Well, that was a rather short-lived period of jubilation following the CDC announcement, wasn't it? Within hours we were hearing stories of baseball players and TV hosts who tested positive for Covid despite being vaccinated, throwing into doubt the CDC's assertion that we could take off our masks if we'd had our shots. One step forward, one step back!
The experts, though, still seem to think we're "very safe" (to use Dr. Anthony Fauci's words) if we've been vaccinated, especially since all these "breakout cases" involved people who were asymptomatic or very mildly symptomatic. Here's an interesting article about it all.
I'm still optimistic, but I didn't mean to suggest yesterday that I was immediately ripping off my mask and skipping freely down the street with abandon. I'll follow whatever local guidelines exist and I will continue to mask up when on public transportation or other places where it's specifically recommended. I'm mostly hoping I can eventually take it off at work. That would make the most difference in my life. I'm not in shops often enough to mind masking there, and I (like most people in the UK, I think) don't wear one outdoors.
Incidentally, my doctor's office contacted me yesterday and offered me an appointment for my second shot on Tuesday. Woo hoo! This is probably a direct result of Britain accelerating second doses for people over 50, because under the original schedule I wasn't due for a shot until early June. In any case, I'll happily go get my jab.
I spent yesterday weeding more books in the library, boxing them up for donation to charity. (That's what we do with our old books -- we don't throw them out, though some of them probably should be thrown out.)
Just to give you some idea of what I'm dealing with, here are two examples of books I've discarded.
I'm pretty sure this was a really boring book even when it was brand-new. But not only is it of dubious interest, it's 37 years old -- published in 1984. Besides, anyone who wants information on our vice presidents can surely get it online these days.
This one's also woefully out of date. It was published in 1993, just a few years after the fall of the iron curtain and the breakup of the Soviet Union. It would be lacking information about Chechnya and the other breakaway countries and civil wars taking place in the Caucasus, for example.
I also pulled a book about Mayan civilization from the 1960s that proudly proclaimed on its front cover that it had photos IN COLOR! Imagine!
And speaking of color, here's our Asiatic lily, blooming up a storm. I moved it from the dining room (which is surely the least-used room in our flat, since we always eat in front of the television) to the living room so we could enjoy it more.
(Top photo: A street scene in Islington, North London, last Sunday.)
What did I say to you yesterday? Unfortunately facts are not always understood or welcome.
ReplyDeleteIn the meantime, and whilst I am not a plant up for rescue, what I'd like to know, this minute and for the last twenty, how to stop a bleed in a prominent place (my nose). It's right on the middle, bang center, where you can't miss it. How it happened I have no idea. I'd prefer a pimple. At least pimples, whilst ghastly, aren't bright red.
U
Well, I still think the CDC wouldn't have made that statement if they weren't certain there was little risk in removing our masks once vaccinated. There are always going to be outliers in any medical situation. For me the most interesting question is why there was apparently a cluster of outliers among the ball players?
DeleteI've gotten so used to the mask that I'll probably wear it in the hope of cutting back on colds/flu. Of course, I haven't been in a place where I had to wear it for hours. I'm sure that got old. I'm glad I'm not anyone's #2.
ReplyDeleteLove,
Janie
That's true -- it does have the added benefit of helping us avoid other bugs!
DeleteGreat red street scene. Perfect capture! You're right that what seems to be happening is nothing of concern in those who've been vaccinated. Still, it's unsettling. I'll keep wearing my mask inside and out (well, we still have to here anyway). I'm so happy you're second shot is coming up. I'm disappointed that I have to wait until late July, but at least I know it's scheduled. By the way, I've been searching for that book on the first 43 vice presidents -- as well as Eurasia. How will I ever find the info I "need"?
ReplyDeleteI'll send it to you by Pony Express! LOL!
DeleteThe Asiatic lily , in COLOR! The blossoms look like beautiful insects feeling the air with their antennae. Bus and building are stunning! How can paint be so red? My little point and shoot would fail trying to shoot that rich red.
ReplyDeletePersonally I will continue to wear my cute masks, people are germy no matter - covid or just everyday cold/flu- Some nations are healthier wearing masks all the time. I have found a few that I wear more than others- comfortable - not too hot. Glad it rarely gets over 80 degrees here!
Good job on the books!
Yeah, at least we're in a cool climate too. I can't imagine having to wear a mask all day somewhere hot.
DeleteHere we have had owners complaining bitterly about short notice...but if they hadn't been wearing blinkers, Glasgow and Moray staying at level 3 was obvious over a week ago.
ReplyDeleteWhat I do find ridiculous is people cancelling restaurant bookings because they can no longer have alcohol with their meal. As if that was the point, not a meal out with family.
Oh, I hadn't heard that! We can't order wine with a meal now? Is that just a rule in Scotland? I think here restaurants are opening regardless of whether they serve alcohol or not.
DeleteA "Number Two" in England normally refers to the excretion of solids which, given some of the vice presidents America has had, seems very appropriate. Who can forget that nitwit Dan Quayle correcting "potatoes" on a school blackboard?
ReplyDeleteP.S. CDC can also mean Congress for Democratic Change (A political party in Liberia) and California Democratic Council. Jut two examples.
A book about vice presidents that doesn't include Dan Quayle unfortunately eliminates the most entertaining vice president we've had in two centuries.
DeleteMy son started a project some years ago - he studied philosophy and politics - which was to read a biography of every US president. He's about half way through. Worthy reading and he'll finish to0 - he's like me. He'd probably but that book on the VPs!
ReplyDeleteHoly cow! That's a pretty serious project. I thought I was taking on a challenge by reading all the Newbery winners, but at least they're relatively short. Presidential biographies are gargantuan!
DeleteWe were running errands yesterday and saw several maskless people about, but we kept ours on. we're due for the Second Prick next Friday and I will still be masked!
ReplyDeleteHow funny, just sixty years ago "pictures in color" was a novelty!
It IS funny. Remember how some old TV shows (like "The Brady Bunch") used to tout the fact that they were in color in their opening credits? (I know this only from reruns, you understand.) :)
DeleteWe still have to wear masks in stores and wherever they are required, but can go maskless within ones own circle of family and friends if they have all been vaccinated!
ReplyDeleteThe suggestion is to always carry a mask with you when you are out and about! You just can't trust some folks since we have so many idiots out there!
That lily is gorgeous!
Yeah, I think it's always a good idea to have a mask on hand. I keep one in my back pocket just in case.
DeleteTo those who use this news as a point to prove that the vaccinations are not doing their job- let's think about this- would we rather have a full-blown covid case than a non-symptomatic one?
ReplyDeleteI'll still be wearing a mask indoors where there are people I do not know who may or may not have been vaccinated. This makes sense to me. However, it does appear that the amount of virus shred in vaccinated people, even if they have been exposed and are carriers, is not enough to infect others.
That lily is magnificent!
Ms Moon, a non-symptomatic one is great for the virus carrier - meaning they don't have any symptoms. Not so great for those he/she comes in contact with. To spell it out: Just because you don't have any symptoms, indeed are unaware that you are a carrier, doesn't mean you can't pass on the virus.
DeleteU
Per Ms. Moon: "However, it does appear that the amount of virus shred in vaccinated people, even if they have been exposed and are carriers, is not enough to infect others." I too have heard this from recent studies, so I am somewhat more confident that I will not be a vector if out and about, maskless.
DeleteThat being said, I - as so many other commenters - plan to continue wearing a mask when indoors around potentially unvaccinated people, just as Ms. Moon does.
Steve: that Asiatic lily! Be still my heart!
Chris from Boise
As I said above, and to concur with Ms. Moon, I really think the CDC would not offer this latest guidance if they weren't reasonably certain that vaccinated people couldn't pass on the bug. A few vaccinated people might be testing positive but I haven't heard that there's evidence they're contagious. I'm just going with the experts here.
DeleteWhich really, in my country, seems to be the biggest problem: Nobody listens to the experts. They all seem to believe that they are smarter than the people involved. You've got people STILL quibbling about whether masks should have been mandated in the first place.
DeleteI do find it reassuring at least that the breakthrough cases of covid are asymptomatic or mild, but as Mary suggests here, I will also wear a mask in places where I cant tell who's vaccinated and who's not, a simple and sensible guideline, I think, the only exception being restaurants and there, I will dine outdoors if possible.
ReplyDeleteI think we all have to "re-enter" society according to our personal levels of caution. Some people are more cautious than others, and community expectations are different from one place to another -- I get that.
DeleteStill going to wear a mask while shopping or when outside and someone comes jogging by. People are pretty conscious here, crossing the street to give other walkers space, or masking up if passing close by. We still don't know what the longterm issues will be with mutating variants and how long this is all going to go on. Just keeping safe until the science is clearer and more reassuring.
ReplyDeleteJoggers generally don't mask here. It makes me a bit nervous when they go by huffing and puffing, but I guess they figure they're outside so the risk is minimal.
DeleteI will be wearing my mask for years to come. When you're out you don't know who have not been vaccinated. WalMart dropped their mask requirements. It's too many people making decisions in reference to this pandemic. Protect yourself and don't listen to these people. Practice safety for yourself.
ReplyDeleteI think particularly for people with health issues continued masking probably makes sense.
DeleteThe thing that jumped out to me was the fact that 1984 was 37 years ago. How is that possible? I was 28 in 1984 and I certainly don't feel 37 years older, now. I miss the '80s. Meaning, I guess, I miss my 20s.
ReplyDeleteI KNOW! It's shocking, isn't it? I graduated from high school in 1984 and I can't believe it was that long ago.
DeleteI actually chuckled at the thought of you skipping down the street with abandon. I'm feeling the same about the new guidelines. I will still use my head when it comes to every situation.
ReplyDeleteYeah, this is all going to be a matter of personal judgment on a case-by-case basis!
DeleteI like the photo from Islington. Very red.
ReplyDeleteThanks! It was actually a complete accident -- I was shooting the building and the bus drove into the frame. But it works, doesn't it?!
DeleteI agree with you - the masking for long periods at work is the part I find hardest. Wearing a mask for grocery shopping or other short periods of time is not an issue for me anymore. Although I might retract that statement in the heat and humidity of a mid-summer day :)
ReplyDeleteLike Sharon I chuckled at the mental picture of you ripping off your mask and skipping down the street with abandon!
Maybe I should do it, just to amuse the neighbors? If so I'll be sure to make a video. :)
DeleteI dislike wearing a mask as much as the next person does, but I will continue to wear one indoors because there is no way to know who is vaccinated and who is not. I am, but given the number of people who are not and don't plan to be it seems the prudent thing to do......
ReplyDeleteI guess the theory is, though, if YOU've been vaccinated, it doesn't matter whether people around you have been or not -- you can't transmit it to them, and they can't give it to you, because the vaccine would block it on both counts. That's the theory, anyway. We'll see over time whether that's true in practice, but as I said above, I don't think the experts would make that recommendation unless they were reasonably sure it is.
DeleteOh I totally feel that if we could go back and not take the last few years for granted I wonder if we would have a greater appreciation for those Happy Jabs? My doctors PA insisted at my last visit that I was among the careless that infect everyone else because my Kidney, Heart specialists do not recommend that I get the vaccination. Believe me I have asked and I think that I put more stock into the answers of those specialists than in the PA who does not believe that I am as ill as I really am. Still I wear my masks and launder them after each use. I receive new ones from family and friends and even a couple of my specialists when I go to see them. I do take them off when I am outside alone, because I do believe that we all need to be diligent in keeping everyone as safe as possible.
ReplyDeleteI love your lily. It is so gorgeous. I have always loved flowers. I don't know that their is a bloom on the face of the earth that I don't love.
I don't envy your job of discarding the books, but at least they are not going to a trash bin from you so there is that to be thankful for :) Have a great weekend. xxxx
I think if you have medical opinions from two doctors saying you shouldn't get the vaccine, it absolutely makes sense to skip it. And in that case you should definitely continue to mask.
DeleteThe pandemic isn't over anywhere though but Americans are being told that it is. They will be booking international travel creating fourth fifth sixth tenth waves world wide and back in the U.S. Fauci saying what he said about masks not being necessary is so disturbing.
ReplyDeleteI think the CDC is trying to give people an incentive to get the vaccine by offering them a glimmer of normalcy, and I don't think they'd do it if they didn't feel it was relatively safe. This is all going to be a balancing act as we return to our "normal" lives. I don't think it's unreasonable for vaccinated people to expect to be able to travel internationally once again. I myself am getting on a plane for Florida in July, hopefully. We must be cautious but we must also live our lives.
DeleteYes true about the balancing act. I admit it feels so bizarre me because Covid is still ravaging so many countries and so much is unknown about variants still. I think once most of the globe has been vaccinated then I can relax a bit about taking my mask off or traveling. I look at India or Brazil and think this is nowhere near over.And of course we have no control over who is on airplanes with us in terms of where they have traveled. I find sometimes that we Americans can be exceptionalists and think well the pandemic is over in the U.S. so it must be over everywhere. And vaccines provide very good but not complete protection and no one knows for how long that protection will last. I agree we have to get on with our lives as long as we are realistic that the pandemic is not over and that traveling this soon might bring it roaring back in the U.S. and elsewhere.
DeleteThat's a beautiful lily. I love the Stargazer and have a bunch in my front flower bed.
ReplyDelete