I'll still be masking and social distancing when I'm inside an establishment. I heard Dr. Fauci state he expects people to be honest and wear a mask when they haven't been vaccinated, but I don't believe that will happen across the board. I feel comforted knowing that my family has been fully vaccinated, but it's not a big sacrifice for me to still mask indoors. I'll feel safer and more comfortable when we know more.
@polarberry @lovendures @iradium I feel as you do -- I don't mask outdoors anymore unless someone requires it. I have shopped at a couple of garden nurseries who require masks. I make a point of telling them I will comply but that their mandate is out of date and confusing for people, that the science shows that social distancing outdoors is safe. I realize that they may know the latest science but are concerned about appearances.
But I'm going to wear a mask indoors until I know it's safe and so far, I am not so sure about how safe I feel around unvaccinated people. Also the CDC can be political. I think they are announcing the new protocols in order to pressure people to get vaccinated. But without requiring vaccine cards, I'm not sure how effective that strategy will be.
I realize I'm being extra cautious, but that's how I feel. Also am unsure about variants that are out there. The surging epidemic in India, like any surging epidemic, gives rise to variants. Most variants are covered by the vaccine. But I'll wait and wear my mask.
@ana I for one plan to continue wearing a mask when out in public - and I’m debating “post pandemic” wearing one when out and about during cold and flu season because during a normal school year I’m traveling from district to district providing PL to teachers and rescheduling one of those due to illness is difficult. We’ll see how far I go, but my trip in June - I’ll be masked at the airport and on the flight, and every day that I’m working with teachers I’ll be wearing one as well.
When i want to REALLY ruffle some feathers I go to our local Walmart with my Biden/Harris campaign mask :-). Oh the dirty looks I get.
Bottom line - Lets face it - humans are gross and teeming with bugs that would love to make the jump to other people. If a piece of cloth on my face can help keep me from working while sick - I’m okay with wearing it.
@dannyboy There was a letter to the editor in the Boston Globe today from a man who said that since the mask-wearing started, he has not gotten a single cold and he's happy about that. He said he plans to keep wearing his mask into the indefinite future.
I'm going to wear a mask until I feel comfortable not to. Next year May, maybe. I have less colds and/or allergies with a mask.
@jeanne-mayell I'm planning on wearing my mask whenever I'm outdoors.
Ikea still requires a mask as of today.
Honestly, the people who are not vaccinated by choice are not going to choose to wear a mask. Many of them were "choosing" not to wear them when they were required so...
I find the news about the Yankees troubling. 7 staff and short stop Gleyber Torres have tested positive for the virus, this despite having received the vaccination. Torres tested positive despite receiving the vaccination and having had the virus previously earlier. They are saying this might end up being a case study situation. Whatever happened, it is a bit concerning. 7 of the 8 showed no symptoms which is awesome. But that seems like a lot of people to have contracted it regardless. They all had J&J and batches from 2 different states.
Curious. I remember reading J&J was less effective on some of the variants than the other 2 so I wonder if that is related.
@lovendures. I notice that I'm not feeling so safe when someone I have to come in contact with tells me they got the J&J. I don't know the data so I'm only saying it's just a feeling that it's vaccine Lite.
@lovendures, Bill Maher also tested positive and cancelled tonight's show. He has no symptoms. He received his diagnosis after his show's weekly staff PCR testing for COVID. I don't know which vaccine he received, and how long ago that was. None of the other staff members on his show tested positive.
Living here in redder than red Q Queen MTG country- where they didn't wear their masks because it was a "hoax" and many more ridiculous reasons I will continue to wear my mask to "protect others" the children who are yet to be vaccinated..those 12 and under at at risk now. the adults? are responsible for themselves.
I went and had the antibody test after vaccination and I have antibodies! I will wear a mask because it is the kind and caring thing to do.. this Pandemic is NOT over yet and many have died in my area.
As for "getting back to life like it was before the Pandemic"? Yeah.... too many changes - can't go back... I am now retired...getting a decent job at my age? Not likely around here. I have had a year to adjust to living off my Social Security and my children help me when I need it *sigh*. Not what I wanted... but I have found myself becoming a bit of a hermit and antisocial since the Pandemic.