Friday, May 14, 2021

Masklessness


Well, big news from the CDC yesterday, huh? I must admit I didn't think we would be told we could set aside our masks quite so readily, but I'm happy to do it. (After I get my second shot, in a couple of weeks, and after we're given a similar green light here in the UK.) CDC guidelines don't apply here, but I'm sure they will influence the actions of other health authorities around the world -- and the government in the UK has already declared that children don't need to wear masks at school. So we're all on the way back to masklessness.

I think this is brilliant news. I am so ready to get rid of this freakin' mask.

We're all still wearing them at school -- students and staff -- and I think that will continue through the end of the school year in mid-June. As an independent school we can set our own guidelines, and it's just easier at this late date to maintain the policy for a few more weeks, until we break for summer. But next year, woo hoo! Provided, of course, that case numbers and virus mutations don't explode.

Just to make myself crazy, I looked at the Gateway Pundit web site to see what the right-wingers had to say about the CDC announcement. They've been grousing for ages about mask requirements, and you'd think they'd be happy, but they're mostly saying they're still going to avoid the vaccine and lie if challenged. They think the CDC is a globalist cabal and vaccines are a Communist plot that's going to alter our DNA or implant a microchip, with fatal results.

One guy wrote that his whole family got vaccines, "but they are brainwashed idiots. I love them and I will miss them, but they have to go so that we can destroy the globalist overlords and take over the world for Freedom! I tried to talk each and every one out of it, they told me to shut up and mind my own, so I have... There is nothing you can do to save them."

I mean, what do you do with that kind of thinking? Fortunately the unvaccinated people are mostly just putting themselves at risk, although the potential for mutations is higher in a population with a reservoir of vulnerable people.

Anyway, the CDC announcement really is a breath of fresh, unfiltered air.


In other news, I finally discarded our amaryllis bulbs. I hated to do it -- we've had them for ten years. But they're just not worth keeping now that the red blotch fungus is causing the blossoms to fail. Frankly, it's a relief to no longer have to think about how to treat them or overwinter them. They'd become a lot of work for a relatively short and increasingly unreliable period of reward.

I also threw out one of our cyclamens, which died on the front porch during our hard freeze. I should throw out struggling plants more often. It's very freeing.

Dave and I have been watching an excellent British police drama on Netflix called "Unforgotten." We just finished season 2, and the episodes are so riveting we often find ourselves hanging on to watch them one after another. "The Walking Dead," on the other hand, is not holding our interest. We're up to the Season 9 shows about the Whisperers, and as some of you already warned me, the show now feels like it has jumped the shark. Dave groans at the end of every episode. I want to struggle along until we finish the season, but I think he's ready to quit right now.

(Photos: Street art along the Regent's Canal, last Sunday.)

56 comments:

Ursula said...

Where does that ruling leave relative youngsters (those last in line for vaccination)? Secondly, and Biden's take is astonishing, I thought the reason we were compelled to wear masks was to give OTHER people protection from our potential cough, sneeze, droplets whatever not least if we are the Trojan Horse (an asymptomatic carrier of the virus). Am I going crazy? I quote: "Therefore, if you’ve been fully vaccinated, you no longer need to wear a mask,” Biden said. “Let me repeat: if you are fully vaccinated, you no longer need to wear a mask.” Oh dear. People don't get it that you could still be a carrier (remember my beloved "efficacy"?). Mind you, I can't wait to throw away the mask either. I'll wear a Burqa instead. Full of Eastern promise. And not "allowed".

Your cartoon photo (have smartphones invaded all our lives?) reminded me, apropos of nothing, of an elderly woman, clearly down and out, and regrettably so, who approached me the other day as I walked back home. She asked me whether she could borrow my phone as she had "lost" hers. I told her, truthfully, that I don't have one. Oh dear. I won't go into detail how she reacted. Let's just say close up and personal. She didn't believe me. And she didn't wear a mask.

May your Amaryllis and Cyclamen rest in peace.

U

Steve Reed said...

I'm sure this is largely about creating an incentive for people to get the vaccine. But I also think it's an acknowledgement that the risk of a vaccinated person being a contagious carrier is quite low. I'm sure it's not nil -- nothing is -- but I don't think they'd make this recommendation if they considered it a substantial threat.

Dave said to me this morning, "But what about all the unvaccinated people?" When it comes to adult vaccine resisters, I have no sympathy on that point. People who resist the vaccine take their chances.

The bike shed said...

Nice graffiti - my next door neighbour is professional graffiti artist - true - in rural wales of all places!!! He runs classes with kids and youth groups mainly. I like the paintings of the late Jean-Michell Basquiat which was influenced by street art - and then in turn influenced it too.

Frances said...

I know what you mean about throwing plants away. I had been looking at a tall " succulent" plant that had got straggly and finally chopped the tops off for cuttings, and consigned the lower part to the bin. I did say goodbye and sorry as it went in! The shelf looks much better without it and the decision has been made!

Frances said...

I have watched " Unforgotten" and it is a brilliant series, as is anything that Nicola Walker is in. She is a great actress.

gz said...

I can't say that we will be leaving off our masks too soon. Too many want to get too close for comfort anyway, "social distancing" has been a relief for many people, especially those with any degree of Aspergers/Autism.
They should also return every cold/flu season as in the far East. Very sensible, and also keeps cold air off ones chest!

Clearing out plants that have had it isn't easy...but a relief to make room! It's good to give them a chance though.

It is marvellous that some...not all...graffiti is being accepted as wall art.

Yorkshire Pudding said...

For non-American visitors to "Shadows and Light", may I inform you that CDC stands for Centers (sic) for Disease Control and Prevention - an American government agency. Although the term "sidewalk" does not appear in this particular post, it is used with alarming frequency by the blog's author and means footpath or pavement. Glad to be of assistance.

Ursula said...

Thank you so much, YP. Must be the teacher in you. I am sure most, or at least I, know what CDC stands for. Try Buergersteig. Ask the Librarian (Meike).

U

Moving with Mitchell said...

We're still required to wear masks even outdoors here. I'm so used to it, I don't know how comfortable I'll be when it's no longer required... especially since I haven't a single cold or virus this entire time. But I hate the idea of going through life behind a mask. We did the same with our amaryllis bulbs a few years ago. I plan to plant some new ones this year. They seem to do OK for a few years and then don't feel like they're worth the work. But I've become less of a nurturer (when it comes to plants) over the years. I'm about ready to toss three of our 5 hibiscuses off the terrace. Gorgeous green, healthy looking leaves. Covered with buds. Just before opening, the buds drop on the floor!

Out To Pasture said...

Thank you so much for solving a mystery for me, Steve! I got a short and nasty email from my extreme right-wing nephew saying he was disowning me. I'm pretty sure after reading your quote from the Gateway Pundit that it was because I posted something positive about my Covid vaccination. (sigh)

Fresca said...

Thought of you when I discovered this photography project/site/book "Unofficial Britain"--maybe you already know it.
http://www.unofficialbritain.com

Ms. Moon said...

I'm not ready to shed my mask entirely yet. I'm just not. But I think that the CDC is right- if we're vaccinated we are not at much risk to either become infected or to infect others. I did hear Fauci talking about how masks are not a bad thing at all- we've barely had a flu season since people started wearing them.
I do not understand people who refuse to get vaccinated. At this point, even the most hesitant have to admit that the odds of something horrible happening after getting them is pretty darn low and that they are effective in reducing new cases. I mean sure- a lot of people are obviously DERANGED by the cult of the right-wing paranoid conspiracies but what shred of fear are the others holding on to as to the danger?
I find that street art about women pretty powerful. I doubt that most men even think twice about what it's like to be a woman in the world and the realities we face every time we step out of the house.

Bob said...

I will continue masking for the time being, especially indoors, because you never know who is walking by and did they vaccine and so on.
Outside, yeah, I may go maskless if not surrounded by people.

Anonymous said...

I think it's a little soon for telling people they can stop wearing masks. I feel like we're in a Petri dish experiment to see how this will work out. We plan to continue wearing masks when we go shopping at our local food co-op. I'm not even sure what will finally make us feel safe. We don't wear masks when we're out on our walks, but we have them with us in case our paths cross with other humans.

Red said...

I cannot understand how these nut cases can spout such fantasies. A guy like this is dangerous and not only in his possibility to keep on spreading the virus.

Sharon said...

When I heard the CDC news yesterday, the first think I wanted to do was go out to eat. I might just do that tonight. If I'm not mistaken, "The Unforgotten" was shown last year on our PBS station and I thought it was great. I'm working on the more recent episodes of Midsomer Murders. They are most recent episodes that were never available on Netflix before the whole series disappeared.

Ellen D. said...

Our CDC does say that you still have to follow state and local restrictions so I will still wear a mask while shopping. I don't wear it when walking outdoors but do have it in my pocket just in case. I am so glad that cases are going down and fewer are dying. Hope the whole world can get the help it needs to slow and stop this pandemic.

Edna B said...

I think it's great that we can stop wearing the masks all the time. However, there are still times when it is best to wear the mask and distance. At least until more people are vaccinated. We're getting there though. Enjoy your day, hugs, Edna B.

37paddington said...

That is a dramatic poster, very sad commentary on our world. And masklessness! In NYC most people are still going to wear masks, because in the blue north most of the maskless people as those who are anti-vax and therefore masks have become a sort of signifier that you care about the health of others. That said, I have returned to restaurant meals, eating outdoors where possible, but also indoors when not.

37paddington said...

And frankly, as soon as movie theaters open again, I'm there! (I will likely be masked, however. It doesn't hurt.)

Debby said...

The thing is that the same people refusing the vaccine don't wear masks anyway.

ellen abbott said...

yeah, the Whisperers did me in. I stayed with it for the first season but when they brought them back the next season, that was it for me.

I only go one place regularly that isn't the grocery store and that's SHARE. us food workers in the back quit wearing our masks two weeks ago as we are all vaccinated. I'll still wear my mask into stores that ask patrons to. people who won't get vaccinated I think will eventually get infected. I don't think there's been enough information about how it attacks all your organs with damage only showing up 4 - 6 months later.

Allison said...

Eight vaccinated members of a baseball team now have covid. A late night talking head (whose name escape me) who is vaccinated now has covid. No vaccine is perfect and there are just too many unvaccinated people roaming around. I think I'm not willing to unmask just yet when at the grocery store.

The Bug said...

I'll still wear my mask out in stores & such, but I will be happy if we can quit wearing it at work. All of my coworkers are vaccinated. I'll put it back on if I have a visitor & I'm not sure they're vaccinated, but I've quit worrying so much since I'm such a minimal threat to anyone now.

Sabine said...

Here the "covidiots" - as we call them - are now starting to wear masks to protect themselves against poisonous particles that vaccinated people apparently breathe out in order to kill them. Seriously.

Unforgotten is great! I also enjoyed The Pursuit of Love immensely, highly recommended. It's in bbc iplayer.

My life so far said...

We're still in the middle of it with rising case numbers, the highest in the country. We're winning:) Our provincial government fucked it up big time.

It will be lovely to stop wearing masks, one day. We have to wear goggles at work as well which are awful.

It is mind boggling to read some of the drivel that the conspiracy theorists believe. Perhaps natural selection hasn't been as effective as Darwin thought it was:)

Janie Junebug said...

I went to the grocery store this evening. I wore my mask, as did most of the other shoppers. No vaccine is perfect. As for the guy who thinks his family is brainwashed, they are probably glad to be rid of such an idiot. Unforgotten sounds good. I'll look for it on Netflix.

Love,
Janie

Steve Reed said...

Exactly, Debby -- the risk shouldn't increase for the rest of us.

Steve Reed said...

I've always liked street art and Tizer (who painted the top image) is one of my favorites. Cool that your neighbor does it!

Steve Reed said...

It's such a relief to finally make the call, isn't it?!

Steve Reed said...

Yes, I agree. She's terrific. I know I've seen her in other things but I can't remember what.

Steve Reed said...

There's good graffiti and bad graffiti, definitely! I think masks will still be called for in some places, particularly closely-packed places like the tube.

Steve Reed said...

Thanks for your tutorial, YP, but I feel certain people know the CDC.(Incidentally, "Centers" is not (sic) because there are multiple agencies and programs within the CDC -- hence the plural.)

Steve Reed said...

Adapting to life without masks will definitely be a process for some who feel more secure using them. I mean, I guess people always COULD just continue to wear one. I don't know what to think about your hibiscuses -- I'm not an expert on those! I read about them a bit yesterday after seeing your comment and it seems the consensus is that buds drop because of pests or issues with temperature or watering. I'm sure you've read the same.

Steve Reed said...

Wow! See, I just don't understand that kind of anger, but for some reason people are very polarized about this issue. (Just as they are, sadly, about many things in our modern society.) Does your nephew spend a lot of time online on social media? I think it whips some people into an idealogical frenzy.

Steve Reed said...

Thanks for the link! I don't know about it but I will take a closer look! :)

Steve Reed said...

I think some people are just cautious given that the vaccines are new, but to me, the risk of being unvaccinated far outweighs the risk of putting a novel vaccine into my body. I think masks will probably be called for in some settings (like public transportation) for a long time to come. I mostly want to take it off at work. I hate having to wear it for eight hours a day.

Steve Reed said...

But if YOU'VE vaccined (as you put it!) it shouldn't matter whether others have or haven't. They don't pose much risk to you. Know what I mean? I've never routinely worn a mask outdoors. (It's not really expected here.)

Steve Reed said...

Well, it's definitely a sliding scale of caution. I think we're moving into a zone where people can mostly take them off, but there will always be circumstances that call for them. It IS a big experiment!

Steve Reed said...

It IS shocking, isn't it? And it's amazing how many people think like he does.

Steve Reed said...

I still haven't watched "Midsomer Murders"! I've got to try that!

Steve Reed said...

Yes, absolutely, follow whatever rules exist locally. I think we all have to conform to community norms on this question.

Steve Reed said...

Yes, absolutely -- sometimes masks are still called for.

Steve Reed said...

I know what you mean, but I do worry a little about the "virtue signaling" aspect of masks. There are legitimate reasons why people might NOT wear one, and I wouldn't want to make assumptions about them. (Or, for that matter, for people to make assumptions about me when I'm not wearing one.)

Steve Reed said...

I am looking forward to cinemas. Dave and I have been holding off on seeing "Nomadland" until it comes to a theater -- but I think we may buckle and stream it.

Steve Reed said...

I cannot understand people who refuse the vaccine. It's a complete mystery to me.

I think a huge part of why the Whisperers storyline fails is we've lost several essential characters -- Rick is gone, Carl is gone, Maggie is gone (for the moment) and others too. It feels like the show's heart is missing.

Steve Reed said...

Yeah, I read that story! As you said, no vaccine is 100 percent. But you could also get killed by a bus tomorrow. There's risk in life every day.

Steve Reed said...

I agree -- work is the real issue for me. Eight hours a day is a long time to have to wear a mask.

Steve Reed said...

Oh dear God! I hadn't heard that one. As one of my co-workers used to say, "You gotta laugh to keep from cryin.'"

Steve Reed said...

Well, natural selection is a continuous process, right? It's not like it comes to an end! Some people adapt to new environmental challenges, and some don't. :)

Steve Reed said...

I had the same thought -- that his family members probably all roll their eyes at him and think he's a lunatic!

Moving with Mitchell said...

Regarding the hibiscuses. Yeah, I've read and read. They don't like to go dry. I don't let them. They don't like to be overly wet. I make sure they're not. Bugs are a constant problem, in the soil, too. I've treated and treated and I don't see a bug in sight. They like good air circulation. THAT's a problem. We keep the glass curtain mostly closed so the cats don't visit the neighbours (via the ledge). So, not good air circulation and it can get a bit warm for them. Oh well. I'm thinking of thinning out the number of plants on the terrace, so we can get a sofa for out there!

Debby said...

A school in Florida refuses to hire vaccinated teachers. Evidently there is proof that pregnant women standing next to vaccinated people can miscarry spontaneously. Where do people GET these ideas, and what kind of dumbasses believe something like that?

Steve Reed said...

!!!!!!
(Speechless)

Steve Reed said...

Oh, that's probably it, then. Maybe they're just not the right plant for your circumstances! Bummer!

Margaret said...

With variants, non-vaccinated anti-vaxxers, and the 90% rate, I'll keep my mask on in most places although I'll allow myself more latitude to go out and be around my vaccinated friends.