Covid thread week 5/24

[pixy0stix]

Alllllmost started this thread with a rant about how bad virtue signaling has become with adult mask wearing... but I toned it down to this.

[Velar Fricative]

Not shocking, but here's some data: the biggest vaccination gap isn't based on race or political affiliation. It's based on class. Graphics are in the article.

www.nytimes.com/2021/05/24/briefing/vaccination-class-gap-us.html

As you can see, working-class members of every group are less likely to have received a vaccine and more likely to be skeptical. “No matter which of these groups we looked at, we see an education divide,” Mollyann Brodie, who oversees the Kaiser surveys, told me. In some cases, different racial groups with the same education levels — like Black and white college graduates — look remarkably similar.


This poll did not break out Asian-Americans, but other Kaiser surveys have, and it’s consistent: Asian-Americans have a higher median income than Black, Hispanic or white Americans and also a higher vaccination rate.



All of which points to the fact that the class divide is bigger than the racial divide.

[TBM]

My H was oot on business last week, and when he got home he made a weird comment about being sure that I wouldn't be flying anywhere anytime soon.

I thought he was thinking that I might be anxious on a crowded plane, but that wasn't the reason that he said that...it was asthma related. He said the plane was so heavily sanitized that even he was having problems breathing. He doesn't normally have problems with cleaners, but I do... I can't even go near the cleaner aisle at the grocery store without either holding my breath or having to use an inhaler.

That wouldnt have even occurred to me as something I needed to consider, so I am glad that DH took a solo trip before we made any plans.

[pixy0stix]

May 24, 2021 12:00:46 GMT -5 TBM said:

My H was oot on business last week, and when he got home he made a weird comment about being sure that I wouldn't be flying anywhere anytime soon.

I thought he was thinking that I might be anxious on a crowded plane, but that wasn't the reason that he said that...it was asthma related. He said the plane was so heavily sanitized that even he was having problems breathing. He doesn't normally have problems with cleaners, but I do... I can't even go near the cleaner aisle at the grocery store without either holding my breath or having to use an inhaler.

That wouldnt have even occurred to me as something I needed to consider, so I am glad that DH took a solo trip before we made any plans.

What airline did he fly? I just flew Southwest, and it seemed like it's normal, dirty self.

[pugz]

May 24, 2021 12:02:18 GMT -5 pixy0stix said:

May 24, 2021 12:00:46 GMT -5 TBM said:

My H was oot on business last week, and when he got home he made a weird comment about being sure that I wouldn't be flying anywhere anytime soon.

I thought he was thinking that I might be anxious on a crowded plane, but that wasn't the reason that he said that...it was asthma related. He said the plane was so heavily sanitized that even he was having problems breathing. He doesn't normally have problems with cleaners, but I do... I can't even go near the cleaner aisle at the grocery store without either holding my breath or having to use an inhaler.

That wouldnt have even occurred to me as something I needed to consider, so I am glad that DH took a solo trip before we made any plans.

What airline did he fly? I just flew Southwest, and it seemed like it's normal, dirty self.

Same, lol

[eddy]

As I personally let go of my COVID anxiety, I am discovering it is going to take a lot longer to just let go of my general feeling of anxiety. I find myself seeking out things to be anxious about. I still feel the tension in my body. I finally came to this realization this weekend. So I guess it is at least helpful to sort of identify that I am really carrying around that act of anxiety wherever I go. I know it is just going to take practice to let it go. 

[rubytue]

Maybe it’s virtues signaling, but yeah, I’m fully vaccinated and still mask wearing. And really annoyed that my asshole boss just announced an in-person meeting where he said he was fully vaccinated and would not be wearing a mask, and invited anyone else fully vaccinated to show up without masks. And he is bringing food for those that show up. It has a webex option, and I’m out of town that day anyway.

I went to the office on Friday, and the first person I saw was like “why are you wearing a mask?!”

[lostrn]

May 24, 2021 12:54:50 GMT -5 rubytue said:

Maybe it’s virtues signaling, but yeah, I’m fully vaccinated and still mask wearing. And really annoyed that my asshole boss just announced an in-person meeting where he said he was fully vaccinated and would not be wearing a mask, and invited anyone else fully vaccinated to show up without masks. And he is bringing food for those that show up. It has a webex option, and I’m out of town that day anyway.

I went to the office on Friday, and the first person I saw was like “why are you wearing a mask?!”

We are as well. And DH still works from home. DH even put his mask on yesterday picking up food in the drive thru lol. I am personally ready to ease up some as our numbers improve but if it makes him feel better whatever, it doesn't hurt to wear it. I get annoyed sometimes but that's about it.

[sonrisa]

Can we stop with the ‘masks as virtue signaling’ bullshit?

Yes, I ‘m vaxed. Yes, I wear masks. Half my family cannot get vaxed. As long as that is true, I will wear masks so that they aren’t the only ones. Making them feel included matters much more to me than the feelings of some random busybody policing my clothing choices.

This is like bitching that someone else not drinking at a bar makes you feel guilty about your cocktail. Maybe they have a reason. Maybe that’s just what they prefer.

[TBM]

May 24, 2021 12:02:18 GMT -5 pixy0stix said:

May 24, 2021 12:00:46 GMT -5 TBM said:

My H was oot on business last week, and when he got home he made a weird comment about being sure that I wouldn't be flying anywhere anytime soon.

I thought he was thinking that I might be anxious on a crowded plane, but that wasn't the reason that he said that...it was asthma related. He said the plane was so heavily sanitized that even he was having problems breathing. He doesn't normally have problems with cleaners, but I do... I can't even go near the cleaner aisle at the grocery store without either holding my breath or having to use an inhaler.

That wouldnt have even occurred to me as something I needed to consider, so I am glad that DH took a solo trip before we made any plans.

What airline did he fly? I just flew Southwest, and it seemed like it's normal, dirty self.

United.

[wambam]

I went out and about for the first time since the CDC made their mask statement and it felt like a den of lawlessness. Maybe 30% people at Costco and Kroger were wearing masks and it was such a weird feeling. It’s amazing how our minds just get used to something in a relatively short period of time.

[picksthemusic]

May 24, 2021 13:09:46 GMT -5 sonrisa said:

Can we stop with the ‘masks as virtue signaling’ bullshit?

Yes, I ‘m vaxed. Yes, I wear masks. Half my family cannot get vaxed. As long as that is true, I will wear masks so that they aren’t the only ones. Making them feel included matters much more to me than the feelings of some random busybody policing my clothing choices.

This is like bitching that someone else not drinking at a bar makes you feel guilty about your cocktail. Maybe they have a reason. Maybe that’s just what they prefer. Get over yourself.

Agreed. Also, I will plan on masking for the foreseeable future anyway. I love not getting sick, as well as helping the people in my family who cannot be vaccinated yet feel normal. I won't mask up with family or anything, but in stores and stuff? Yes.

[mrshandy]

I have been out to many stores since the mask mandate was lifted in VA and have only seen one or two people unmasked. We apparently love our masks in Northern VA.

[wawa]

May 24, 2021 14:57:47 GMT -5 mrshandy said:

I have been out to many stores since the mask mandate was lifted in VA and have only seen one or two people unmasked. We apparently love our masks in Northern VA.

My part of Maryland as well.  Though the stores I've been in have been Whole Foods, REI, local coffee shop and a nice salon so....

[notsopicky]

May 24, 2021 12:54:50 GMT -5 rubytue said:

Maybe it’s virtues signaling, but yeah, I’m fully vaccinated and still mask wearing. And really annoyed that my asshole boss just announced an in-person meeting where he said he was fully vaccinated and would not be wearing a mask, and invited anyone else fully vaccinated to show up without masks. And he is bringing food for those that show up. It has a webex option, and I’m out of town that day anyway.

I went to the office on Friday, and the first person I saw was like “why are you wearing a mask?!”

RT, I'm not trying to @ you, I'm just confused as to what the issue is. Isn't that what the CDC said, that if you are fully vaccinated, you don't have to wear masks in indoor, non-crowded settings? 

For reference, I am vaxxed, I still wear masks when I go out anywhere in public, and I wear one during all hours I am physically at my work site (building policy). 

ETA: I am not comfortable ditching the mask yet. I am in NoVA like a PP said and yes we do love our masks, lol. 

[Velar Fricative]

I went maskless into (a pretty quiet) Staples yesterday since it was the first store I’ve been in since NY dropped the mandate that didn’t require them of vaccinated people. *hides*

I mean, if it were at busy Costco or if I wasn’t alone I would have remained masked but I knew I was going to have to go into a store with a naked face at some point so why not now when our case rates are super low AND I’m vaccinated? *shrug* I did post about it on FB and most comments were about how people will keep their masks on forever or how they know a fully vaccinated person who has covid and then I just got super anxious again.

But, in the brief time I was in the store my brain was all over the place because what if I read the front sign wrong? What if people think I’m an unvaccinated maskhole? I did have the mask with me in case I felt a sneeze coming in though. This whole transitional period sucks.

[InBetweenDays]

May 24, 2021 14:57:47 GMT -5 mrshandy said:

I have been out to many stores since the mask mandate was lifted in VA and have only seen one or two people unmasked. We apparently love our masks in Northern VA.

Same here. I have seen one person in a store without a mask. And most people are still wearing them outside (our farmer's market still requires them, many people are still wearing them out walking around, etc.) . We took the ferry yesterday and H masked up to purchase the ticket through the drive up window and the ferry worker was masked as well. 

I'm comfortable not wearing a mask in small group settings with people I know are fully vaccinated. But I'm definitely still wearing mine in stores. 

[cattledogkisses]

May 24, 2021 15:05:27 GMT -5 Velar Fricative said:

I went maskless into (a pretty quiet) Staples yesterday since it was the first store I’ve been in since NY dropped the mandate that didn’t require them of vaccinated people. *hides*

I mean, if it were at busy Costco or if I wasn’t alone I would have remained masked but I knew I was going to have to go into a store with a naked face at some point so why not now when our case rates are super low AND I’m vaccinated? *shrug* I did post about it on FB and most comments were about how people will keep their masks on forever or how they know a fully vaccinated person who has covid and then I just got super anxious again.

But, in the brief time I was in the store my brain was all over the place because what if I read the front sign wrong? What if people think I’m an unvaccinated maskhole? I did have the mask with me in case I felt a sneeze coming in though. This whole transitional period sucks.

I'll sit with you.  Our state mask mandate ended today, and I went grocery shopping without a mask this morning.  It felt weird, but good.  The biggest thing I was nervous about wasn't anything health-related, but that someone would try to give me a hard time about it (no one did).

[wawa]

I'm wearing mine in stores just because everybody else here is too, and I dont' mind wearing it, so as long as it stays the norm around here I'll stick with it because sure, why not? Also the sneezing from allergies. So much sneezing. Fucking allergies.

[StrawberryBlondie]

May 24, 2021 15:05:27 GMT -5 Velar Fricative said:

I went maskless into (a pretty quiet) Staples yesterday since it was the first store I’ve been in since NY dropped the mandate that didn’t require them of vaccinated people. *hides*

I mean, if it were at busy Costco or if I wasn’t alone I would have remained masked but I knew I was going to have to go into a store with a naked face at some point so why not now when our case rates are super low AND I’m vaccinated? *shrug* I did post about it on FB and most comments were about how people will keep their masks on forever or how they know a fully vaccinated person who has covid and then I just got super anxious again.

But, in the brief time I was in the store my brain was all over the place because what if I read the front sign wrong? What if people think I’m an unvaccinated maskhole? I did have the mask with me in case I felt a sneeze coming in though. This whole transitional period sucks.

I've been going unmasked where it isn't required since our state lifted it's mask mandate. It's weird, but honestly, my entire mantra this pandemic is that I'm not a scientist, so I'm going to listen to them and trust them. It's why I was an early adopter to masking. However, it feels like it would be somewhat hypocritical of me to all of a sudden decide I don't trust those same scientists when they say it safe to take the masks off if you're vaxxed.

Incidentally, I've also completely unintentionally worn clothing that is highly indicative of my liberal leanings each time.

I want to be super clear that I don't judge those who aren't comfortable with going
unmasked yet or stay masked for @ related reasons. This is my personal feelings and behavior only.

[abs]

May 24, 2021 15:05:27 GMT -5 Velar Fricative said:

I went maskless into (a pretty quiet) Staples yesterday since it was the first store I’ve been in since NY dropped the mandate that didn’t require them of vaccinated people. *hides*

I mean, if it were at busy Costco or if I wasn’t alone I would have remained masked but I knew I was going to have to go into a store with a naked face at some point so why not now when our case rates are super low AND I’m vaccinated? *shrug* I did post about it on FB and most comments were about how people will keep their masks on forever or how they know a fully vaccinated person who has covid and then I just got super anxious again.

But, in the brief time I was in the store my brain was all over the place because what if I read the front sign wrong? What if people think I’m an unvaccinated maskhole? I did have the mask with me in case I felt a sneeze coming in though. This whole transitional period sucks.

I went to the grocery store without a mask last week. It wasn’t busy and I was in and out quickly but it felt so strange! It’s just going to take time.

[rubytue]

May 24, 2021 14:58:59 GMT -5 notsopicky said:

May 24, 2021 12:54:50 GMT -5 rubytue said:

Maybe it’s virtues signaling, but yeah, I’m fully vaccinated and still mask wearing. And really annoyed that my asshole boss just announced an in-person meeting where he said he was fully vaccinated and would not be wearing a mask, and invited anyone else fully vaccinated to show up without masks. And he is bringing food for those that show up. It has a webex option, and I’m out of town that day anyway.

I went to the office on Friday, and the first person I saw was like “why are you wearing a mask?!”

RT, I'm not trying to @ you, I'm just confused as to what the issue is. Isn't that what the CDC said, that if you are fully vaccinated, you don't have to wear masks in indoor, non-crowded settings? 

For reference, I am vaxxed, I still wear masks when I go out anywhere in public, and I wear one during all hours I am physically at my work site (building policy). 

ETA: I am not comfortable ditching the mask yet. I am in NoVA like a PP said and yes we do love our masks, lol. 

That is fair. My coworker and I were discussing it and I think it comes down to the guy in general. And cued by “my asshole boss.” 😂  And I’m trying to tell myself he is trying to set an example and get us back to full performance again, but... there are too many aspects of *him* that make it... just no. This is the guy, that last February, told me “we don’t have time for anyone to get sick.” Less than a month after I got back from cancer treatment. 

I think it comes down to him pushing it so hard when people aren’t ready. And also, technically while our workplace guidance is that you don’t have to wear a mask, it’s also that meetings should be virtual and you shouldn’t be in the office unless *required*. 

[pixy0stix]

May 24, 2021 13:09:46 GMT -5 sonrisa said:

Can we stop with the ‘masks as virtue signaling’ bullshit?

Yes, I ‘m vaxed. Yes, I wear masks. Half my family cannot get vaxed. As long as that is true, I will wear masks so that they aren’t the only ones. Making them feel included matters much more to me than the feelings of some random busybody policing my clothing choices.

This is like bitching that someone else not drinking at a bar makes you feel guilty about your cocktail. Maybe they have a reason. Maybe that’s just what they prefer. Get over yourself.

This is fine.

The thing that's not fine, which I think people are having a hard time giving up, is the extension of masks saying, "Look, I'm a good person, I'm wearing a mask!" It's the equivalent of #notallwhitewomen

We did our parts. Now it's time to move on.

[formerlyak]

I work for a university and generally work from home, even in non-Covid times, but go to campus quarterly for meetings. I may be going in the summer for a day for a mini-retreat. It's just the 3 other people on our team and we have all been vaccinated (we've moved Zoom meetings around to accommodate vaccine appointments, so I know that they have actually been vaccinated and aren't just saying so to not wear a mask). We were a bit tentative about it, but agreed that if it is allowed on campus when we have the retreat, we will all be comfortable taking our masks off in our conference room. It will be very weird for sure.

[pixy0stix]

May 24, 2021 15:46:50 GMT -5 melmaria said:

May 24, 2021 13:09:46 GMT -5 sonrisa said:

Can we stop with the ‘masks as virtue signaling’ bullshit?

Yes, I ‘m vaxed. Yes, I wear masks. Half my family cannot get vaxed. As long as that is true, I will wear masks so that they aren’t the only ones. Making them feel included matters much more to me than the feelings of some random busybody policing my clothing choices.

This is like bitching that someone else not drinking at a bar makes you feel guilty about your cocktail. Maybe they have a reason. Maybe that’s just what they prefer. Get over yourself.

I honestly have not experienced anyone in my circle judging those who continue to mask.  I personally don't think anything one way or the other when I see masked or non-masked people, maybe because it is trending about 50/50 where I live.  It just doesn't register with me.

I HAVE seen/heard a lot of "but I can't give up my mask because people might think I'm Republican LOL oh no!!!" comments from family and friends.  And I'm just sick to death of hearing that justification because it further politicizes something that never should have been political in the first place.  It also shows that (for these specific people) their primary motivation is caring about what random strangers think than anything else, which is...strange to me.

But yes, of course...everyone should do what they are comfortable with.

Exactly. I don't care if you mask. I'm going to keep masking in certain situations. Fine, it's all fine.

The morality tied to masks now is ridiculous. If people can't tell that you (general) aren't a Trumper in other ways besides a mask then perhaps buy a Pride pin or something to assuage your (general) feelings of inadequacy? (But also, please don't do that.)

[curbsideprophet]

May 24, 2021 14:58:59 GMT -5 notsopicky said:

May 24, 2021 12:54:50 GMT -5 rubytue said:

Maybe it’s virtues signaling, but yeah, I’m fully vaccinated and still mask wearing. And really annoyed that my asshole boss just announced an in-person meeting where he said he was fully vaccinated and would not be wearing a mask, and invited anyone else fully vaccinated to show up without masks. And he is bringing food for those that show up. It has a webex option, and I’m out of town that day anyway.

I went to the office on Friday, and the first person I saw was like “why are you wearing a mask?!”

RT, I'm not trying to @ you, I'm just confused as to what the issue is. Isn't that what the CDC said, that if you are fully vaccinated, you don't have to wear masks in indoor, non-crowded settings? 

For reference, I am vaxxed, I still wear masks when I go out anywhere in public, and I wear one during all hours I am physically at my work site (building policy). 

ETA: I am not comfortable ditching the mask yet. I am in NoVA like a PP said and yes we do love our masks, lol. 

Actually the CDC says

“If you have a condition or are taking medications that weaken your immune system, you may NOT be fully protected even if you are fully vaccinated. Talk to your healthcare provider. Even after vaccination, you may need to continue taking all precautions.”

www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/vaccines/fully-vaccinated.html

This is not a black and white issue for many people. It feels like everyone is treating it that way and it is incredibly frustrating.

[notsopicky]

May 24, 2021 15:34:40 GMT -5 rubytue said:

May 24, 2021 14:58:59 GMT -5 notsopicky said:

RT, I'm not trying to @ you, I'm just confused as to what the issue is. Isn't that what the CDC said, that if you are fully vaccinated, you don't have to wear masks in indoor, non-crowded settings? 

For reference, I am vaxxed, I still wear masks when I go out anywhere in public, and I wear one during all hours I am physically at my work site (building policy). 

ETA: I am not comfortable ditching the mask yet. I am in NoVA like a PP said and yes we do love our masks, lol. 

That is fair. My coworker and I were discussing it and I think it comes down to the guy in general. And cued by “my asshole boss.” 😂  And I’m trying to tell myself he is trying to set an example and get us back to full performance again, but... there are too many aspects of *him* that make it... just no. This is the guy, that last February, told me “we don’t have time for anyone to get sick.” Less than a month after I got back from cancer treatment. 

I think it comes down to him pushing it so hard when people aren’t ready. And also, technically while our workplace guidance is that you don’t have to wear a mask, it’s also that meetings should be virtual and you shouldn’t be in the office unless *required*. 

I feel you, I get it. Sounds like the messaging at your workplace is mixed: virtual meetings and WFH...but oh yeah, don't have to wear a mask at meetings if fully vaxxed. Not good for that guy re: consistency. That's frustrating.   

[raangoli]

NJ is dropping their indoor mask mandate at the end of this week. It's for all - there is no stipulation of being vaxxed or not since I think we've reached the 70% of the population vaxxed.

www.politico.com/states/new-jersey/story/2021/05/24/new-jersey-lifts-mask-mandate-social-distancing-rules-in-time-for-memorial-day-1383744

www.cnn.com/2021/05/23/health/us-coronavirus-sunday/index.html

[InBetweenDays]

May 24, 2021 15:52:21 GMT -5 pixy0stix said:

May 24, 2021 15:46:50 GMT -5 melmaria said:

I honestly have not experienced anyone in my circle judging those who continue to mask.  I personally don't think anything one way or the other when I see masked or non-masked people, maybe because it is trending about 50/50 where I live.  It just doesn't register with me.

I HAVE seen/heard a lot of "but I can't give up my mask because people might think I'm Republican LOL oh no!!!" comments from family and friends.  And I'm just sick to death of hearing that justification because it further politicizes something that never should have been political in the first place.  It also shows that (for these specific people) their primary motivation is caring about what random strangers think than anything else, which is...strange to me.

But yes, of course...everyone should do what they are comfortable with.

Exactly. I don't care if you mask. I'm going to keep masking in certain situations. Fine, it's all fine.

The morality tied to masks now is ridiculous. If people can't tell that you (general) aren't a Trumper in other ways besides a mask then perhaps buy a Pride pin or something to assuage your (general) feelings of inadequacy? (But also, please don't do that.)

It is INSANE. On our neighborhood Facebook page people are still being shamed for not wearing a mask OUTDOORS. Because if you aren't wearing a mask outdoors you clearly don't care about the people who have died. And you could be another non-vaccinated anti-masker. And you shouldn't be on the sidewalk. It's crazy. 

[Velar Fricative]

May 24, 2021 15:58:39 GMT -5 raangoli said:

NJ is dropping their indoor mask mandate at the end of this week. It's for all - there is no stipulation of being vaxxed or not since I think we've reached the 70% of the population vaxxed.

www.politico.com/states/new-jersey/story/2021/05/24/new-jersey-lifts-mask-mandate-social-distancing-rules-in-time-for-memorial-day-1383744

www.cnn.com/2021/05/23/health/us-coronavirus-sunday/index.html

Maybe it’s 70% of adults because that would otherwise far exceed any other state I think?