raeoflyte
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Post by raeoflyte on Jul 3, 2020 7:42:22 GMT -5
Our cases are up, but not like other states. We're no where near our peak. Read an article today that it is likely due to weather and outside activities. They said contact tracing showed Arizona and Florida park attendance down 10-12% I believe, while ours is up 92%.
Stores have required masks since we started opening up, and while some don't enforce it, others do and still have counters limiting how many people can be inside. I hope that's helping.
Another article said that the blm protests may have slowed the spread but the study wasn't linked. They said that while the protesters were out, practically everyone else was in.
Definitely makes me worry about fall and winter.
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lurkyloo
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Post by lurkyloo on Jul 3, 2020 10:23:48 GMT -5
The D614G mutation isn’t really new, it’s been the dominant strain for the East Coast outbreak, which got seeded largely from Europe. I think they are still arguing about whether it’s officially more infectious than the parent strain but the circumstantial evidence is pretty strong. I also suspect that’s a big part of why the west coast early outbreaks responded well initially to lockdown measures-y’all mostly got the original strain.
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lurkyloo
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Post by lurkyloo on Jul 3, 2020 10:32:21 GMT -5
We had been on a nice downward trajectory but the last couple of days are creeping up again. Today is 122 county cases, after Mon-Wed were in the 60s. Dammit.
I’m worried about my friend. She’s immunocompromised, stuck trying to telework with two young kids and a husband that tends to duck responsibility...and her boss is trying to pull her off her official job description to work on stuff she’s ideologically opposed to that almost certainly violates the Hatch act. I can’t see a realistic way to offer help.
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pulmonarymd
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Post by pulmonarymd on Jul 3, 2020 11:20:42 GMT -5
If one strain has come to dominant and crowd out the other mutations, then it has some advantage. It is contagious earlier, in higher amounts, lasts longer in the environment, needs a lower dose to be infectious, reproduced faster, evaded our immune system better, etc. it has some property that gives it an advantage. How that shakes out, who knows. But if it is now the dominant one, there is a reason for it. Evolution at its finest.
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TheOtherMe
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Post by TheOtherMe on Jul 3, 2020 13:44:26 GMT -5
Seems our area of the state has been hit. Not only the local high school, but several high schools in the area have had to suspend the baseball and softball seasons for 14 days. The small towns that opened the swimming pools, have now closed them.
July 4th Fireworks have been canceled by small towns yesterday and today. Just a few small towns left who are doing them.
Yet my county had an outdoor concert at the fairgrounds last night. A picture was in the paper. No masks and no social distancing.
Lots of resturants in bars in the bigger city are closing down for the holiday weekend because they don't want their employees to get it or to spread it to customers.
The governor has said that cities and counties can not make their own rules about covid. One mayor has declared that masks must be worn in her city of about 10,000 people.
Hospitals had started allowing 1 visitor for patients and that has been stopped.
Iowa never truly shut down because the governor never would call it that. I am glad to see that businesses are willing to close without her telling them they have to over a holiday weekend when they know they would have had a good weekend money wise.
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Deleted
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Post by Deleted on Jul 3, 2020 14:15:36 GMT -5
Our rural health department keeps telling people to stay home and avoid crowds or other people.
There's a big event here tomorrow that's a farmer's market, car show, parade, etc... that was not cancelled and a town-wide garage sale event next weekend.
Seems to be a bit of a contradiction...
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busymom
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Post by busymom on Jul 3, 2020 14:20:21 GMT -5
Our local Great Clips was making customers wait outside when salons first began to open up for business. Now, they're limiting the inside crowd to "customers only", and friends or family need to wait outside. The waiting area inside had only 3 chairs, spaced 6 feet apart. Masks are required, and you wear them the entire time you're getting your hair cut.
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seriousthistime
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Post by seriousthistime on Jul 3, 2020 14:51:50 GMT -5
I’m worried about my friend. She’s immunocompromised, stuck trying to telework with two young kids and a husband that tends to duck responsibility...and her boss is trying to pull her off her official job description to work on stuff she’s ideologically opposed to that almost certainly violates the Hatch act. I can’t see a realistic way to offer help. www.sss.gov/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/HA-Pamphlet-2_23_18.pdfFor further examples, sample advisory opinions, and frequently asked questions, please visit our website at www.osc.gov. So I'd start by taking a close look at that website. Note there is a Hatch Act hotline she can call. She might just run the scenario by whoever answers the phone. Anonymously, of course. She might ask, if she were to file a complaint about her boss, would the Whistleblower Protection Act apply? Is she a member of a union (NTEU, AFGE)? If so, maybe she could talk to her steward. She might send a very pleasant email to her boss letting him/her know that since the work is outside her position description, she would like the boss to send her an email outlining exactly what he/she would like her to do, and how her performance of those duties will be considered in her performance assessment since they are outside her position description and will take time away from the performance of her official duties. "After all, memories fade, so it would be good to memorialize it." If the boss is dumb enough to put it in writing, she might respond with a "hmm, I wonder if this runs afoul of the Hatch Act. I wouldn't want for either of us to get in trouble. Just looking out for both of us." Unless the boss is really dumb, it would probably end there. On the other hand, I can see she's caught between a rock and a hard spot. If she violates the Hatch Act she could lost her job. If she manages to get the boss to back down, she still has to work for that person, and this could ruin the working relationship.
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lurkyloo
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Post by lurkyloo on Jul 3, 2020 15:11:34 GMT -5
I’m worried about my friend. She’s immunocompromised, stuck trying to telework with two young kids and a husband that tends to duck responsibility...and her boss is trying to pull her off her official job description to work on stuff she’s ideologically opposed to that almost certainly violates the Hatch act. I can’t see a realistic way to offer help. www.sss.gov/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/HA-Pamphlet-2_23_18.pdfFor further examples, sample advisory opinions, and frequently asked questions, please visit our website at www.osc.gov. So I'd start by taking a close look at that website. Note there is a Hatch Act hotline she can call. She might just run the scenario by whoever answers the phone. Anonymously, of course. She might ask, if she were to file a complaint about her boss, would the Whistleblower Protection Act apply? Is she a member of a union (NTEU, AFGE)? If so, maybe she could talk to her steward. She might send a very pleasant email to her boss letting him/her know that since the work is outside her position description, she would like the boss to send her an email outlining exactly what he/she would like her to do, and how her performance of those duties will be considered in her performance assessment since they are outside her position description and will take time away from the performance of her official duties. "After all, memories fade, so it would be good to memorialize it." If the boss is dumb enough to put it in writing, she might respond with a "hmm, I wonder if this runs afoul of the Hatch Act. I wouldn't want for either of us to get in trouble. Just looking out for both of us." Unless the boss is really dumb, it would probably end there. On the other hand, I can see she's caught between a rock and a hard spot. If she violates the Hatch Act she could lost her job. If she manages to get the boss to back down, she still has to work for that person, and this could ruin the working relationship. She’s a JD-PhD, so I’m sure she’s aware of the relevant law and the importance of documentation. I know for sure she’s aware that this administration has run rampant ignoring both law and protocol though...she already moved departments once to get away from blatant corruption. I expect pushing back is not worth the risk of retaliation. I appreciate the weigh in, but I in turn don’t think it’s worth adding to her stress level for something that would probably turn out to be mansplaining Legally she shouldn’t have to deal with it. Doesn’t mean much in today’s world.
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seriousthistime
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Post by seriousthistime on Jul 3, 2020 15:40:48 GMT -5
I get it, lurkyloo. There's no easy way to deal with this. I'm sorry she already had to move departments to get away from wrongdoing. Every department/agency is different, some are more under the thumb of the current admin than others. They are so careful about the Hatch Act in my department that if it even smells like something that could lead to something that might possibly be an ethics issue, we don't do it. I once wanted to write my Congressman about an issue of interest to me and other some other federal employees. I was told I could write the letter and identify myself as a constituent and federal employee, but could not indicate my title, department, or agency. Best of luck to your friend.
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Deleted
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Post by Deleted on Jul 4, 2020 19:00:35 GMT -5
Adjacent county announced they will not enforce state-wide mask mandate.
Neighbor is in hospital on oxygen, wife seriously ill at home; young adult daughter hung out with friends at a local restaurant a week ago with friend who was positive but she hid the fact. I saw many young people playing soccer today at a local church field.
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GRG a/k/a goldenrulegirl
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Post by GRG a/k/a goldenrulegirl on Jul 4, 2020 23:36:12 GMT -5
Took the pup for a quick walk on the trail at 7:00 tonight and yelled at 3 different people on bikes to put their masks on.
Walking the trails is no longer fun. ☹️
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Rukh O'Rorke
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Post by Rukh O'Rorke on Jul 5, 2020 8:02:23 GMT -5
Took the pup for a quick walk on the trail at 7:00 tonight and yelled at 3 different people on bikes to put their masks on. Walking the trails is no longer fun. ☹️ I personally could not ride a bike with a mask on, needing more oxygen, so your expectations may be unrealistic there.
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pulmonarymd
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Post by pulmonarymd on Jul 5, 2020 8:15:58 GMT -5
Took the pup for a quick walk on the trail at 7:00 tonight and yelled at 3 different people on bikes to put their masks on. Walking the trails is no longer fun. ☹️ In my opinion, expecting mask wearing in that situation is overkill. It is probably unnecessary too. Short outdoor contact is a low risk activity, especially in an area where cases are flat. We are responsible for avoiding activities that are above our risk tolerance, just as much as we need to limit high risk activity and do things to decrease risks. This situation has us all on edge, and people’s unwillingness to comply with reasonable restrictions is irritating, but we need to do our best to be reasonable as well
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Miss Tequila
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Post by Miss Tequila on Jul 5, 2020 9:25:10 GMT -5
Took the pup for a quick walk on the trail at 7:00 tonight and yelled at 3 different people on bikes to put their masks on. Walking the trails is no longer fun. ☹️ Sorry, but that is crazy of you to expect anyone to be wearing a mask on a bike.
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buystoys
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Post by buystoys on Jul 5, 2020 10:40:56 GMT -5
Just got home from grocery shopping. Gov. Abbott made it mandatory to wear masks. The only problem with that is the number of people who won't wear it correctly. We saw a large number of people with it down below their nose and several people with it below their chin.
We overheard a blow out between an employee and a supervisor. The employee was being sent home for having his mask below his nose. We saw a decent number of employees wearing their masks that way, so I wonder if they all got sent home?
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TheOtherMe
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Post by TheOtherMe on Jul 5, 2020 10:42:50 GMT -5
In certain states, mask wearing in public is mandatory and required when hiking or bicycling.
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Deleted
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Post by Deleted on Jul 5, 2020 11:04:32 GMT -5
A friend posted pics on FB of her and her buddies at an "Open Texas" rally yesterday. No masks, no social distancing and standing next to a kid, maybe 6, carrying a sign saying "America is my inheritance".
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pulmonarymd
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Post by pulmonarymd on Jul 5, 2020 11:07:57 GMT -5
Good to see Texas is working on controlling the pandemic
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Happy prose
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Post by Happy prose on Jul 5, 2020 11:08:53 GMT -5
I walk in the park, very early in the morning, and I don't wear a mask. I do carry a cheap one in my phone case, just in case.
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GRG a/k/a goldenrulegirl
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Post by GRG a/k/a goldenrulegirl on Jul 5, 2020 11:24:15 GMT -5
Took the pup for a quick walk on the trail at 7:00 tonight and yelled at 3 different people on bikes to put their masks on. Walking the trails is no longer fun. ☹️ Sorry, but that is crazy of you to expect anyone to be wearing a mask on a bike. I’m not crazy, just a rule follower during a pandemic. Our Republican Governor — please note that I said “our REPUBLICAN Governor” — issued a mandatory face-covering order for all inside activities including at all times inside gyms (treadmills, spin classes, etc.) and for all outside activities where social distancing is not possible. Social distancing is not possible on the trails and every entry to the trail has several signs posted stating that masks are required. There is a $300 fine for each violation. Masks are hot, make simple exertion feel like you’re hiking at high altitude, so I totally understand that no one likes them, but tough poop. I don’t like that Trump “won” on a technicality but that was the law, and the law is either always the rule or it’s never the rule. You don’t get to pick and choose.
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seriousthistime
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Post by seriousthistime on Jul 5, 2020 11:37:31 GMT -5
An LA taco stand temporarily closed its two locations because its employees were treated like crap when they told its guests they had to wear a mask. Staff were harassed, called names, and had objects and liquids thrown at them.
I saw the post on Twitter. One of the comments referred to the customers as maskholes.
I think that's a good name for them.
It's unfortunate the business and its employees are the ones who suffer from this closure. (There's a gofundme campaign to help them out.) But the unintended consequences of non-mask wearers would hit home a bit more if other businesses would follow suit. You want the freedom to patronize any business without argument about not wearing a mask? Fine. You'll have to go elsewhere, because we are now out of the "arguing" business.
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billisonboard
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Post by billisonboard on Jul 5, 2020 11:38:50 GMT -5
... Our Republican Governor — please note that I said “our REPUBLICAN Governor” — ... Damn I wish people could get over making this partisan.
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GRG a/k/a goldenrulegirl
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Post by GRG a/k/a goldenrulegirl on Jul 5, 2020 11:43:13 GMT -5
... Our Republican Governor — please note that I said “our REPUBLICAN Governor” — ... Damn I wish people could get over making this partisan. Let's start by not calling other posters "crazy" unless you have the medical records to prove it, especially if you don't know the rules in every state.
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Deleted
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Post by Deleted on Jul 5, 2020 12:11:28 GMT -5
When you're watching an old movie and wondering why nobody is wearing a mask...
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steph08
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Post by steph08 on Jul 5, 2020 12:24:15 GMT -5
Here in PA, we are under another mask mandate, though I have been wearing one all along.
I run four times/week on the state park trails and never wear a mask. I also rarely see anyone.
When I go to the flat rails to trails trail, I take a mask with me. However, I only put it on if I encounter anyone walking in or out at the trailhead. I simply keep to the other side of the trail if I encounter anyone while running. It isn't six feet, more like three or four.
I don't expect anyone to wear a mask while exercising - that crap is hard enough in a PA summer without a mask on.
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GRG a/k/a goldenrulegirl
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Post by GRG a/k/a goldenrulegirl on Jul 5, 2020 12:31:01 GMT -5
Here in PA, we are under another mask mandate, though I have been wearing one all along. I run four times/week on the state park trails and never wear a mask. I also rarely see anyone. When I go to the flat rails to trails trail, I take a mask with me. However, I only put it on if I encounter anyone walking in or out at the trailhead. I simply keep to the other side of the trail if I encounter anyone while running. It isn't six feet, more like three or four. I don't expect anyone to wear a mask while exercising - that crap is hard enough in a PA summer without a mask on. I get the resistance to wearing one when exercising, I do. My son has been sheltering in place in Pennsylvania since March, so I know your rules are a little more flexible. But Massachusetts got hit harder than every other state but New York and New Jersey (although Texas, Florida, and Arizona are giving us a run for our money right now), so our mandates are stricter because no one here ever wants to see that level of human suffering again. Along with strict mask rules, we are also opening slower to help keep the numbers in check. If this approach works, and it seems to be, I'm all for it. The real test will be when all the hundreds of thousands of college kids return to Massachusetts in a few weeks.
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steph08
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Post by steph08 on Jul 5, 2020 12:48:36 GMT -5
Here in PA, we are under another mask mandate, though I have been wearing one all along. I run four times/week on the state park trails and never wear a mask. I also rarely see anyone. When I go to the flat rails to trails trail, I take a mask with me. However, I only put it on if I encounter anyone walking in or out at the trailhead. I simply keep to the other side of the trail if I encounter anyone while running. It isn't six feet, more like three or four. I don't expect anyone to wear a mask while exercising - that crap is hard enough in a PA summer without a mask on. I get the resistance to wearing one when exercising, I do. My son has been sheltering in place in Pennsylvania since March, so I know your rules are a little more flexible. But Massachusetts got hit harder than every other state but New York and New Jersey (although Texas, Florida, and Arizona are giving us a run for our money right now), so our mandates are stricter because no one here ever wants to see that level of human suffering again. Along with strict mask rules, we are also opening slower to help keep the numbers in check. If this approach works, and it seems to be, I'm all for it. The real test will be when all the hundreds of thousands of college kids return to Massachusetts in a few weeks. You should come down here and tell PA residents that our rules are flexible. They're trying to impeach our governor for "ruining the state's economy" by shutting down fast and early. It is so ridiculous! They don't see that we dropped from 2k cases a day to 300 because of the measures we took. Now we just had a 800+ day because people are just not listening anymore.
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Lizard Queen
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Post by Lizard Queen on Jul 5, 2020 13:23:56 GMT -5
Michigan got hit fast and hard. Our masking rules are the same-- indoors. I bring a mask with me to the trails, too, but nobody wears them out there. I just give as much space as possible, turn my head away and hold my breath as we pass. Bicycles are never that close to me. I've seen no one on a bike wearing a mask. This is lower population suburbia.
Oh, and there's idiots trying to impeach my states governor as well, after she pulled us back from the precipice.
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Post by The Walk of the Penguin Mich on Jul 5, 2020 13:53:56 GMT -5
I saw a meme last night that there same resistance to condoms during the AIDS epidemic as there is to masks today, and that women are more likely to comply than men.
Interesting analogy.
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