Mask or no Mask?

Blog Post created by Daniela2016 on Jul 10, 2020

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I know that thoughts, feelings, and actions are split when it comes to wearing a mask. From the first day we understood what started to happen around us, I was for it; I made them, I gave them away, but mostly I wore one, wherever I go, when outside the home.

Now, more and more stores require to wear one; Fry's has a big sign in the door, please do not enter if you don't have one!

Today is mom's 89th birthday, I had to go out to the store to purchase some stuff to make her a nice dinner, a cake and to get flowers.

Everybody was wearing a mask, except one of the younger employees, who was wearing it around her neck!!! She was pushing a cart with all kind of stuff on it, talking to people, looking for products to register them, all with her face uncovered.

I am not sure how much you know about how AZ is doing these days, in short 1 of 3 tests are positive, the cases are ramping at an average of 4,000/day, we have over 2,000 deaths, and we are barely 7 million people! While all Southern states are being impacted more than others, AZ is topping not only USA for new cases, but the world! (and 60% of the hospitalized are in the age range of 20-44).

What would you have done if you were me? I waited for the unmasked young person to move away from the butter which I needed to buy, all conscious that if she were sick, the aerosols could have been in the air while I walked where she was...

I did nothing, there is already too much hate, and mixed feelings these days, did not want to add to them.

On the other hand, should I have said something, just to protect others who went to the store today?

Outcomes

31 Comments

Barbscloud Jul 10, 2020 1:25 PM
I highly doubt that you're saying anything would have made a difference. It's there constitutional right to not wear it. UGH! You would hope the store would do something. But, it's not an enforceable law--people are asked to cooperate. People have become violent when approached about not wearing a mask and some are suing stores for trying to enforce it.
We can only do our part, but can't control other's behavior. That one person is probably having less of an impact than the beach and party goers. What do we do about them?
I would do what you did. Stay away from them.
Happy 89th to mom! Have a great birthday celebration.
Barb
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- Bonnie @ Barbscloud on Jul 10, 2020 3:47 PM
  Thank you, Barb, for your comment. A man was shot to death by a security guard at a grocery store in Southern California this week. The altercation began over the customer's lack of a mask. The world has gone crazy. I wear a mask everywhere in public. Ordered a couple cloth ones with a nose wire this week on etsy so I can wear sunglasses with it. Grateful I don't have to wear one walking away my neighborhood because it's private property and it's easy to keep a 6' distance from anyone you may encounter walking too, but I carry one with me so that my neighbors know I believe in them and in case for some reason I need to put it on.
  
  I've seem some really nasty videos of people confronting people over masks. I could be one of those people to confront someone when I was younger but not these days. Everyone is so stressed out and the peeps who aren't wearing masks may be doing it to make a statement. I'm gonna "Let Go and Let God" and do my best to stay healthy and not get anyone else sick. That's all I can do these days. At 71 years old, I need to pick my battles and to go to the manager and state my case would be way too much for me right now. I'm coping as best I can and wear a mask and thank the people who serve me at my local supermarket, which fortunately is not usually crowded and everyone has been conscientious so far when they shop. I'm grateful.
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Maki Jul 10, 2020 2:06 PM
I would have gone to the manager and would have asked for them to seriously make it compulsory that their employees wear masks but I too would be wearing one not only for their safety but mine as well . No one speaks up , of course people will do as they want .The more people speak up and you can do it nicely the more it's heard .
I've heard "this "from many young and even older healthy people , "I don't wear one , cause I can't breathe with it on " they have no regard for others lives who actually can't wear a mask or wear one . Even those people who can know it's importance and wear one to protect themselves and others . They may be already on oxygen , or have copd and can't breathe through them or have cystic fibrosis and other lung disorders but they know the value of life . I have copd and and yes they are not easy to breathe through for long periods of time but nurses wear them 12 hour shifts . How llong does one wear it in the store anyway .
I don't go to the stores. So far I've not had to . I'm a pretty quiet person ,but this truly gets to me .
I have kids and grandkids and I'm stuck in the house because covid is excelerating .
I would have gone to the manager and at least made a complaint .
Note : my doctor wears one , my dr sanitizes things before he takes them into his house , he does not push the elevator buttons in his clinic and stresses to every one of his patients to wear a mask ! Stay away from crowded public places . I would think he knows much more than I.
A Great doctor . Grateful for him .
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Barbscloud Jul 10, 2020 2:11 PM
Unfortunately there has been physical violence against those confronted by other customers. If you're not out there (and I'm not much) well....
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- Maki @ Barbscloud on Jul 10, 2020 2:40 PM
  Barb said to a manager of a business kindly should be no problem . I would not address individuals , everything can be said in a kind way . Even if nothing is done testimony is a good teacher .
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sweetplt Jul 10, 2020 2:21 PM
Daniela2016 It is not in your or anybody’s place to say something if someone is wearing a mask or not...especially the youth who feel they can’t get the Covid and/or actually go to parties and want it...crazy, huh? ...You were kind hon, by doing the right thing, stepping away...I have found myself doing this a few times....and everyone is happy...I can’t even hug my parents because of so many not doing the right thing...but who am I to judge...? Happy Birthday to your mom, give her a big hug...for all the mom’s we can’t hug right now...Happy Friday...~ Colleen
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Jennifer-Quit Jul 10, 2020 3:57 PM
I have had to work through all this and do not wear a mask at work but do when I go to a store and that is about all that I do. I did go to my apartment pool today and it was only me and one other lady - very nice. I only go to the pool when it is not crowded. I choose to not question others on their choices - like you said too much negativity in the world today. Stay safe my friend!
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Jennifer-Quit Jul 10, 2020 4:01 PM
PS - Happy Birthday to your Mother!

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Sootie Jul 10, 2020 4:53 PM
I have been thinking about you every night Daniela2016 as I watch the stats rise in Arizona. Also watching those poor people in line in their cars in 103 degree heat waiting six hours for a test.......horrible.
In Pennsylvania, there is a law that everyone must wear a mask in public. PA is a big State so I don't know what other parts are really doing. But thankfully, here in my little town, everyone seems to wear a mask. I don't go in as many stores as I used to.....I find I just don't enjoy it that much when I have to keep thinking about what I am touching, etc.etc. And, truth be told....while I wear a mask....I do hate wearing one. I don't like anything confining. Hate seat belts too but wear them.
At work, of course, we must wear masks and my teachers have been wearing masks since we reopened. Unfortunately, yesterday, they extended the mask order in child care centers to the children. I am totally against the children wearing them for numerous reasons......but, it is now a licensure regulation and without a license.....I can't operate. Luckily---speaking to our licensing office, they intend to be very flexible when they inspect because the last thing we can do (or want to do) is be forcing children to wear masks. As long as there is a mask "there" for the child and we are encouraging at different points for them to put it on......they will accept that.
It is indeed a whole new world.......not sure it is a BRAVE new world.......but it sure is different.
HAPPY BIRTHDAY to your Mom.........gosh! How I wish I still had my Mom here with me........
YOU TAKE CARE OUT THERE !!!!!!!!! Thinking of your daily.........
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- Barbscloud @ Sootie on Jul 11, 2020 7:24 AM
  I'm in PA also. Unfortunately, even though wearing a mask is mandatory in PA they're not going to enforce it. This is from the Governor's Office:
  “We are relying on the good sense and cooperative spirit of Pennsylvanians to follow the Sec. of Health’s mask-wearing requirement order, and at this time law enforcement will not be charged with enforcing this latest order with citations for noncompliance,” the Health Department spokesperson, Nate Wardle, wrote in an email to PennLive.
  
  Unfortunately, businesses have been put in a vicarious position to enforce these guidelines. The poor managers at a grocery store, drug store, etc. weren't hired to be a cops. Kennywood Amusement Park just opened yesterday. They are requiring masks for everyone. Three parents have sued already because their have children with autism that "shouldn't" be required to wear masks.
  
  It can be hard to do the right thing.
  Barb
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  - Sootie @ Barbscloud on Jul 11, 2020 8:54 PM
    Barbscloud Completely agree with you. But even if the Governor worded it differently, it is still hard to know how it would be enforced........fines? People calling the police on their cell phones to "report" others?
    As you said, hard to do the right thing. I guess the best we can do is do the right thing....FOR US and try to be careful.
    You take care in YOUR part of PA!
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    - Daniela2016 @ Sootie on Jul 11, 2020 11:47 PM
      You would be surprised Sootie when I tell you how they enforce the rules in Romania; of course the country is been a "democracy" for less than 30 years...But my cousin had to go home from Italy where is now resides, to Romania, to attend her dad's funeral. She was placed in quarantine for 2 weeks, except for the small service they attended for her dad. She is a nurse, and has been through the horrors of the Bergamo region, where she works. They needed her back to work in one week; she could not even stay with her mom longer after the funeral, and had to take a bus home (something like 28h of traveling) because the flights from Italy to our city in Romania were suspended until the 13th of this month. She had to gain special permission from the Central Government to get on the bus before the end of her 2 weeks quarantine. They have teams (I guess volunteers of law enforcement) who are coming to the residence to make sure you are home during the 2 weeks you committed). If they can't find you home, they are waiting, they take you away, and park you in a made up hospital, where they make you finish your quarantine, and you pay for the stay. I suspect other countries in Europe are practicing some similar methods, just based on how most of them are down in new cases, and we are still growing like crazy.
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YoungAtHeart Jul 10, 2020 5:20 PM
I also would have spoken to the manager. If customers are required to wear them, employees certainly should be required, as well.
I would think it would be a requirement for employment. M guess would be that management didn't know and would be happy that you told them.
Nancy
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Maki Jul 10, 2020 5:28 PM
Ha ha so this post has me riled up lol . I should not have responded at all now I think of it .
I am not from the States and our guidelines for wearing masks at grocery stores here are different than yours . Most here are really very good at wearing masks at indoor public places . Many even wear them outdoorsfull time . They helped my asthma this spring . There has been a real inspiring initiative here and it seems most are really good . Of course as anywhere there are some who think their invincible just k
like we were with cigarettes . Medical students are even helping out people like myself and others with immune deficiency doing our shopping and dropping them off . It's amazing how everyone is coming together .
I guess my thinking right or wrong is this ... If my saying something to the manager would have helped remind that girl its important for her to remember to keep her mask on ,( which trust me I know takes practise) then that gentle reminder may save someone's mom or brother or sister or child from ccovid but if I say nothing at all it like leaving a man lying on the road and me stepping over them because I don't want to get involved . This is Just my opinion . I understand we are all different and all good people .
I just hope Daniel this get under control in your state . I have many good friends in Arizona . Most are back here now but they still have friends who are permanent residents of Arizona . I want you to do what's best for you . No judgement .
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RoseH Jul 10, 2020 6:06 PM
Florida is number one now in Covid-19 cases, thanks to the indiots that don’t wear a mask! We are in quarantine since March so I am not happy! My husband and I wear a mask when we are forced to go outside our community. Everyone should do the same! Hopefully we will have a vaccine before next fall!
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Daniela2016 Jul 10, 2020 8:07 PM
Thank you all for the comments and caring! By no means I wanted to start a political debate, but when I came home from the store I was fuming; needed to vent in a safe place, and this is my safe place, you are my safe place!
Maki, don't feel bad, if you don't live in US, it is hard to grasp the undercurrent of frustration, and as seen many times, taken to hate against one's neighbor, co-worker, simple citizen in a tense situation.
Some of you know, other might not, but I went to medical school, and even practiced for 8 years in my native Romania. Since this whole thing started, if you all remember how the government, even the President, even Dr Fauci were all saying masks are "hurting" us, I was screaming to whomever wanted to hear me: "wear a mask", I made them and gave them away. This is a contagious disease, it spreads through the respiratory system, as simple as a face covering is, it significantly reduces the "chances" of getting it or giving it.
Thank you for all the good wishes!
And here is mom and the cake which sent me to the store this morning
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- MarilynH @ Daniela2016 on Jul 10, 2020 8:45 PM
  Oh my gosh that cake looks absolutely scrumptious! Your Mom looks great Daniela you are a wonderful daughter.
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- Bonnie @ Daniela2016 on Jul 10, 2020 9:02 PM
  Happy Birthday to your Mom, Daniela. You're a wonderful daughter--your mom is fortunate to have you. Yes, EX is a safe place for me, too, and those seem to be getting rarer and rarer these days. God bless and keep you, Bonnie
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- Barbscloud @ Daniela2016 on Jul 11, 2020 7:27 AM
  That cake looks amazing.
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MarilynH Jul 10, 2020 8:09 PM
I'm thinking of you Daniela, I pray that you and family remain safe caring hugs coming your way sweetie wish your Mom a very Happy birthday.
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Sootie Jul 10, 2020 8:17 PM
My GOD!!! WHAT A GORGEOUS CAKE!!!!!
Your Mom looks great also!
Hope you enjoyed a good day.........
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- Daniela2016 @ Sootie on Jul 10, 2020 8:32 PM
  Thanks Sootie, and I also made one of her favorite dinners, all the while helping my neighbor with her car; the battery died on her at the vet, I picked her up, brought them home. Then went back for the tow track, followed it to the garage, waited for her to finish talking to them...then came home again. Can't feel my legs anymore, I have a pinched sciatic nerve, and when I am on my feet for too long, the whole leg can sometimes go numb, or just burning like right now But I made everything, and served my beautiful mom an early dinner, how she likes it: Winner Snitzel with mashed potatoes and roasted red bell peppers!
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  - Sootie @ Daniela2016 on Jul 10, 2020 8:37 PM
    Whoa----quite a day! you were definitely moving. Rest tomorrow.
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  - Bonnie @ Daniela2016 on Jul 10, 2020 9:03 PM
    Yum! Now you're making me hungry! Hopefully now you can rest!
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Maki Jul 10, 2020 8:33 PM
R u kidding ! Your mom is 89 not 68 my gosh she's gorgeous . Happy birthday .
We have virtual meet ups , zoom meet ups , Facebook meets ups , go to meeting meet ups , how come we can't pass me some cake meet up somehow huh
.
Have a great day Daniella , mom ,

Thanks Daniella .
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indingrl Jul 10, 2020 9:37 PM
Thanks for SHARING Daniela - please tell YOUR mom. happy birthday - GOOD for YOU wearing YOUR mask - MY husband and I are cv19 survivors and WE wear a masks too
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elvan Jul 10, 2020 10:01 PM
Ouch on the sciatica, l am nursing a really nasty time with it. I don’t really go anywhere but l would probably have searched for a manager if an employee wasn’t wearing a mask. That is not acceptable.
That cake is a work of art & what a day you had, what a sweet daughter, neighbor, & person you are.
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Cousin-Itt Jul 11, 2020 6:18 AM
Tell you Mother Happy Birthday and your cake looks great

Here in Ohio I should say 7 counties in Ohio which are hotspots, Mask are required in all commercial / public buildings and outside when social distancing can not be achieved or could be compromised.

Sadly no matter what some people will never where mask or social distance. You did the right thing by not saying / confronting the person. I would have waited till she move on. I have had to ask one women to maintain her distance from me while I was in line. She backed up after making a comment and continued to quietly make comments after I said Thank You.
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elvan Jul 11, 2020 8:00 PM
My son asked me if I knew what kind of cake it is...I showed him the picture and his tongue was hanging out, LOL. Seriously, are those cherries? Is the frosting whipped cream? It looks so amazing and I know what a baker you are.
love,
Ellen
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- Daniela2016 @ elvan on Jul 11, 2020 11:38 PM
  Hi Ellen, I had a long explanation for the cake, got it on a Romanian site, will be happy to translate the recipe if you want to make it.
  Frosting is Whipped Cream and a made from scratch Caramel Cream. I added the cherries just for decor. Here is the original picture
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  - elvan @ Daniela2016 on Jul 12, 2020 7:58 PM
    It looks amazing but the truth is, l would never make it because then l would have to EAT.
    Thanks for the offer!
    lf Brazil had the population we have, they would likely pass us with this virus.
    Ellen
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