When are you going to stop wearing masks indoors (stores, etc)

[Anonymous]

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Anonymous wrote:The immunocompromised get left behind. They don’t matter.

N95 masks are readily available for anyone who would like to wear one forever.

But that’s only half the problem. If both people wear masks protection for the immunocompromised is greater.

Well, that's not going to happen. That's not even official federal/state/local government policy any more.

I know we have collectively said, “we DGAF about others!” It’s a eugenic program now.

Then deal with it. Wear a mask if you want. Get boosted. That's it.

Vaccines do not work for people on immunosuppressants.

So they should wear a good mask. How would other people wearing ineffective masks protect them?

[Anonymous]

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Anonymous wrote:Why does it bother you so much if I wear a mask in the Safeway? I will continue to do so until community spread is super low, as someone stated above. Honestly, you people who are pushing others to drop the mask are so weird.

I haven’t read all the many pages of responses but would like to answer this question sincerely. My kids do not ever get a break from masking at school and it’s clear to me it’s affecting them. My 6 yo was convinced for months his teacher hated him and he had no friends. Teachers were so surprised by this because my kids is a “good kid.” But he just can’t get a feel for emotions under a mask. My 3rd grader now wants to wear a mask all the time like it’s some sort anonymity shield. This shit is not okay. They are both fully vaxxed and deserve a normal life. I unmask whenever I can so this community can start to normalize unmasked faces in hope that my kids can have some semblance of a normal childhood.

Don't listen to the dismissive, passive-aggressive apologists, PP. I'm totally with you, and so is a growing number of parents. I've been masking diligently throughout the pandemic, and I frankly wouldn't care if I had to keep doing it at stores indefinitely, but it needs to end now for kids in schools. I think unlike the last time, I will join the minority of people I observed at Wholefoods this week who dropped their masks after the end of the mandate (including some of the employees), just to help people get used to it.

Nothing you choose to do will "help" me "get used to it." You are mistaken if you think that I am not intentionally and thoughtfully making an informed decision to continue masking. And before you go there, I am a well-educated professional and parent of three who reads and researches the sources I trust. So your behavior at Whole Foods has zero impact on my choice. I suspect it is the same for most people who continue to mask while the transmission rates are high.

This is funny to me…I see some of these “diligent maskers” around and 99% of them are in a crappy cloth mask. Makes me laugh. If you are in a crappy cloth mask you either 1) think masking is stupid and are just wearing it bc some rule requires it; 2) making a political statement; or 3) completely ignorant.

Yes, can somebody who does this explain?

Where masks are optional, why are some people still walking around in cloth masks? Have people become self-conscious about showing their faces or teeth? They just like the way it looks? I guess I could ask them because I know a few who do it (and their cloth masks are undeniably cute, but I prefer their faces), but if I'm honest with myself I probably am not asking in a non-judgmental enough way that I could pull it off.

Where masks are required, I assume people in cloth are just wearing them to fulfill the requirement, but where they're not required-- I don't understand.

[Anonymous]

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Anonymous wrote:Why does it bother you so much if I wear a mask in the Safeway? I will continue to do so until community spread is super low, as someone stated above. Honestly, you people who are pushing others to drop the mask are so weird.

I haven’t read all the many pages of responses but would like to answer this question sincerely. My kids do not ever get a break from masking at school and it’s clear to me it’s affecting them. My 6 yo was convinced for months his teacher hated him and he had no friends. Teachers were so surprised by this because my kids is a “good kid.” But he just can’t get a feel for emotions under a mask. My 3rd grader now wants to wear a mask all the time like it’s some sort anonymity shield. This shit is not okay. They are both fully vaxxed and deserve a normal life. I unmask whenever I can so this community can start to normalize unmasked faces in hope that my kids can have some semblance of a normal childhood.

Don't listen to the dismissive, passive-aggressive apologists, PP. I'm totally with you, and so is a growing number of parents. I've been masking diligently throughout the pandemic, and I frankly wouldn't care if I had to keep doing it at stores indefinitely, but it needs to end now for kids in schools. I think unlike the last time, I will join the minority of people I observed at Wholefoods this week who dropped their masks after the end of the mandate (including some of the employees), just to help people get used to it.

Nothing you choose to do will "help" me "get used to it." You are mistaken if you think that I am not intentionally and thoughtfully making an informed decision to continue masking. And before you go there, I am a well-educated professional and parent of three who reads and researches the sources I trust. So your behavior at Whole Foods has zero impact on my choice. I suspect it is the same for most people who continue to mask while the transmission rates are high.

This is funny to me…I see some of these “diligent maskers” around and 99% of them are in a crappy cloth mask. Makes me laugh. If you are in a crappy cloth mask you either 1) think masking is stupid and are just wearing it bc some rule requires it; 2) making a political statement; or 3) completely ignorant.

Yes, can somebody who does this explain?

Where masks are optional, why are some people still walking around in cloth masks? Have people become self-conscious about showing their faces or teeth? They just like the way it looks? I guess I could ask them because I know a few who do it (and their cloth masks are undeniably cute, but I prefer their faces), but if I'm honest with myself I probably am not asking in a non-judgmental enough way that I could pull it off.

Where masks are required, I assume people in cloth are just wearing them to fulfill the requirement, but where they're not required-- I don't understand.

Presumably because (1) they don't know any better or (2) they don't want to be judged. The latter doesn't seem an issue in Western Fairfax where I am...but from the sound of this board, some of the posters in Arlington/Bethesda/etc. are basing their identities on Covid purity tests, so maybe it's happening there.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I went for a walk yesterday on Capitol Hill to enjoy the gorgeous weather during my lunch break. It was about 70 degrees and sunny with a light breeze. For February in DC, it was the most perfect day to breathe fresh air and feel the sun on your face.

I passed people on the sidewalk who were walking alone and wearing a mask. This area is nuts.

I saw someone running this morning with a mask. Sure it's a bit chilly, but you're RUNNING. There was nobody around them for at least 100ft.

[Anonymous]

I wear a cotton mask that I know does nothing because masks are still required in DC. Can’t wait to retire them next week.

Though I do think today was my final masked workout. The only other early bird in my building’s gym takes Friday and the weekends off and by next Monday I won’t even bother with a cloth mask.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I wear a cotton mask that I know does nothing because masks are still required in DC. Can’t wait to retire them next week.

Though I do think today was my final masked workout. The only other early bird in my building’s gym takes Friday and the weekends off and by next Monday I won’t even bother with a cloth mask.

I don't know how you guys do it. I've been working out since gyms re-opened June 2020 in Northern Virginia, and not once with a mask - and it's been fine. Still haven't caught covid.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I wear a cotton mask that I know does nothing because masks are still required in DC. Can’t wait to retire them next week.

Though I do think today was my final masked workout. The only other early bird in my building’s gym takes Friday and the weekends off and by next Monday I won’t even bother with a cloth mask.

I don't know how you guys do it. I've been working out since gyms re-opened June 2020 in Northern Virginia, and not once with a mask - and it's been fine. Still haven't caught covid.

My Fairfax gym has been 90%+ unmasked.

[Anonymous]

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Anonymous wrote:Why does it bother you so much if I wear a mask in the Safeway? I will continue to do so until community spread is super low, as someone stated above. Honestly, you people who are pushing others to drop the mask are so weird.

I haven’t read all the many pages of responses but would like to answer this question sincerely. My kids do not ever get a break from masking at school and it’s clear to me it’s affecting them. My 6 yo was convinced for months his teacher hated him and he had no friends. Teachers were so surprised by this because my kids is a “good kid.” But he just can’t get a feel for emotions under a mask. My 3rd grader now wants to wear a mask all the time like it’s some sort anonymity shield. This shit is not okay. They are both fully vaxxed and deserve a normal life. I unmask whenever I can so this community can start to normalize unmasked faces in hope that my kids can have some semblance of a normal childhood.

Your kid would probably feel this way regardless of a mask if they didn't connect well with the teachers. You are being dramatic. You can tell with eyes and the facial expressions. Your kids have 100% normal childhood. How are they not? Just by masking. Its the kids who have had to remain in virtual due to covid and limit their activities due to health or other concerns aren't having a "normal" childhood by your standards and there is no such thing as normal and masking is yoru new normal.

I don’t understand the desire to normalize masking. It’s not normal. My prediction? Over time no one will do it anymore

It can and should be part of the new normal. It’s clear masks are effective for more than just Covid prevention-colds and other viruses have been lower too. If your kids have issues maybe take a look at your home life. Mine are fine.

NP. Wow. You are crazy.

I doubt her children are fine with that kind of mother.

And both of you are any better with your insults?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:The immunocompromised get left behind. They don’t matter.

The immunocompromised have options to protect themselves- KN95s, KF94s, N95s are prevalent and very effective at protecting the user. Why you guys still think you need others to wear cloth/surgical masks to protect you is unbelievable at this point. This is not March 2020 anymore.

Most immunocompromised people are smarter than that. Truly immunocompromised people have always had to protect themselves and know how.

Except now the anti maskers will harass them. Back in the day, if you saw someone in a mask, you figured that was why. Now wearing a mask is all FRAUGHT WITH POLITICAL SYMBOLISM.

I frickin hate the political nonsense in this country.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

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Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Why does it bother you so much if I wear a mask in the Safeway? I will continue to do so until community spread is super low, as someone stated above. Honestly, you people who are pushing others to drop the mask are so weird.

I haven’t read all the many pages of responses but would like to answer this question sincerely. My kids do not ever get a break from masking at school and it’s clear to me it’s affecting them. My 6 yo was convinced for months his teacher hated him and he had no friends. Teachers were so surprised by this because my kids is a “good kid.” But he just can’t get a feel for emotions under a mask. My 3rd grader now wants to wear a mask all the time like it’s some sort anonymity shield. This shit is not okay. They are both fully vaxxed and deserve a normal life. I unmask whenever I can so this community can start to normalize unmasked faces in hope that my kids can have some semblance of a normal childhood.

Your kid would probably feel this way regardless of a mask if they didn't connect well with the teachers. You are being dramatic. You can tell with eyes and the facial expressions. Your kids have 100% normal childhood. How are they not? Just by masking. Its the kids who have had to remain in virtual due to covid and limit their activities due to health or other concerns aren't having a "normal" childhood by your standards and there is no such thing as normal and masking is yoru new normal.

I don’t understand the desire to normalize masking. It’s not normal. My prediction? Over time no one will do it anymore

It can and should be part of the new normal. It’s clear masks are effective for more than just Covid prevention-colds and other viruses have been lower too. If your kids have issues maybe take a look at your home life. Mine are fine.

NP. Wow. You are crazy.

I doubt her children are fine with that kind of mother.

And both of you are any better with your insults?

Than the PP who said masks should be part of the new normal? Yes, these two posters are unquestionably better. PP has an insane POV.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Why does it bother you so much if I wear a mask in the Safeway? I will continue to do so until community spread is super low, as someone stated above. Honestly, you people who are pushing others to drop the mask are so weird.

I haven’t read all the many pages of responses but would like to answer this question sincerely. My kids do not ever get a break from masking at school and it’s clear to me it’s affecting them. My 6 yo was convinced for months his teacher hated him and he had no friends. Teachers were so surprised by this because my kids is a “good kid.” But he just can’t get a feel for emotions under a mask. My 3rd grader now wants to wear a mask all the time like it’s some sort anonymity shield. This shit is not okay. They are both fully vaxxed and deserve a normal life. I unmask whenever I can so this community can start to normalize unmasked faces in hope that my kids can have some semblance of a normal childhood.

I'm sorry if your children are struggling. You are assuming the mask is the 6 year olds problem. Maybe it is, maybe it isn't.

The topic of this thread is directed at people who choose to continue to mask. There are so many reasonable reasons given. If we aren't bothering you or your children, why do you care if we mask in a store? You shouldn't. It has nothing to do with what is happening at your school. Lots of schools are going optional right now.

I'm sick and tired of the anti-maskers whining all the frickin time.

If maskers view masking through the lens of self-interest, fine (although I think they're likely overestimating the benefits of masking). But many of the "reasonable" responses you cite speak of masking to protect others, to do the right thing, because it's just a piece of fabric, etc. This smug, largely unjustified point of view is how we end with idiotic and ineffective universal masking policies, and these policies do affect the majority of folks who don't wish to wear a mask indefinitely.

This pandemic has made it painfully clear that most Americans are not very bright, do not understand science (even if they claim to follow it). If you wear the right types of mask and you wear it properly, it can be effective. So don't dismiss it out of hand. You can argue that we may be reaching a point to stop masking but you cannot claim that at various points in time, e.g., back when people were unvaccinated or at the height of the omicron wave, that we didn't need these policies (we did).

The real problem is conflicting messages, people being unwilling to take the time to research what type of mask to wear and how to wear it properly when it is necessary, and any ability on the part of the average person to know and follow when it would be wise to mask and when it is okay to not mask. Most people have this all-or-nothing attitude.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I wear a cotton mask that I know does nothing because masks are still required in DC. Can’t wait to retire them next week.

Though I do think today was my final masked workout. The only other early bird in my building’s gym takes Friday and the weekends off and by next Monday I won’t even bother with a cloth mask.

I don't know how you guys do it. I've been working out since gyms re-opened June 2020 in Northern Virginia, and not once with a mask - and it's been fine. Still haven't caught covid.

My Fairfax gym has been 90%+ unmasked.

My Alexandria gym is 98-99% unmasked.

I think the strict mask mandates have just reinforced irrational fear, rather than prevent transmission. Because seriously, it's pretty fine and normal in NOVA. Get your shots, live your life.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

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Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Why does it bother you so much if I wear a mask in the Safeway? I will continue to do so until community spread is super low, as someone stated above. Honestly, you people who are pushing others to drop the mask are so weird.

I haven’t read all the many pages of responses but would like to answer this question sincerely. My kids do not ever get a break from masking at school and it’s clear to me it’s affecting them. My 6 yo was convinced for months his teacher hated him and he had no friends. Teachers were so surprised by this because my kids is a “good kid.” But he just can’t get a feel for emotions under a mask. My 3rd grader now wants to wear a mask all the time like it’s some sort anonymity shield. This shit is not okay. They are both fully vaxxed and deserve a normal life. I unmask whenever I can so this community can start to normalize unmasked faces in hope that my kids can have some semblance of a normal childhood.

Your kid would probably feel this way regardless of a mask if they didn't connect well with the teachers. You are being dramatic. You can tell with eyes and the facial expressions. Your kids have 100% normal childhood. How are they not? Just by masking. Its the kids who have had to remain in virtual due to covid and limit their activities due to health or other concerns aren't having a "normal" childhood by your standards and there is no such thing as normal and masking is yoru new normal.

I don’t understand the desire to normalize masking. It’s not normal. My prediction? Over time no one will do it anymore

It can and should be part of the new normal. It’s clear masks are effective for more than just Covid prevention-colds and other viruses have been lower too. If your kids have issues maybe take a look at your home life. Mine are fine.

NP. Wow. You are crazy.

I doubt her children are fine with that kind of mother.

And both of you are any better with your insults?

Than the PP who said masks should be part of the new normal? Yes, these two posters are unquestionably better. PP has an insane POV.

You are not nice, either. She is not insane. That is a nasty, hyperbolic response.

I didn't take it to mean that everyone should wear masks all the time for ever and ever amen. But I do think we will see more people wearing masks at certain times and normalizing that is okay. Normalizing it for the immuno-compromised. I may opt to wear one in the future if I have a cold and am not too sick to go to work but don't want to spread my germs. I liked wearing one on my walks in the spring, because it really, really made a difference for my pollen allergies.

But there are jerks like the PPs who will make fun of anyone wearing a mask ever again even when they don't know the why.

[Anonymous]

I do not understand the argument that the information about cloth mask efficacy is a reason to stop wearing masks all together. Um, doesn't that just mean you should wear a mask that does work? I don't get that argument.

That said, I'm also so done with masks. I just want to stop wearing them, like so many other places in the country and the world (for Pete's sake). I need those people in Costco or whatever who aren't crazy to be maskless so I can feel OK being maskless, too.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Why does it bother you so much if I wear a mask in the Safeway? I will continue to do so until community spread is super low, as someone stated above. Honestly, you people who are pushing others to drop the mask are so weird.

I haven’t read all the many pages of responses but would like to answer this question sincerely. My kids do not ever get a break from masking at school and it’s clear to me it’s affecting them. My 6 yo was convinced for months his teacher hated him and he had no friends. Teachers were so surprised by this because my kids is a “good kid.” But he just can’t get a feel for emotions under a mask. My 3rd grader now wants to wear a mask all the time like it’s some sort anonymity shield. This shit is not okay. They are both fully vaxxed and deserve a normal life. I unmask whenever I can so this community can start to normalize unmasked faces in hope that my kids can have some semblance of a normal childhood.

Your kid would probably feel this way regardless of a mask if they didn't connect well with the teachers. You are being dramatic. You can tell with eyes and the facial expressions. Your kids have 100% normal childhood. How are they not? Just by masking. Its the kids who have had to remain in virtual due to covid and limit their activities due to health or other concerns aren't having a "normal" childhood by your standards and there is no such thing as normal and masking is yoru new normal.

I don’t understand the desire to normalize masking. It’s not normal. My prediction? Over time no one will do it anymore

It can and should be part of the new normal. It’s clear masks are effective for more than just Covid prevention-colds and other viruses have been lower too. If your kids have issues maybe take a look at your home life. Mine are fine.

NP. Wow. You are crazy.

I doubt her children are fine with that kind of mother.

And both of you are any better with your insults?

Than the PP who said masks should be part of the new normal? Yes, these two posters are unquestionably better. PP has an insane POV.

You are not nice, either. She is not insane. That is a nasty, hyperbolic response.

I didn't take it to mean that everyone should wear masks all the time for ever and ever amen. But I do think we will see more people wearing masks at certain times and normalizing that is okay. Normalizing it for the immuno-compromised. I may opt to wear one in the future if I have a cold and am not too sick to go to work but don't want to spread my germs. I liked wearing one on my walks in the spring, because it really, really made a difference for my pollen allergies.

But there are jerks like the PPs who will make fun of anyone wearing a mask ever again even when they don't know the why.

Sure. PP with the typical "My kids are fine...your kids aren't...fix your household". PP was nasty from the start. So, is PP insane or just nasty? I don't know...take your pick.