Coronavirus Community Watch

[ZahZoo]

I'm amazed at how some people have become so attached to their mask and the false sense of security...

I was dining at a local restaurant Friday night. Seated in their outdoor patio overlooking the Little Red River. Tables were spaced about 8 feet apart and it was only half full. There was a couple that arrived in masks. Got seated and kept their masks on while drinking their beverages through a straw tucked under their masks. The woman even lifted her mask for each bite and wore the damn thing throughout her whole meal... the guy at least dropped one side and let it hang off one ear.

Those people looked to be healthy and in their late 30's/early 40's...

We're 100% open with the mask mandates dropped state wide. Overall case rates averaging below 200 per day and less than 3% positivity rate across the state. My county only has 6 active cases.

[Seshmeister]

Being outside makes a massive difference, any sort of a breeze and you won't need a mask unless they are in your face.

Still seeing people take their mask off to talk and shout indoors which is just fucking dumb, why bother at all if you stop doing it at the point you need to most?

[twonabomber]

All health orders here in the state expire on June 6.

[Nickdfresh]

I think the same here May 19th other than mask and social distancing. Bars can again be open 'til 4AM...

[twonabomber]

I made a mistake, it's June 2. Probably would have gotten overturned by the legislature at the end of June anyways.

[FORD]

Joe's on TV right now, telling us that the CDC says you can drop the masks entirely if you're fully vaccinated.

I really hope they aren't jumping the gun on this, but I guess we will know the answer to that, if there's another wave of mass casualties a month from now.

[ZahZoo]

I don't believe they are jumping the gun... most of the guidance from the CDC, lately, especially for outdoor activities and vaccinated people have been total bullshit with no science to support it.

If you have any concerns for your health... just be smart. Don't go hang around indoors with large groups of people. Stick to outdoors and small gatherings. The risks are much lower.

[FORD]

I'm considered "fully vaccinated" as of tomorrow, so I'm not all that concerned about myself. But it's a little hard to tell who is or is not vaccinated "out in the wild". Unless they're wearing a MAGA hat or some other blatant sign of stupidity. And I generally avoid those people anyway.

[FORD]

Washington on track to fully reopen by June 30, Inslee says

king5.com

SEATTLE — All counties in Washington state will be in Phase 3 starting Tuesday, and the state is on track to fully reopen by June 30.

Gov. Jay Inslee announced the changes during a news conference Thursday saying a decline in COVID-19 activity puts Washington in position to reopen.

"It is a recognition that we are moving to a strategy based on vaccination versus restrictions in our personal behavior," Inslee said.

Data from the Washington State Department of Health (DOH) indicates hospitalizations have declined since reaching a peak April 27. As of May 4, which is the most recent complete data, Washington’s seven-day case rate dropped below 1,300 for the first time since mid-April.

Currently, Cowlitz, Ferry, Pierce and Whitman counties are in Phase 2. The rest of the state remains in Phase 3 after Inslee paused reopening last week.

All counties will remain in Phase 3 until June 30, which allows for 50% occupancy indoors at restaurants, retail shops, movie theaters and gyms. However, Inslee said counties could decide to operate in a lower phase if they choose.

Inslee said a full reopening could happen before June 30 if at least 70% of people over 16 have started the COVID-19 vaccination process before then. However, Inslee’s office said current vaccine trends indicate Washington won’t reach that threshold until late June.

"I hope people will see this as an opportunity to move faster, and that certainly is a possibility," Inslee said.

As of May 13, about 57.4% of people over 16 have gotten at least one dose of the vaccine, and about 43.7% are fully vaccinated, according to DOH data.

If at any point ICU occupancy exceeds 90%, Inslee’s office said the state would need to roll back to an earlier phase.

Guidance is expected to be released “soon” allowing additional activities and occupancy for groups of fully vaccinated people. Spectator events won’t have limits on the number of vaccinated attendees, and Weddings and funerals can have full capacity if all attendees are vaccinated. Small cruise ships with fewer than 250 passengers can sail if the crew and 95% of passengers are vaccinated. This guidance will also apply to conferences and live performances.

The state also plans to work with businesses to provide incentives for vaccinated people, such as prizes at Mariners games or gift cards to local businesses.

Even though Washington could fully reopen in June, Inslee’s office said the state of emergency will remain in effect.

Inslee also announced Washington state would follow guidance released Thursday from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention that allows fully vaccinated people to not wear masks indoors. However, Inslee said businesses could still keep mask mandates in place in their establishments.

[ZahZoo]

Wow... quite difference between Washington and Arkansas... we had cases and hospitalizations peak back in January. Then that nasty winter blast in the 2nd week of February the bottom fell out of COVID cases and continues to decline.

[Nickdfresh]

[twonabomber]

That's a big part of why I haven't been that worried about this thing. I already hate to be around people. I'll go to a show and stand there and cringe, most of the time when we go to a movie it's during the day and we're the only ones in there.

The only two things I haven't done in a year are gone to the movies or to see a band. Everything else has been business as usual, with the slight change of no overnight shopping. Not real sure that's coming back, I know a woman who manages a Meijer and she says they aren't planning on going back to 24/7 any time soon. It's nice that they are open at 6 am and I can stop after work, the other stores aren't opening until 7 am or later. So my late night casino/gym/shopping run is slightly changed.

Already seeing that a lot of stores are going to continue the mask requirements. I expected that. Haven't heard anything about work yet, I'm sure they'll make us wear them another few months.

[ZahZoo]

LOL yeah I kinda hate to see social distancing go. I don't care a whole for crowds and people up in your business. Used to love it in my younger/wilder days... these days a little peace and quiet goes a long way!!

[FORD]

That's a big part of why I haven't been that worried about this thing. I already hate to be around people. I'll go to a show and stand there and cringe, most of the time when we go to a movie it's during the day and we're the only ones in there.

The only two things I haven't done in a year are gone to the movies or to see a band. Everything else has been business as usual, with the slight change of no overnight shopping. Not real sure that's coming back, I know a woman who manages a Meijer and she says they aren't planning on going back to 24/7 any time soon. It's nice that they are open at 6 am and I can stop after work, the other stores aren't opening until 7 am or later. So my late night casino/gym/shopping run is slightly changed.

Already seeing that a lot of stores are going to continue the mask requirements. I expected that. Haven't heard anything about work yet, I'm sure they'll make us wear them another few months.

Did DeWine send you your "vaccine lottery ticket" yet??

[Nickdfresh]

I actually like the plastic dividers in bars....