Boston officials considering a return to an indoor mask mandate

I have a strong work ethic.

Not all of us can work from home.

How does any of this point to anti-social behavior in Boston? I mean, being in the city yourself you have to be puzzled by a conclusion like that no?

Few things on Sweden:
https://abcnews.go.com/Health/scathing-evaluation-...

The review, published in the journal Humanities & Social Sciences Communications Tuesday, discusses how, throughout the pandemic, Sweden attempted to avoid lockdowns and stay-at-home orders implemented by many of its neighboring countries.

MORE: Sweden joins others in announcing end of virus restrictions
The authors -- from Sweden, Belgium, Norway and the U.S. -- said Sweden was able to achieve this by portraying advice from independent scientists as "extreme," keeping the public in the dark regarding facts about how COVID-19 spreads and not issuing any mandates.

This is despite the country's history of collaboration between authorities and the scientific community and the general public's high level of trust of those in power.

As a result, Sweden had a higher COVID death rate than the surrounding Nordic nations.

"The Swedish response to this pandemic was unique and characterised by a morally, ethically, and scientifically questionable laissez-faire approach, a consequence of structural problems in the society," the team wrote. "There was more emphasis on the protection of the 'Swedish image' than on saving and protecting lives or on an evidence-based approach."

But speaking of government intervention:
https://theconversation.com/covid-why-are-swedish-...

Officials in Halmstad municipality, Sweden, recently forced a teacher to remove their mask and prohibited the use of masks and all forms of PPE in schools. The municipality said there was no scientific evidence for wearing masks, citing the Swedish public health agency. At the time, agency guidance stated that there were “great risks” that masks would be used incorrectly. This guidance has since been removed.

To someone unfamiliar with the Swedish response to COVID-19, this mask ban might sound shocking. After all, while masks are not foolproof, there is evidence that indicates that they do help reduce the spread of COVID-19, especially in situations where maintaining distance is impossible – such as schools.

The municipality eventually backed down. But new examples of mask bans keep popping up in Sweden. Librarians in the affluent town of Kungsbacka, for example, have been instructed not to wear masks.

And let us not forget that even in Sweden, masks in hospitals were required and was reimposed last August. But thats obvious right for healthcare facilities? (Shocker, its not to some, not saying you of course)
http://english.news.cn/20220803/1f0169babfff4ee2a1...

Sweden is bringing back its mask mandate in hospitals and nursing homes as surging COVID-19 infections have led to a significant rise in critical cases and deaths over the past week.

Starting from last week, 17 of Sweden's 21 administrative regions reintroduced face mask requirements in hospitals and nursing homes.

Swedavia, the company that operates Stockholm's international airport Arlanda and nine other airports, has also reimposed measures to curb infections. As of last Wednesday, all airport staff have to wear face masks.

Latest data from Sweden's public health agency show that of the 21,751 people who voluntarily got tested between July 18 and 24, some 5,311 were positive with COVID-19, an increase of 13 percent from a week earlier. Most of them were aged over 70.

Experts believe the actual situation of COVID infections could be "significantly worse", as since April, all COVID-19 related restrictions have been abandoned and testing is no more mandatory even for those with symptoms.

whereas in Florida and Texas the response would be to let people decide for themselves.

Funny, those states don’t leave the question of whether to drive drunk or not, up to the individual’s personal choice, though. So masks seem to be somehow a special case.

The isolation was detrimental to me, even with a close knit house of my roommate and partner. And it got worse as the roommate's work opened back up and it was just me at home for the workday, not seeing friends and family. I know we all went through a rough time and some continue to do so.

And I can't think of anyone that liked masks, my partner has been on the covid frontlines since day one and the rashes and skin irritation alone are something they speak on.

But I agree, I'll wear one if I have to and did today going to the dentist and when we fly.

total tools

Like I said, you have a way of telling on yourself. Also where are you such behavior at restaurants recently?

Mandating as a norm seems to be a stretch here, I mean the mandate went away and MAY come back for schools and indoor spaces. Do you think that's permanent in some way?

Are you one of those adults that argues about wearing a mask in a healthcare facility?

...that was a LOT of projection.

Note-I’m vaxxed and 100000 percent pro vax.

Sure you are, Blanche.

"In Florida, if you’re still wearing a mask, we just assume you’re hideous."

Congressman Matt Gaetz, Representing the 1st District, Florida

Seriously? Have you been to Boston @Republican? Boston has to be the least trendiest city in the U.S. I think it has to do with all the colleges in the area.

Personally I'm wearing a mask to keep the road salt off my lips. I ride the T busses every workday and our last load of road prep has been ground down to a very fine powder. When a car or bus passes you, you get hit by a tsunami (figuratively) of road salt dust. I also wouldn't like to catch the flu or a cold.