statefan91 said:
Daviewolf83 said:
AlleyPack said:
Mormad said:
That is correct. The only thing they can say right now is that the vaccine doesn't necessarily stop you from getting infected, but seems to greatly reduce your odds of getting sick. Therefore, they can't say that it will stop the spread.
My (serious) question is... once people start getting the vaccine, will they STOP wearing masks (b/c they think they can't get the virus) -- yet they still might become carriers, and thus the spread could actually increase? (to those who haven't been able to get the vaccine yet)
It will all be interesting to see.
According to Dr. Fauci, even with the vaccine, we should plan to continue wearing masks into next Winter. Quite frankly, he is crazy if he thinks people, once vaccinated, are going to continue to wear a mask.
Mask use and social distancing will likely have to continue until next winter
Are masks that much of a hindrance for people in general? I get that gyms and places like that could be a challenge but I don't have an issue with it going to stores.
It is most definitely a messaging issue. For months, people have been told that they need to wear a mask until there is a vaccine. Now they are going to be told to wear a mask, even though there is a vaccine. It is one of credibility. The government's credibility on mask wearing already suffers, in part, due to messaging early on that said masks are not needed. If the message continues to change, it only serves to further decrease the acceptance of the message. It will only get more difficult to get people to wear masks and yes, I do believe fewer people will wear masks in public if they are told to wear one, even after they have been vaccinated.
Add to this the requirements to continue social distancing. When I hear this, I think it means:
- Continuation of limited occupancy in restaurants - we know large numbers have already gone out of business due to these restrictions and many more will likely go out of business if they continue for another year.
- Continued social distancing in schools and an excuse for many to try to keep schools closed to in-person learning.
- Restrictions on entertainment venues such as movie theaters, concerts, and plays.
- Continuation of limited occupancy at sporting events. I am not sure how many sports can continue next year (I am thinking mostly of the college sports) if the same restrictions on social distancing remain in effect next Fall and early Winter.