Are we done with face masks?

[@Vox]

It's been just over 2 years since Covid-19 was declared a pandemic in the US. During that time, mask wearing, mandates, and vaccines became deeply polarizing topics. Understand the partisan pandemic in 15 charts, here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/qaeTlYSch7ele7M

[@laurenconrad1799]

I’m loving these quick bites of super useful info about covid. It is much appreciated. ❤️

[@trstdaprcss]

shush vox

[@MrAnonymouselol]

I really thought we were advanced enough not to get polarized on a public health concern.

[@erikanders3343]

@@MrAnonymouselol lots of people are tribal and make everything a us/them thing. Populist politicians use this to gain power

[@headClock]

Nice

[@jordy.a6135]

What I don't get is why does wearing a face mask need to be so politicized in countries like the us and some in Europe?

[@AdamSmith-gs2dv]

Because you forced people to do something they didn't want to for minimal benefit at best for two years? Yea I think that's the explanation. Those people are also very worried about the precedent this event sets if they don't push back, do you want to be mandated to wear masks every flu season? Sorry but that's unacceptable

[@agathaprado2]

people politicized everything these days, it’s just public health

[@micah_lee]

That may be true on a personal level, but government mandating is seen as overstepping the bounds of the role of the government. Infringing on freedoms. Plus, at this stage in the pandemic, it is less of a risk factor to not wear a mask

[@aguy446]

@@95601 Because crying about "safety" is how tyranny begins

[@miaurye1286]

It’s politically viable to sow distrust of our institutions, to claim tyranny while doing everything possible to prolong the pandemic so that corporations can profit

[@yanik.ottenbreit]

A missing premise is the problem with the me-mentality behind all of this. In Japan they've worn masks since far before the pandemic for yes, protecting oneself, but also as a SOCIAL OBLIGATION if you're feeling sick. If you feel sick and absolutely need to leave the house, you should mask up to protect others.

[@slime-qq5yv]

i dont know how to feel about this. I think yes, its a good thing and it shows humanity and showing you care about others. but also no, humans need to get sick. if we do this, less people will get sick less and less over time. this will jus mean that your immune system will weaken and something as simple as the cold could rlly harm you. i dont know tho, this is jus based on my knowledge and im not sure if this will actually happen im not a doctor

[@DavidCruickshank]

@@slime-qq5yv Dude don't catastrophize, People have been wearing masks for ages in Asian country and have not seen a rise in the danger of common diseases. wear a mask

[@seanmurphy2365]

@@slime-qq5yv this is one of the dumbest comments I've ever read

[@breadwheat427]

@@slime-qq5yv doesnt this mean the common cold would've been eradicated, yet ppl still get sick with it

[@JohnDoe-jp4em]

There is a difference between wearing a mask when you're sick vs wearing a mask all the time as the default even if you don't feel sick.

[@angelamazakas2624]

Personally, I've always thought we should follow what they do in Japan. If you feel sick, wear a mask. Not for you, but for other people

[@777Skeptic]

But I'm American. It's all about ME ME ME.

[@mkhud50n]

Or stay home.

[@xCanadianXpride]

@@mkhud50n Staying home would be ideal, but not everyone has that opportunity, some people cannot afford that, or could lose their job. You have to realize not everyone is so fortunate.

[@idontwanttopickone]

I don't disagree with this comment. But, the trouble with Covid is you can have it and spread it for a long time before you show any signs of being sick.

[@mkhud50n]

@@xCanadianXpride everybody has sick days. Employers know people get sick.

[@longqtravis7456]

Born and raised in Vietnam, wearing mask is a common thing for all of us as it not only protects us from pollution, but also works as face shades since we ride motorbikes everyday. I truly understand the struggle of Americans/Europeans because of the suffocation and irritation, but I always tryna think this way, our little effort of wearing a mask is saving and helping countless lives around you and people you love, so why not ?

[@bryan.w.t]

One way our mindset can differ from western perspectives

[@kennethkho7165]

I understand that wearing a mask once might be a "minor inconvenience" but wearing it everyday for years is definitely a MAJOR inconvenience.

[@DarkViperEU]

Yup common thing for Indonesians as well. Everyone still wear masks nowadays anyway

[@kennethkho7165]

@@DarkViperEU nanti ukraina perang malah luhut bilangnya jangan lupa mencuci tangan dan menjaga jarak

[@longqtravis7456]

@@kennethkho7165 so true lol especially with hot climate, but imagine having respiratory problems for the REST OF YOUR LIFE lol

[@simontemplar404]

Japanese people have used face masks to prevent the spread of respiratory illness in winter for decades. If you are ill and go to work you wear a mask to prevent others catching your illness. Also the elderly might be well served using a mask in crowded places in winter. This year's flu vaccine has been largely ineffective but continued caution on the part of the elderly has prevented the surge in deaths that we would have seen otherwise. Advice on mask wearing from Public Health agencies should discuss these issues and inform the public who can then make reasonable choices.

[@Yurkevich22]

What we should be going towards instead is not encouraging people to work when they are sick. Shocking huh? if you are sick, stay at home. I know it's not easy for some people, but the government and employers should be encouraging that with better and more PTO and sick leave. It's ridiculous that in USA 2 weeks (10 business days) vacation is considered a norm and 15 days is a lot. In many countries, people get much more than that.

[@reber90tube]

we can't wear masks for our lifetime and sanitize the whole universe! take care of immune system, eat healthy and know dying is a part of human evaluation

[@Myumeful]

I love how you are trying to make it sound like good thing that the Japanese wear masks when they're ill. When you're sick you shouldn't be forced to go out to work.

[@regulusvii]

@@Myumeful It's a good thing regardless, but you're right. Japan has a brutal work culture and that can help as an excuse for employers to still make people come in. But its still a good precedent set. Sometimes you aren't that sick or you need to go out for whatever reason and if you feel the need or want to be respectful, you can wear a mask and it won't be seen as weird.

[@erikanders3343]

Yeah, but Japanese are both considerate of others and think long term... no American qualities

[@MizzKittyBichon]

"We are all in this together." Not as long as politics and plain old ignorance keep getting in the way. 🙄

[@chrishei3111]

We've always been in this together, the world is one and always has been, hopefully we'll all see that one day.. Maybe I'm a dreamer but I'm not the only one

[@MizzKittyBichon]

@@chrishei3111 The whole world may have been affected by it, but the repercussions have been different for everyone. Not everyone looks at it in the same way as you do.

[@andybaldman]

Covid affects everyone. Some people just don’t realize it. You not getting sick doesn’t mean you aren’t passing it to other people who are.

[@bleuebloom]

@@chrishei3111 nope us humans hate people who are different than us

[@erikanders3343]

yeah, someone on the right looked at this and thought... "what if we can rally the base around being anti all the health measures?"

[@AFluffyDragon]

I work and live with vulnerable people . I don't mask up to reduce my risk, I do it to reduce theirs. I wouldnt be able to forgive myself if I impacted someones health. To me, its a no brainer.

[@gruijm1]

facts

[@redwojak5182]

All the efort you put in is worthless I dont care about others, i even went out when i was sick

[@randommonkey4900]

@@redwojak5182 how come?

[@laggy_1]

@@redwojak5182 good job, you have succeeded at telling people to stay away from you because you are a terrible person!

[@redwojak5182]

@@laggy_1 hurr durr i dont comply with the narative so i must be bad Ok bro, whatever you say, keep the mask on, thake the 4th booster, i never cared

[@darkestlight6784]

As an american and introvert, i will never be done with masks. I like the privacy it gives me. I usally get sick every year and i haven't past two years.

[@elgaatooo]

Thats okay, but whats the use of saying I am american in this statement?

[@fandroid6491]

I can hide my crooked teeth lol

[@clag1109]

@@elgaatooo just a guess, but the USA has some of the most deaths and cases (if not the most idk the numbers off the top of my head) and there is also an entire culture and cottage industry of COVID denial here

[@imputinandihaveasmallpeepe9165]

If your staying in your sick still just not physically think about it

[@catserver8577]

Same

[@bpxl53yewz29]

All those factors she mentioned that increase the risk: no ventilation, lot of people in a crowded space… Well, that’s every public classroom. In most schools they leave the doors shut for safety from intruders, with 30 - 36 students per class.

[@railehtdoe2907]

30-35 students per class? Whoa. That’s a lot. And closed off too. I hope the rooms are big enough to accommodate that many students.

[@DanielFlailed]

@@railehtdoe2907 Sometimes it's 40+ and kids have to sit on the floor in rooms with no windows.

[@catc8927]

@Saint Ratus We wish it were just a cold, but there are thousands of kids and millions of adults living with long COVID. It’s no joke, long COVID means symptoms like kidney failure and heart disorders and extreme fatigue. Imagine being effectively disabled and having no idea if or when you’ll be healthy again. That’s what we’re trying to avoid, not the weeklong sniffles from a cold.

[@thesleepydot]

And still, in my country masks are optional (but recommended) now… I won’t be surprised if many of my classmates will have to stay home cause of covid soon, but given that we have end-of-highschool exams soon, I really hope it won’t come to that… (PS: you’d think they’d care more about the virus when the exams which are required to graduate are on the line, but apparently not…)

[@charcat1571]

This is exactly why, as a disabled and immunocompromised parent in a place where masks aren't enforced in schools, I am forced to homeschool.

[@blacklavoux]

Before pandemic, for some people, putting on face mask is a form of respect to not sharing germs/ any sort of virus when u are feeling unwell/ sick. Respect that.

[@ZEGTHEFISH]

No

[@Gigachad-mc5qz]

yes but problem is im not feeling sick and have the vaccine

[@EdwardChan.999]

We'll get socially isolated if we don't wear masks when getting cold in Hong Kong XD I never understand why some westerners hate face masks so much...

[@Aethelhadas]

@@Gigachad-mc5qz This virus is easily transmissible, there's a high chance that you would get it only to pass it to someone else. It might not affect you at all, but others?

[@TL-mc7cd]

@@EdwardChan.999 it’s not natural to wear it that’s why. We weren’t born with a mask on our face for a reason.

[@hauntingpuns]

I live in Taiwan, where everyone wears masks in public even when we're not mandated to. It's a part of our culture. We've had three days of zero domestic COVID cases in the past week. Masks work.

[@bannanateam]

🤣

[@Oyabu...]

@@bannanateam 🤣🤣🤌🤣🤣

[@hauntingpuns]

@Jord The Canadian UK is an island. How well are they doing?

[@-shakir5152]

@Jord The Canadian Indonesia is 99 percent island, I'm not sure Kalimantan count as island

[@AdamSmith-gs2dv]

Yea let's see how long that lasts. It will get in eventually it's only a matter of time

[@ColoredinLight]

The real pandemic here is the fact that people don't even consider the effects of actions on others.

[@kydzs]

@CLaW you are protecting nobody

[@ColoredinLight]

@@GrigRP that's the whole point of this video. I'd imagine most people who say don't rely on others as an excuse for them not to wear a mask are the same ones who's dad forgot to pick them up from tee ball practice.

[@ColoredinLight]

@@GrigRP about what, tee ball? Has your dad picked you up yet or is he still getting cigarettes?

[@ColoredinLight]

@@GrigRP No one is struggling with the video topic, Darwin. Take a chill pill and stop trying to incite arguments on KZbin of all places.

[@kunal.khanna]

A forever pandemic if you ask me.

[@Ilovevintage77]

My personal choice- I’ll never be fully done with them. I’ll always have a few with me because not only are they my safety precaution but because I suffer an autoimmune disease and severe crippling migraines & since wearing masks in public I’ve been more able to be around migraine triggers like chemical smells, colognes, perfumes etc and not have to leave a public space like a restaurant, wedding or doctors office. I will wear them in smaller less ventilated places and depending on the circumstance. Thank you VOX for the umbrella analogy.

[@afish297]

Qaàa

[@afish297]

A

[@AnymMusic]

yknow what, for people like you with autoimmune diseases (or other... illnesses? conditions?) I can fully understand it

[@jaboris2536]

Brainwashing complete

[@lennydotdotdot5580]

Similar - I am allergic to a lot of perfumes, colognes, and possibly tobacco, which means public transit has been a nightmare for me. I started wearing masks before the pandemic because I was tired of having to get off the train.

[@khalilahd.]

I truly don’t understand why people are using safety as a political tool 🤦🏽‍♀️

[@skytheterrible5087]

Idk man I just wanna breath

[@chrisofstars]

I understand. Because there's money in it for the people who perpetuate it.

[@shaunsteele8244]

masks have nothing to do with safety

[@ggggg77273]

Do you really think "public safety" has never been a tool of governmental oppression before?

[@stephanievagnozzi2977]

I will admit I do like to wear my mask at therapy, it helps me feel less vulnerable and helps me open up more.

[@segamai]

Good for you! That’s an interesting side bonus

[@Flexinciple]

Good for you! Just don’t force the rest of us to wear it if we don’t want to.

[@kariannstickle2708]

Dude that’s amazing!! I have discovered that wearing a mask, especially an N95, forces me to actually breathe and breathe slowly. I unconsciously hold my breath and breathe shallowly in general and the feeling of the mask reminds me to and breathe fully and calmly. My anxiety in my physics class actually has improved when I wear an N95. It’s breathing. Yay to us finding how masks actually help our mental health!!

[@chrisofstars]

@@Flexinciple You shouldn't have to be forced, you should want to do it because it's the right thing to do. I really look down on people like you. You're just drags on society.

[@stevethibeault1100]

Were all in this together is the biggest lie ever told

[@jakeklutts864]

Very true. There is a huge disconnect between the working class and the “privileged”

[@Fanny-pf7oz]

I will keep masks around, even after pandemic. It might not have been something most Europeans and Americans are used to using before the pandemic, but since it's been proven effective Europeans and Americans certainly should make it a habit to wear masks - especially when flu season comes around and anytime you're sick. It's a habit to me now and I don't see why it can't continue to be a good habit.

[@joshyshum]

if you’re that worried about getting sick during flu season just get the flu vaccine

[@magnusb9783]

Believe what you want but that’s pretty unlikely… Many Europeans and Americans would rather not have to see masks outside of medical related areas, from what I’ve noticed.

[@Fr00stee]

@@magnusb9783 thats only like 25% of the population who constantly complain about masks though

[@MrbeanGaming]

@@Fr00stee cuz the rest just accept it and cant be bothered to overthrow the government to stop wearing masks

[@alexcouture5983]

@@joshyshum flu vaccine is surprisingly ineffective. Wearing a mask help prevent spreading it and getting it.

[@Gilamath.]

I'll be wearing a mask again as allergy season approaches. I'll have one with me just in case I need to enter somewhere that still mandates masks, wear one if I feel sick but need to go out for something, and maybe on cold days where a mask can take the place of a scarf. Turns out face coverings are pretty useful! But it'll definitely be nice not to have to wear a mask all the time

[@r8chlletters]

Stay home if you’re sick.

[@Gilamath.]

@@r8chlletters great advice, and I try my best to follow it (I've certainly followed it for the past couple of years!) but unfortunately I don't get to schedule my colds around my grocery days, and I can't afford delivery

[@Gilamath.]

@@GrigRP I think the advice was given specifically in response to the pandemic and the risk of being in public spaces while possibly having covid. And in that context, it's a fair request. Staying home if possible when you're sick is an easy way to stop spread of disease, and less disease is better than more disease Indeed I am currently out of groceries specifically because I've been sick for the past few days (confirmed not covid) and I don't want to spread anything. I'm feeling better today, but even if I didn't I'd have to go to the store because I have literally no food

[@askosefamerve]

Me too! Allergies were a nightmare of mine, luckily im not getting one for 2 years now! Soon my 3rd i hope.

[@dreamingofthemoon]

Same!!

[@bhagyshreetambe5060]

You know, for an introvert like me masks are like a blessing. I'm not taking them off.

[@dharmapersona2084]

You can be introvert even without mask. Mask have nothing to do with introvert.

[@megatron6591]

You are not introvert

[@mricardo96]

You are the problen and they love that you take these opportunities

[@davedave3520]

I agree as an Asian (Filipino)

[@ayushgarg9253]

Straight Facts 😄

[@debralittle1341]

I am a senior citizen living in a senior citizen apartment community. I wear my mask in some places. Have to wear it on public transportation. I have a responsibly to care not only for myself but to be considerate of what I could bring home with me. There are some people here that might not make it.

[@matthewtopping2061]

Not in Japan we aren't. It's shocking every time I see someone without their mask on.

[@crybllrd]

Taiwan, too brother

[@nateromanowski793]

Very good to hear.

[@lucianoradice5257]

Even outdoors? I'm not using a mask outdoors since 2020

[@EinkOLED]

Japanese have always worn masks

[@entropete]

you aren't japanese

[@channieroy9944]

I’ll be wearing mine forever. I’m not going back. It provides with me a sense of security knowing I’m filtering out germs and toxicity of the city air.

[@TL-mc7cd]

Try leaving the city….rather than covering your face for the rest of your life

[@SJ-ru4ej]

@Hernando Malinche That's what the masks have always been about... Feelings. I still see people that freak out because others won't wear masks when they're not required to. All about appearances.

[@channieroy9944]

I Don’t see why you care so much about what I choose to put on my own face. You don’t have to wear it. 🤣

[@channieroy9944]

@@SJ-ru4ej it looks like you’re the only one freaking out. What one person chooses to do with their own face doesn’t involve you.

[@channieroy9944]

@Hernando Malinche Doesn’t matter what it sounds like, it’s not you face. Insecurity is coming at someone you don’t know about something that doesn’t involve you lol

[@pgplaysvidya]

i haven't been sick for 2 complete years now and counting. I love it - every year previously i would get the flu or a cold or something and be knocked out for a weekend. then the post infection cough would bother me for *months* so yes i will still wear masks when commuting and when wandering around in a bus station. maybe not so much out in the street. And if people don't want to wear masks at all, all the power to them I just don't understand what's going on - so are they saying the spread of covid is unlikely enough that if we all took off our masks it wouldn't be that bad?

[@mehere8038]

I can't wait for regular viruses to actually return to the community & all these "the mask stopped me getting sick" people to realise it was always just a placebo & you didn't get sick cause there was no virus circulating to get you sick! & how about looking after your health PROPERLY & getting that cough issue properly investigated & fixed? Stuff like low vitamin d can cause that, but so too can undiagnosed asthma, which puts you at serious risk of a severe breathing difficulty episode if you just ignore the warning signs you are getting after every cold!

[@miri6600]

@@mehere8038 Not super sure what your argument is? The various viruses were, in fact, circulating less. Because of the masks. Because of the social distancing. So it's feeling the direct effect of the measures working ! I do agree though with getting that cough checked out, it doesn't sound normal

[@mehere8038]

​@@miri6600 There are variants of the flu that are believed to have possibly gone extinct due to the pandemic! Viruses have NOT been circulating in the normal way! Australia & NZ wiped them all out with 14 days quarantine for anyone who entered from the northern hemisphere as the southern hemisphere's winter started in 2020 & with 6 weeks lockdown & an expectation that anyone with a cold or flu was not to leave their home until they had recovered until local flu cases in both countries were reduced to zero. That meant that as the northern hemisphere's winter began later in 2020, there was no seeding of the flu or other winter viruses from the southern hemisphere, which near wiped them out in the northern hemisphere too & btw Australia & NZ didn't begin wearing masks at all until December 2020, WAY after colds & flu had been eliminated from the countries

[@JJ-te2pi]

Sorry but your immune system isn't going to be happy in the long term.

[@Scxrewhead713]

@@miri6600 lol 2 years of lies and you bought it all congratulations

[@a.Hopeful]

The weather is a significant factor. Here in India, it's very difficult to stay masked up in hot summers, hard enough with a surgical mask, and almost unbearable with a N95. Even so, we've been so habituated of masks in the last 2 years that it feels like a natural shield to me to switch from my regular surgical mask to a N95/double mask whenever entering a crowd, which is pretty common in one of the more dense countries in the World.

[@datta1601]

In Austin Texas. It gets 50C so masking is just pure torture.

[@gregblackburn4280]

yok....so the programming is long-lasting?

[@thelazyrabbit4220]

showing compassion. i really really get so angry when people around me call names and tease people wearing masks. some of them we know for a fact have almost touched death and came back due to covid and have a wife and children and elder parents to look after. you dont want to owear mask, i dont care, but why do you want me to stop wearing my mask. why do you want to make fun of someone else when you dont know their situtaion.

[@payasoinfeliz]

because they want to pretend theres no problem

[@fluvv9642]

Finally someone acknowledge my thoughts

[@nikezak22]

Lol dude stop please

[@lament666]

Lol

[@kaphizmey6229]

@@payasoinfeliz EXACTLY. it’s the same reason why some people say “wHY mAkE THis iSsUE ABouT rACe?” when anybody brings up race in any manner online, even if it makes sense in context (this pertains to other issues as well, i just use the types of racial debates that happen frequently on the internet as an example). when confronted with an obvious problem, many people would rather pretend it doesn’t exist - or worse, gaslight themselves and others around them into believing it.

[@elysianemily]

"Your cloudy day may be someone else's hurricane" well put!

[@safe-keeper1042]

I'll have to remember that one.

[@MM-hz6fn]

i hope everyone at vox dot com is still wearing a mask constantly. stop the spread! stop FLiRT and FLuQE!

[@ArabellaCharm]

I am happy to see smiles again 😊. Do what you feel is best Friends.

[@ViciousViscount]

I like my mask. I have bad teeth and without it I feel very anxious and self-concious around other people. Wearing a mask greatly increases my confidence and allows me to act natural.

[@MiaN..N]

Nice try with your nonsense

[@charleneae]

exactly its a confidence boost for anxious and self-conscious people. i see my mask as a shield to more than just diseases.

[@longqtravis7456]

lol my gf says she saves a bunch of money on makeup thanks to these masks

[@MiaN..N]

@@primalconvoy Read up on wearing masks and teeth problems, oral health problems. Go ahead and make it worse if you want to

[@fandroid6491]

@@MiaN..N You make it seem that teeth problems related to wearing masks are a drama but it's just a easily treatable inconvenience. Nice try anti-masker

[@0927kira]

i love how people celebrate and enjoy the benefits of face masks and you will always see a reply attacking them like somehow other people's personal enjoyment affects them

[@chrisofstars]

I welcome comments like that. I'm not a fun person to argue with.

[@joermnyc]

Not just comments, people in public have mask-shamed others, “WHY ARE YOU WEARING A MASK!” The Governor of Florida just did it to a group of High Schoolers he was meeting.

[@NZKiwi87]

I really enjoy wearing one 👍

[@harrypainter7472]

@@joermnyc As if no one ever shames people for not wearing a mask? Get a grip.

[@jakesta104]

brainwashing competed. 🤖 🐑

[@2010hyundaielantra]

in Taiwan, people still wear face masks. I think it's just a cultural thing there at that point.

[@nz9sj]

same in Japan. I think most people who wear masks are addicted to them. They want to hide their faces, or they feel uneasy if they don't wear a mask..

[@callasky]

In my country, masks still mandatory both in open and closed spaces. Some people wearing surgical mask in outdoors even before pandemic due to air pollution, so it's not a problem (at least for big cities).

[@5226-p1e]

Wearing a mask Outdoors makes no sense at all. Specialty like in the forest or something, I mean maybe you can wear one when you're like in the big city or something, but if it's like Wide Open outdoors, and pretty much doesn't make any sense.

[@Censortubes]

What do windows taste like?

[@JacobLukasiewicz]

Unfortunetely surgical masks do absolutely nothing against air pollution.

[@lawthirtyfour2953]

@No Gods No Managers There is a point, reduces allergy symptoms

[@stitches768]

@@Censortubes Glass, or plastic. Very tough to chew, plus not very nutritious. As much as I appreciate the curiosity I don't think it'd be worth the medical bills to test

[@Twelvefourtyseven]

I never wore a compliance muzzle.

[@franklegarda6510]

Why do people wear masks in their car with no passengers and why do people wear masks outside and there's nobody around them

[@XD-rj3kz]

Maybe they just forget to take it off.

[@franklegarda6510]

@@XD-rj3kz are you saying that they wear these masks in their homes and when they go to sleep and if possible in the shower that they haven't breathed fresh air and over two and a half years or could it just be there just psychologically afraid the same reason why teenagers and people in their twenties are afraid to give up the mask even though the elderly are the most affected by it

[@paulanderson7796]

@@franklegarda6510 Some probably do.

[@franklegarda6510]

@@paulanderson7796 I feel people that wear masks when there's nobody around for miles and where in their car without passengers at this point are just mentally damaged even with all the information known about covid

[@paulanderson7796]

@@franklegarda6510 COVID is just a catch all word for all manner of respiratory diseases. Coronaviruses are the most abundant group of viruses on the planet. We're all carrying them, all of the time.

[@Homerlovesbeer2]

The environmental cost of these masks is often overlooked sadly.

[@simontemplar404]

That depends upon what they are made of and whether they could for example go into paper recycling streams.

[@sai_69]

cloth mask is the way to go

[@5226-p1e]

You mean like the fact that we never through these things away as a Biohazard? Because if that was the thing we had to fear then we probably should have put these in some kind of biohazard container when we were done with them, unless there was no fire hazard at all and we just followed what we were told to do blindly.

[@5226-p1e]

Biohazard, I'm using my shity text to speech service

[@jelliclecat3445]

@@sai_69 cloth masks don’t do anything lol. But if it makes you feel better go for it. Why you would wear a mask and literally not even get the benefit of a mask is beyond me.

[@wadexyz]

People (including this video) keep saying there's some evidence it's seasonal, but the epidemiologists I've followed say there's virtually no evidence of seasonality. COVID has shown it's ability to thrive in all seasons, on all continents.

[@victoralejandrotrimmerestr3672]

theres 2 seasons: the season when we use masks and the season we dont

[@ilhamrj2599]

yes it thrives, but the amplification is still highly affected by peoples preference of staying indoor or outdoor. Thus, seasonality still matters.

[@wadexyz]

@@ilhamrj2599 ppl keep saying this (because it's presumably common sense) but as I mentioned, the data does not support it. you have to choose a side.... I'm choosing data + the epidemiologists I've chosen to trust vs. "common sense"

[@simonmuu]

@@wadexyz the data does support there's almost no transmission outdoors????

[@wadexyz]

@@simonmuu who said anything about outdoors? This is a summer vs winter question. Ppl still are Inside during summer ( typically in air conditioned spaces )

[@user-fc1zw7ei2p]

I’ll be done with it, when I’m done being introverted.

[@kevini4295]

I'm done with them. Others can do what they want.

[@snorremortenkjeldsen6737]

Mind boggling why most people are still wearing low quality masks two years into this pandemic. I was teaching one student who was coughing a lot and was diagnosed the day after. I was wearing my N95 mask and didn’t catch it. Basically, this pandemic shouldn’t have lasted two years. It’s fueled by a severe and widespread lack of mindfulness and preemptive effort

[@TheExpatExpert]

This comment could not be a truer statement.

[@karl.t.d.]

They’re more comfortable

[@marlonmoncrieffe0728]

...And that masks don't work much.

[@deniseb.4656]

In my country only medical FFP2/FFP3 masks are legal. Everything else is illegal and will count as "no mask" and therefore it will prevent you from entering shops or public transports and there will be a fee if you don't wear a medical mask.

[@snorremortenkjeldsen6737]

@@deniseb.4656 Sounds like a very rational country. Which country is this?

[@li-ham803]

No, we aren’t, and they shouldn’t ever go away completely. Most East Asian countries use them year round (before the pandemic) if they go out in public not feeling 100%.

[@MythicalRedFox]

"Your cloudy day may be someone else's hurricane" is such a great way to put it.

[@dukes1993724]

Yes

[@meara-]

i think it's common knowledge now, but wearing face masks is pretty common here in japan. this is especially true during pollen season, but it's also because of pollution in the city, and as a sense of decency to not spread your sickness when you are unwell. other times it's just for fashion or to copy idols and there's nothing wrong with that. so when covid started it didn't feel any different having to wear it every time we go out. i've been wearing a mask outside for as long as i can remember (half of it is because of my allergies and half because i like how it looks), i don't think i can ever be comfortable going outside without a face mask

[@iced4197]

Very good thing to be aware of your health, especially pollution. I hope most countries will accept the idea and proceed to normalize it. Here in the US, people were so anxious and in a hurry to be done with masks, but I never understood why masks were so unbearable for most of our population. To me it feels like I'm adding extra protection to my health and others, so I will proceed to ignore anyone who contests me on it.

[@bens4801]

@@iced4197 All eastern and South-east asian countries have normalized the wearing of masks and no one complains, no one makes a hissy fit whenever someone wears one. I think its because of the culture between the west and the east but hey what do I know.

[@dsakurai]

I have always admired this mask culture in Japan and I practice it myself for my own safety, and like you said, pollution and pollen too, since I also have allergies. It's a win-win for me.

[@dcjones6418]

Yeah real decent to create a city so polluted that its citizens need to wear masks

[@levimora3025]

well Japan also has women in vending machines so...... spare the talk about decency of others. Getting sick with things that are mild are good for overall immunity in society. Fragility is a lot worse.

[@Vinyl_guy]

EDIT: updated for 2022 we ditched a while ago and i still see about 5% of people still masked. the school decided that it’s up to choice.

[@AdamSmith-gs2dv]

That's 15% too many

[@Aethelhadas]

@@AdamSmith-gs2dv That's 15% of wonderful people who care about others.

[@jgal7979]

@@AdamSmith-gs2dv knee slapper

[@mounthope2567]

@@AdamSmith-gs2dv why do you care if someone chooses to wear a mask or not?

[@jaredf6205]

@@AdamSmith-gs2dv people don’t want to get sick or get others sick. Seems like you are projecting your anger at people who are willing to put up with the smallest inconvenience to help others while you aren’t. How embarrassing.

[@leonardogarcia9019]

Even as boosted, I still wear a mask in indoor situations. Plus I like wearing it in public makes me feel more protective

[@himothy0325]

😹😹😹😹😹

[@matthewm6119]

Honestly, even with these guideline changes, I still worry about the risk to myself and others. I'm vaccinated, boosted, and a strong believer in doing what is right/necessary to protect others, even those I don't know. And unfortunately, with this being an evolving situation, the best thing to do is always changing. I never really feel comfortable relaxing and feel the need to play things even more safely. Moreover, seeing how people have reacted to new guidelines- even just to masking up-has shaken my trust in others. How can I know that others in my community are taking this seriously? And because I refuse to take a risk to protect myself and the ones I love, I have no idea if/when I will ever feel comfortable again without my mask. Mandate or not, I'll need more time to see/feel this out.

[@carpo719]

The recent data has shown that masks are useless against the Airborne version of covid. It's more of a symbol than anything, it's not protecting you

[@STUDIO16-563]

@@carpo719 exactly. People should wake up.

[@xboxgamer524]

I hope you can relax in the coming months, when things cool down. Just know that life is never risk free and you are exposed to so many every single day. Dont focus one one risk too much. This fear should def not control your life. If you cant handle it, talk to someone. Maybe it will help you a little bit :)

[@Hydraxia96]

@@carpo719 says who?

[@matthewm6119]

@@xboxgamer524 Thank you, that is very kind of you to say. I do have a healthy support system and look to them when I feel confused about all of this. I actually just spoke to them before coming back here to see all these replies. I agree. Nobody should focus too much on any one risk. We should be mindful of it, but it shouldn't control us even when things are supposedly looking up. I think it'll just take me a little longer to warm up to going maskless. I know that isn't a unique experience, and I'll be taking baby steps as I keep an eye out for new and better information.

[@eliteassassingamer4901]

looks like dictatorship whenever i hear someone telling me to wear a mask.

[@shaunsteele8244]

because it is

[@jana181]

As a swiss person I‘m so happy I can breathe freely now! I hated the mask.

[@kevinpatrickcarey3741]

can even breathe through your cheese

[@luzherrera4463]

I wish masks stayed even after the pandemic as common hygiene. Not only for covid, but also because it keeps public spaces mostly clean and free from germs and viruses.

[@crash.override]

So visually dystopian... I get why it rubs some people the wrong way, though that aversion may not be logical.

[@APoliticalConfusionAndMess]

Okay, Karen.

[@netsujjusten8072]

Freak

[@i_likemen5614]

Once Covid is gone masks should mostly go. Who cares about germs when we could just clean them up.

[@TheJrockfreak]

@@i_likemen5614 covid isn't going anywhere tho

[@Queen-ex8kr]

Me as Ukranian : done with masks? No! We even use helmets now.

[@michaelbekele4168]

🤣🤣

[@ALaughingWolf2188]

I’m confused on why the US government is confused on why Covid cases are going up after they lift the mandate, like bruh

[@stitches768]

Exactly

[@thomasgrabkowski8283]

It’s not going up right now weeks after mandates were lifted

[@tendingourgarden]

I've thought for over a decade that regular mask use would be beneficial here in the US as it is in other countries such as Japan, Taiwan, etc. I'm actually glad wearing a mask has become more accepted in the US, and I will continue wearing mine when in a crowded indoor space to protect myself, my family, and others.

[@drakecarter1780]

Good for you. I'm still living like it's 2019. Unmasked, unvaccinated and unafraid.

[@davidjensen6002]

Mask wearing should never have been made involuntary.

[@jenniferbates2811]

I live in Rhode Island, USA and I work 2 customer service jobs, so I always wear a mask. I use a new one every time. I fully understand that my rights and freedoms come with responsibilities.

[@lillyie]

i am littered with pimples and masks have been a saving grace for me

[@fandroid6491]

@LOL CATZ what about the poor? They can't even afford to have such luxuries.

[@CrOzZtheBozZ]

masks also make it worse since ur breaths moisture and bacteria stick to your face.

[@juliahcornell]

I had clear skin until Covid and now I get maskne :(

[@AnymMusic]

@@fandroid6491 depending on where you live this can be very cheap or even free

[@fandroid6491]

@LOL CATZ so? so? so?

[@tupak169]

If you want to wear a mask then wear them; however, we shouldn’t force others.

[@themurrrr]

I take care of my mom fulltime. She’s almost 82 and in very poor health. I will be wearing the KN95 mask any time I leave the house for many more years if I must. It’s a small sacrifice. She’s worth it.

[@christianocampos158]

As an introvert mask usage isn't gonna stop me after the mandate drops..

[@Mochi-cs9ru]

i’ll definitely always wear it on public transport that’s for sure but i also appreciate the privacy sometimes i don’t want people looking at my face

[@nonmutualgroup]

0:42 You'd Be Surprised..

[@h4y13y6]

Am I the only one who likes the masks to hide my insecurities :(

[@MiaN..N]

@@primalconvoy How ya doing pppaaaid $HiiiiiLLL

[@cybertrend8134]

Nah, that’s everyone with insecurities. Mask are a blessing

[@Ilovevintage77]

Here with you!!! I feel safer.

[@eustache_dauger]

I enjoy the comfort of anonymity mask provides me when I'm in public.

[@ChernobylPone]

I wear my mask due to my British teeth. “Ello Gov’nor”

[@qbuw]

idc i’m still gonna wear a mask

[@dharmapersona2084]

why?

[@davedave3520]

@@dharmapersona2084 why not?

[@acatnamedleo5649]

@@davedave3520 circa 1942 In the Reichstag an officer approaches hitler and asks him “why did you throw all these people on a train to the concentration camp? They could prove worthy soldiers” hitler stares the officer dead in the eye for a brief moment before simply responding “Why not”

[@Njadmessi]

@@acatnamedleo5649 In 1945, Hitler said masks are bad and vaccines don't work, there fore you are just as bad as Hitler.

[@acatnamedleo5649]

@@Njadmessi learn to understand satire my friend

[@chinmaysardesai623]

Yes. We are.

[@skytheterrible5087]

Yeah so I’m not going to wear one :3

[@ppjskh]

Face masks are mandatory at my university here in SoCal, which I honestly see no problem with, and I’m grateful they are. They’ve been lifting mandates in certain settings but it’s still required in the classrooms. To be honest, I feel safer with a mask on, so even though there are plenty of people around me without a mask, I choose to wear one.

[@loszhor]

In SoCal here too. My parents said SWC went full nuclear shut it all down until very recently. They had to take classes online.

[@llarmstrong783]

We probably always should, but people have stopped and that is just it

[@tempusfugit6820]

The video is based on the concept that the population is capable of critical thinking. That's a HUGE mistake.

[@5226-p1e]

Just wanted to let you know, most people who followed everything blindly in this pandemic pretty much had no critical thinking.

[@dariakupova3783]

no one followed anything blindly. we followed what was right and trusted and backed by science, unlike anita maskers who made any excuse to keep their mask off with no science whatsoever

[@fandroid6491]

@@5226-p1e Your brain only functions 20% at all times

[@shaunsteele8244]

yes, we need dictators to tell us how to live because we're incapable of independent thought

[@shaunsteele8244]

@@dariakupova3783 lol you have no idea what "science" is

[@emanuelemarciano2919]

No

[@8stormy5]

For me- and this is an entirely unscientific, intuitionist thought- COVID-slowing restrictions have never been about eliminating COVID-19, from some mix of acting too slowly at the beginning and the virulence of SARS-CoV-2, but about reaching a critical level of medical progression so that serious infections can be treated and prevented without over-straining medical resources. I don't think COVID is ever going away, and while we should take it and all infectious diseases seriously (like the seasonal flu) we also must make a value judgement as to when the over-identification of mandates becomes a bigger problem than the under-identification of personal choice. I don't think we're at that point for masks or vaccines (yet), but I understand the power of self-selection into risk pools. Unfortunately this last point too has been corrupted by the same disinformation campaigns that have made masking and vaccination campaigns less effective- and with self-selection being a phenomenon barred from actually occurring, the under-identification harms of allowing complete autonomy are amplified severalfold. For now, COVID restrictions have turned into a cat-and-mouse game of doing the best you can now without losing sight of some long-term exit strategy- and without supplying ammunition to the people who's bogus claims force the hand of regulation. I'll put it this way: if the 95% of people for whom masks and vaccines are the objectively correct choice actually followed through on that choice, we could have been at that endgame exit stage for quite some time now.

[@drxgonzitoshow]

interesting.

[@danielawesome36]

This whole comment is still vaguely confusing, but I think I get the gist of it now.

[@danielawesome36]

You could edit this to make it more understandable😅 No offense.

[@Eastsid3]

Still got my masks at the ready from my cloth ones with designs to KN-95s. Still pop them on at the grocer and other spots with tons of people, even I'm the only one.

[@vmobile890]

No your not the only one . I wear a mask as sign says in medical buildings and offices . I have been using masks my whole life when doing spray painting and any other work where dust or chemicals can damage the lungs . Also safety glasses or goggles . I’ve been healthier in the last 2 years wearing a mask not breathing in other persons germs . Most stores now don’t wear a mask but cary a mask . I feel people should have the freedom not to wear a mask and it wear a car safety belt . Or do anything with no safety standards what so ever as long they don’t injure others .

[@masterz9241]

I'm done

[@ashleyremix7799]

Never wore a mask always thought they were ridiculous!!

[@ryan49805]

People are just tired and we need to respect each other’s OWN decisions and MOVE ON!!!

[@tacticalvelocity4488]

Make the move! Yeah!

[@exaucemayunga22]

It shouldn't be an obligation anymore

[@adamcarmody6487]

I’m triple vaxxed I’m done I’m not doing this anymore

[@chrish3850]

Yep same It either works or it doesn’t, not sacrificing my life cause the vulnerable won’t stay inside

[@ThePlayerOfGames]

Quick answer to the thumbnail; No, in fact in Asia they wear masks whenever they have an illness such as a cold in order to not spread it. We should adopt this globally. But one-way protection only really works if you aren't immunocompromised or the *other* person is wearing the mask

[@oxidedelta2239]

How about no. All it will do is create more division as there is at least half the population that doesn't want to do that. Forcing people to do stuff they don't want is a bad idea. Regardless of your opinion. Here in Europe, literally barely anyone wears them anymore. Its very strange to see that while the US was so anti vaccination, they are weirdly obsessed with masks.

[@ThePlayerOfGames]

@@oxidedelta2239 funny how anti mask and anti vax are always complaining about differences and division but never talk about how a society that doesn't wear masks or get vaccinated necessarily causes immunocompromised individuals to have to isolate themselves and live in lockdown forevermore, creating a 2-tier society because some people in 1 tier decided that wearing a mask or receiving a vaccine was too hard

[@oxidedelta2239]

@@ThePlayerOfGames immunocompromised should be vaccinated, which should provide protection for them. You're kidding yourself if you think that the virus isn't going to spread regardless of mask wearing. Surely you don't expect people to be wearing them forever, that's just weird.

[@Quacknull]

I'm not, never done

[@ahrenortile8909]

Right now in the Philippines, we've been doing pretty well. We've been under a thousand cases for over a month now and I have still yet to see a civilian without a mask.

[@woodrus]

You clearly haven't seen me cycling. And of course that is during 4-5 am.

[@fandroid6491]

I see a lot of civilians wearing masks incorrectly. Oh my gosh cover your noses with the facemask people, it's not just for the mouth!

[@jennyzubiri9312]

you clearly don't get out much. Basically no one wears them in any of the normal neighborhoods. Maybe you live in a gated community

[@ahrenortile8909]

@@jennyzubiri9312 I have school so I go out everyday... Not to mention that my school is pretty far and it's unavoidable to go everywhere and explore. Sorry to break it to you but people have brains here.

[@stuartbritton4811]

Maskwearing has become a symbol of compliance and obedience to those who have designed this strange behaviour.

[@RPKD88]

The answer is that some places are and some places aren't.

[@stevenroshni1228]

I think the mandates should stay for public transport. Unlike fixed location access, fully controlled settings you can't call everyone to quarantine if they are exposed to someone who is sick with whatever unknown virus.

[@AdamSmith-gs2dv]

Have you seen how many people just don't follow the mandate? The public transit rule is a joke outside of airplanes

[@giovannirafael5351]

I mean technically speaking we could wear masks for the rest of our lives but I see how it can be frustrating and I also find masks pretty annoying(especially in the heat).

[@rickyl7231]

Yeah no thanks, I got vacated and I’m never wearing one again

[@SlinkyFromHell.4]

Vaccinated, boosted & still got Omnicron variant, so now I'm 100% done with masks.

[@johnchessant3012]

I'm gonna keep wearing mine. Helps with allergies

[@-Bloomingtales]

I ride a bike full time so no…. that pollution, other particles, germs, etc. I prefer to keep myself protected. 👌🏾

[@carcamclips]

I see discarded masks EVERYWHERE I go. I can't imagine how many are in the oceans and all over the planet. On the plus side, I've seen squirrels use them to make comfy cozy nests!

[@rhythmbiswas674]

'your cloudy day may be someone else's hurricane' - this hit hard

[@YBY3]

I dont think anything needs to be required but encouraged, I am not againt slowing the movment of viruses. When your sick or weak, where a mask, but when your healthy, keep your immune system evolving by living life normal. Just my opinion

[@kariannstickle2708]

No. At this point it’s just common courtesy. I am very glad to not have had a cold in nearly two years outside of the colds (all tested negative for covid, kids are just nasty) got working at a daycare. I’m dreading getting colds again. N95 all day everyday, bbb

[@MM-hz6fn]

still wearing an N95 out of common courtesy? or did you stop?

[@NotAFanOfHandles]

I get sick pretty darned easily. The four months prior to the first shutdown I was sick for roughly 85% of the time, including a lovely bout of the norovirus right over Christmas. Finally feeling "allowed" to wear masks when I went out the way I had seen in Japanese media growing up felt very freeing, and for the first time since I can remember I finally went more than a full year without getting sick (the occasional migraine aside.) Now in the externship I'm undertaking the people around me are no longer required to wear masks, and often when they do they aren't wearing them correctly, and we are all working sometimes elbow to elbow. Knowing how delicate my health had become, I'm still wearing masks when I go out and plan on doing so for the foreseeable future, though I do plan on seeing a doctor again to see what else is going on that makes me so vulnerable. I feel the tiny bit of discomfort I sometimes have wearing the mask is far preferable than getting sick all the time again. On top of that, I live with my parents, both of whom are over the age of 65 and act as my mother's caretaker. She also has numerous health issues that make her more vulnerable so of course I'm going to be extra careful about letting myself be exposed to possible illness, even if neither of my parents take it seriously anymore. Someone needs to be responsible, and if they won't, I will.

[@sinatrabone]

The compassion and practically in the tone of this video are great 👍.

[@luvchumaetyu]

i don’t mind wearing masks, and i honestly quite like it to some extent. since the mask mandate got dropped in almost all settings where i live, there’s an incredible amount of people not wear masks - and we’ve also had an increase in cases since (probably both due to the lack of masks, but also bc of the new more so contagious variant). meanwhile, me and my friends have decided to keep wearing them despite having no mandate as of right now. i mostly wear them still because although i may not be at as much of a risk as many other people, there are still people who would majorly benefit from other people wearing masks such as those with chronic illnesses. i think it’s important to protect not only myself and my friends and family (although my parents don’t wear masks if they don’t have to) but other people too

[@nutsackmania]

most people do not like wearing masks, and i don't particularly believe there aren't politics/indignation driving your half-truth statement

[@Elated_Llama]

Still wearing mine as well Because it's really not that hard and could save a life

[@MikeJ2023]

I have Never worn a muzzle and I never will.

[@fl0pZ3]

a muzzle 😂😂😂😂 you act as if you can’t speak with a mask on?

[@tbc9096]

@@fl0pZ3 You guys love the mask, don’t you?

[@sct296]

Many are. That's their right.

[@medicinaemdia4895]

I’m a doctor so I wear it on work … but not when working out and with my family that is already triple vaccinated.

[@aa898246]

who?

[@medicinaemdia4895]

@@aa898246my mask policy

[@IceColdProfessional]

I love the mask. It's healthy, and (combined with sunglasses) prevents unwanted socializing.

[@simoncaron6424]

Isn’t loneliness bad for your health?

[@IceColdProfessional]

@@simoncaron6424 There's a difference between loneliness and solitude. I am very intent with my socializing. I am not happy, but I am content.

[@AbAb-hx7wq]

No one even wears a mask anymore in 2022...

[@kartikbhardwaj4406]

🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣

[@IceColdProfessional]

@@AbAb-hx7wq Everyone SHOULD be wearing a mask still; as well as being double and triple vaxxed. Stop the spread, save a life.

[@RCodyWanner]

it feels like since at home tests have become more and more widely accessible, case counts have gotten skewed (since people can find out they are positive, but not report it anywhere), are you accounting for that at 1:51 when you talk about 10/100,000? or is not a big enough deal?

[@askosefamerve]

No way im stopping wearing these. They protect me from allergies and disease, and im comfortable too.

[@emmettnolan9307]

i don't plan on wearing a mask now that it's no longer mandated in my county. i'm young, healthy, and fully vaccinated & boosted. i respect everyone's individual choice, but i also feel like there are lots of people who - if they had things their way - would require everyone to wear masks indefinitely. when and how we take them off is always going to be a bit controversial, but it needs to be done if we are ever to return to some form of normalcy.