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

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around participants' feelings and thoughts regarding returning to crowded places as COVID-19 restrictions ease in the U.S. and other regions. It explores personal comfort levels with social activities such as visiting bars, concerts, and using public transportation, as well as the potential long-term behavioral changes due to the pandemic.

Discussion Character

  • Debate/contested
  • Exploratory

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants express that they will not return to crowded places until they receive their vaccinations, emphasizing the importance of vaccination effectiveness.
  • Others argue that people will quickly revert to pre-pandemic behaviors, citing experiences in crowded environments like casinos.
  • Several participants share concerns about the hygiene and behavior of individuals in large crowds, describing them as chaotic and unsanitary.
  • Some participants suggest that easing restrictions may be premature based on current COVID-19 case numbers, advocating for a cautious approach that considers testing and tracing capabilities.
  • There are differing views on whether any part of behavior will be permanently altered by COVID-19, with some stating no change while others indicate a likelihood of ongoing caution.
  • Concerns are raised about the fragility of progress made in reducing COVID-19 cases and the potential for case counts to rise again if restrictions are lifted too soon.
  • Participants discuss the need for careful planning in reopening society to mitigate risks associated with increased social interaction.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally express a range of opinions, with no consensus on comfort levels returning to crowded places or the timing of easing restrictions. Some agree on the need for vaccinations and careful planning, while others emphasize a desire to return to normalcy.

Contextual Notes

Participants reference varying governmental approaches to easing restrictions, highlighting differences in strategies between the U.S. and Canada. There is also mention of the need for ongoing social distancing measures depending on case counts.

  • #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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