COVID-19 Megathread 6: Return of the Omicron

[Malarkey Decider]

If this would get black people to get COVID-19 vaccines, I would do it.

I would dress up in a Klan robe and tell black people that COVID-19 serves my dream of exterminating a large number of black people so that they can never vote. Right in front of a burning cross.

what

[Malarkey Decider]

I thought that when the pandemic ended in the U.S., there would be a big nationwide celebration. Instead it went out with a whimper. The closest people came to celebrating was May 13 when the CDC said vaccinated people didn't need to wear masks.

To be fair, there was never going to be one day specifically that was the end.

[Malarkey Decider]

https://twitter.com/NateSilver538/status/1421229518749044739
My favorite four words to describe the media prove to be fitting once again.

Their behavior during COVID plays a big part in why I hate them so much. 

I think that this headline is as dangerous and evil as you do, but I really would suggest trying not to make generalizations about a field as large as the media. The vast majority of journalists and media members do want to provide accurate information and are not purposefully misrepresenting the true state of things.

[Malarkey Decider]

If masks actually work, you can just go and wear a mask?  It's not mask wearing I have a problem with, just people forcing their stupid "scientific" (religious) beliefs down other peoples throats and mandating it like it's actually going to help at all.  After 18 months we adults can make our own informed decisions thanks!

Ok don't wear your mask then if you don't want to. You're not in LA, so.

That's my point.  There shouldn't be any mandates forcing people what to do at this stage.  We know the facts and what's going on, our health should be our own personal decision.  I don't believe masks ever slowed or prevented the spread of COVID because cases soared in places that mandated them just like they did elsewhere.  Mainstream media won't say it, but I just did.  You can look at the stats on Google and judge for yourselves.

Some of us do.

[Malarkey Decider]

https://twitter.com/ErinBurnett/status/1422707825265020928
Start chilling the champagne.

This is huge. Could encourage an additional 3-5% to get vaccinated. Every person counts.

[Malarkey Decider]

Obviously masks have a cost, and they shouldn't be legally required forever. It's a pretty mild cost, and it's fine to wear it for many hours at a time. It has so far provided a much greater benefit in terms of the reduced spread of Covid and lives saved to the cost.

Is this even true? I'm skeptical that masks have anything but a marginal benefit (particularly the normal cloth masks everyone wears, and particularly with omicron).

Cloth masks basically have no protection with Omicron, and their effectiveness was marginal as best previously. However, the N95 / KN95 masks are still very effective, especially if properlly fitted.
https://www.fox2detroit.com/news/n95-masks-covid-19-infection-cloth