COVID-19 Megathread 6: Return of the Omicron

[Badger]

Thank you Mr. Mayor! I don’t want a single one of my tax dollars going to these sick freaks.
https://twitter.com/aeis17/status/1493337078909784064?s=21

 And you know what ? Every damn one of them will get hired back as soon as they put on their big boy or big girl pants and GET THE EFFING VACCINE!

[Trump Is A Maoist]

Surely, you don't believe that Democrats are solely dropping the mandates because of cases declining? Much of the response to this pandemic has been politicized on both sides. You seem to have great and considerable faith in our public officials, even when they haven't warranted it.

Well, yeah, I do believe it actually. The same thing is happening in Canada right now. It's happening in western Europe too. As the cases drop, and look like they're probably going to stay down, restrictions are being lifted. It's basically the same thing everywhere. Occam's razor suggests that it isn't some politically motivated decision in the USA but not everywhere else. Also, in Ontario, we have a Conservative government and our premier has taken a beating in the polls over mandates, yet has still not dropped them until now when the cases are dropping.

[Calthrina950]

Surely, you don't believe that Democrats are solely dropping the mandates because of cases declining? Much of the response to this pandemic has been politicized on both sides. You seem to have great and considerable faith in our public officials, even when they haven't warranted it.

Well, yeah, I do believe it actually. The same thing is happening in Canada right now. It's happening in western Europe too. As the cases drop, and look like they're probably going to stay down, restrictions are being lifted. It's basically the same thing everywhere. Occam's razor suggests that it isn't some politically motivated decision in the USA but not everywhere else. Also, in Ontario, we have a Conservative government and our premier has taken a beating in the polls over mandates, yet has still not dropped them until now when the cases are dropping.

The mask mandates in question are of doubtful efficacy at this point, and I think they made little or no difference with Delta and Omicron. But I base my theory on the fact that this is a midterm election year, and many Democratic politicians have acknowledged or implied publicly that people are tiring of restrictions. Murphy in New Jersey, in particular, who narrowly won reelection last year, seems aware of this.

[emailking]

They're dropping them because people are tired of them, but they weren't going to drop them at the peak of the Omicron wave, regardless of whether people were tried of them or not. I think there's truth to both sides of that.

[Fmr. Gov. NickG]

 This country couldn't win World War II today. "Food rationing?? Not being able to get nylons and clothing when I want it?!? We need to remove these restrictions because the soldiers are great and brave enough they don't need ready supplies like that!" Completely pathetic. There, I said it....

I’ve never understood this analogy.  Aren’t the pro-mask, pro-lockdown side the one who aren’t willing to risk their lives to protest the American way of life?  How are you going to be willing to storm the beach at Normandy if you’re not even willing to get a sore throat for a few days?

[Trump Is A Maoist]

 This country couldn't win World War II today. "Food rationing?? Not being able to get nylons and clothing when I want it?!? We need to remove these restrictions because the soldiers are great and brave enough they don't need ready supplies like that!" Completely pathetic. There, I said it....

I’ve never understood this analogy.  Aren’t the pro-mask, pro-lockdown side the one who aren’t willing to risk their lives to protest the American way of life?  How are you going to be willing to storm the beach at Normandy if you’re not even willing to get a sore throat for a few days?

It's more along the lines of "we as a community are going to have to make sacrifices and life isn't going to be easy, but if we can all do our part (for the war effort / to reduce the spread) then our country can succeed, and we owe it to our fellow countrymen to do our part".

[Fmr. Gov. NickG]

 This country couldn't win World War II today. "Food rationing?? Not being able to get nylons and clothing when I want it?!? We need to remove these restrictions because the soldiers are great and brave enough they don't need ready supplies like that!" Completely pathetic. There, I said it....

I’ve never understood this analogy.  Aren’t the pro-mask, pro-lockdown side the one who aren’t willing to risk their lives to protest the American way of life?  How are you going to be willing to storm the beach at Normandy if you’re not even willing to get a sore throat for a few days?

It's more along the lines of "we as a community are going to have to make sacrifices and life isn't going to be easy, but if we can all do our part (for the war effort / to reduce the spread) then our country can succeed, and we owe it to our fellow countrymen to do our part".

But you can just as easily make the argument that the best way for the “country to succeed” now that everyone has access to vaccines is to hasten the spread.  And thus the people who unwilling to do their part in this by exposing themselves to the virus are the ones being selfish and afraid to make a minor sacrifice to their health to more quickly end the pandemic.

[Frodo]

This country couldn't win World War II today. "Food rationing?? Not being able to get nylons and clothing when I want it?!? We need to remove these restrictions because the soldiers are great and brave enough they don't need ready supplies like that!" Completely pathetic. There, I said it....

I’ve never understood this analogy.  Aren’t the pro-mask, pro-lockdown side the one who aren’t willing to risk their lives to protest the American way of life?  How are you going to be willing to storm the beach at Normandy if you’re not even willing to get a sore throat for a few days?

There was similar shirking of mask wearing and other mitigation measures during the Spanish Influenza pandemic.  And yet we got over the pandemic, and then went on to endure the Great Depression, fight and win the Second World War after Pearl Harbor, and wage the Cold War against the Soviet Union and its allies and eventually triumphed over communism.

I wouldn't worry.  

[Trump Is A Maoist]

 This country couldn't win World War II today. "Food rationing?? Not being able to get nylons and clothing when I want it?!? We need to remove these restrictions because the soldiers are great and brave enough they don't need ready supplies like that!" Completely pathetic. There, I said it....

I’ve never understood this analogy.  Aren’t the pro-mask, pro-lockdown side the one who aren’t willing to risk their lives to protest the American way of life?  How are you going to be willing to storm the beach at Normandy if you’re not even willing to get a sore throat for a few days?

It's more along the lines of "we as a community are going to have to make sacrifices and life isn't going to be easy, but if we can all do our part (for the war effort / to reduce the spread) then our country can succeed, and we owe it to our fellow countrymen to do our part".

But you can just as easily make the argument that the best way for the “country to succeed” now that everyone has access to vaccines is to hasten the spread.  And thus the people who unwilling to do their part in this by exposing themselves to the virus are the ones being selfish and afraid to make a minor sacrifice to their health to more quickly end the pandemic.

Getting the virus to speed up the spread has never been a good argument.

[Calthrina950]

There are still three states that haven't moved to lift their mask mandates-Hawaii, New Mexico, and Washington. I'm not sure what is going on in those states, although as I've said before, New Mexico's Governor has had a particularly rigorous coronavirus response and Hawaii has never lifted its mask mandate since first imposing it in the early months of the pandemic.

[compucomp]

This country couldn't win World War II today. "Food rationing?? Not being able to get nylons and clothing when I want it?!? We need to remove these restrictions because the soldiers are great and brave enough they don't need ready supplies like that!" Completely pathetic. There, I said it....

I’ve never understood this analogy.  Aren’t the pro-mask, pro-lockdown side the one who aren’t willing to risk their lives to protest the American way of life?  How are you going to be willing to storm the beach at Normandy if you’re not even willing to get a sore throat for a few days?

It's more along the lines of "we as a community are going to have to make sacrifices and life isn't going to be easy, but if we can all do our part (for the war effort / to reduce the spread) then our country can succeed, and we owe it to our fellow countrymen to do our part".

But you can just as easily make the argument that the best way for the “country to succeed” now that everyone has access to vaccines is to hasten the spread.  And thus the people who unwilling to do their part in this by exposing themselves to the virus are the ones being selfish and afraid to make a minor sacrifice to their health to more quickly end the pandemic.

OK, you've really, really lost your mind on COVID-19 if you've come full circle to the Trump/Bolsonaro argument that "COVID-19 is just a little flu". It was BS when they tried to use it and it is BS now. Arguing against mandates due to violating citizens' rights is one thing but this is taking it to a ridiculous, long discredited extreme.

[Bandit3 the Worker]

There are still three states that haven't moved to lift their mask mandates-Hawaii, New Mexico, and Washington. I'm not sure what is going on in those states, although as I've said before, New Mexico's Governor has had a particularly rigorous coronavirus response and Hawaii has never lifted its mask mandate since first imposing it in the early months of the pandemic.

I think New Mexico's expires on March 4, and the governor is going to look mighty stupid if she extends it again.

On the other hand, it's New Mexico. Didn't they have an outdoor mandate through most of 2020-21? I went there in October, and people weren't wearing masks outdoors (and sometimes even indoors), but on paper, it may have been stricter than any other state.

[Calthrina950]

There are still three states that haven't moved to lift their mask mandates-Hawaii, New Mexico, and Washington. I'm not sure what is going on in those states, although as I've said before, New Mexico's Governor has had a particularly rigorous coronavirus response and Hawaii has never lifted its mask mandate since first imposing it in the early months of the pandemic.

I think New Mexico's expires on March 4, and the governor is going to look mighty stupid if she extends it again.

On the other hand, it's New Mexico. Didn't they have an outdoor mandate through most of 2020-21? I went there in October, and people weren't wearing masks outdoors (and sometimes even indoors), but on paper, it may have been stricter than any other state.

What's made it even worse is that Grisham violated her own restrictions. When the lockdowns were in place, she obtained jewelry from an expensive shop that was closed to the rest of the public. And she came under criticism for that. This is part of why Grisham could be vulnerable this year.

[Bandit3 the Worker]

The mayor of Grants, New Mexico, is strongly opposed to COVID restrictions, and won't enforce them in his town. But he comes across as a real loose cannon. Also, I think he is (or was) officially a Democrat.

For the Fourth of July in 2020, he allowed the city's annual parade to take place, and the state tried to fine him $5,000. He also said Grants has never had a mask mandate, despite the statewide mandate.

[Roll Roons]

It's naive to think that the recent lifting of mask mandates even in blue states has nothing to do with politics.

I really think that the maskless photos of Garcetti and Abrams and the ridiculous excuses they tried to make were a major turning point.

[Bandit3 the Worker]

There have been bills in state legislatures lately regarding masks, and the vote hasn't been strictly on party lines. But the reaction from the Democratic leadership has been ridiculous, even though some Democrats like Chap Petersen in Virginia oppose forced masking.

The Democratic leadership is absolutely humiliating. The Democrats are ready for the dustbin of history.

[Calthrina950]

It's naive to think that the recent lifting of mask mandates even in blue states has nothing to do with politics.

I really think that the maskless photos of Garcetti and Abrams and the ridiculous excuses they tried to make were a major turning point.

It does seem like the Democratic Governors (or at least most of them) are leaving the Administration behind. Biden doubled down on his previous statement that lifting mask mandates was premature, and we are seeing no signs of change from his Administration or the CDC. Why are they so invested in these mandates? I'm fearful he's going to extend the public transit mandate.

[Hammy]

It's naive to think that the recent lifting of mask mandates even in blue states has nothing to do with politics.

I really think that the maskless photos of Garcetti and Abrams and the ridiculous excuses they tried to make were a major turning point.

Every decision since this started, from both parties, has been politically-motivated. It's odd that we have so many people here who suddenly think this isn't.

[GregTheGreat657]

There are still three states that haven't moved to lift their mask mandates-Hawaii, New Mexico, and Washington. I'm not sure what is going on in those states, although as I've said before, New Mexico's Governor has had a particularly rigorous coronavirus response and Hawaii has never lifted its mask mandate since first imposing it in the early months of the pandemic.

I think New Mexico's expires on March 4, and the governor is going to look mighty stupid if she extends it again.

On the other hand, it's New Mexico. Didn't they have an outdoor mandate through most of 2020-21? I went there in October, and people weren't wearing masks outdoors (and sometimes even indoors), but on paper, it may have been stricter than any other state.

What's made it even worse is that Grisham violated her own restrictions. When the lockdowns were in place, she obtained jewelry from an expensive shop that was closed to the rest of the public. And she came under criticism for that. This is part of why Grisham could be vulnerable this year.

Grisham will more likely than not, lose re-election if she extends it

[Crumpets]

As of Monday's update (which it's worth noting seems to have a couple of gaps, albeit not huge ones), our weekly national case load is now back below peak-Delta levels in early September.

[Frodo]

I am not anticipating any controversy around this funding request:

Biden Admin Seeks $30 Billion More From Congress to Fight COVID -Sources

The Biden administration is seeking $30 billion in additional funds from Congress to fight the COVID-19 pandemic to bolster vaccines, treatments, testing supply, and research, according to sources familiar with the matter.

The $30 billion request includes $17.9 billion for vaccines and therapeutics, two sources familiar with it said.

Administration officials and congressional staff have been in talks about the issue, a Department of Health and Human Services spokesperson confirmed on Tuesday.

[Frodo]

U.S. COVID Deaths See a Peak As Cases Take Significant Dive
----------------

As of Monday's update (which it's worth noting seems to have a couple of gaps, albeit not huge ones), our weekly national case load is now back below peak-Delta levels in early September.

When our death rate eventually falls to a similar level, I will be joining Camp 4.

[JGibson]

Thanks to the 9-0-2 vote in JCAR today, all schools in Illinois are mask-optional. This is pending a ruling in the 4th Appellate Court regarding the TRO by Sangamon County Judge Raylene Grischow.


https://twitter.com/FOX2now/status/1493763788746670080

[Lief 🗽]

A large part of this is due to the fact that these three are out and out racists, but getting recalled by 50 points in San Francisco should make clear how completely voters have rejected the pro-pandemic left. (And let’s hope Boudin goes down next!)
https://twitter.com/sfchronicle/status/1493810509610635264?s=21

[Raccoon]

I am panicking about hyperinflation or a great depression. I told yall the United States should have never shut down and we had to much stimulus. I am worried about the pluto return that the United States is about to experience.