How comfortable are you now that numbers are very low?

[QuietRiot]

I am noticing a LOT less topics in this area of the message board regarding Covid. In Florida, where I live, the numbers are extremely low and quite frankly even the fully vaccinated are loosening up on their mask wearing and social distancing.

How is it where you live? Especially in the United States?

[Angelle]

Not at all comfortable. Loosening restrictions is how we got another surge in the first place. 

[Foxhall]

What they are concerned with in my country is that despite the vast majority fully vaccinated, cases are now rising again significantly ,currently at almost half the number of the previous peak,

I suppose it is a little disappointing that the vaccines appear to be ineffective in terms of preventing transmission,

Pretty much all restrictions are gone now other than mask wearing, so that could be called "living with the virus"

will depend on hospital number , if the vaccines are good enough to keep the hospital numbers under control, then it will be possible to live with the virus,

otherwise restrictions may return.

[QuietRiot]

46 minutes ago, Foxhall said:

What they are concerned with in my country is that despite the vast majority fully vaccinated, cases are now rising again significantly ,currently at almost half the number of the previous peak,

I suppose it is a little disappointing that the vaccines appear to be ineffective in terms of preventing transmission,

Pretty much all restrictions are gone now other than mask wearing, so that could be called "living with the virus"

will depend on hospital number , if the vaccines are good enough to keep the hospital numbers under control, then it will be possible to live with the virus,

otherwise restrictions may return.

Cases rising will no longer be a concern if you're vaccinated, as the purpose is to minimize hospitalizations and deaths.

We're entering an endemic situation where it'll be inevitable that we'll ALL get it. We'll likely be entering what is known as "endemic equilibrium". Although the vaccinated will get infected, it'll most likely be a mild case. 

Later on, it'll be likened that to that of an annual flu....and along with the annual flu shot, we'll couple that up with the routine Covid shot.

I got the booster, and although I plan on wearing masks in congested situations, I won't be doing so with close vaccinated friends in small groups. I'll be entering selective mask wearing.

[QuietRiot]

Another thing I'm noticing, less and less talk or news about Covid, even in this sub-topic I notice less and less threads going up. Could be a good sign?

[basil67]

I think that the reasons we are seeing less posts is because people are tired of talking about it.   When we were opening back up after our recent lockdown, there were a few people on my social media who commented in favour or against the opening.   I just ignored their comments because talking about it endlessly just adds to all the noise.  
 

I think that we are getting used to our ‘new normal’

Edited November 2, 2021 by basil67

[FMW]

At this point, I think it's been discussed ad nauseum.  No one is going to change their views, there isn't much left to be said. 

I'm not very comfortable going to cities and towns where no one is wearing masks.  My guess is the vaccination rates are also low in those areas.

We still have mask mandates in my area, something I'm very happy for.  I'm vaccinated and have a booster scheduled. That's the norm where I am.

[QuietRiot]

2 hours ago, FMW said:

At this point, I think it's been discussed ad nauseum.  No one is going to change their views, there isn't much left to be said. 

I'm not very comfortable going to cities and towns where no one is wearing masks.  My guess is the vaccination rates are also low in those areas.

We still have mask mandates in my area, something I'm very happy for.  I'm vaccinated and have a booster scheduled. That's the norm where I am.

 

Where I live, even the strictest cities are loosening up on their mask mandates. Miami Florida schools have lifted their mandates, but just adjusting it by adding an opt-out program due to numbers lowering significantly, they are loosening up a bit.

https://wsvn.com/news/local/miami-dade-county-public-schools-to-allow-high-school-middle-school-students-to-opt-out-of-mask-mandate/

“On the basis of significantly improved health conditions, not only in our community but also in our schools,” said Carvalho.

The district cites recent COVID-related metrics that allowed for the relaxation of the protocols, in particular the number of cases in the community per 100,000 residents.

“That metric was reduced to 71.9 cases per 100,000,” said Carvalho. “Our commitment was that this metric would need to be stable below 100 per 100,000 for two consecutive weeks. As of this weekend, we have fully met this last criteria.”

[basil67]

On 10/31/2021 at 5:57 AM, QuietRiot said:

Cases rising will no longer be a concern if you're vaccinated, as the purpose is to minimize hospitalizations and deaths.

We're entering an endemic situation where it'll be inevitable that we'll ALL get it. We'll likely be entering what is known as "endemic equilibrium". Although the vaccinated will get infected, it'll most likely be a mild case. 

Later on, it'll be likened that to that of an annual flu....and along with the annual flu shot, we'll couple that up with the routine Covid shot.

I got the booster, and although I plan on wearing masks in congested situations, I won't be doing so with close vaccinated friends in small groups. I'll be entering selective mask wearing.

This is the problem with random chatting about COVID:  At best, your bolded statement is misinformed.  At worst, it's ableist.   And putting misinformation out there only causes harm.

The immunocompromised make up ~3% of society.  Many of these people who take the vaccine don't develop the same level of (or any) antibodies compared to the rest of society.  OR they can't be vaccinated.  And vaccinated or not, because they are immunocompromised, if they do get COVID they will likely get sicker than those who don't have a chronic illness.    For these people, opening up, even with high vaccination rates is a rightfully scary time.

Sources :https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/vaccines/recommendations/immuno.html, https://www.abc.net.au/news/health/2021-10-01/covid-vaccines-protection-efficacy-auto-immune-cancer-booster/100502204

 

[Angelle]

12 hours ago, QuietRiot said:

 

Where I live, even the strictest cities are loosening up on their mask mandates. Miami Florida schools have lifted their mandates, but just adjusting it by adding an opt-out program due to numbers lowering significantly, they are loosening up a bit.

https://wsvn.com/news/local/miami-dade-county-public-schools-to-allow-high-school-middle-school-students-to-opt-out-of-mask-mandate/

“On the basis of significantly improved health conditions, not only in our community but also in our schools,” said Carvalho.

The district cites recent COVID-related metrics that allowed for the relaxation of the protocols, in particular the number of cases in the community per 100,000 residents.

“That metric was reduced to 71.9 cases per 100,000,” said Carvalho. “Our commitment was that this metric would need to be stable below 100 per 100,000 for two consecutive weeks. As of this weekend, we have fully met this last criteria.”

I don't care what even the strictest cities are doing. I'm doing what's best for me. I can't afford to get sick, anyway - not enough to be hospitalized. We had a new high when it came to covid deaths in Ohio, last weekend. 

[QuietRiot]

1 hour ago, basil67 said:

This is the problem with random chatting about COVID:  At best, your bolded statement is misinformed.  At worst, it's ableist.   And putting misinformation out there only causes harm.

The immunocompromised make up ~3% of society.  Many of these people who take the vaccine don't develop the same level of (or any) antibodies compared to the rest of society.  OR they can't be vaccinated.  And vaccinated or not, because they are immunocompromised, if they do get COVID they will likely get sicker than those who don't have a chronic illness.    For these people, opening up, even with high vaccination rates is a rightfully scary time.

Sources :https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/vaccines/recommendations/immuno.html, https://www.abc.net.au/news/health/2021-10-01/covid-vaccines-protection-efficacy-auto-immune-cancer-booster/100502204

 

Oh okay I get what you mean..it's about personal comfort level. However, I know immunocompromised friends that got boosted (one a recovering cancer patient) that's lightened up a bit, I mean, they aren't going into hiding or anything, but they are keeping their bubbles small. IE a small game night etc.

[dramafreezone]

I'm pretty much as I have been for a while.  I'm vaccinated,  I wear masks as I've recently returned to the office.  I was a frequent hand washer even before the pandemic.

I'm one that believes all you can do is take reasonable measures to protect your health as well as the health of those around you.  There's never going to be a "back to normal."

[QuietRiot]

59 minutes ago, dramafreezone said:

I'm pretty much as I have been for a while.  I'm vaccinated,  I wear masks as I've recently returned to the office.  I was a frequent hand washer even before the pandemic.

I'm one that believes all you can do is take reasonable measures to protect your health as well as the health of those around you.  There's never going to be a "back to normal."

Right, it'll get to a point where the immunocompromised are going to have to take steps to protect themselves as restrictions loosen up...ie continue to mask, social distance, etc. as they continue with life in a pandemic.

[eleanorrigby]

On 11/1/2021 at 5:44 PM, basil67 said:

I think that the reasons we are seeing less posts is because people are tired of talking about it.   When we were opening back up after our recent lockdown, there were a few people on my social media who commented in favour or against the opening.   I just ignored their comments because talking about it endlessly just adds to all the noise.  
 

I think that we are getting used to our ‘new normal’

I think it depends on where you're chatting about it. Here, we really can't debate this issue very much, but in venues where you can, it's become pretty much the only thing some of us are talking about. 

[clia]

We really haven't had any restrictions in my state since about mid May, when the mask mandate was lifted.  Everything is pretty much gone back as normal, to the extent possible with all the staffing shortages everywhere.  (A lot of places still have limited hours.)  Some people here and there are still wearing masks, but it's not many.  I haven't worn one unless I had to since May.  I've gone to bars, restaurants, concerts, pro sporting events, travelled, etc.  So, I'm very comfortable.  But then again, I've been comfortable doing things for the past year, even before I was vaccinated.  And given the crowds I see when I go out....seems like many others are very comfortable as well.    

[Alpacalia]

I don't know.

I was just speaking with a friend that just lost three of his work colleagues all within a short period of time. But they're on the front lines so it's a bit different.

[glows]

I'm uncertain, sometimes avoidant of the issue. Family members work in healthcare and are desensitized, burnt out. They joke about it. I was at a dinner recently. I laughed and then I felt guilty. I wear my mask and wash my hands regularly.. probably fastidiously. I use hand sanitizer like hairspray when I used to perm my hair, liberally, and have taken a liking to different flavours. I prefer it that others mask around me. 

[Wiseman2]

Until we're all out of the wood for a while...mask mask mask.😷  Too much uncertainty with vaccinated people getting variants and too many variants and surges cropping up.🤒

[spiderowl]

Numbers are not very low here in the UK; there were over 40,000 cases in the past 24 hours!  Due to vaccination, fewer people are being hospitalised and dying, but people are still being hospitalised and families are still losing loved ones.  If those deaths per day were reported as deaths in a train accident, for example, people would be horrified at the tragedy and demand action to improve safety.  Because it is happening quietly, behind the scenes, usually in hospital, people are not seeing the tragedy unless they are personally affected.

I know I am safer because I have had two vaccinations but they don't work for everyone.  I am going out occasionally and to public places.  I wear a mask in supermarkets and shops.  I keep at a distance from people (though they don't always do likewise).

We are in this strange situation where a lot of people think they are safe and are behaving as if that is the case, whereas the risk of catching Covid has not disappeared.  The risk of getting it severely is lower, but for some it will still be fatal.  It is a strange kind of mixed reality and the majority of people out and about seem to be behaving as if there is little risk.  Here in the UK, the Government will only start to impose any restrictions, such as mask wearing in public places, if the health service is overwhelmed.  The health service is already overwhelmed so any measures will be brought in too late.  By the time measures are brought in to try to slow the spread of the virus, the health service will be trying to deal with high Covid infections and extreme winter pressures.   People are already dying in ambulances while waiting to be admitted to hospital and hospital staff are making mistakes and neglecting seriously ill people because they are overwhelmed.  

All in all, no I do not feel safe and unfortunately many will die in the UK this winter due to the NHS being overwhelmed.  Our neo-liberal (Conservative) Government does not like to be seen to impose restrictions but prefers instead to wait until the disaster is too blatant to ignore and people clamour for help.  I just hope none of my family gets sick this winter and needs hospital admission.

Edited November 4, 2021 by spiderowl

[QuietRiot]

9 hours ago, spiderowl said:

Numbers are not very low here in the UK; there were over 40,000 cases in the past 24 hours!  Due to vaccination, fewer people are being hospitalised and dying, but people are still being hospitalised and families are still losing loved ones.  If those deaths per day were reported as deaths in a train accident, for example, people would be horrified at the tragedy and demand action to improve safety.  Because it is happening quietly, behind the scenes, usually in hospital, people are not seeing the tragedy unless they are personally affected.

I know I am safer because I have had two vaccinations but they don't work for everyone.  I am going out occasionally and to public places.  I wear a mask in supermarkets and shops.  I keep at a distance from people (though they don't always do likewise).

We are in this strange situation where a lot of people think they are safe and are behaving as if that is the case, whereas the risk of catching Covid has not disappeared.  The risk of getting it severely is lower, but for some it will still be fatal.  It is a strange kind of mixed reality and the majority of people out and about seem to be behaving as if there is little risk.  Here in the UK, the Government will only start to impose any restrictions, such as mask wearing in public places, if the health service is overwhelmed.  The health service is already overwhelmed so any measures will be brought in too late.  By the time measures are brought in to try to slow the spread of the virus, the health service will be trying to deal with high Covid infections and extreme winter pressures.   People are already dying in ambulances while waiting to be admitted to hospital and hospital staff are making mistakes and neglecting seriously ill people because they are overwhelmed.  

All in all, no I do not feel safe and unfortunately many will die in the UK this winter due to the NHS being overwhelmed.  Our neo-liberal (Conservative) Government does not like to be seen to impose restrictions but prefers instead to wait until the disaster is too blatant to ignore and people clamour for help.  I just hope none of my family gets sick this winter and needs hospital admission.

I think a lot of people that are vaccinated are not as cautious as they once were when this all happened last year. I now have taken the Modern booster. 

I have friends inviting me out to their private homes for game night, and they're vaccinated. 

Of course as a single man, I'm doing to want to mingle with the ladies...lol. So kissing intimacy is going to have to be there. lol

It's not like I'm going to hit the crowds...if I do, I'll be masked.

It'll be a "mask on" on an as-needed basis.

[QuietRiot]

You want to know what's ironic. I have fully vaccinated friends that were cautious throughout this whole 2020 pandemic NOW saying what anti-maskers/vaxxers had been saying in 2020, "I may as well live life, and stop living in fear."  After having been boosted, I believe I'm following suit...but it makes sense if you think about it.  The purpose of the vaccine is so you wouldn't have to socially distant. 

 

[FMW]

 

4 hours ago, QuietRiot said:

The purpose of the vaccine is so you wouldn't have to socially distant. 

If most people were vaccinated that would have probably worked out well.  But that didn't happen.  

I'm fortunate to live in an area where the majority wear masks and are vaccinated, so although I'm taking risks by going to music venues and restaurants, I feel the risk has been lowered a lot.  However, I would NOT feel comfortable doing the same in areas where people weren't wearing masks and where there was low vaccination rates.  Vaccines do not provide 100% protection, especially if you have a high level of exposure.  

[Angelle]

7 hours ago, QuietRiot said:

You want to know what's ironic. I have fully vaccinated friends that were cautious throughout this whole 2020 pandemic NOW saying what anti-maskers/vaxxers had been saying in 2020, "I may as well live life, and stop living in fear."  After having been boosted, I believe I'm following suit...but it makes sense if you think about it.  The purpose of the vaccine is so you wouldn't have to socially distant. 

 

And it's still selfish, because we can still pass the virus on to others. Last week, I read about a woman who was fully vaccinated, had her booster, and still caught a breakthrough infection from an unvaccinated dental hygienist. 

[Els]

Full vaccination puts the risk of dying from Covid in the same ballpark as the flu. So I'm mostly comfortable, myself. I'll be washing my hands and maintaining social distancing where I can, but I won't be altering my daily routine much either. Basically, I'd take the same precautions as I typically did pre-Covid.

Unfortunately people who can't get vaccinated or who are immunocompromised or very old are at higher risk - but these population groups have always been at higher risk to begin with, even with the flu.

[Angelle]

Up until recently, our country had triple the number of covid deaths, than we had a year ago. It's wild to me, that people are moving on like that's nothing.