@augieray I am sympathetic to the argument that the...

@augieray I am sympathetic to the argument that the global health emergency was terminated too early. Conversely, I don't find it reasonable that we should still be confined to 2020-level restrictions. I'm not saying that's what you're arguing for. But I have seen others advocate for that.

I've been getting my booster shots annually and going forward, I will always wear a mask in public if I am experiencing symptoms of respiratory illness and can't avoid going out. Beyond that, I'm living life normally. What does a reasonable approach to COVID-19 look like today from a public health perspective? I honestly don't know.

Like 5 October at 16:00 | Wall-to-wall | Open on social.vivaldi.net

9 comments

Augie Ray

@AbleAmazing Where did you get the idea that I or anyone else is suggesting we "still be confined to 2020-level restrictions?"

If I suggest using seatbelts, is that the same as suggesting you not drive?

If I say you should reduce your fat intake, does that mean you have to become a vegan?

I have thousands of posts arguing for sensible decisions, and it just drives me insane when people act as if there is nothing we can do between pretend #COVID19 is gone and locking ourselves at home.

5 October at 16:06 | Open on mastodon.social

Merlin

@augieray I thought I made it pretty clear that I was not accusing you of advocating for that. I was saying that I have seen some people advocate for that level of restriction or something close to it. I understand and appreciate nuanced arguments. Extremes are anathema to my way of thinking.

I am not saying I don't want or that we shouldn't have any restrictions. I was asking what those sensible restrictions should look like in 2024. I am ignorant on this topic and was seeking an informed perspective. I will of course do my own research. But I am curious what your perspective is.

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5 October at 16:12 | Open on social.vivaldi.net

Ken Brucker

@AbleAmazing @augieray There are a few things that should be getting done:

- Address indoor air quality in public spaces and schools.
- Cease treating masking as political sport
- Cease attempts to make masking illegal
- Provide free access to vaccines for everyone with no complicated process to follow for those underinsured
- Continue/Resume reporting on infection rates within localities allowing informed decisions and ongoing risk assessment to be made

5 October at 16:33 | Open on hachyderm.io

Ken Brucker

@AbleAmazing @augieray Individually, we need to pressure our local, state, national governments to work on these areas. We have a grading system for a restaurants. What if we had a similar grade but for the air quality in the building? With threat of closure/condemnation if steps are not taken to improve?

5 October at 16:40 | Open on hachyderm.io

Ken Brucker

@AbleAmazing @augieray And apply this to all buildings. Work offices, schools. Give people the means to make intelligent choices about their health. Maybe you don’t care if the building you’re about to enter has a Grade C air quality. Or maybe that lets you know this is a good place to wear a mask.

5 October at 16:43 | Open on hachyderm.io

Merlin

@sigsegv @augieray

Thank you for the information. I had never even considered air quality as a public health factor in the context of respiratory diseases. I will explore this further.

5 October at 19:12 | Open on social.vivaldi.net

Augie Ray

@AbleAmazing I appreciate that. The try being someone who for almost 5 years has posted thousands of times with correct information warning people in the early days of COVID, alerting them that immunity fades, cautioning against long covid, and reporting on repeated surges. Then, get 1,000 angry responses that claim you are advocating for lockdowns. Trust me, your fuse will get mighty short.

5 October at 16:38 | Open on mastodon.social

Merlin

@augieray I understand. Social media is a harsh place to try to have nuanced conversation. I am brand new to mastodon and hoping interactions can be a bit healthier here.

5 October at 19:10 | Open on social.vivaldi.net

Noodlemaz

@AbleAmazing @augieray I'd consider wearing a mask whether you're feeling ill or not, on transport and in shops and other busy places. It doesn't cost you anything (well, except price of masks) and can prevent asymptomatic spread.

5 October at 20:02 | Open on med-mastodon.com