Will You Feel Comfortable Going to Crowded Places Post-Easing?

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As COVID-19 restrictions are set to ease in the U.S., many individuals express hesitation about returning to crowded places like bars, concerts, and restaurants. Concerns center around the effectiveness of safety measures like masks and hand sanitizers in large gatherings, with some stating they will avoid crowds altogether. The discussion highlights a desire for vaccination before feeling comfortable in public spaces, with skepticism about the timing of easing restrictions given the current case rates. Participants emphasize the need for careful monitoring of new infections and the importance of a gradual approach to reopening. Overall, a significant portion of the conversation reflects a lasting change in behavior due to the pandemic, with many planning to maintain precautions even post-vaccination.
  • #31
No. I want a vaccine first. But I will do it because here in Aus the risk is very low.

Thanks
Bill
 
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  • #32
Quick question for those in the know:

Why is reusing a mask unsafe if it's been left out to dry, say, for three days. I get that a mask can be compromised if it gets wet (from our own mouth's spit and water droplets). The moisture provides "points of entry/exit" on the mask. But, if you let it dry out and you wait a few days too (in case the mask has COVID particles on it), then couldn't you in theory reuse it?

Just asking, because I have 10 or so masks left. Kind of annoying to keep buying.
 
  • #33
Hi kyphysics :smile:
I think personal hygiene is important. My husband thinks we both need to use masks and surgical gloves when we are out and about if there will be a crowd of people. However, we don't use a mask or gloves
when were hiking with the dog. Exercise is very important.

I have a beautiful garden and the cat and dog love playing outside with me. We don't use masks when we are at home.
https://www1.health.gov.au/internet/publications/publishing.nsf/Content/ohp-enhealth-manual-atsi-cnt-l~ohp-enhealth-manual-atsi-cnt-l-ch3~ohp-enhealth-manual-atsi-cnt-l-ch3.7
 
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  • #34
kyphysics said:
...couldn't you in theory reuse it?
Those masks are meant to cover a very sesitive area of the human body. You should think of them kind of like about underwear.
If sanitized (by any proper means, like drying them, preferably by sunshine) you can wear them longer, but ultimately: sanitization is still not washing. The dirt will accumulate.

It is difficult to advocate wearing dirty underwear, even if it is 'sanitized'. That's one typical topic of teenage comedy movies :wink:

If it is not washable then you are meant to throw them away (by the proper way recommended by the local rules) at some point.
 
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  • #35
Thanks for the responses. I guess I'll have to keep buying then. Are people stocked up for a month or more?

Or, are you using "washable" self-made type of masks?
 
  • #36
kyphysics said:
Are people stocked up for a month or more?
Anyone who lives within reasonable driving distance of a Walmart Superstore hardly need to "stock up". You can get pretty much anything you need, they will do the shopping in the store for you, you just pick it up in the back parking lot with no close contact with anyone. I go there at least once a week.
 
  • #37
kyphysics said:
Or, are you using "washable" self-made type of masks?
Yes. I do have some 'serious' ones too, but for everyday usage I think they are not necessary (if social distancing is properly taken seriously).

You can buy 'official' washable masks too.
 
  • #38
The NY Times has done a survey of 511 epidemiologists about when they would feel good about doing a variety of different activities.
Screen Shot 2020-06-09 at 1.29.36 PM.png


There are also lots of comments on specific questions.
My favorite:
“Real epidemiologists don't shake hands. ”
 
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