COVID-19 Megathread 6: Return of the Omicron

[100% pro-life no matter what]

Hawaii is now the final state with a mask mandate (and no final end date announced).

[GregTheGreat657]

Hawaii is now the final state with a mask mandate (and no final end date announced).

Masks might be permanent there as a cultural thing

[Calthrina950]

Hawaii is now the final state with a mask mandate (and no final end date announced).

Supposedly, the Governor there is contemplating an end to the mask mandate, or is "consulting" with his health department about it. Hopefully, they get rid of it.

CDC to significantly ease pandemic mask guidelines Friday

Good. There will be a change at my workplace. Two days ago, some of my coworkers told me that corporate has decided to lift the employee mask mandate, but it hasn't been announced yet. Apparently, the change could be made by next week. The CDC relaxing its recommendations, as I've hoped, would provide the final push.

This is not the change you want that would stop recommending masks, full stop. This is along the lines of what I predicted where they will change the definition of "high transmission". This is the right reason for a change for the CDC because Omicron is in fact milder than the prior variants so it's reasonable what "high" means.

No, the CDC will be reverting to their recommendations from last May that vaccinated people do not need to wear a mask in most public settings. And they are changing their metrics from being based on cases to being based on hospitalizations. Of course, you will dance for joy if mask mandates were to ever return.

[compucomp]

Hawaii is now the final state with a mask mandate (and no final end date announced).

Supposedly, the Governor there is contemplating an end to the mask mandate, or is "consulting" with his health department about it. Hopefully, they get rid of it.

CDC to significantly ease pandemic mask guidelines Friday

Good. There will be a change at my workplace. Two days ago, some of my coworkers told me that corporate has decided to lift the employee mask mandate, but it hasn't been announced yet. Apparently, the change could be made by next week. The CDC relaxing its recommendations, as I've hoped, would provide the final push.

This is not the change you want that would stop recommending masks, full stop. This is along the lines of what I predicted where they will change the definition of "high transmission". This is the right reason for a change for the CDC because Omicron is in fact milder than the prior variants so it's reasonable what "high" means.

No, the CDC will be reverting to their recommendations from last May that vaccinated people do not need to wear a mask in most public settings. And they are changing their metrics from being based on cases to being based on hospitalizations. Of course, you will dance for joy if mask mandates were to ever return.

That's not what this article says to me. The below quote indicates the change is in the metrics particularly what in the definition of "high transmission". We will find out tomorrow.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention on Friday will announce a change to the metrics it uses to determine whether to recommend face coverings, shifting from looking at COVID-19 case counts to a more holistic view of risk from the coronavirus to a community. Under current guidelines, masks are recommended for people residing in communities of substantial or high transmission — roughly 95% of U.S. counties, according to the latest data.

The new metrics will still consider caseloads, but also take into account hospitalizations and local hospital capacity, which have been markedly improved during the emergence of the omicron variant. That strain is highly transmissible, but indications are that it is less severe than earlier strains, particularly for people who are fully vaccinated and boosted. Under the new guidelines, the vast majority of Americans will no longer live in areas where indoor masking in public is recommended, based on current data.

[Calthrina950]

Hawaii is now the final state with a mask mandate (and no final end date announced).

Supposedly, the Governor there is contemplating an end to the mask mandate, or is "consulting" with his health department about it. Hopefully, they get rid of it.

CDC to significantly ease pandemic mask guidelines Friday

Good. There will be a change at my workplace. Two days ago, some of my coworkers told me that corporate has decided to lift the employee mask mandate, but it hasn't been announced yet. Apparently, the change could be made by next week. The CDC relaxing its recommendations, as I've hoped, would provide the final push.

This is not the change you want that would stop recommending masks, full stop. This is along the lines of what I predicted where they will change the definition of "high transmission". This is the right reason for a change for the CDC because Omicron is in fact milder than the prior variants so it's reasonable what "high" means.

No, the CDC will be reverting to their recommendations from last May that vaccinated people do not need to wear a mask in most public settings. And they are changing their metrics from being based on cases to being based on hospitalizations. Of course, you will dance for joy if mask mandates were to ever return.

That's not what this article says to me. The below quote indicates the change is in the metrics particularly what in the definition of "high transmission". We will find out tomorrow.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention on Friday will announce a change to the metrics it uses to determine whether to recommend face coverings, shifting from looking at COVID-19 case counts to a more holistic view of risk from the coronavirus to a community. Under current guidelines, masks are recommended for people residing in communities of substantial or high transmission — roughly 95% of U.S. counties, according to the latest data.

The new metrics will still consider caseloads, but also take into account hospitalizations and local hospital capacity, which have been markedly improved during the emergence of the omicron variant. That strain is highly transmissible, but indications are that it is less severe than earlier strains, particularly for people who are fully vaccinated and boosted. Under the new guidelines, the vast majority of Americans will no longer live in areas where indoor masking in public is recommended, based on current data.

This still represents a departure from their approach, and the reports I've seen is that they will be placing more emphasis on those factors. But as I've said, you probably don't welcome this change of course by the CDC.

[MATTROSE94]

CDC to significantly ease pandemic mask guidelines Friday

Good. There will be a change at my workplace. Two days ago, some of my coworkers told me that corporate has decided to lift the employee mask mandate, but it hasn't been announced yet. Apparently, the change could be made by next week. The CDC relaxing its recommendations, as I've hoped, would provide the final push.

My job left mask mandates up to each district manager. Unfortunately, the district manager at my job is very strict about COVID (she wears three or four masks and gloves whenever she is in), so the employee mask mandate isn’t going anywhere. I am going back to law school in August, so the mask stuff at my job I will tolerate until then. My law school is keeping the mask mandate as well however, though I can deal with it there.

[Roll Roons]

Biden's own pollsters are basically telling him to declare the pandemic over: https://punchbowl.news/impact-covid-positioning-strategy-memo/

They can start by not requiring masks at SOTU.

[Calthrina950]

Biden's own pollsters are basically telling him to declare the pandemic over: https://punchbowl.news/impact-covid-positioning-strategy-memo/

They can start by not requiring masks at SOTU.

Out of curiosity, would you support Biden for reelection at this point? As I've said before, you certainly have soured on him.

[Roll Roons]

Biden's own pollsters are basically telling him to declare the pandemic over: https://punchbowl.news/impact-covid-positioning-strategy-memo/

They can start by not requiring masks at SOTU.

Out of curiosity, would you support Biden for reelection at this point? As I've said before, you certainly have soured on him.

It depends. Against Trump, I think I very reluctantly would. Against someone like DeSantis, definitely not.

[Calthrina950]

Biden's own pollsters are basically telling him to declare the pandemic over: https://punchbowl.news/impact-covid-positioning-strategy-memo/

They can start by not requiring masks at SOTU.

Out of curiosity, would you support Biden for reelection at this point? As I've said before, you certainly have soured on him.

It depends. Against Trump, I think I very reluctantly would. Against someone like DeSantis, definitely not.

As I've thought. You definitely seem to like DeSantis.

[GregTheGreat657]

The CDC is no longer recommending masking in schools

https://abcnews.go.com/Politics/cdc-ease-masking-recommendations-70-country-including-inside/story?id=83111596

[emailking]

28% of people are still recommended to wear masks.

[JGibson]

Illinois school mask mandate updates:
- Illinois Supreme Court denies Gov. JB Pritzker's appeal against the TRO issued by Sangamon County Justice Raylene Grischow.
- Grischow's TRO is vacated, and the case is remanded back to Sangamon County Circuit Court.
- Gov. Pritzker announced the end of the indoor mask mandate for schools (though a majority of the districts already went mask-optional over the last few weeks), effective on Monday in conjunction with the lifting of the general indoor mask mandate and CDC's guidance changes.
 
WGN:

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. — As the Illinois Supreme Court declined to hear Gov. JB Pritzker’s appeal of a restraining order against his school mask mandate — the governor announced it is being lifted on Monday.

[GregTheGreat657]

NYC Public Schools have just gotten rid of their OUTDOOR mask mandate: https://www.ny1.com/nyc/all-boroughs/news/2022/02/25/nyc-drops-outdoor-mask-mandate-for-public-schools

[GregTheGreat657]

Does anybody else find it at least a little bit creepy that there is a wastewater surveillance system?

[Calthrina950]

Today was my first day at work in nearly seven months, without being required to wear a mask. Home Depot lifted the employee mask mandate on Wednesday, a day on which I called off. 90% of the employees are no longer wearing masks. However, as I expected, and as happened last summer, when the mandate was lifted the first time, a minority of about seven or eight individuals is continuing to mask up. They will be wearing masks until they feel comfortable, or for potentially months or years more. But at this point, it's a choice.

And I dearly hope the mandate never comes back. People are generally happier, and the masks were such a great barrier. Contrary to what compucomp and some others on here have claimed, they are not "little cost". People can breathe, they can see other people's faces, they can smile, and they have greater freedom of movement. And with the vast majority of people vaccinated or immune, and the new endemic approach that is now being embraced, mask mandates are no longer necessary.

[Raccoon]

If you want a cheap source of heat for the remainder of the cold season, take all those useless cloth masks and burn them.

You can also use your cloth masks as rags for cleaning purposes as well.

We are finally being liberated!

[Trump Is A Maoist]

If you want a cheap source of heat for the remainder of the cold season, take all those useless cloth masks and burn them.

Lol. I'm keeping mine to wear when I'm sick or spending LOTS of time outdoors in the colder Canadian weather. And there could be another variant or pandemic in a few months or years or in 25 years... who knows.

[Doomer]

I am glad for mask mandates being lifted, so don't misread this....

I hope nobody judges the people who continue to mask up despite no longer being required to do so.

The last couple of years have been a whirlwind for everyone, obviously, but those with anxiety are still going to have those anxieties. Those with underlying conditions are still going to have those conditions. People wore masks in public before covid, but maybe you just didn't notice them because it wasn't that often. In 2011, my grandfather was told to wear a mask in public because he'd just been diagnosed with leukemia and being around people could be risky.

You don't know what might cause someone to continue to wear a mask today, tomorrow, or ongoing into the next month, year, or decade. If you see someone wearing one, don't stare. Don't tell them "hey, you don't have to wear that anymore." Just let them go on wearing their mask...I promise you they don't need your input (and giving them a funny look or coming here to ridicule the never-ending-mask-wearers is included in "input").

[Trump Is A Maoist]

I am glad for mask mandates being lifted, so don't misread this....

I hope nobody judges the people who continue to mask up despite no longer being required to do so.

The last couple of years have been a whirlwind for everyone, obviously, but those with anxiety are still going to have those anxieties. Those with underlying conditions are still going to have those conditions. People wore masks in public before covid, but maybe you just didn't notice them because it wasn't that often. In 2011, my grandfather was told to wear a mask in public because he'd just been diagnosed with leukemia and being around people could be risky.

You don't know what might cause someone to continue to wear a mask today, tomorrow, or ongoing into the next month, year, or decade. If you see someone wearing one, don't stare. Don't tell them "hey, you don't have to wear that anymore." Just let them go on wearing their mask...I promise you they don't need your input (and giving them a funny look or coming here to ridicule the never-ending-mask-wearers is included in "input").

I have a friend in Florida that gets harassed constantly for wearing a mask in public. People are offended that you're ruining their safe space where the pandemic is 105% over. Most of the people harassing him seem to be Republicans, the "freedom" party. Ironic.

[Doomer]

I am glad for mask mandates being lifted, so don't misread this....

I hope nobody judges the people who continue to mask up despite no longer being required to do so.

The last couple of years have been a whirlwind for everyone, obviously, but those with anxiety are still going to have those anxieties. Those with underlying conditions are still going to have those conditions. People wore masks in public before covid, but maybe you just didn't notice them because it wasn't that often. In 2011, my grandfather was told to wear a mask in public because he'd just been diagnosed with leukemia and being around people could be risky.

You don't know what might cause someone to continue to wear a mask today, tomorrow, or ongoing into the next month, year, or decade. If you see someone wearing one, don't stare. Don't tell them "hey, you don't have to wear that anymore." Just let them go on wearing their mask...I promise you they don't need your input (and giving them a funny look or coming here to ridicule the never-ending-mask-wearers is included in "input").

I have a friend in Florida that gets harassed constantly for wearing a mask in public. People are offended that you're ruining their safe space where the pandemic is 105% over. Most of the people harassing him seem to be Republicans, the "freedom" party. Ironic.

It’s unfortunate.

Masks have been a common healthcare practice for several reasons for before the pandemic.

[Calthrina950]

I am glad for mask mandates being lifted, so don't misread this....

I hope nobody judges the people who continue to mask up despite no longer being required to do so.

The last couple of years have been a whirlwind for everyone, obviously, but those with anxiety are still going to have those anxieties. Those with underlying conditions are still going to have those conditions. People wore masks in public before covid, but maybe you just didn't notice them because it wasn't that often. In 2011, my grandfather was told to wear a mask in public because he'd just been diagnosed with leukemia and being around people could be risky.

You don't know what might cause someone to continue to wear a mask today, tomorrow, or ongoing into the next month, year, or decade. If you see someone wearing one, don't stare. Don't tell them "hey, you don't have to wear that anymore." Just let them go on wearing their mask...I promise you they don't need your input (and giving them a funny look or coming here to ridicule the never-ending-mask-wearers is included in "input").

I certainly cannot. My stepmother falls into this category of those who are continuing to mask up in public. She has told me that she is going to continue wearing her mask for the foreseeable future. She believes that both the vaccine and masks are the best way to protect herself from the virus. Moreover, she saw what happened to my father when he passed away, and is terrified by it. I wouldn't be surprised if she masks up on a permanent basis from now on. That's one reason why we will never have conditions fully resembling 2019. There will be a substantial minority who will mask up from this point forwards.

[DINGO Joe]

Does anybody else find it at least a little bit creepy that there is a wastewater surveillance system?

No, aside from the usual wacko reasons, why would anyone be bothered by it?

[DINGO Joe]

Pretty interesting web site about Law Enforcement and Covid deaths. 

https://www.odmp.org/search/year?year=2021

The Organization has been around for quite some time and tracked law enforcement deaths and added tracking Covid deaths with everything else.  I knew Covid deaths have been the number one killer of cops since the pandemic started (basically 2/3rds of deaths) but I didn't realize how dominate the Southern cops are in dying from Covid

In 2021, 376 law enforcement officers died of Covid

The top 10 states

Texas--96
Florida--46
Georgia--41
NC--17
Tennessee--16
Pennsylvania--15
California--14
Arizona--11
Arkansas--10
NY-9 (NY had 6 9-11 related deaths in 2021)

Of the states listed only California and NY had declines from 2020

Some of the biggest declines from 2020:

Louisiana from 18 to 2!  (the New Orleans area had a big hit in 2020)
New Jersey from 14 to 4
Illinois from 8 to zero.

Texas had 70 in 2020 and have had 10 this year (out of 33 nationwide) so they've accounted for more than 25% of dead Covid cops since the pandemic began.  Prevax, southern states still had more deaths, but that has widened post vax, especially due to FL and GA.  Sad.
 

[GregTheGreat657]

NYS will be dropping its school mask mandate effective Wednesday March 2nd