Plague 2021 #8 To mask or not to mask, that is the question

[geowench]

So both OSU and the city of Stillwater have dropped their mask and social distancing requirements as of Friday (yesterday).  I have SUCH mixed feelings about this.  Theoretically, I'm safe.  I've been vaccinated, and clearly I had a robust immune response, so I should be good.  But wow am I uncomfortable being around people!  

On Monday I actually ate in a restaurant.  I met my friend L for lunch in OKC.  At first it was pretty weird, but the restaurant was mostly empty, and I got used to it pretty quickly.  I know I wouldn't be comfortable in a crowded restaurant though.  Although, this one was crowded just before we were there, which in actuality isn't really different from it being crowded while we are there.  Argh.  

We wore our masks to do our grocery shopping today.  Staff wore theirs, most customers did not.  I will probably wear mine in public places, especially if the staff are, just out of respect for them.  They have no way of knowing I've been vaccinated.  I'm certainly not getting rid of my masks as I fully expect another pandemic winter.  Sigh.  

Comments

[mrs_redboots]

I think masks are going to be required here for many weeks to come. The Government is now regretting having allowed tomorrow's easing of restrictions to go ahead (we will be able to meet up to 6 people indoors now, or 30 out of doors; pubs and restaurants may serve you indoors; the numbers allowed at weddings and funerals have increased; adult sport restarts; hotels and B&Bs can reopen and you can spend the night in someone else's house; and, best of all, you can hug people again, sensibly!), and is saying that the relaxation of almost all remaining social restrictions on 21 June will probably not now be allowed to go ahead. The Indian variant is beginning to take hold here, and with the resumption of social life indoors, I think they are expecting a huge rise in plague numbers.

[fineplan]

I've been wondering about a pandemic winter... For a while there it seemed like we were being told, often, that new strains are emerging and vaccines could be an every year or so thing... But it seems like most of that has vanished in favor of making people feel like normal is possible.