and that goes to under 1%. Add repeated individual exposures from other people, and your risk gets worse. Add more countermeasures and your safety improves. The power of each individual countermeasure is much less important than their collective power in protecting you.   

[Jack0Life]

Don't know how accurate this is but even if its close, it would illustrate the infection rate would greatly diminish if everyone wore a mask.

That image and message SHOULD have been headline news from day one.  I can't believe it too so long to explain that everyone needs to wear masks in public. 


Every store should have required all customers to wear masks to enter the store.  If we had a Real president that would have been done from the first days of this.  Even now when I have to go out I see over 1/2 of the public are morons & not wearing masks.  It is infuriating.

AGREED 1000%. Everything you just said I strongly agree with.
All the non-wearing mask people need to get educated on how infection works.
Its mostly by droplets so the 2 place that produce it are the mouth and nose. Doesn't take a genius to figure out if you cover the mouth and nose, infection would be greatly reduced.

[former player]

Love the Arnie picture.

This article suggests that a cough or sneeze from person infected with COVID-19 could transmit the virus up to 7 or 8 metres and that it could survive for some minutes -


Turbulent Gas Clouds and Respiratory Pathogen Emissions Potential Implications for Reducing Transmission of COVID-19 -

https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jama/fullarticle/2763852

Public transport, or any relatively crowded or high use area, is only going to be (even moderately) safe if everyone is required to wear face masks. 

[js82]

Love the Arnie picture.

This article suggests that a cough or sneeze from person infected with COVID-19 could transmit the virus up to 7 or 8 metres and that it could survive for some minutes -


Turbulent Gas Clouds and Respiratory Pathogen Emissions Potential Implications for Reducing Transmission of COVID-19 -

https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jama/fullarticle/2763852

Public transport, or any relatively crowded or high use area, is only going to be (even moderately) safe if everyone is required to wear face masks.

A lot of will be dependent upon the volume fraction of the cough/sneeze/exhalation that comes from large vs. small droplets.

Large droplets will generally crash into a mask and get stuck there.  It's the small, aerosol droplets that will A) generally follow the air flow through the gaps around the edges of a mask with an imperfect seal, and B) stay suspended in the air, with the possibility of extended travel.

I'd actually be really curious if any of these simulations will attempt to incorporate a mask-like object at some point.  Extremely non-trivial to simulate accurately, but given the relevance of the problem, probably well worth the effort.

[alex753]

I don't believe in masks at all, as with all health decisions and lifestyles they should be a personal choice for sure and not mandated by legislation.

[dresden]

I think requiring masks in stores is reasonable.  You aren't being forced to wear a mask as there are enough places providing essential services where you can get delivery or curbside pickup and stay in your car.

Opting out is fine but that doesn't give you the right to put everyone else at risk by shopping without a mask.  That's straight-up selfish behavior that will negatively impact our ability to recover from this.  Masks are worn to protect others not just yourself.  The biggest benefit is reducing the spread by people that don't realize they are sick.

[OtherJen]

I think requiring masks in stores is reasonable.  You aren't being forced to wear a mask as there are enough places providing essential services where you can get delivery or curbside pickup and stay in your car.

Opting out is fine but that doesn't give you the right to put everyone else at risk by shopping without a mask.  That's straight-up selfish behavior that will negatively impact our ability to recover from this.  Masks are worn to protect others not just yourself.  The biggest benefit is reducing the spread by people that don't realize they are sick.

And of course that all goes to shit here in the USA. Oklahoma city ends face mask rule for shoppers after store employees are threatened

I can't imagine that the stores will have any better luck enforcing a mask-mandatory policy when faced with an armed populace. Good luck, business owners and employees!

[maizefolk]

I don't believe in masks at all, as with all health decisions and lifestyles they should be a personal choice for sure and not mandated by legislation.

Are you also opposed to seat belt and vaccination laws?

[GuitarStv]

I don't understand why the people making threats about face mask laws are not currently incarcerated.  That would seem a better approach rather than allowing assholes to dictate a less safe environment for others.

[Kris]

A mob of the MAGA persuasion
Conducted a statehouse invasion
Though heavily armed
They parted unharmed
And that’s how you know they‘re Caucasian.
- Anonymous 2020

[OtherJen]

I don't understand why the people making threats about face mask laws are not currently incarcerated.  That would seem a better approach rather than allowing assholes to dictate a less safe environment for others.

Well, we can’t possibly inconvenience the assault rifle owners even slightly because MILITIA 2ND AMENDMENT FREEEDOM LIBETY (spelling taken from protest signs last week) MAGA!!1!1!1!

So the rest of us get to be terrorized and cowed into compliance because these white men with the emotional control of 2-year-olds are so afraid of their own shadows that they can’t leave their homes without being armed to the teeth. In contrast, I, a 5-foot-tall woman, don’t even own a gun and only started carrying pepper spray last year (because I was dealing with an actual stalker). Somehow I have survived nearly 42 years of grocery store trips in and around Detroit without needing a sidearm.

I don’t think they’ve figured out yet that they can’t shoot the virus.

[RetiredAt63]

I don't understand why the people making threats about face mask laws are not currently incarcerated.  That would seem a better approach rather than allowing assholes to dictate a less safe environment for others.

Well, we can’t possibly inconvenience the assault rifle owners even slightly because MILITIA 2ND AMENDMENT FREEEDOM LIBETY (spelling taken from protest signs last week) MAGA!!1!1!1!

So the rest of us get to be terrorized and cowed into compliance because these white men with the emotional control of 2-year-olds are so afraid of their own shadows that they can’t leave their homes without being armed to the teeth. In contrast, I, a 5-foot-tall woman, don’t even own a gun and only started carrying pepper spray last year (because I was dealing with an actual stalker). Somehow I have survived nearly 42 years of grocery store trips in and around Detroit without needing a sidearm.

I don’t think they’ve figured out yet that they can’t shoot the virus.

I've basically started a list of states not to visit, based on their fire arms law.  I'm Canadian, I'm polite, but I have no idea of how to interact with people who carry firearms in populated areas.  Open or hidden carry, long gun or hand gun, doesn't matter.

[alex753]

I don't believe in masks at all, as with all health decisions and lifestyles they should be a personal choice for sure and not mandated by legislation.

Are you also opposed to seat belt and vaccination laws?

No.  Seat belt laws are fine.  Vaccines IMO are probably fine and I have and would take them.  But people should still have a choice whether or not to comply with them. But the efficacy of masks and slippery paranoid psychological slope this virus is causing unnecessarily IMO is complete nonsense. 

[former player]

I don't believe in masks at all, as with all health decisions and lifestyles they should be a personal choice for sure and not mandated by legislation.

What does "I don't believe in masks" actually mean?  I understand "I don't believe in God", but substituting "masks" for "God" doesn't seem to connect to any reality I know.

[alex753]

I don't believe in masks at all, as with all health decisions and lifestyles they should be a personal choice for sure and not mandated by legislation.

What does "I don't believe in masks" actually mean?  I understand "I don't believe in God", but substituting "masks" for "God" doesn't seem to connect to any reality I know.

"Why aren't more American wearing masks in public."

I don't believe in making people wear masks in public.   

[RetiredAt63]

I don't believe in masks at all, as with all health decisions and lifestyles they should be a personal choice for sure and not mandated by legislation.

What does "I don't believe in masks" actually mean?  I understand "I don't believe in God", but substituting "masks" for "God" doesn't seem to connect to any reality I know.

"Why aren't more American wearing masks in public."

I don't believe in making people wear masks in public.

So how do I make you keep 2 meters away from me?  Walk around with a 2 meter pole with a pointed end?  And do you flee in terror when I sneeze towards you (allergies)?  Or would you like me to be wearing a mask?  I'll be wearing one anyway (my old N95 one)  because of people like you.

[OtherJen]

I don't believe in masks at all, as with all health decisions and lifestyles they should be a personal choice for sure and not mandated by legislation.

What does "I don't believe in masks" actually mean?  I understand "I don't believe in God", but substituting "masks" for "God" doesn't seem to connect to any reality I know.

Welcome to America. This is why we can't have nice things, like national healthcare or a coherent federal government response to a global pandemic.

[alex753]

I don't believe in masks at all, as with all health decisions and lifestyles they should be a personal choice for sure and not mandated by legislation.

What does "I don't believe in masks" actually mean?  I understand "I don't believe in God", but substituting "masks" for "God" doesn't seem to connect to any reality I know.

"Why aren't more American wearing masks in public."

I don't believe in making people wear masks in public.

So how do I make you keep 2 meters away from me?  Walk around with a 2 meter pole with a pointed end?  And do you flee in terror when I sneeze towards you (allergies)?  Or would you like me to be wearing a mask?  I'll be wearing one anyway (my old N95 one)  because of people like you.

No offense, but IMO you are paranoid. 

[OtherJen]

I don't believe in masks at all, as with all health decisions and lifestyles they should be a personal choice for sure and not mandated by legislation.

What does "I don't believe in masks" actually mean?  I understand "I don't believe in God", but substituting "masks" for "God" doesn't seem to connect to any reality I know.

"Why aren't more American wearing masks in public."

I don't believe in making people wear masks in public.

So how do I make you keep 2 meters away from me?  Walk around with a 2 meter pole with a pointed end?  And do you flee in terror when I sneeze towards you (allergies)?  Or would you like me to be wearing a mask?  I'll be wearing one anyway (my old N95 one)  because of people like you.

No offense, but IMO you are paranoid.

Except they aren't, given that we're in the middle of a global infectious disease pandemic. You seem poorly informed.

[erutio]

Ironically, the venn diagram of those who "don't believe in masks at all, as with all health decisions and lifestyles they should be a personal choice" overlaps heavily with people who believe those same personal choices on health decisions and lifestyles to not extend to pregnant women.

[alex753]

I don't believe in masks at all, as with all health decisions and lifestyles they should be a personal choice for sure and not mandated by legislation.

What does "I don't believe in masks" actually mean?  I understand "I don't believe in God", but substituting "masks" for "God" doesn't seem to connect to any reality I know.

"Why aren't more American wearing masks in public."

I don't believe in making people wear masks in public.

So how do I make you keep 2 meters away from me?  Walk around with a 2 meter pole with a pointed end?  And do you flee in terror when I sneeze towards you (allergies)?  Or would you like me to be wearing a mask?  I'll be wearing one anyway (my old N95 one)  because of people like you.

No offense, but IMO you are paranoid.

Except they aren't, given that we're in the middle of a global infectious disease pandemic. You seem poorly informed.

Again, it seems you too may be paranoid.  And I mean this in a very respectful manner.  The vast vast majority of people infected will be totally fine.  If you think you are personally vulnerable then you can take precautions that match your beliefs.

[OtherJen]

I don't believe in masks at all, as with all health decisions and lifestyles they should be a personal choice for sure and not mandated by legislation.

What does "I don't believe in masks" actually mean?  I understand "I don't believe in God", but substituting "masks" for "God" doesn't seem to connect to any reality I know.

"Why aren't more American wearing masks in public."

I don't believe in making people wear masks in public.

So how do I make you keep 2 meters away from me?  Walk around with a 2 meter pole with a pointed end?  And do you flee in terror when I sneeze towards you (allergies)?  Or would you like me to be wearing a mask?  I'll be wearing one anyway (my old N95 one)  because of people like you.

No offense, but IMO you are paranoid.

Except they aren't, given that we're in the middle of a global infectious disease pandemic. You seem poorly informed.

Again, it seems you too may be paranoid.  And I mean this in a very respectful manner.  The vast vast majority of people infected will be totally fine.  If you think you are personally vulnerable then you can take precautions that match your beliefs.

I mean, I have a doctorate in immunology and review/edit medical literature as my chosen profession. You're aware that even younger "healthy" people who don't develop severe pulmonary effects are presenting with clotting disorders, right? And that people who develop only mild symptoms can easily shed the virus to people who may be vulnerable? This is not the flu and anyone who tells you that it is has lied to you, flat out. Sorry to burst your bubble.

[RetiredAt63]

I don't believe in masks at all, as with all health decisions and lifestyles they should be a personal choice for sure and not mandated by legislation.

What does "I don't believe in masks" actually mean?  I understand "I don't believe in God", but substituting "masks" for "God" doesn't seem to connect to any reality I know.

"Why aren't more American wearing masks in public."

I don't believe in making people wear masks in public.

So how do I make you keep 2 meters away from me?  Walk around with a 2 meter pole with a pointed end?  And do you flee in terror when I sneeze towards you (allergies)?  Or would you like me to be wearing a mask?  I'll be wearing one anyway (my old N95 one)  because of people like you.

No offense, but IMO you are paranoid.

Except they aren't, given that we're in the middle of a global infectious disease pandemic. You seem poorly informed.

Right, I'm paranoid.  I'm over 65, I had pneumonia several years ago and have mild asthma, so who knows what shape my lungs are in.  There are 1,483 known cases and 92 deaths in my city.  372 new cases this week, 63 new cases and 14 deaths in today's update (i.e. reported for yesterday).  Most things are closed down, everyone is practicing social distancing, my Costco now expects everyone to wear masks, my grocery stores have all sorts of measures in place for social distancing and disinfection, and my apartment complex has shut down all common areas (required by the province).  And we are not having mass protests.

Good thing you don't live here.

[maizefolk]

I don't believe in masks at all, as with all health decisions and lifestyles they should be a personal choice for sure and not mandated by legislation.

Are you also opposed to seat belt and vaccination laws?

No.  Seat belt laws are fine.  Vaccines IMO are probably fine and I have and would take them.  But people should still have a choice whether or not to comply with them. But the efficacy of masks and slippery paranoid psychological slope this virus is causing unnecessarily IMO is complete nonsense.

Okay, that's a separate discussion.

So you agree that the government can pass laws to require people to do things to protect themselves and others (seatbelt laws), it's just that you aren't convinced that we have enough evidence masks do in fact protect people?

[alex753]

I don't believe in masks at all, as with all health decisions and lifestyles they should be a personal choice for sure and not mandated by legislation.

What does "I don't believe in masks" actually mean?  I understand "I don't believe in God", but substituting "masks" for "God" doesn't seem to connect to any reality I know.

"Why aren't more American wearing masks in public."

I don't believe in making people wear masks in public.

So how do I make you keep 2 meters away from me?  Walk around with a 2 meter pole with a pointed end?  And do you flee in terror when I sneeze towards you (allergies)?  Or would you like me to be wearing a mask?  I'll be wearing one anyway (my old N95 one)  because of people like you.

No offense, but IMO you are paranoid.

Except they aren't, given that we're in the middle of a global infectious disease pandemic. You seem poorly informed.

Again, it seems you too may be paranoid.  And I mean this in a very respectful manner.  The vast vast majority of people infected will be totally fine.  If you think you are personally vulnerable then you can take precautions that match your beliefs.

I mean, I have a doctorate in immunology and review/edit medical literature as my chosen profession. You're aware that even younger "healthy" people who don't develop severe pulmonary effects are presenting with clotting disorders, right? And that people who develop only mild symptoms can easily shed the virus to people who may be vulnerable? This is not the flu and anyone who tells you that it is has lied to you, flat out. Sorry to burst your bubble.

But there are other PhD's in immunology who disagree with you about the response to this virus.

[OtherJen]

I don't believe in masks at all, as with all health decisions and lifestyles they should be a personal choice for sure and not mandated by legislation.

What does "I don't believe in masks" actually mean?  I understand "I don't believe in God", but substituting "masks" for "God" doesn't seem to connect to any reality I know.

"Why aren't more American wearing masks in public."

I don't believe in making people wear masks in public.

So how do I make you keep 2 meters away from me?  Walk around with a 2 meter pole with a pointed end?  And do you flee in terror when I sneeze towards you (allergies)?  Or would you like me to be wearing a mask?  I'll be wearing one anyway (my old N95 one)  because of people like you.

No offense, but IMO you are paranoid.

Except they aren't, given that we're in the middle of a global infectious disease pandemic. You seem poorly informed.

Again, it seems you too may be paranoid.  And I mean this in a very respectful manner.  The vast vast majority of people infected will be totally fine.  If you think you are personally vulnerable then you can take precautions that match your beliefs.

I mean, I have a doctorate in immunology and review/edit medical literature as my chosen profession. You're aware that even younger "healthy" people who don't develop severe pulmonary effects are presenting with clotting disorders, right? And that people who develop only mild symptoms can easily shed the virus to people who may be vulnerable? This is not the flu and anyone who tells you that it is has lied to you, flat out. Sorry to burst your bubble.

But there are other PhD's in immunology who disagree with you about the response to this virus.

As far as I've read, the current consensus is that wearing masks in indoor public settings and in crowded places is smart policy, particularly to reduce spread from asymptomatic carriers. Scientists/clinicians have conflicting opinions regarding the need for masks in, say, outdoor settings.

I'll keep wearing my mask at the grocery store because this isn't all about me and my personal preferences. I live in a society, and my actions may affect others. It amazes me how many people don't understand this.

[alex753]

I don't believe in masks at all, as with all health decisions and lifestyles they should be a personal choice for sure and not mandated by legislation.

What does "I don't believe in masks" actually mean?  I understand "I don't believe in God", but substituting "masks" for "God" doesn't seem to connect to any reality I know.

"Why aren't more American wearing masks in public."

I don't believe in making people wear masks in public.

So how do I make you keep 2 meters away from me?  Walk around with a 2 meter pole with a pointed end?  And do you flee in terror when I sneeze towards you (allergies)?  Or would you like me to be wearing a mask?  I'll be wearing one anyway (my old N95 one)  because of people like you.

No offense, but IMO you are paranoid.

Except they aren't, given that we're in the middle of a global infectious disease pandemic. You seem poorly informed.

Again, it seems you too may be paranoid.  And I mean this in a very respectful manner.  The vast vast majority of people infected will be totally fine.  If you think you are personally vulnerable then you can take precautions that match your beliefs.

I mean, I have a doctorate in immunology and review/edit medical literature as my chosen profession. You're aware that even younger "healthy" people who don't develop severe pulmonary effects are presenting with clotting disorders, right? And that people who develop only mild symptoms can easily shed the virus to people who may be vulnerable? This is not the flu and anyone who tells you that it is has lied to you, flat out. Sorry to burst your bubble.

But there are other PhD's in immunology who disagree with you about the response to this virus.

As far as I've read, the current consensus is that wearing masks in indoor public settings and in crowded places is smart policy, particularly to reduce spread from asymptomatic carriers. Scientists/clinicians have conflicting opinions regarding the need for masks in, say, outdoor settings.

I'll keep wearing my mask at the grocery store because this isn't all about me and my personal preferences. I live in a society, and my actions may affect others. It amazes me how many people don't understand this.

I understand you are trying to help other people by wearing a mask.  But if you are contagious and asymptomatic you may well have it on you hands as well as other places and spread it.  I am for helping other people but we are really playing whack a mole trying to contain this virus.   

[OtherJen]

I don't believe in masks at all, as with all health decisions and lifestyles they should be a personal choice for sure and not mandated by legislation.

What does "I don't believe in masks" actually mean?  I understand "I don't believe in God", but substituting "masks" for "God" doesn't seem to connect to any reality I know.

"Why aren't more American wearing masks in public."

I don't believe in making people wear masks in public.

So how do I make you keep 2 meters away from me?  Walk around with a 2 meter pole with a pointed end?  And do you flee in terror when I sneeze towards you (allergies)?  Or would you like me to be wearing a mask?  I'll be wearing one anyway (my old N95 one)  because of people like you.

No offense, but IMO you are paranoid.

Except they aren't, given that we're in the middle of a global infectious disease pandemic. You seem poorly informed.

Again, it seems you too may be paranoid.  And I mean this in a very respectful manner.  The vast vast majority of people infected will be totally fine.  If you think you are personally vulnerable then you can take precautions that match your beliefs.

I mean, I have a doctorate in immunology and review/edit medical literature as my chosen profession. You're aware that even younger "healthy" people who don't develop severe pulmonary effects are presenting with clotting disorders, right? And that people who develop only mild symptoms can easily shed the virus to people who may be vulnerable? This is not the flu and anyone who tells you that it is has lied to you, flat out. Sorry to burst your bubble.

But there are other PhD's in immunology who disagree with you about the response to this virus.

As far as I've read, the current consensus is that wearing masks in indoor public settings and in crowded places is smart policy, particularly to reduce spread from asymptomatic carriers. Scientists/clinicians have conflicting opinions regarding the need for masks in, say, outdoor settings.

I'll keep wearing my mask at the grocery store because this isn't all about me and my personal preferences. I live in a society, and my actions may affect others. It amazes me how many people don't understand this.

I understand you are trying to help other people by wearing a mask.  But if you are contagious and asymptomatic you may well have it on you hands as well as other places and spread it.  I am for helping other people but we are really playing whack a mole trying to contain this virus.

Hence the handwashing, hand sanitizer, and disinfectant wipes that I also use. It's really not that inconvenient to help other people. I am out of patience with people who claim otherwise.

[Dancin'Dog]

I don't believe in masks at all, as with all health decisions and lifestyles they should be a personal choice for sure and not mandated by legislation.

What does "I don't believe in masks" actually mean?  I understand "I don't believe in God", but substituting "masks" for "God" doesn't seem to connect to any reality I know.

"Why aren't more American wearing masks in public."

I don't believe in making people wear masks in public.

So how do I make you keep 2 meters away from me?  Walk around with a 2 meter pole with a pointed end?  And do you flee in terror when I sneeze towards you (allergies)?  Or would you like me to be wearing a mask?  I'll be wearing one anyway (my old N95 one)  because of people like you.

No offense, but IMO you are paranoid.

Except they aren't, given that we're in the middle of a global infectious disease pandemic. You seem poorly informed.

Again, it seems you too may be paranoid.  And I mean this in a very respectful manner.  The vast vast majority of people infected will be totally fine.  If you think you are personally vulnerable then you can take precautions that match your beliefs.

MAGA!! 

[alex753]

I don't believe in masks at all, as with all health decisions and lifestyles they should be a personal choice for sure and not mandated by legislation.

What does "I don't believe in masks" actually mean?  I understand "I don't believe in God", but substituting "masks" for "God" doesn't seem to connect to any reality I know.

"Why aren't more American wearing masks in public."

I don't believe in making people wear masks in public.

So how do I make you keep 2 meters away from me?  Walk around with a 2 meter pole with a pointed end?  And do you flee in terror when I sneeze towards you (allergies)?  Or would you like me to be wearing a mask?  I'll be wearing one anyway (my old N95 one)  because of people like you.

No offense, but IMO you are paranoid.

Except they aren't, given that we're in the middle of a global infectious disease pandemic. You seem poorly informed.

Again, it seems you too may be paranoid.  And I mean this in a very respectful manner.  The vast vast majority of people infected will be totally fine.  If you think you are personally vulnerable then you can take precautions that match your beliefs.

I mean, I have a doctorate in immunology and review/edit medical literature as my chosen profession. You're aware that even younger "healthy" people who don't develop severe pulmonary effects are presenting with clotting disorders, right? And that people who develop only mild symptoms can easily shed the virus to people who may be vulnerable? This is not the flu and anyone who tells you that it is has lied to you, flat out. Sorry to burst your bubble.

But there are other PhD's in immunology who disagree with you about the response to this virus.

As far as I've read, the current consensus is that wearing masks in indoor public settings and in crowded places is smart policy, particularly to reduce spread from asymptomatic carriers. Scientists/clinicians have conflicting opinions regarding the need for masks in, say, outdoor settings.

I'll keep wearing my mask at the grocery store because this isn't all about me and my personal preferences. I live in a society, and my actions may affect others. It amazes me how many people don't understand this.

I understand you are trying to help other people by wearing a mask.  But if you are contagious and asymptomatic you may well have it on you hands as well as other places and spread it.  I am for helping other people but we are really playing whack a mole trying to contain this virus.

Hence the handwashing, hand sanitizer, and disinfectant wipes that I also use. It's really not that inconvenient to help other people. I am out of patience with people who claim otherwise.

You're proving my whack a mole theory with your list of tasks. We're isolating the very people who need to catch wild Covid, so that the vulnerable will be less likely to die. Let the healthy contract and build herd immunity.  Engineering a bubble society is a losing proposition.  Now every time the media says virus the paranoid will freak out.  The damage is already done, IMO. 

How many Covid success stories have you seen in the media? 

[RetiredAt63]

I don't believe in masks at all, as with all health decisions and lifestyles they should be a personal choice for sure and not mandated by legislation.

What does "I don't believe in masks" actually mean?  I understand "I don't believe in God", but substituting "masks" for "God" doesn't seem to connect to any reality I know.

"Why aren't more American wearing masks in public."

I don't believe in making people wear masks in public.

So how do I make you keep 2 meters away from me?  Walk around with a 2 meter pole with a pointed end?  And do you flee in terror when I sneeze towards you (allergies)?  Or would you like me to be wearing a mask?  I'll be wearing one anyway (my old N95 one)  because of people like you.

No offense, but IMO you are paranoid.

Except they aren't, given that we're in the middle of a global infectious disease pandemic. You seem poorly informed.

Again, it seems you too may be paranoid.  And I mean this in a very respectful manner.  The vast vast majority of people infected will be totally fine.  If you think you are personally vulnerable then you can take precautions that match your beliefs.

Oh good, I can walk around with my 2 metre pole with the point on the end and jab you if you get too close.  After all, I will be behaving according to your instruction.

[OtherJen]

I don't believe in masks at all, as with all health decisions and lifestyles they should be a personal choice for sure and not mandated by legislation.

What does "I don't believe in masks" actually mean?  I understand "I don't believe in God", but substituting "masks" for "God" doesn't seem to connect to any reality I know.

"Why aren't more American wearing masks in public."

I don't believe in making people wear masks in public.

So how do I make you keep 2 meters away from me?  Walk around with a 2 meter pole with a pointed end?  And do you flee in terror when I sneeze towards you (allergies)?  Or would you like me to be wearing a mask?  I'll be wearing one anyway (my old N95 one)  because of people like you.

No offense, but IMO you are paranoid.

Except they aren't, given that we're in the middle of a global infectious disease pandemic. You seem poorly informed.

Again, it seems you too may be paranoid.  And I mean this in a very respectful manner.  The vast vast majority of people infected will be totally fine.  If you think you are personally vulnerable then you can take precautions that match your beliefs.

I mean, I have a doctorate in immunology and review/edit medical literature as my chosen profession. You're aware that even younger "healthy" people who don't develop severe pulmonary effects are presenting with clotting disorders, right? And that people who develop only mild symptoms can easily shed the virus to people who may be vulnerable? This is not the flu and anyone who tells you that it is has lied to you, flat out. Sorry to burst your bubble.

But there are other PhD's in immunology who disagree with you about the response to this virus.

As far as I've read, the current consensus is that wearing masks in indoor public settings and in crowded places is smart policy, particularly to reduce spread from asymptomatic carriers. Scientists/clinicians have conflicting opinions regarding the need for masks in, say, outdoor settings.

I'll keep wearing my mask at the grocery store because this isn't all about me and my personal preferences. I live in a society, and my actions may affect others. It amazes me how many people don't understand this.

I understand you are trying to help other people by wearing a mask.  But if you are contagious and asymptomatic you may well have it on you hands as well as other places and spread it.  I am for helping other people but we are really playing whack a mole trying to contain this virus.

Hence the handwashing, hand sanitizer, and disinfectant wipes that I also use. It's really not that inconvenient to help other people. I am out of patience with people who claim otherwise.

You're proving my whack a mole theory with your list of tasks. We're isolating the very people who need to catch wild Covid, so that the vulnerable will be less likely to die. Let the healthy contract and build herd immunity.  Engineering a bubble society is a losing proposition.  Now every time the media says virus the paranoid will freak out.  The damage is already done, IMO. 

How many Covid success stories have you seen in the media?

Do you mean success stories in terms of reducing transmission? Here in metro Detroit, the FEMA field hospital never reached the expected capacity because people took the threat seriously and stayed home. Our case numbers are now increasing at a much slower rate than those of more rural areas that downplayed the initial stay home orders.

If wearing a mask while in indoor public places and washing your hands to protect others is too much inconvenience for you, then I don’t think we have much in common or much else to say to each other.