Why are people not wearing masks?

[Anonymous]

While visiting the Meadowlark Park near Wolftrap today I was quite annoyed a seeing people without masks. The majority of families were wearing masks - down to the littlest kid. I was appalled at a family (3 adults and 3 children), none of them wearing masks and congregating on one of the most visited gazebos at the park. They had all their belongings spread out on a very large bench and they were there for a long while. So inconsiderate! Many families take their children to that particular place because of the views (it is at the highest point) and because the kids can run down afterwards.

Many families are still quarantining - not socializing with other people but going out for a breather. We go to these parks to have a socially distanced time where the kids can run around. The park is large enough that it can be done. We just avoid the most frequented places.

I am trying to protect my family and I won't avoid these places because we can be away from people. What people need to realize is that this is a place for everyone. We are in a pandemic. If you choose to be selfish and not wear a mask, that is your choice. Just don't do it where many families want to take their children.

Seriously. And for those that want to say, "if you don't like it, stay home." How dare you? You then might be the problem. You can't expect things to improve if that is your attitude.

[Anonymous]

Live in a Republican community, play by their rules.

[Anonymous]

Virginia is the "Don't Tread on Me" state. You actually have to ask why people would not wear a mask? The state literally has a Don't Tread on Me license plate because it's got loads of conservatives who cannot be told what to do as it violates their god given constitutional right to not wear a mask.

[Anonymous]

They were outside not near others.

[Anonymous]

Were they outside? Were they over 6 ft away from other people? Then they don't need a mask on.

Now, if you want to talk about how they are assholes for taking up an area with all their stuff, I am here for it. But don't confuse the two.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:They were outside not near others.

Yup. Op is pissed because they beat her to the good spot. You are supposed to be distancing, so it doesn't matter whether they have masks or not.

[Anonymous]

Umm most people I have seen outside in parks have not worn masks (including my family). How is this an issue?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:While visiting the Meadowlark Park near Wolftrap today I was quite annoyed a seeing people without masks. The majority of families were wearing masks - down to the littlest kid. I was appalled at a family (3 adults and 3 children), none of them wearing masks and congregating on one of the most visited gazebos at the park. They had all their belongings spread out on a very large bench and they were there for a long while. So inconsiderate! Many families take their children to that particular place because of the views (it is at the highest point) and because the kids can run down afterwards.

Many families are still quarantining - not socializing with other people but going out for a breather. We go to these parks to have a socially distanced time where the kids can run around. The park is large enough that it can be done. We just avoid the most frequented places.

I am trying to protect my family and I won't avoid these places because we can be away from people. What people need to realize is that this is a place for everyone. We are in a pandemic. If you choose to be selfish and not wear a mask, that is your choice. Just don't do it where many families want to take their children.

Seriously. And for those that want to say, "if you don't like it, stay home." How dare you? You then might be the problem. You can't expect things to improve if that is your attitude.

They were outside in a park, enjoying time with each, and socially distanced from others. If you weren't able to go to a part of the park because they were there, you can move on to another area. It's a fair-sized park, there's room for many socially distanced visitors.

I'm a frequent visitor of Meadowlark Gardens. I've experienced what you did many times. To maintain social distancing, I may be able to go to some areas of the park and not others.

Going back to your observations: public parks are places for everyone. We are in a pandemic. If it's too uncomfortable for you to visit a park where law abiding citizens are behaving appropriately, maybe that's not the place for you.

[Anonymous]

Outside and away from others? Meh, sounds fine. It seems you are more pissed that they were in an area that you wanted to be in. If you socially distance yourself, why are you concerned about what they are doing a distance from you? There could be a health reason why they only wear masks when necessary. It doesn’t sound like it was necessary in the situation you described.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:They were outside not near others.

Yup. Op is pissed because they beat her to the good spot. You are supposed to be distancing, so it doesn't matter whether they have masks or not.

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Nope, not pissed because of them getting "the good spot." I saw several other families climb to that spot and had to turn back because of that group. This is the attitude I am talking about. They were at one of the most frequented spots and not wearing masks.

[Anonymous]

OP Meadowlark Gardens is outside, very spacious, and sprawling. A mask is totally unnecessary. There is plenty of space for YOU to move away from other people.

[Anonymous]

That particular gazebo is the only place in that 100+ acre park where going maskless would be a problem. Sure, no one should monopolize that small space. You could have said something Op. Why let it ruin your day. Speak up, and get on with your life. Maybe they had masks in their pocket. Maybe they would have vacated for awhile. They have weddings at that gazebo too. It's not always available.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Outside and away from others? Meh, sounds fine. It seems you are more pissed that they were in an area that you wanted to be in. If you socially distance yourself, why are you concerned about what they are doing a distance from you? There could be a health reason why they only wear masks when necessary. It doesn’t sound like it was necessary in the situation you described.

They entered the Visitors Center without masks. We just happened to be at the far side where we could be away from people but near the visitors center with a view of the gazebo on the hill. It is not about "being upset because of not getting a good spot." It is seeing how inconsiderate they were.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Outside and away from others? Meh, sounds fine. It seems you are more pissed that they were in an area that you wanted to be in. If you socially distance yourself, why are you concerned about what they are doing a distance from you? There could be a health reason why they only wear masks when necessary. It doesn’t sound like it was necessary in the situation you described.

They entered the Visitors Center without masks. We just happened to be at the far side where we could be away from people but near the visitors center with a view of the gazebo on the hill. It is not about "being upset because of not getting a good spot." It is seeing how inconsiderate they were.

Why didn't you mention this in your post OP? Of course being in the visitor's center without masks (ie, indoors) is rude and inconsiderate. But elsewhere in the park/outside is fine to be without.

[Anonymous]

I don't wear masks outside unless around and close to people. This is insane.