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Pritzker previews mask mandate announcement

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Illinois

* The governor will have a press conference at 2 pm today to talk about the mask mandate issue, but he was asked a question about the reports about him partially lifting the mandate at his morning event…

People are tired of wearing masks, that’s for sure. But I have to say, I mean, an enormous compliment to the people of Illinois. We have done such a good job, you have done such a good job of keeping each other safe. We have lots of people who are vulnerable, or seniors who are immunocompromised, and lots of people who don’t know that they’ve got an underlying condition that when they’ve been hit with COVID-19 it devastates them and, and unfortunately, we’ve seen many, many people die.

But Illinois has done better than almost every state in the Midwest. In fact, we’re better than all of the states around us at keeping people healthy and safe and certainly out of the hospital during this last omicron wave, in part because people wear their masks.

So my intention is as we’ve seen these numbers peak at about 7400 hospitalizations, and heading downward significantly. We’re now I think, under 2500 hospitalizations, so that’s almost a third of where we were at the peak and heading even further downward. The intention is to lift the mask mandate in indoor locations by February 28.

Of course, we still have the sensitive locations of K-12 schools, where we have lots of people who are joined together in smaller spaces, thousands of people interacting in one location at a time. And so that’s something that will come weeks hence.

But very importantly, things are getting better across the state of Illinois. And that’s really a credit to leaders across the state, but really to the people of Illinois.

posted by Rich Miller
Wednesday, Feb 9, 22 @ 11:13 am

Comments

Hard to imagine it being brought back again, either.

Comment by Nick Wednesday, Feb 9, 22 @ 11:17 am
Nobody imagined we’d see the omicron wave. People don’t want to bring it back but if there’s another variant/wave that fills up hospitals again it should at least be considered.

Comment by The Velvet Frog Wednesday, Feb 9, 22 @ 11:25 am
How will this impact session?

Comment by Ashland Adam Wednesday, Feb 9, 22 @ 11:31 am
Good pivot. Time to think about winning. Loud applause.

Comment by Merica Wednesday, Feb 9, 22 @ 11:32 am
Call me crazy but I’d honestly rather see a metric based approach than a date based approach. Maybe that will be revealed at the presser. I feel that having certain metrics as the guide we can better respond to the ups and downs.
That said - the majority in my neck of the woods abandoned all semblance of mitigations or adherence to guidelines and mandates months and months ago. I don’t foresee the majority of people down this way really adhering to any in the future if they were needed.

Comment by DownSouth Wednesday, Feb 9, 22 @ 11:32 am
It looks like the mask mandate at the Hilton was lifted late last week

Comment by wowie Wednesday, Feb 9, 22 @ 11:38 am
I do wonder what real impact of masks are in public places with fleeting interactions, grocery stores and the like. I see Missouri, Wisconsin and Indiana stats and get where their rates are. But is that because of masks in grocery stores or fewer people vaccinated and a more laissez faire approach to all of it.

You’ll still see me with a mask on anyway in crowded spaces and tight stores at the right time of year and high infection rates.

Comment by Cool Papa Bell Wednesday, Feb 9, 22 @ 11:42 am
I’ll keep my mask on, thank you.

Comment by Allthewayleft Wednesday, Feb 9, 22 @ 11:43 am
I’m of the Covid variant(s) being talked about in the third person. Individuals, through their actions (or inaction) are spreading it to one another.

If you’re unvaccinated and not wearing a KN95 or surgical mask, the problem is YOU (exclamation point).

Comment by Jocko Wednesday, Feb 9, 22 @ 11:46 am
It’s probably too early. I’m going to keep it up myself until Spring at least. We should still be hammering away at vaccinating, though.

Comment by Give Us Barabbas Wednesday, Feb 9, 22 @ 11:50 am
==I’ll keep my mask on, thank you.==

Same here. Plus won’t go back to “normal” either. No big crowds and the ilk ever for me.

Comment by NonAFSCMEStateEmployeeFromChatham Wednesday, Feb 9, 22 @ 11:51 am
@BlueDog - Today is not the day to be bragging on DeSantis.

Why not compare JB to Colorado’s Dem governor or the mask mandate enders in the Northeast?

Comment by hisgirlfriday Wednesday, Feb 9, 22 @ 11:55 am
So we can look forward to the Beverly/Mount Greenwood variant popping up toward the end of March, then.

It is great that hospitalizations are down two-thirds, with deaths soon to follow. And I think Pritzker has done a good job overall of putting public health before politics most of the time.

But, man, I’m just so tired. We get a wave, restrictions are instituted, the wave passes, the restrictions get dropped, then the next wave comes, we institute restrictions too late to stop it (and the restrictions are looser than they were the previous time,) rinse, repeat. I’m so sick of riding this roller coaster because a quarter of the country has been conned into thinking that considering the health of others is basically handing the country over to the Soviets or something.

I’ll still be wearing my mask to stores and whatnot. And I understand those who won’t anymore because the restriction gets dropped. But we’re far from done with this, the frothing hordes will only be louder and more ignorant come the next wave, and it’s depressing to consider the myriad ways in which the richest nation in the world’s public health response to a pandemic has been, “Well, figure that out on your own.”

Comment by Roadrager Wednesday, Feb 9, 22 @ 12:04 pm
This is a real blow to the GOP. Now they’ll only have bigotry and intolerance to campaign on.

Comment by Candy Dogood Wednesday, Feb 9, 22 @ 12:15 pm
It’s not hard to wear a mask. I’m used to it by now.

Comment by LakeCo Wednesday, Feb 9, 22 @ 12:16 pm
==The beauty of freedom is that you can choose to hide and live in fear the rest of your life==

The freedom to swing your fist ends at the tip of my nose. Same goes for your freedom to expel highly contagious virus particles.

Comment by Roadrager Wednesday, Feb 9, 22 @ 12:19 pm
I caught a clip of Darren Bailey this morning warning his people not to fall for anything the Governor says today about lifting the mandates. Of course he doesn’t want Pritzker to take credit for anything to do with the pandemic. Then he once again brought up HB4640 and how they want to come and remove you from your home whenever they want. And he says the majority is clueless.

Comment by Club J Wednesday, Feb 9, 22 @ 12:22 pm
==The beauty of freedom is that you can choose to hide and live in fear the rest of your life — but the rest of us don’t have to and don’t need JB’s permission to do so.==

And people like you wonder why folks want stronger training measures for police.

Comment by Fixer Wednesday, Feb 9, 22 @ 12:24 pm
===live in fear the rest of your life===

Such the phony “tough guy”… like the rest of the selfish fools who took it upon themselves to think that being “kool” is to put in harms way *actual* civil servants, medical personnel, and those who are most vulnerable.

I can see your “virus blocking” muscles from here, LOL

Comment by Oswego Willy Wednesday, Feb 9, 22 @ 12:25 pm
“And people like you wonder why folks want stronger training measures for police.”

This. Exactly this. The stupidity of the “this is nothing” crowd should have ended after the first 100,000 dead Americans. But we’re closing in on a million and they’ve learned absolutely nothing.

Comment by New Day Wednesday, Feb 9, 22 @ 12:36 pm
@Fixer — can you please tell me how my opinion on the legality of the governor’s actions has anything to do with my ability as a law enforcement officer?

Comment by Deputy Sheriff Wednesday, Feb 9, 22 @ 12:41 pm
Not sure how folks would feel about masks if it was your child or grandchild who is diagnosed with cancer and wants to attend school while they receive treatment or the child is someone with a chronic illness such as asthma. Those parents are fighting for those children’s rights to attend school and not have their lives jeopardized because a classmate has chosen not to mask. We try teaching our children to care about others, but somehow when we have become adults we have forgotten how to do this.

Comment by illinifan Wednesday, Feb 9, 22 @ 12:41 pm
===with my ability as a law enforcement officer?===

Do you wear a mask on the job?

Comment by Oswego Willy Wednesday, Feb 9, 22 @ 12:42 pm
Deputy, based on your repeatedly and blatantly inaccurate legal takes, it raises the question of how well you actually understand the legal system you’re supposed to be upholding. I don’t expect you to actually see the issue there, but felt it was worth pointing out.

Comment by Fixer Wednesday, Feb 9, 22 @ 12:45 pm
Take credit for anything to do wth the pandemic? Not exactly sure JB wants this to be his campaign theme.

Comment by Blue Dog Wednesday, Feb 9, 22 @ 12:47 pm
==can you please tell me how my opinion on the legality of the governor’s actions has anything to do with my ability as a law enforcement officer? ==

Well, if you believe that a law that you may be asked to enforce is illegal, you may not enforce it to the best of your ability. That would just be human nature, to half ass a task you don’t really agree with. Maybe you’re not the type to do that, but how would we know? You’re just a screen name.

Additionally, the condescension of “live in fear the rest of your life” could be indicative of a paucity of respect for the people you’re sworn to protect and serve. Again, maybe you protect and serve even people you don’t respect, but how can we know?

Comment by Arsenal Wednesday, Feb 9, 22 @ 12:49 pm
Feel free to keep your mask on. But I am going back to normal. Get Vax and Boosted with mask up to personal preference.

Comment by ElginAlum Wednesday, Feb 9, 22 @ 12:49 pm
==Take credit for anything to do wth the pandemic? Not exactly sure JB wants this to be his campaign theme. ==

And while you of course solely have Pritzker’s best interest at heart, his actions show that he considers his response to the pandemic a point of pride, and the available data doesn’t really give any indication that he shouldn’t.

Comment by Arsenal Wednesday, Feb 9, 22 @ 12:51 pm
=== Additionally, the condescension of “live in fear the rest of your life” could be indicative of a paucity of respect for the people you’re sworn to protect and serve. Again, maybe you protect and serve even people you don’t respect, but how can we know?===

The “humanitarian” Sheriff Deputy… lacking any respect, or empathy, for those he’s sworn to protect.

I mean, they’ve been typing all these words, on their own… telling us who they are.

Comment by Oswego Willy Wednesday, Feb 9, 22 @ 12:51 pm
Some people forget that as governor your decisions affect millions of lives whereas our own personal decisions not so much. So as gov it is easy to understand why mask in schools are necessary. There are all minds of children with varying health conditions and to simply have a mask on is not going to hurt anyone.

Comment by Real Wednesday, Feb 9, 22 @ 12:57 pm
I’ll likely keep masking to around April or when rates get really low and we know that a mild case in the vaccinated won’t cause blood clotting issues. Also if I am around anyone who has a health condition or where I might be likely to run into someone with one (grocery, El, bus etc.) Probably work as well, since it doesn’t bother me and won’t hurt me.

Times have changed since 2019 though so I don’t think I will be going to large events either. With modern streaming, it is really unnecessary now. I might make an occasional exception for a small production of a play or a small concert (think Jazz improv in a smallish bar or on a patio). I am hoping the wastewater sampling continues as that is really the only way to know how safe it is at any given point in time with so many people switching to home testing.

Comment by cermak_rd Wednesday, Feb 9, 22 @ 1:00 pm
Roadrager, Please don’t attach Beverly to Mt. Greenwood.

Comment by James the Intolerant Wednesday, Feb 9, 22 @ 1:02 pm
I have a couple friends that are deputy’s, sadly they really don’t care about my moderate views and mask wearing. Not because of Governor though, Facebook told them this when Covid started. I know when they pull you over, you’d better ask their permission or you’ll be living in fear. Good guys and I respect what they do, way different opinions though.

Comment by BTO2 Wednesday, Feb 9, 22 @ 1:03 pm
Social media comment sections never cease to entertain.
For months there have been people complaing incessantly about mask mandates.
Now that it appears Pritzker is going to announce a relaxation of mandates….do you think it makes them happy?
Nope.
Now they’re complaining about why he is doing it because “he saw his polling numbers” and “doesn’t want to get sued”.
They’re getting what they want and are still complaining about it.

Need more popcorn and soda here in Forgottonia…

Comment by btowntruthfromforgottonia Wednesday, Feb 9, 22 @ 1:03 pm
==I’ll likely keep masking to around April or when rates get really low and we know that a mild case in the vaccinated won’t cause blood clotting issues.==

I imagine that I’ll continue to mask until the point where, seeing enough other people not masking, I can come up with some post hoc and self-serving justification that is only strong enough to let my natural laziness reassert itself.

This is solely a reflection on me, btw.

Comment by Arsenal Wednesday, Feb 9, 22 @ 1:03 pm
==Of course, we still have the sensitive locations of K-12 schools…==

Cue the governmental child abuse accusations and cries of tyranny in five, four, three, two…

Comment by Dysfunction Junction Wednesday, Feb 9, 22 @ 1:03 pm
It’s subtle, and it just might work.

JB is doing a good job creating, and subtly drawing attention to, his positive attitudes, and contrasting it with the constant doom-saying of his opposition. He’s using the oppositions reliance on emotions, and turning it into a strength for him.

Maybe I only recognize it this way, as it is an approach to life I learned years ago.

“Identify your own weaknesses, and find a way to turn them into a strength.”

Comment by TheInvisibleMan Wednesday, Feb 9, 22 @ 1:12 pm
==and subtly drawing attention to==

I don’t think it’s all that subtle, lol.

But that’s OK. Subtlety is for cowards.

Comment by Arsenal Wednesday, Feb 9, 22 @ 1:15 pm
=== But I am going back to normal. ===

A 21st century George Webber appears.

Ah well. I suppose that pairs well with all the Holden Caulfields out protesting mask mandates in front of schools.

What worries me is the Earl Turners some of them are going to transform into.

Comment by TheInvisibleMan Wednesday, Feb 9, 22 @ 1:19 pm
If the GOP tantrumpists win the no masks in schools fight,the next thing we will loose is the teaching of black history.

Comment by Allthewayleft Wednesday, Feb 9, 22 @ 1:20 pm
@Arsenal

It’s subtle in that he isn’t directly pointing it out.

It’s not subtle at all in how he is applying it, and at times seems a bit over the top - but I also think that’s the point.

Comment by TheInvisibleMan Wednesday, Feb 9, 22 @ 1:20 pm
**** live in fear the rest of your life******
Why do we always hear this line from the “Anti” crowd? We also hear open us up like Florida. It’s like you think all the respectful mask wearing people are all hiding in their basements waiting for the Governor to give the all clear. It’s not fear it’s called being responsible for all those around us. I started wearing a mask two years ago and I still wear it today. Not out of fear out of respect and because I’m a responsible citizen. Maybe you aren’t.

I brought up Florida because I’m typing this from my home in Florida. One half mile from me is Lee County Hospital which is at capacity level now and was running over capacity for the last week or so. They have had triage tents out front and daily warnings to not come there unless it was an emergency. I see people in masks everywhere I go. I wear mine everywhere I go. Where my wife works it’s mandatory they wear a mask indoors all day. So Florida isn’t as free as everyone thinks. We have lots of outdoor dining and people use it. Some places are closed to indoor dining.

Mask wearing and vaccinations are about being a responsible citizen. All that got lost when Tom DeVore and Darren Bailey started filing lawsuits against the Governor. It’s just too bad some people can’t realize that.

Comment by Club J Wednesday, Feb 9, 22 @ 1:20 pm
=JB is doing a good job creating, and subtly drawing attention to, his positive attitudes, and contrasting it with the constant doom-saying of his opposition.=

Generally speaking people don’t want to be led by people that constantly complain and air grievances. It’s a big part of the reason why the former governor lost by such a wide margin. And it’s not enough to say “we don’t win anymore” if you can’t actually demonstrate to people that you’re capable of doing something about it.

Comment by Pundent Wednesday, Feb 9, 22 @ 1:23 pm
==It’s subtle in that he isn’t directly pointing it out.==

Ah, fair enough.

==Generally speaking people don’t want to be led by people that constantly complain and air grievances.==

There are exceptions, of course, and a million other factors that go into anything, but “hope” is an extremely powerful emotion in politics- probably even stronger than “anger”.

Comment by Arsenal Wednesday, Feb 9, 22 @ 1:25 pm
Only a fitted N95 mask works. Cloth mask do not work and either do the every day medical mask. Ever see your glasses fog up that’s virus folks. Let’s use some common sense

Comment by Facts Wednesday, Feb 9, 22 @ 1:31 pm
illinifan - thanks for raising this issue - “our child or grandchild who is diagnosed with cancer” - as I struggle with it mightily. And I think everybody who is in favor of lifting the mask mandate needs to acknowledge that we are putting the most vulnerable at greater risk.

To be clear, I’m in favor of lifting the mask mandate when we meet a metric that reasonably guarantees that hospitals are not at risk of being overwhelmed. But I own the fact that we are putting the most vulnerable at greater risk. I rationalize it by remembering that, as a society, we often do things that benefit the majority and create risk for the minority (no masks for flu, speed limits…)

Comment by WestBurbs Wednesday, Feb 9, 22 @ 1:32 pm
“ The freedom to swing your fist ends at the tip of my nose. Same goes for your freedom to expel highly contagious virus particles.”

So curtail the freedom to breath? You have the freedom to not venture out in public if you so choose.

Comment by Alt Middle Wednesday, Feb 9, 22 @ 1:32 pm
I’ve been triple-vaxed for a while, have been careful to wear a mask when out in public to protect myself and others. Then I was struck with a medical emergency last week that involved necessary and quickly-arranged surgery. I was grateful to be in a hospital and among staffers that took masking and COVID protections very seriously. Surgery went well, I’m home and on the mend. I give Gov. Pritzker great credit for the mostly effective state efforts to combat COVID — especially masking. Lifting mandates seem inevitable, but I hope it’ll be done slowly and with great deliberation.

Comment by jackmac Wednesday, Feb 9, 22 @ 1:33 pm
==Why do we always hear this line from the “Anti” crowd?==

One reason is that, even 2 years in, they still continue to (purposefully?) misunderstand how masks work. They do not, by and large, protect the wearer (although KN95s provide some protection), but instead protect everyone else *from* the wearer.

And frankly, that a LEO seems to misunderstand and mock the idea of protecting others is another reason to be weary of how they do their job.

Comment by Arsenal Wednesday, Feb 9, 22 @ 1:33 pm
===So curtail the freedom to breath?===

So the same ridiculous people believe, both…

Masks don’t work AND masks curtail the chance to breathe.

It’s embarrassing that they think both can, and are, true, but

“These are just people of the land, the common prairie folk of Illinois. You know …”

Comment by Oswego Willy Wednesday, Feb 9, 22 @ 1:40 pm
Only a fitted N95 mask works. Cloth mask do not work and either do the every day medical mask. Ever see your glasses fog up that’s virus folks. Let’s use some common sense
Stop using facts here. It doesn’t work on these guys who hide under their bed all day

Comment by Jerry Ice Wednesday, Feb 9, 22 @ 1:40 pm
===So curtail the freedom to breath?===

Are people really this unaware of how foolish they make themselves look?

Comment by The Velvet Frog Wednesday, Feb 9, 22 @ 1:40 pm
==So curtail the freedom to breath?==

If wearing a mask causes you to be unable to breathe (which is what I think you meant there), you might be wearing your mask wrong. The loops are supposed to go over your ears.

Comment by Fixer Wednesday, Feb 9, 22 @ 1:40 pm
Unless you are wearing a properly fitted and 95 mask you are not protecting anyone

Comment by Facts Wednesday, Feb 9, 22 @ 1:40 pm
=While you are free to do so, that is also totally irrational behavior.=

Unless of course the he/she is immunocompromised because in that instance it would be totally rational. Some people would just prefer not to be exposed to Covid, the flu, or even the common cold if at all possible. Not sure if I’d consider that totally irrational.

The point is that there were a lot of things that many of us did pre-Covid that we may not do post-Covid. The disease opened our eyes to a lot. I’ve learned to adapt to a lifestyle where I don’t really want to be in crowded places - by choice. And part of that is my awareness that a large number of our fellow citizens don’t really care about our collective health and safety. Over 35% of them don’t seem to care if they’re vaccinated against a really bad disease. Now you can call that irrational. I don’t really care. You’re probably the type of person that I would rather avoid.

Comment by Pundent Wednesday, Feb 9, 22 @ 1:42 pm
I’m going to continue wearing mine so that no one mistakes me for a republican

Comment by Rachel Wednesday, Feb 9, 22 @ 1:49 pm
==Ever see your glasses fog up that’s virus folks.==

If the mask diverts virus onto my glasses instead of onto someone else, than it *is* working.

Comment by Arsenal Wednesday, Feb 9, 22 @ 1:51 pm
=“hope” is an extremely powerful emotion in politics- probably even stronger than “anger”.=

Not only that, once a politician adopts either position they tend to de-emphasize the other. We’ve gone from arguing “both sides” when discussing racism to saying that Joe Rogan shouldn’t have to apologize for using a racist term. Because once you’re relied on people’s anger to generate support, you have to keep them angry.

Comment by Pundent Wednesday, Feb 9, 22 @ 1:53 pm
==Unless you are wearing a properly fitted and 95 mask you are not protecting anyone ==

No, you are, you’re just not maximizing protection. But nonetheless, a cloth mask will catch a non-zero number of the water droplets that we all expel when talking, breathing, sneezing, etc. Those droplets can carry the virus, even in asymptomatic individuals. It’s not perfect protection, but it helps.

Comment by Arsenal Wednesday, Feb 9, 22 @ 1:55 pm
The virus is airborne. No the mask are not working unless it is Properly fitted and a N95 mask. I wish you were right

Comment by Facts Wednesday, Feb 9, 22 @ 1:58 pm
I do wear an N95 mask and it has been fitted and I have been taught how to fit it for my own use. I switched last summer due to my job. Work will likely lift the requirement once the governor does but they have made it clear others are free to mask if we desire or our job requires it (e.g. metal shavings do not feel good when inhaled so the grinders have always masked for their jobs.)

Comment by cermak_rd Wednesday, Feb 9, 22 @ 1:58 pm
The virus is airborne. I wish you were right.

Comment by Facts Wednesday, Feb 9, 22 @ 1:58 pm
===live in fear the rest of your life===

Funny, when I don a mask in public, especially in crowded areas with lots of maskless folks I feel strong, empowered and anything but afraid.

I wouldn’t say it out loud, being overly polite my whole life. But I just figured that the unmasked, unvaxed, are the ones really afraid. Afraid of leaving their comfortable group think behind, afraid of “looking weak” to someone.

And we do know, that plenty of people go around beating an anti-vax / no mandate drum, while silently being vaxxed and taking lots of precautions.

So if you can’t even tell others in your tribe the truth about how your living your life - what side is really living in fear?

Comment by Cool Papa Bell Wednesday, Feb 9, 22 @ 1:58 pm
-,the next thing we will loose is the teaching of black history-

Who doesn’t want to teach about the Civil War or 13, 14, and 15th?

Comment by Steve Wednesday, Feb 9, 22 @ 1:59 pm
“ So the same ridiculous people believe, both…

Masks don’t work AND masks curtail the chance to breathe.

It’s embarrassing that they think both can, and are, true, but”

Um what? If you are infected, every time you exhale, you expel the virus mask or no mask. Sure breathing into a properly fitted N95 mask will catch what a lot of what you exhale, but nothing is foolproof, especially with the cloth mask most people are wearing. The only foolproof way to avoid contact with the virus is to stay home and nobody is stopping you.

Comment by Alt Middle Wednesday, Feb 9, 22 @ 2:02 pm
- Alt Middle -

LOL…

===Masks don’t work AND masks curtail the chance to breathe.===

That’s the argument.

Trying to parse it to an end… === avoid contact with the virus is to stay home and nobody is stopping you===

Are you advocating a lockdown of oneself?

How about folks get vaccinated… for openers.

Comment by Oswego Willy Wednesday, Feb 9, 22 @ 2:05 pm
How about folks get vaccinated… for openers.

While I’m vaccinated and boosted, fact is, it still doesn’t stop the spread.

Comment by Jerry Ice Wednesday, Feb 9, 22 @ 2:09 pm
===fact is===

It reduces hospitalizations and deaths.

Anything else?

Comment by Oswego Willy Wednesday, Feb 9, 22 @ 2:10 pm
==Who doesn’t want to teach about the Civil War or 13, 14, and 15th? ==

I assume that’s a rhetorical question? If not: Texas, Florida…

Comment by The Velvet Frog Wednesday, Feb 9, 22 @ 2:12 pm
==Sure breathing into a properly fitted N95 mask
will catch what a lot of what you exhale==

So you’re saying that masks DO work…

==but nothing is foolproof==

…they just don’t work 100%. Which is been perfectly clear all along. Glad I could clarify what you meant to say.

Comment by The Velvet Frog Wednesday, Feb 9, 22 @ 2:15 pm
Whole lot of false binary in this thread, isn’t there? “Something isn’t 100.00000% effective against the virus” =/= “It doesn’t work at all, so why bother.”

Why should I wear a coat in the winter? I still get kinda cold when it’s -15 outside. Coats are useless.

Comment by Roadrager Wednesday, Feb 9, 22 @ 2:17 pm
Facts,”No the mask are not working unless it is Properly fitted and a N95 mask”, all masks provide some protection but at different levels. Yes Facts do matter https://www.healthgrades.com/right-care/coronavirus/9-types-of-masks-and-how-effective-they-are

Comment by illinifan Wednesday, Feb 9, 22 @ 2:17 pm
Can someone give me the research that cloth mask work on little kids in school I’d appreciate it thanks

Comment by Facts Wednesday, Feb 9, 22 @ 2:19 pm
==I’m going to continue wearing mine so that no one mistakes me for a republican==

Forever-masked to own the Cons.

Comment by City Zen Wednesday, Feb 9, 22 @ 2:20 pm
=The only foolproof way to avoid contact with the virus is to stay home and nobody is stopping you.=

The next time you go in for surgery I hope you stick to your feelings here and direct the surgeon and others to be maskless during the operation.

Comment by Cool Papa Bell Wednesday, Feb 9, 22 @ 2:21 pm
Roadrager, bingo. I have a hard time thinking of anything else that’s held to the standard of “not 100% effective” = “doesn’t work”. By that standard, practically nothing people use “works”.

It’s a bizarre claim yet people keep making it over and over.

Comment by The Velvet Frog Wednesday, Feb 9, 22 @ 2:22 pm
==Can someone give me the research that cloth mask work on little kids in school==

Here’s one pretty accessible report from a non-controversial source that indicates masking in schools helps:

https://abcsciencecollaborative.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/ABC_year-in-review_29jun2021-final.pdf

Comment by Arsenal Wednesday, Feb 9, 22 @ 2:24 pm
- Facts -

This is not Google.

Thanks.

Comment by Oswego Willy Wednesday, Feb 9, 22 @ 2:25 pm
It’s well established that N95 masks work better than cloth masks which work better than no mask. I’m not sure why people need a study that’s specific to children or schools, do germs or air or masks magically behave differently when kids are involved?

Comment by The Velvet Frog Wednesday, Feb 9, 22 @ 2:26 pm
==By that standard, practically nothing people use “works”.==

That standard would actually lend quite a bit of support to “Defund the Police”.

Comment by Arsenal Wednesday, Feb 9, 22 @ 2:27 pm
Anything else?

People who contracted Covid have more immunity that those who are immunized. That’s why they don’t need the shot.

Comment by Barstool Wednesday, Feb 9, 22 @ 2:29 pm
== I’m not sure why people need a study that’s specific to children or schools==

I think the idea is that kids don’t properly mask as well, or they can’t be relied on to do the other mitigation measures (like distancing). Some of that’s true, some of that’s not, some of it’s true but overstated, but all of it, all of it is a different question than if masks work.

Comment by Arsenal Wednesday, Feb 9, 22 @ 2:30 pm
==People who contracted Covid have more immunity that those who are immunized. That’s why they don’t need the shot. ==

Hmm, that’s not quite right. You’re taking something on a gradient (”more”) and making it binary (”do or do not need the shot”). But the fact is, that both shots AND infection give you EVEN MORE protection than either one alone, although only for a limited amount of time- the antibodies you get from the infection “Wear off” after about 90 days.

Comment by Arsenal Wednesday, Feb 9, 22 @ 2:32 pm
===more immunity that those who are immunized.===

For roughly 90 days.

Now, if you have trouble counting to 90, take off your socks and use both your fingers AND toes.

So there’s that. Get the shot. Even after infection.

Comment by Oswego Willy Wednesday, Feb 9, 22 @ 2:33 pm
==People who contracted Covid have more immunity==

You forgot to post your virology degree from the University of Facebook.

Comment by Jocko Wednesday, Feb 9, 22 @ 2:42 pm
Wrong again OW, but nice of you to use uncivil comments when somebody disagrees with you. Guess when you can’t win the argument you must attack

Comment by Barstool Wednesday, Feb 9, 22 @ 2:43 pm
=== Wrong again ===

(Sigh)

The CDC

===Getting sick with COVID-19 offers some protection from future illness with COVID-19, sometimes called “natural immunity.” The level of protection people get from having COVID-19 may vary depending on how mild or severe their illness was, the time since their infection, and their age. No currently available test can reliably determine if a person is protected from infection.===

Get vaccinated.

=== Guess when you can’t win the argument you must attack===

You’re not a victim, the people you may infect by your ignorance and ridiculousness could be the victims

Comment by Oswego Willy Wednesday, Feb 9, 22 @ 2:47 pm
as the Gov said is is a choice of businesses if they want to keep it, so too is it my choice to keep wearing masks. Want to keep any infections away and don’t mind wearing masks especially as some have truly become a part of fashion.

Comment by Amalia Wednesday, Feb 9, 22 @ 2:47 pm
===The next time you go in for surgery I hope you stick to your feelings here and direct the surgeon and others to be maskless during the operation.===

No, no, the next time they need surgery, they better stay home.

===That standard would actually lend quite a bit of support to “Defund the Police”.===

It also explains their viewpoint on government.

Comment by thechampaignlife Wednesday, Feb 9, 22 @ 2:50 pm
===Only a fitted N95 mask works===

It works the best. Others also work. If you’re vaxed, that can balance things out.

Comment by Rich Miller Wednesday, Feb 9, 22 @ 2:50 pm
==While you are free to do so, that is also totally irrational behavior.==

It’s also irrational IMO to condemn people, who are likely extreme introverts like me, to resolve not to want to go to major events again after COVID. Never have had much of an interest in those things anyway. Would rather read or surf the Web instead.

Comment by NonAFSCMEStateEmployeeFromChatham Wednesday, Feb 9, 22 @ 3:02 pm
Condoms aren’t 100 percent effective so let’s all raw dog it.

Comment by Big Dipper Wednesday, Feb 9, 22 @ 3:08 pm
I’m shocked by the responses here. The numbers are down- do you want to wear a mask forever? I’m sure a new variant will occur- but in the mean time restrictions should loosen up. Covid is not going away, you just have to roll with the punches.

Comment by Alice Wednesday, Feb 9, 22 @ 3:14 pm
==People who contracted Covid have more immunity that those who are immunized. That’s why they don’t need the shot. ==

Not according to Dr. James Lawler at the University of Nebraska medical, whose team has dealt with Sars, Mers, and Ebola, among others. Rare infections are what they deal with. What Lawler says they have found is that roughly 1/3 of those who have had covid have zero antibodies after Covid has left. It drops immediately. No 90 days. What they also found was this. If a person had previously had covid and got a vaccine also, the amount of antibodies more that doubled so the vaccine was producing more antibodies than the natural immunity when the immunity was not part of the 1/3 with no antibodies.

Comment by DTown Resident Wednesday, Feb 9, 22 @ 3:15 pm
=== do you want to wear a mask forever?===

Please take this to Facebook.

Not one person said “forever” or requiring everyone wear a mask forever.

Stop.

Comment by Oswego Willy Wednesday, Feb 9, 22 @ 3:16 pm
==I’m sure a new variant will occur==

Such fatalism. Imagine our forbears in 1918 (Spanish flu) and 1955 (Polio) saying, “It’s hopeless, why bother?”

Comment by Jocko Wednesday, Feb 9, 22 @ 3:17 pm
==Covid is not going away, you just have to roll with the punches.==

When you wear a mask, the punches don’t land as often.

Comment by Roadrager Wednesday, Feb 9, 22 @ 3:18 pm
Alice, have you been vaccinated?

Comment by The Velvet Frog Wednesday, Feb 9, 22 @ 3:20 pm
=== do you want to wear a mask forever?===

Nothing wrong with that.

For the record, I have been fully vaccinated since early last spring and boosted since early October (I was even one of the first, if not the first, people to receive the booster shot in my state agency).

Comment by NonAFSCMEStateEmployeeFromChatham Wednesday, Feb 9, 22 @ 3:26 pm
—People who contracted Covid have more immunity that those who are immunized.

False. It is if they are immunized and have had Covid that they exceed those of whom are immunized only.

Comment by ArchPundit Wednesday, Feb 9, 22 @ 3:50 pm
====Only a fitted N95 mask works.

The world isn’t a binary place. The level of protection varies by the mask, but all of the masks reduce spreading the disease and being vulnerable. Use an N95 if at all possible, but a surgical mask and cloth mask together offer strong protection.

This entire pandemic has been a bunch of people who don’t understand probability assuming everything is binary when reality is continuous.

Comment by ArchPundit Wednesday, Feb 9, 22 @ 3:53 pm
Before you declare me as having no empathy and compassion — I’m here to tell you that I’ve spent my entire career showing empathy and compassion. I can’t even begin to tell you the number of meals I’ve bought for the homeless, the victims I’ve talked with for countless hours, etc. To say that because I choose to exercise my freedom I somehow lack empathy and compassion is ludicrous.

When it comes to COVID I believe everyone should make their own decisions. Want to wear a mask? Go right ahead. Want to get vaccinated, go for it. But that doesn’t mean I have to.

Comment by Deputy Sheriff Wednesday, Feb 9, 22 @ 4:51 pm
=== I choose to exercise my freedom===

Your exercising of freedom is selfish, shows zero empathy, sympathy, possibly dangerous to others, and lacks any communal buy-in for general welfare.

Do you wear a mask on the job?

You forgot to answer that.

=== Want to get vaccinated, go for it. But that doesn’t mean I have to.===

So you’re an anti-vaxxer too?

That’s pretty selfish as well.

I know, I know… “Freedom and ‘Merica”

Comment by Oswego Willy Wednesday, Feb 9, 22 @ 4:57 pm
===When it comes to COVID I believe everyone should make their own decisions===

What if I changed the word covid to heroin?

Comment by Rich Miller Wednesday, Feb 9, 22 @ 4:58 pm
===I’m here to tell you…===

“I’m a Covid tough guy. Live your life in fear”

Such sympathy and empathy, lol

Comment by Oswego Willy Wednesday, Feb 9, 22 @ 5:01 pm
@Rich Miller — are you seriously suggesting interchanging heroin for COVID? Last I checked COVID, not wearing a mask, or wearing a mask weren’t causing people to commit burglaries and thefts. Heroin does. Heroin ruins families, not wearing a mask or wearing a mask does not. This is laughable.

Comment by Deputy Sheriff Wednesday, Feb 9, 22 @ 5:09 pm
===Last I checked COVID, not wearing a mask, or wearing a mask weren’t causing people to commit burglaries and thefts. Heroin does. Heroin ruins families, not wearing a mask or wearing a mask does not. This is laughable.===

“Last I checked COVID, not wearing a mask was causing people to spread a deadly pandemic, possibly infecting, needlessly the most vulnerable. COVID ruins families, with deaths, hospitalizations, long haul ramifications too…not wearing a mask ruins families. This is not a laughing matter”

Better.

Comment by Oswego Willy Wednesday, Feb 9, 22 @ 5:15 pm
Being indifferent or actively hostile to the danger you pose to seniors, children under 5, and those with underlying conditions is the polar opposite of compassion and empathy. It’s scary that someone with such poor judgment has police powers.

Comment by Big Dipper Wednesday, Feb 9, 22 @ 5:18 pm
What if I changed the word covid to heroin?

Thank you…24K.

Comment by Dotnonymous Wednesday, Feb 9, 22 @ 6:13 pm
==Last I checked COVID, not wearing a mask, or wearing a mask weren’t causing people to commit burglaries and thefts. Heroin does. Heroin ruins families, not wearing a mask or wearing a mask does not. This is laughable.==

900,000 dead in less than two years. But I’m sure no families have been ruined in the process.

How many heroin deaths in the United States these past two years, deputy?

Comment by Roadrager Wednesday, Feb 9, 22 @ 6:47 pm
===weren’t causing people to commit burglaries and thefts. Heroin does===

With some people, yes. But my body, my choice?

Comment by Rich Miller Wednesday, Feb 9, 22 @ 7:36 pm