Monday, March 8, 2021

Mask Mandate Removed

     "Effective next Wednesday [March 10, 2021] all businesses of any type may open to 100% capacity. Additionally, this order ends the statewide mask mandate in Texas. Businesses may still limit capacity or implement additional safety protocols at their own discretion. (https://gov.texas.gov/)

     Covid-19, in the midst of its brutal path of death, implemented the mask mandate.  We were all forced to wear masks in order to enter public places. Not everyone agreed with wearing masks.  Some individuals agreed wholeheartedly, while others felt their rights were being violated.  It became another article of clothing to wear.  This article gave us some defense against the pandemic.

     The pandemic is still with us.  Begrudgedly, most people will still wear a mask.  Now, we have a choice.

     The removal of the mandate symbolizes our fight against the virus.  We're attempting to overcome.  Close to 3 million people have perished from Covid-19.  Death numbers and case numbers are decreasing.  As quoted, restrictions are being lifted.  

     Business should begin to open up at full capacity. Life will move forward. 

     Covid-19 statistics are all on a negative incline.  The concern is aimed at the individuals below the income line that marks losses in direct relation to the pandemic.

     "Will the coronavirus, which has already killed more than 2 million people worldwide, eventually be eliminated by a global vaccination campaign, like smallpox? Will dangerous new variants evade vaccines? Or will the virus stick around for a long time, transforming into a mild annoyance, like the common cold?" (jems.com/)

     Experts argue that Covid-19 will wonder around for years.  Most scientists agree on the inevitable priority of mass vaccination.  Vaccinate everyone as quickly as possible. Vaccines aren't a permanent cure.  The probability, that the vaccines will provide lifelong immunity to the world, is small.  Alternatively, as we approach herd immunity, the pathogen will reduce to a mild illness. It will resemble the common cold. Previously Covid-19 exposed adults aren't reacquiring bad symptoms.  They have already been exposed. Scientific hypotheses are comparing other coronaviruses.  How have those viruses changed over time?  SAR-CoV-2 continues to evolve, but not quickly or radically.  This observation hasn't reached the two year mark, yet. Scientists need data to show behavior over five to ten years, at least.  

     Approximately 12 billion Covid-19 vaccine shots are being made in 2021.  High GDP countries have bought about 9 billion. Plenty of nations have options to buy more. Vaccines aren't all equally effective.  The new strains are providing obstacles.  The vaccination shots provide enough protection to slow or stop the virus from spreading. COVID-19 patients who survive can be incapacitated for months.  The quantification of this damage is important. How many patients are rendered too weak for manual labor?  How many patients are rendered mentally exhausted and unable to concentrate?  The global population will become stronger with a greater understanding of Covid-19.

     A new article of clothing to buy.  A protective mask to cover the nose and mouth.  Some cover the nose, mouth and eyes.  After all of the mandates are lifted will peer pressure make everyone completely do away with masks?  They're uncomfortable. Speech is difficult.  It covers half of your face.  It has been a year, though.  Are people attached to them, already? Masks could eventually get left in the accessories sections of clothing stores, and become useless. Masks are cheap to make, but the prices are easily reaching $5 - $20 each. Masks help with allergies and other airborne issues. Wearing masks might become a commonplace, similar to wearing watches.

     The MASK MANDATE has reached a milestone.  It will become a personal preference. Stop the pandemic. Protect yourself, and others. Wearing masks has been opinionated as depressing.  It's controversial. It is ultimately a responsibility.