My Bridge group has just voted to continue wearing masks (I voted for optional masking). We are all seniors but mostly in good health and have discontinued our snack break. Some members have been unable to return because for some reason they can't wear masks. Others have said if masking becomes optional they won't be attending. A problematic situation!
My dance groups (where there is much more contact and heavy breathing) also wear masks and, in addition, sanitize hands between dances. However, both groups have reinstated tea break where we remove our masks and sit in small groups.
Are we being over cautious in one situation or too relaxed in the other? I didn't wear a mask last week when I went to see a movie but the theatre was quite empty and I was able to keep a good distance from the other patrons. Same in restaurants, masks off as soon as we sit down to eat.
I'm thoroughly confused as to what is the best policy with new strains popping up regularly. What are your experiences with mask protocols?
It's a very tricky situation and one in which you can't please everyone. I don't wear a mask now but if I was with someone who asked me to, I would be happy to oblige and if shops, for example, reinstated mask wearing, I would do so, of course.
ReplyDeleteI think the kindest thing is to oblige if others are worried or anxious about it all.
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I carry my mask everywhere but only use it when asked.
DeleteHmmm, this is a tough one. I think some people are still very nervous so that is their choice, but I don't think, at this point, it should be dictated that others wear theirs. It's clear that covid, in one form or another, will be with us for years to come. Will people keep wearing masks for all that time? I don't wear a mask, unless necessary, for example in a hospital. -Jenn
ReplyDeleteGood point, Jenn. There must come a time when most of us will stop using masks.
DeleteSome people wear masks because they are nervous if they have underlying health issues, if I am in the company of those people, I will wear a mask. Most times, I do not, only if it a requirement for entering a facility. Hubby, is very nervous, we don't go out to restaurants, etc due to that. We have colds and flu, and we are going to have Covid around for a long time, get the vaccinations and boosters.
ReplyDeleteI'm sure everyone I associate with is fully vaccinated but, as you say, some are still nervous and cautious.
DeleteVery few people wear them anymore around here, except as required in medical settings. I still see them on a few seniors, especially at the grocery store, which I suspect for many of them is their main outing. Everyone has to figure out their own comfort level. I preferred to get the jab in the arm than to have to wear the mask for my own protection. But I always have one at the ready in my purse in case the need would arise to accommodate others, which I am happy to do.
ReplyDeleteThere are many still many wearing masks, indoors and out, here.
DeleteIt is a tricky situation. I don't mask outside or when I visit a good friend for coffee. I do wear them shopping, or when I go into a situation I feel it is necessary.
ReplyDeleteGod bless.
That makes sense, Jackie, and is basically the route I am following.
DeleteI should state that I live in a province and an area of that province that has lots of anti-vaxxers and people who just don't care about their fellow citizens.
ReplyDeleteGod bless.
Are your number of cases and deaths better or worse of other provinces?
DeleteHere masks are optional. Some do and most don't. I don't play bridge but could the non-mask wearers play together?
ReplyDeleteI had suggested that the unmasked could wear a mask when requested by the others at the table.......but mandatory masking for all it is and I have accepted that.
DeleteI have never stopped masking as Covid is still here. I do not go to inside restaurants…or huge stores…my age…I have been so careful through all of this…I am not afraid…I am. Careful of myself and others.
DeleteMasks protect against Covid, flu, and RSV. Covid is an aerosol, meaning it spreads through the air, and hangs in the air sometimes for hours even if no one else is in the room. You don't say if you meet in a room that has HEPA filtration and the 5 air changes an hour that are required to ventilate it properly. Covid is not over; and it continues to mutate. People are still getting sick and dying. I wouldn't be in either situation you mention without a mask.
ReplyDeleteI have had covid at least once, had a scratchy throat that’s all, I am fully vaccinated. When I see someone wearing a mask I avoid them, as masks stop you giving covid but they do not stop you getting it. Also I have asthma so they are not comfortable to wear.
ReplyDeleteMasking is a somewhat ridiculous exercise in futility considering that 95% of the mask people are using are useless when trying to stop the spread of most pathogens (virus and bacteria). The most affective source in combating said pathogens is being most faithful in using hand sanitizers. Coming or going from using grocery store buggy's...door handles...etc.
ReplyDeleteI've almost completely stopped the spread of most pathogens just by being faithful in the usage of hand sanitizers.
Stay well!
hugs
Donna
Retired LVN