Coronavirus pandemic

[US71]

Fayetteville, Arkansas passed an ordinance requiring anyone outside in public should shall be wearing a mask. Arkansas Governor Asa Hutchinson has declared that cities can't have stricter rules than the state (which recommends masks, but does not require them.)

Masks don't need to be required when just going out for a walk.

I think you missed the point.

[formulanone]

I still can't believe there's areas of the country where mask wearing hasn't become the norm.

For a while there, some people trotted out some excuse why they couldn't wear one when they saw you wear one. Now, I don't even hear excuses. I guess people just stopped caring for others because whatever excuse they want to believe is the one they'll run with. Some people have to make a living, I suppose...and so do I. But that was part of the social contract: if you want things to be open again, you have to shoulder some public responsibility. And whenever you have to rely on that R-word in a public sense, it falls apart when too many aim for the margins and bend limits as much as possible. Everyone's a snowflake now, even those who deem others frosty bits of precipitation or nutjobs when it's something they don't believe in.

Most people that I see wearing them consistently seem to be "at work", or are genuinely concerned. Masks are less-common sights in some of the more rural or small-town places I've traveled to. I've been to Selma, Alabama and probably 70-75% of the folks I met and customers I saw were wearing masks, a slightly higher percentage in Atlanta, back to a little less in Cairo-Paducah-Sikeston, and next to none out here in the north-eastern corner of Louisiana. But in my area of Huntsville, it's really hit-or-miss...maybe 80-90% of people wore them two months ago, and my estimates have dropped to less than half in stores, and almost nobody in my neighborhood when the food trucks come out and everyone (else) starts socializing.

My co-workers aren't even all that good at staying six feet apart, and it's not as if it's their first time out of the house since March. Figure it out, I don't want to go to a restaurant for an hour, I don't want to sit next to someone who travels as much as I do and is the loudest (and most-expelling) one in the room, I try to go to the store 30 minutes before closing to minimize my impacts on others. I'm not going to be 100% free from this, I understand that. But every reasonable chance at reduction counts for something. If I get it, I'll survive...but I think there's others who might not. It pains me to see older folks out there in this maelstrom and I honestly tend to feel a little guilty for my actions.

[J N Winkler]

I still can't believe there's areas of the country where mask wearing hasn't become the norm.

For a while there, some people trotted out some excuse why they couldn't wear one when they saw you wear one. Now, I don't even hear excuses. I guess people just stopped caring for others because whatever excuse they want to believe is the one they'll run with. Some people have to make a living, I suppose...and so do I. But that was part of the social contract: if you want things to be open again, you have to shoulder some public responsibility. And whenever you have to rely on that R-word in a public sense, it falls apart when too many aim for the margins and bend limits as much as possible. Everyone's a snowflake now, even those who deem others frosty bits of precipitation or nutjobs when it's something they don't believe in.

In my local area, mask wearing is only a recommendation, and it is one that is followed by half of the population at best.  Few members of the county commission wear masks even though the advice is given in their name (as the local health board).

I confess I started wearing a mask comparatively late, about three weeks after the CDC recommended cloth face coverings.  I dismissed the don't-tread-on-me argument right away.  My initial reluctance had more to do with a sense that social distancing was the gold standard and wearing a mask might amount to a perverse incentive not to maintain it.  Eventually I realized that many people are just inept at maintaining a six-foot space bubble, faces covered or not, and let the decision to wear a mask be driven by the benefits of modelling pro-social behavior.

As the pandemic has worn on and we have entered the current false dawn of reopening, I have become slapdash.  I basically reuse a medical mask and keep it in my car trunk so I can pull it on when I park and pull it off when I am about to leave.  When I am grocery shopping, I no longer wait for people to clear out of my bubble before I pick up what I need.  I never used hand sanitizer, and still don't, though I generally try to ensure I wash my hands once I am back at home, and haven't used a public bathroom at all since March (toilets are excellent at aerosolizing germs).

[webny99]

Fayetteville, Arkansas passed an ordinance requiring anyone outside in public should shall be wearing a mask. Arkansas Governor Asa Hutchinson has declared that cities can't have stricter rules than the state (which recommends masks, but does not require them.)

Masks don't need to be required when just going out for a walk.

I think you missed the point.

I guess the state wins, so it doesn't matter what Fayetteville says.

[webny99]

I've been to Selma, Alabama and probably 70-75% of the folks I met and customers I saw were wearing masks, a slightly higher percentage in Atlanta, back to a little less in Cairo-Paducah-Sikeston, and next to none out here in the north-eastern corner of Louisiana. But in my area of Huntsville, it's really hit-or-miss...maybe 80-90% of people wore them two months ago, and my estimates have dropped to less than half in stores ...

In my local area, mask wearing is only a recommendation, and it is one that is followed by half of the population at best.  Few members of the county commission wear masks even though the advice is given in their name (as the local health board).

Interesting! Around here, you get seriously funny looks for not wearing a mask in indoor public places. Everyone requires it: grocery stores, convenience stores, banks, restaurants (while not eating), clothing stores now that they've reopened, etc. And people have been pretty good about abiding by it, too. In my last trip to the grocery store I saw a grand total of 2 people without masks in the store, and they were getting a lot of funny looks - including from me, because I just couldn't help but notice. I should note that I'm currently in a suburban area. I imagine the rate of mask wearing is lower in both the inner city and rural areas.

I basically reuse a medical mask and keep it in my car trunk so I can pull it on when I park and pull it off when I am about to leave.

A lot of people in this area keep them handy in the front of their vehicle. Probably at least 1/4 - 1/3 of cars will have one or more masks hanging from the internal rearview mirror. I keep a small stash in the glovebox.

[Duke87]

I can see a clear north-south divide here and also an east-west divide. Always knew this was the best region of the country...

What I find interesting about this chart is that Maine is only in the yellow.

Could it be that while they're mandating 14 day quarantining for out-of-state residents, they're giving their own residents a free pass.  This free pass means after they've travelled, they're going out on the town infecting each other.

I think this is simply a consequence of what the colors actually mean: they say nothing about the current number of cases in a state, only about whether they are clearly increasing (red), more or less holding steady (yellow) or clearly decreasing (green).

Maine is yellow because it never had that many cases to begin with. It's holding steady at a low number. It can't be green no matter what it does since it doesn't have a large caseload to decrease from.

Meanwhile states like Vermont and Hawaii get colored red for going from having had basically no cases recently to now having a small handful. Still not a lot, but it's an upward trend.

[Max Rockatansky]

I visited Yosemite National Park today after I book a reservation for Day Use.  The Park Staff was wearing masks at the attendant booths but really there wasn't much different aside all the campgrounds being closed down.  Yosemite on the whole was open 5 AM to 11 PM for Day use but I'm to understand that's pretty easy to get around by way of applying for a Wilderness Permit.  There was a large amount of people taking advantage of the ease of getting Wilderness Permits at Hetch Hetchy of all places.  The traffic volume was pretty nominal for this time of year and I could have parked directly in front of the Yosemite Falls Trailheads at 10 AM if so desired.

[Scott5114]

I had a customer argue with me at work on Monday because I wouldn't serve him without him putting his mask on (he preferred to wear it around his neck). Company policy is that face masks must be on unless the customer is eating, drinking, or smoking. His reason for not wanting to wear a mask was because COVID-19 is fake and I shouldn't watch the news so much.

One of my coworkers went home halfway through Saturday night's shift with sudden onset of what could be covid symptoms (muscle soreness, shortness of breath). I'm alarmed because he came over to my house Thursday afternoon, so it's likely that if he has it, I do too.

My coworker notified me that he received his test results today–negative, so I am in the clear...for the time being...

[webny99]

His reason for not wanting to wear a mask was because COVID-19 is fake and I shouldn't watch the news so much.

Obviously, we know who's the one getting the fake news, but I can't put too much blame on people in areas that haven't been hit badly yet for conceiving the idea that it's overhyped. That will all change if/when there's actually a bad outbreak in your area, though.

And it's also why I think it will end up being an advantage to have been hit hard earlier on - there's a lot less naysayers and generally a lot more compliance with government recommendations, reducing not only confrontational interactions like you had, but also the likelihood of a bad second or third wave.

[1995hoo]

I had a customer argue with me at work on Monday because I wouldn't serve him without him putting his mask on (he preferred to wear it around his neck). Company policy is that face masks must be on unless the customer is eating, drinking, or smoking. His reason for not wanting to wear a mask was because COVID-19 is fake and I shouldn't watch the news so much.

....

So what was the result of the argument?

[CNGL-Leudimin]

I don't wear a mask unless absolutely necessary (i.e. if I enter a shop to buy something). Outside I prefer to keep distance with everyone and besides that I wear glasses and I don't want them to become foggy.

[kphoger]

I don't even hear excuses. I guess people just stopped caring for others

That's such a crock.  When the swine flu was going around, I assume you didn't claim that people "stopped caring for others" because they walked around without masks on.  But now suddenly, because there's something going around that's worse than the swine flu, you feel justified in claiming that.  Not wearing a mask doesn't mean someone "stopped caring for others".  It just means they don't think it's necessary.

In my local area, mask wearing is only a recommendation, and it is one that is followed by half of the population at best. 

Indeed.  As I've already mentioned up-thread, I've even had a restaurant waitress without a mask serve my wife and me on a date.  Day before yesterday, I noticed that none of the gas station convenience store attendants were wearing masks when my family took a walk over there to buy snacks.  Around here, mask wearing has never been ubiquitous.

Around here, you get seriously funny looks for not wearing a mask in indoor public places. Everyone requires it: grocery stores, convenience stores, banks, restaurants (while not eating), clothing stores now that they've reopened, etc.

I've only been to one business that required a mask, and that was a store that has seriously crowded aisles and shoppers in very close proximity.  If ever there were store that should require them, that store is the one.

So far, I've worn a mask a total of three times, and the other two times were at a grocery store that has a sign on the door saying to "please" wear masks.  But I don't think it's actually required, and I've seen plenty of people in the store not wearing masks without any hubbub from the staff.

I don't recall anyone ever giving me a "seriously funny" look for not wearing a mask.  It's completely normal around here to not wear one.

I don't wear a mask unless absolutely necessary

Same here.  If a store requires it, then I'll comply.  Otherwise I don't.

[SEWIGuy]

I don't even hear excuses. I guess people just stopped caring for others

That's such a crock.  When the swine flu was going around, I assume you didn't claim that people "stopped caring for others" because they walked around without masks on.  But now suddenly, because there's something going around that's worse than the swine flu, you feel justified in claiming that.  Not wearing a mask doesn't mean someone "stopped caring for others".  It just means they don't think it's necessary.

In my local area, mask wearing is only a recommendation, and it is one that is followed by half of the population at best. 

Indeed.  As I've already mentioned up-thread, I've even had a restaurant waitress without a mask serve my wife and me on a date.  Day before yesterday, I noticed that none of the gas station convenience store attendants were wearing masks when my family took a walk over there to buy snacks.  Around here, mask wearing has never been ubiquitous.

Around here, you get seriously funny looks for not wearing a mask in indoor public places. Everyone requires it: grocery stores, convenience stores, banks, restaurants (while not eating), clothing stores now that they've reopened, etc.

I've only been to one business that required a mask, and that was a store that has seriously crowded aisles and shoppers in very close proximity.  If ever there were store that should require them, that store is the one.

So far, I've worn a mask a total of three times, and the other two times were at a grocery store that has a sign on the door saying to "please" wear masks.  But I don't think it's actually required, and I've seen plenty of people in the store not wearing masks without any hubbub from the staff.

I don't recall anyone ever giving me a "seriously funny" look for not wearing a mask.  It's completely normal around here to not wear one.

I don't wear a mask unless absolutely necessary

Same here.  If a store requires it, then I'll comply.  Otherwise I don't.

It's necessary to help stop the spread of the disease.  If you don't comply in situations where spread is more easilly occurred, yet is not required, you're selfish.  Period.

You care more about your comfort than the fact that you may be spreading a deadly disease.  That is the definition of selfish.

[kphoger]

Period.

Oh.  I was going to disagree.  But then I saw you typed "Period".  That means any position I take is invalid.  And you're right and I'm wrong.

OK, snark aside...

It's necessary to help stop the spread of the disease. 

1.  I think the benefit of wearing masks in controlling the spread of the disease is overrated.

2.  What you said is true of every communicable respiratory illness, such as influenza.  Why is it selfish to not wear a mask during one outbreak but not selfish during a different outbreak?  You've drawn a line and decided that everyone who draws the line in a different spot than you is a bad person.

[kalvado]

That's such a crock.  When the swine flu was going around, I assume you didn't claim that people "stopped caring for others" because they walked around without masks on.  But now suddenly, because there's something going around that's worse than the swine flu, you feel justified in claiming that.  Not wearing a mask doesn't mean someone "stopped caring for others".  It just means they don't think it's necessary.

Just touching a hot topic...
When slavery was going around in 1800, I assume you didn't claim that people "stopped caring for others" because they owned slaves.  But in 1860s suddenly, because there's something going around, people feel justified in claiming that.  Owning a slave in 1800 doesn't mean someone "stopped caring for others".  It just means they don't think it's an issue. Fast forward to 2020 - well, it was a shame even in 1800!

I bet masks for even minor cold and in flu season would become the norm.

[jeffandnicole]

I bet masks for even minor cold and in flu season would become the norm.

In some other countries, wearing masks all the time or during certain seasons is the norm. We may see that happen here and other countries as well, since the stigma of wearing masks in public is gone. No longer does it represent the look of a bank robber!

[kphoger]

I've been back at the office for six weeks now.  I haven't seen a single person here–management, co-workers, field techs, applicants, delivery drivers–wear a face mask in the building.

I suppose that means that every single one of us has stopped caring for others.

[MikieTimT]

I've been back at the office for six weeks now.  I haven't seen a single person here–management, co-workers, field techs, applicants, delivery drivers–wear a face mask in the building.

I suppose that means that every single one of us has stopped caring for others.

No, it just means that as a business, you just want to get this crap over with and move on to make a living.

[webny99]

I don't recall anyone ever giving me a "seriously funny" look for not wearing a mask.  It's completely normal around here to not wear one.

I find it truly fascinating that I could drive halfway across the country and there would be a totally different attitude towards the virus, with mask wearing being a microcosm of that. It almost starts to feel like the US is functioning as 50 individual countries right now.

And yet, with travel being restricted, I can't just go around as I please and see for myself what it's like on the ground in other states. It's all left up to the imagination except what you see on the news, learn from friends and family, or learn on a forum like this one.

I haven't seen a single person here–management, co-workers, field techs, applicants, delivery drivers–wear a face mask in the building.

Where I work we are able to social distance pretty effectively, so there's not much - but still some - mask wearing by employees. Also, some employees are still working from home, primarily those that are elderly or otherwise high-risk. However, delivery drivers absolutely wear masks. Customers would expect to, as well, and most do.

[SEWIGuy]

Period.

Oh.  I was going to disagree.  But then I saw you typed "Period".  That means any position I take is invalid.  And you're right and I'm wrong.

OK, snark aside...

It's necessary to help stop the spread of the disease. 

1.  I think the benefit of wearing masks in controlling the spread of the disease is overrated.

2.  What you said is true of every communicable respiratory illness, such as influenza.  Why is it selfish to not wear a mask during one outbreak but not selfish during a different outbreak?  You've drawn a line and decided that everyone who draws the line in a different spot than you is a bad person.

1. You're wrong.  I can't provide links where experts say that, but you will ignore them because you want an excuse to be selfish.

2. This is deadlier.  And a significant number of experts didn't call for it then.

I've been back at the office for six weeks now.  I haven't seen a single person here–management, co-workers, field techs, applicants, delivery drivers–wear a face mask in the building.

I suppose that means that every single one of us has stopped caring for others.

If they aren't masking in their personal workspace, they most certainly do not.  You seemingly work with selfish people. I guess you fit in well.   

[SEWIGuy]

I've been back at the office for six weeks now.  I haven't seen a single person here–management, co-workers, field techs, applicants, delivery drivers–wear a face mask in the building.

I suppose that means that every single one of us has stopped caring for others.

No, it just means that as a business, you just want to get this crap over with and move on to make a living.

"Getting this crap over with" isn't going to happen any faster or slower by wearing a mask.  And you can still make a living and wear a mask at work.  It isn't mutually exclusive.

[kphoger]

And yet, with travel being restricted, I can't just go around as I please and see for myself what it's like on the ground in other states. It's all left up to the imagination except what you see on the news, learn from friends and family, or learn on a forum like this one.

What do you mean, travel is restricted?  My good friends just got back from a family vacation to Wyoming.  My sister and her husband have been down at least once from Iowa to visit.  Not everything's necessarily open, but what restrictions are keeping you from going to another state?

[bandit957]

I find it truly fascinating that I could drive halfway across the country and there would be a totally different attitude towards the virus, with mask wearing being a microcosm of that. It almost starts to feel like the US is functioning as 50 individual countries right now.

I'm on the "LockdownSkepticism" board on Reddit, and attitudes in most of the country are pretty much the same. Someone said they live in Queens, which was the epicenter, and hardly anyone wears masks.

I have a family member who just went to the Detroit area, and they said masks are even less common there than they are here, even though Detroit was hit hard for a while. And masks aren't even common here.

[kphoger]

1. You're wrong.  I can't provide links where experts say that, but you will ignore them because you want an excuse to be selfish.

2. This is deadlier.  And a significant number of experts didn't call for it then.

I didn't say that masks don't help reduce transmission.  What I said is that I think the benefit is overrated.  Transmission in the absence of symptoms is significantly lower than first assumed.  Expert recommendations for mask wearing generally include a phrase similar to "where social distancing is not possible", and the recommendations are stronger for situations in which people are likely to raise their voice–situations that are rare for me to encounter, even in a grocery store.

[webny99]

If they aren't masking in their personal workspace, they most certainly do not.  You seemingly work with selfish people. I guess you fit in well.

Give me a break. Masks are not really needed in workplaces that aren't open to the public. There's a limited number of known people going in and out, and, where I work, we do temperature checks on the way in and you can't enter with a fever.

What do you mean, travel is restricted?  My good friends just got back from a family vacation to Wyoming.  My sister and her husband have been down at least once from Iowa to visit.  Not everything's necessarily open, but what restrictions are keeping you from going to another state?

I meant restricted more in an abstract sense, not a strictly legal sense. I haven't been going to Canada, for example, and a lot of the other travels I used to do, both day trips and longer, weekend trips, aren't happening. It's not that I can't travel, it's just that I'm not, and I think many other people are the same. This actually fits right in with the broader point that things are very different right now in different areas of the country.

I'm on the "LockdownSkepticism" board on Reddit, and attitudes in most of the country are pretty much the same. Someone said they live in Queens, which was the epicenter, and hardly anyone wears masks.

Well, of course everyone on the "Lockdown Skepticism" board is going to have similar attitudes about mask wearing. No kidding!
Quite frankly, I don't believe that hardly anyone is wearing a mask in Queens. I don't know, of course, I'm not there, but I trust my knowledge of what's happening in a less hard-hit part of the same state more than what someone says on the internet.

(And I know this is the internet too.. #irony)