I've been a long time observer on OKCTalk and love the info provided. Finally joined a few weeks ago to have ability to post. Through all the virus-related talk, I have yet to see an accountability thread. I think our local establishments' behavior is a direct reflection of their respect and care for our citizens' well-being.

Coming from a healthcare provider that just arrived at St. Anthony's this evening (helping treat and minimize pandemic) is frustration that Kong's in mid-town is having one hell of a cinco-de-drinko party with no apparent capacity or separation requirements. They even set up an outdoor bar. I'd post photos and videos if I knew how....

I've been trying to call in a to-go order with no luck.... is this a bar or restaurant??

https://www.facebook.com/JoshuaTSauer/videos/1563689423808696/

Idiots. All of them. And shame on the owner in particular.

https://mobile.twitter.com/CamSpradling/status/1257850938993381376

Are they classified as a restaurant, somehow? And if so, aren't there supposed to be distancing requirements? So much for Holt's slow and safe reopening...

on their facebook page, the owner is defending kong's actions by citing the state guideline that says restaurants can be open at 50% capacity indoors and at regular capacity for outdoor or patio seating. i can't find the document for myself but this is the screenshot kong's posted from their facebook page (2nd bullet point):

16038

edit: found it... https://coronavirus.health.ok.gov/sites/g/files/gmc786/f/food-establishment-reopening_final-eng-2.pdf

looks like the state updated the document and it now says that outdoor areas may be at regular capacity as long as 6ft social distancing is maintained.

Yes, classified as a restaurant which means they have to demonstrate the generation of at least 50% of their revenue from food. Remember the Kong's in Norman that was shut down for not being able to document that was true?

In asking around among restaurant operators in OKC, almost all said they thought it was too early to open and would be taking a wait and see approach. Several said something like, "We know Kong's will pack them in and it will serve like a canary in the coal mine."

http://www.okctalk.com/images/pete/kongs050520a.jpg

People are waiting for Kong's? I mean... wow.

I would think it is time for Holt to verify that this establishment is in compliance with the 50% of revenue from food requirement.

People are waiting for Kong's? I mean... wow.

They have a big following.

Just wait until Fan Club (might end up being called 3rd Base) opens across the street; same ownership.

They have a big following.

Just wait until Fan Club (might end up being called 3rd Base) opens across the street; same ownership.

I guess these places keep the riff raff from other establishments.

Yes. There is a need for these types of places. Makes the nicer places that much better. There is no way they make 50% of their revenue from food though.

I've been a long time observer on OKCTalk and love the info provided. Finally joined a few weeks ago to have ability to post. Through all the virus-related talk, I have yet to see an accountability thread. I think our local establishments' behavior is a direct reflection of their respect and care for our citizens' well-being.

Coming from a healthcare provider that just arrived at St. Anthony's this evening (helping treat and minimize pandemic) is frustration that Kong's in mid-town is having one hell of a cinco-de-drinko party with no apparent capacity or separation requirements. They even set up an outdoor bar. I'd post photos and videos if I knew how....

I've been trying to call in a to-go order with no luck.... is this a bar or restaurant??

So this is the Snitches thread? Or the upright citizen's brigade thread?

The important thing is that people decided to show up in large numbers at Kong's. For better or worse, a large percentage of the population has decided they are done with the lockdowns. This is just the most obvious things we can see. I'm sure people are visiting family more and letting their kids play with other children.

Yes, classified as a restaurant which means they have to demonstrate the generation of at least 50% of their revenue from food. Remember the Kong's in Norman that was shut down for not being able to document that was true?

In asking around among restaurant operators in OKC, almost all said they thought it was too early to open and would be taking a wait and see approach. Several said something like, "We know Kong's will pack them in and it will serve like a canary in the coal mine."



2 things

1 norman has a separate review process for the bar restaurant thing 50% thing (maybe only for campus corner ) then the state the able commission or OKC does

2 .. the biggest restaurant operator in the Metro decided it was time to open up all of their restaurants HSRG

Highly doubt you or anybody you know will come into contact with anybody these folks associate with, so what's it matter? You gonna start hanging with the Kong's crowd? If they were breaking the rules, well they were wrong, but the holier than thou crowd is mighty supercilious on these pages.

Highly doubt you or anybody you know will come into contact with anybody these folks associate with, so what's it matter? You gonna start hanging with the Kong's crowd? If they were breaking the rules, well they were wrong, but the holier than thou crowd is mighty supercilious on these pages.

The things with viruses, is they don't stop spreading after they've been past to one person. So you don't need direct contact with just these people. Your contact with these people could come after 5-6 similar transmissions.

It's just careless behavior. And frankly, your posting demeanor is rotten.

I guess we will surely see OKC's number's blowing up in the next few days then. If not, I guess the overly cautious crowd will recede a bit and stop trying to force their view of appropriate behavior on everyone else right?

right?

I would think it is time for Holt to verify that this establishment is in compliance with the 50% of revenue from food requirement.

You want a city that is already bleeding money to spend and devote more resources because 1 stupid bar is breaking the rules? I have no doubt that 99.5% of restaurants are being ridiculously careful. Kongs has always been fast and loose with the rules (see their Norman location). But most I know are following the rules (heck, most locations aren't even opening, even though they can).

I would think it is time for Holt to verify that this establishment is in compliance with the 50% of revenue from food requirement.

okc wants no part of doing this at any restaurant nor does the able commission

(lots and lots of restaurants would have to close down and many that no one thinks of as bars at all)

I guess we will surely see OKC's number's blowing up in the next few days then. If not, I guess the overly cautious crowd will recede a bit and stop trying to force their view of appropriate behavior on everyone else right?

right?

I guess we will surely see OKC's number's trending down in the next few days then. If not, I guess the overly eager crowd will recede a bit and stop trying to force everything back to normal furthering endangering lives and the economy?

right?

I guess we will surely see OKC's number's trending down in the next few days then. If not, I guess the overly eager crowd will recede a bit and stop trying to force everything back to normal furthering endangering lives and the economy?

right?

I have been working from home for 8 weeks because of this - during that time 250 Oklahomans have died from the covid, just over 30 per week. Of course the numbers will go up because of the more open posture, I don't know how anyone could argue otherwise. At the same time, we have lost something important by being locked up for the last 2 months - many adults have decided they would rather take their chances by restarting their life than continue living like frightened rodents. If you don't agree, you are free to stay in your darkened bedroom until a vaccine arrives to rescue you, nobody is trying to stop you. But you will not make me complicit in your irrational panic.

Highly doubt you or anybody you know will come into contact with anybody these folks associate with, so what's it matter? You gonna start hanging with the Kong's crowd?

It's incredible at this point that people still don't understand how this virus spreads. SMH.

The important thing is that people decided to show up in large numbers at Kong's. For better or worse, a large percentage of the population has decided they are done with the lockdowns.

How do you go from 50 people showing up at one bar, receiving widespread criticism to the conclusion "a large percentage of the population has decided they are done with the lockdowns." That's quite the jump in logic.

This stuff can happen even if there's overwhelming public opinion against it. Polls have shown Americans widely agree with shelter at home policies and think many state governments are opening too soon. See: Overall, in the national online poll from April 15-21, 72% of adults in the United States said people should stay at home ‘until the doctors and public health officials say it is safe.’ (https://www.reuters.com/article/us-usa-election-poll/despite-scattered-protests-most-americans-support-shelter-in-place-reuters-ipsos-poll-idUSKCN22336P)

How do you go from 50 people showing up at one bar, receiving widespread criticism to the conclusion "a large percentage of the population has decided they are done with the lockdowns." That's quite the jump in logic.

This stuff can happen even if there's overwhelming public opinion against it. Polls have shown Americans widely agree with shelter at home policies and think many state governments are opening too soon. See: Overall, in the national online poll from April 15-21, 72% of adults in the United States said people should stay at home ‘until the doctors and public health officials say it is safe.’ (https://www.reuters.com/article/us-usa-election-poll/despite-scattered-protests-most-americans-support-shelter-in-place-reuters-ipsos-poll-idUSKCN22336P)

I wonder what the same poll would say now nearly three weeks later after 10+ million more people have had to file for unemployment?

I've been a long time observer on OKCTalk and love the info provided. Finally joined a few weeks ago to have ability to post. Through all the virus-related talk, I have yet to see an accountability thread. I think our local establishments' behavior is a direct reflection of their respect and care for our citizens' well-being.

Coming from a healthcare provider that just arrived at St. Anthony's this evening (helping treat and minimize pandemic) is frustration that Kong's in mid-town is having one hell of a cinco-de-drinko party with no apparent capacity or separation requirements. They even set up an outdoor bar. I'd post photos and videos if I knew how....

I've been trying to call in a to-go order with no luck.... is this a bar or restaurant??

Not related to the topic, but did you shift from another SSM hospital? I know they have said they are trying to shift people around, understood they had some furloughs in Missouri?

I have been working from home for 8 weeks because of this - during that time 250 Oklahomans have died from the covid, just over 30 per week. Of course the numbers will go up because of the more open posture, I don't know how anyone could argue otherwise. At the same time, we have lost something important by being locked up for the last 2 months - many adults have decided they would rather take their chances by restarting their life than continue living like frightened rodents. If you don't agree, you are free to stay in your darkened bedroom until a vaccine arrives to rescue you, nobody is trying to stop you. But you will not make me complicit in your irrational panic.

So that's a "no" then? I find it interesting you only expect people who disagree with you to change their perspective if the data doesn't agree with them.

What's the exchange rate on dead bodies? People calling this panic evidently have some number of acceptable deaths in mind, if it means they can get out to a bar and get wasted on a holiday that most white Americans likely don't even understand or know the history of. Is it 3 per beer? Maybe an even dozen for a bucket of buds?

Folks aren't an island, and they affect the health of others around them. Additionally, people crowding into bars like this and other unsafe behaviors will DEFINITELY increase the chance of Oklahoma having to move backwards in our opening up plans. Are folks that eager for another 8 weeks of this strict lockdown?

We're trying to do a safe, cautious reopening. That means folks shouldn't just run out for large gatherings, not wear masks, ignore social distancing, and pretty much act like life is back to normal. That's the quickest way to ensure that this is an even longer recovery.

So that's a "no" then? I find it interesting you only expect people who disagree with you to change their perspective if the data doesn't agree with them.

Really, do you really find it interesting? The beauty of my opinion is I actually don't care what other people do, other than accept that I have a different opinion. You can totally disagree with me and I am okay with that, isn't that novel? The behaviour from folks like you honestly feels a lot like the inquisition, take this thread for instance - it is designed to shame businesses that don't share a narrow opinion of approved behavior in running their operations. If fear based coercion egged on by certain segments doesn't ring of Orwell I think you should read 1984 again.

Really, do you really find it interesting? The beauty of my opinion is I actually don't care what other people do, other than accept that I have a different opinion. You can totally disagree with me and I am okay with that, isn't that novel? The behaviour from folks like you honestly feels a lot like the inquisition, take this thread for instance - it is designed to shame businesses that don't share a narrow opinion of approved behavior in running their operations. If fear based coercion egged on by certain segments doesn't ring of Orwell I think you should read 1984 again.

There are clear government-mandated guidelines that were violated, so this isn't just a matter of opinion.

And if you care so little about the opinions of others, why are you arguing with such anger?

There are clear government-mandated guidelines that were violated, so this isn't just a matter of opinion.

And if you care so little about the opinions of others, why are you arguing with such anger?

I don't actually think I am coming off as angry Pete, maybe you just don't agree with what I have to say? At any rate, I am not mad, more like whatever emotion you would associate with a serious eye roll. You have to keep in mind, the government mandated guidelines have clearly been conceived to placate an extremely vocal minority wracked by fear of this illness; it's not like the guidelines are based on any actual studies proving their efficacy. My real point is that many people have had enough with the placating and are going on with their lives.

I don't actually think I am coming off as angry Pete, maybe you just don't agree with what I have to say? At any rate, I am not mad, more like whatever emotion you would associate with a serious eye roll. You have to keep in mind, the government mandated guidelines have clearly been conceived to placate an extremely vocal minority wracked by fear of this illness; it's not like the guidelines are based on any actual studies proving their efficacy. My real point is that many people have had enough with the placating and are going on with their lives.

And every single other country in the world is in on this conspiracy to stop people from packing into Kong's?

This is global and being handled generally the same way everywhere because that approach is backed by science and common sense.

I don't actually think I am coming off as angry Pete, maybe you just don't agree with what I have to say? At any rate, I am not mad, more like whatever emotion you would associate with a serious eye roll. You have to keep in mind, the government mandated guidelines have clearly been conceived to placate an extremely vocal minority wracked by fear of this illness; it's not like the guidelines are based on any actual studies proving their efficacy. My real point is that many people have had enough with the placating and are going on with their lives.

I believe these guidelines are based on the currently accepted understanding of the germ theory of disease.

As someone who taught 1984, the comparison between the book and today’s health recommendations to prevent deaths is mind blowing.

As someone who taught 1984, the comparison between the book and today’s health recommendations to prevent deaths is mind blowing.

Dan for a liberal you seem to be against liberty. This confuses me, here I'll link the dictionary definition below just in case you teach liberty differently in your class.

https://www.dictionary.com/browse/liberty?s=t

Highly doubt you or anybody you know will come into contact with anybody these folks associate with, so what's it matter? You gonna start hanging with the Kong's crowd? If they were breaking the rules, well they were wrong, but the holier than thou crowd is mighty supercilious on these pages.

OK, now I'm curious. Who IS the Kong crowd? Who do they cater to? I really don't know.

I just went to Kong's website and watched a short "About" video. It looks like a very young crowd. It reminds me of the old Yucatan Liquor Stand when I was still clubbing with the "younger set." Am I pretty close?

I have been working from home for 8 weeks because of this - during that time 250 Oklahomans have died from the covid, just over 30 per week. Of course the numbers will go up because of the more open posture, I don't know how anyone could argue otherwise. At the same time, we have lost something important by being locked up for the last 2 months - many adults have decided they would rather take their chances by restarting their life than continue living like frightened rodents. If you don't agree, you are free to stay in your darkened bedroom until a vaccine arrives to rescue you, nobody is trying to stop you. But you will not make me complicit in your irrational panic.
Right. People in Stillwater were also tired of being cooped up. El Tapatio Mexican Restaurant looked quite packed even for a Friday evening even though the food isn't all that great. Otherwise, people love to go to Ted's to get away from mediocre Mexican food.

This was... an interesting video clip/interview.

https://kfor.com/health/coronavirus/kongs-tavern-defends-cinco-de-mayo-crowd-after-controversial-video-shows-kfor-new-protocol/

I drove out to Hefner today to check on my boat. The golf course was packed. (so was the lake.) I did not see a single mask on any of the players on the course. Ten minutes ago I watched a bit on Channel 4 news where they talked to a golfer at a course in LA with about 10 people in the background and all of them had masks on.

Trails at Overholser closer to home, about the same. Like an interstate and very few people wearing masks. (Just realized this is in the Restaurant and Bars heading but still.)

Picked up an order at OSO an hour ago, and every table on the patio was occupied and every table was pretty much full, hostess was wearing a mask, but nobody else was (which makes sense, 'cos they have to eat). I thought there'd just be a few folks waiting for their orders on the patio, didn't realize they had pretty much opened. The numbers in a couple of weeks should be interesting, and probably not in a good way.

Swung by the Uptown Grocery in Edmond earlier this evening. Didn't see a single mask besides my own.

I drove out to Hefner today to check on my boat. The golf course was packed. (so was the lake.) I did not see a single mask on any of the players on the course. Ten minutes ago I watched a bit on Channel 4 news where they talked to a golfer at a course in LA with about 10 people in the background and all of them had masks on.

Trails at Overholser closer to home, about the same. Like an interstate and very few people wearing masks. (Just realized this is in the Restaurant and Bars heading but still.) I was out there playing with no mask. I was Dead Solid Perfect today too.

Swung by the Uptown Grocery in Edmond earlier this evening. Didn't see a single mask besides my own.

Yep. Looks like the mask wearing is over. Sad to see honestly. Compared to two weeks ago masks at stores have plummeted. I really hope we don’t spike again and have to shut things down again.

I was at Target tonight near Quail Springs... about half maybe two thirds were wearing masks (as were all their employees), and then half or a third of customers were not.

I was at Target tonight near Quail Springs... about half maybe two thirds were wearing masks (as were all their employees), and then half or a third of customers were not.

That’s not bad, tbh. The Walmarts are really struggling in the category

Yep. Looks like the mask wearing is over. Sad to see honestly. Compared to two weeks ago masks at stores have plummeted. I really hope we don’t spike again and have to shut things down again.

Since the mask wearing has decreased, I keep waiting for Pete's Oklahoma case chart to be broken. But it isn't anywhere close to doing that.

Since the mask wearing has decreased, I keep waiting for Pete's Oklahoma case chart to be broken. But it isn't anywhere close to doing that.

Yet. We'll see if things hold up.

I hope they do but not I'm changing my behavior for probably a month while I wait for data. 14 day incubation. we might see an upward trend in 1-4 weeks or maybe we won't. I hope for the latter, expect the former.

Yep. Looks like the mask wearing is over. Sad to see honestly. Compared to two weeks ago masks at stores have plummeted. I really hope we don’t spike again and have to shut things down again.

Are we that surprised? Sure, we practice that good old Oklahoma Standard if somebody's neighborhood gets flattened by some F-5 twisters, but God forbid we practice it to slow the spread of a new virus.

Dan for a liberal you seem to be against liberty. This confuses me, here I'll link the dictionary definition below just in case you teach liberty differently in your class.

https://www.dictionary.com/browse/liberty?s=t

I'm open to having an sincere conversation, but I don't play Internet games. I'm not perfect, but I make a sincere effort at honest conversations and try not to misrepresent others' views.

I stated that I do not believe the current shelter-at-home orders are comparable to 1984, a book I've taught and understand deeply. Your response is that I do not understand or value the concept of liberty. That's the type of dishonest engagement that turns the Internet into a cesspool of shallow partisan bickering. I post on OKCTalk because people generally do better here.

So again, if you honestly want to argue that shelter-at-home and 1984 are the same then more power to you. Write a post with some explanation and examples. You haven't even provided evidence to support your own argument yet. Maybe you should work on developing your own arguments instead of trying to lecture me.

Imo, there’s definitely some value in the mask wearing if you’re fortunate enough to own a handful of N95s, but I’m just not sure about the utility of the cloth versions I see employed at the Shoppes. The CV is an extremely small media.

It's incredible watching people mistake inconvenience for oppression.

This is really interesting. Mark Cuban hired a service to go out and secretly look at restaurants and other businesses that have reopened in Dallas, and see if they were complying with the Covid-19 guidelines issued by the governor.

96% were not fully compliant.

It's pretty clear now that some restrictions have been lifted, most people are just saying 'screw it, we had to watch Netflix for a month so I'm not going to be told what to do anymore'. And of course, there is really no enforcement or repercussions.

https://blogmaverick.com/2020/05/07/i-hired-a-team-of-secret-shoppers-to-find-out-how-businesses-were-opening-in-dallas-its-not-good/

I'm open to having an sincere conversation, but I don't play Internet games. I'm not perfect, but I make a sincere effort at honest conversations and try not to misrepresent others' views.

I stated that I do not believe the current shelter-at-home orders are comparable to 1984, a book I've taught and understand deeply. Your response is that I do not understand or value the concept of liberty. That's the type of dishonest engagement that turns the Internet into a cesspool of shallow partisan bickering. I post on OKCTalk because people generally do better here.

So again, if you honestly want to argue that shelter-at-home and 1984 are the same then more power to you. Write a post with some explanation and examples. You haven't even provided evidence to support your own argument yet. Maybe you should work on developing your own arguments instead of trying to lecture me.

Dan, I respect you I really do, but there are some things that I am not okay with, one of those things is the erosion of the natural right known as liberty. Here is a definition...

"the state of being free within society from oppressive restrictions imposed by authority on one's way of life, behavior, or political views."

My way of life is not and never has been the Kong way of life. But I am against top down authoritarism that you and others on this board seem advocate. Correct me if I am wrong but didn't you say you would be okay forcing people to use a program similar to the Chinese QR code on the phones.

While 1984 is not the best example, I can easily see that it is an an example of a top down authoritarian (anti liberty) government that includes snitches. Here is an example on page 25 of my copy, "hardly a week passed in which the Times did not carry a paragraph describing how some eavesdropping little sneak--'child hero' was the phrase generally used--had overheard some compromising remark and denounced his parents to the Thought Police."

Now please tell me how I have missed the mark regarding liberty and 1984?

It seems the experts think it's useless to wear a mask, unless you got the virus. If saliva tests become easier to get, I hope people who don't want to wear masks will get tested and will be willing to wear them, if tested positive. After all, it's believed masks are more effective in not spreading the virus from a positive wearer.

Alternative to the dreaded nasal swab? OSU lab ready for COVID tests using simpler, safer saliva samples:
https://www.tulsaworld.com/news/alternative-to-the-dreaded-nasal-swab-osu-lab-ready-for-covid-tests-using-simpler-safer/article_78999f02-4abe-5e20-87b8-3bbb1822ba27.html

Yep. Looks like the mask wearing is over. Sad to see honestly. Compared to two weeks ago masks at stores have plummeted. I really hope we don’t spike again and have to shut things down again.
It was the same way at the Perkins Rd. Wal-Mart in Stillwater Sunday afternoon. It was mostly the workers wearing masks. With only 22 cases in Stillwater with 21 recovered, the virus is no longer seen as a serious threat. Hopefully, no alarming spiking in coming weeks. Remaining college students are leaving from their leases expiring, so I predict no spiking. Young people are more likely not to take the pandemic seriously.

It seems the experts think it's useless to wear a mask, unless you got the virus. If saliva tests become easier to get, I hope people who don't want to wear masks will get tested and will be willing to wear them, if tested positive. After all, it's believed masks are more effective in not spreading the virus from a positive wearer.

Alternative to the dreaded nasal swab? OSU lab ready for COVID tests using simpler, safer saliva samples:
https://www.tulsaworld.com/news/alternative-to-the-dreaded-nasal-swab-osu-lab-ready-for-covid-tests-using-simpler-safer/article_78999f02-4abe-5e20-87b8-3bbb1822ba27.html

Depends which "experts" you're reading. It seems that there are two opposing groups of "experts". Also, how do you know if you have it? Many people will have it and show no symptoms? I think we've kicked this dead horse already.

Imo, there’s definitely some value in the mask wearing if you’re fortunate enough to own a handful of N95s, but I’m just not sure about the utility of the cloth versions I see employed at the Shoppes. The CV is an extremely small media.

I'm just going to keep posting this over and over again: Face Masks Against COVID-19: An Evidence Review (https://www.preprints.org/manuscript/202004.0203/v1)


Abstract: The science around the use of masks by the general public to impede COVID-19 transmission is advancing rapidly. Policymakers need guidance on how masks should be used by the general population to combat the COVID-19 pandemic. Here, we synthesize the relevant literature to inform multiple areas: 1) transmission characteristics of COVID-19, 2) filtering characteristics and efficacy of masks, 3) estimated population impacts of widespread community mask use, and 4) sociological considerations for policies concerning mask-wearing. A primary route of transmission of COVID-19 is likely via small respiratory droplets, and is known to be transmissible from presymptomatic and asymptomatic individuals. Reducing disease spread requires two things: first, limit contacts of infected individuals via physical distancing and contact tracing with appropriate quarantine, and second, reduce the transmission probability per contact by wearing masks in public, among other measures. The preponderance of evidence indicates that mask wearing reduces the transmissibility per contact by reducing transmission of infected droplets in both laboratory and clinical contexts. Public mask wearing is most effective at stopping spread of the virus when compliance is high. The decreased transmissibility could substantially reduce the death toll and economic impact while the cost of the intervention is low. Thus we recommend the adoption of public cloth mask wearing, as an effective form of source control, in conjunction with existing hygiene, distancing, and contact tracing strategies. We recommend that public officials and governments strongly encourage the use of widespread face masks in public, including the use of appropriate regulation.

MASKS MAKE A BIG DIFFERENCE. EVERYONE SHOULD WEAR MASKS WHEN SOCIAL DISTANCING IS NOT POSSIBLE. NOT WEARING A MASK PUTS OTHER PEOPLE AT RISK.

It seems the experts think it's useless to wear a mask, unless you got the virus.

You keep posting the same dangerous misinformation over and over. Why?

I'm just going to keep posting this over and over again: Face Masks Against COVID-19: An Evidence Review (https://www.preprints.org/manuscript/202004.0203/v1)

MASKS MAKE A BIG DIFFERENCE. EVERYONE SHOULD WEAR MASKS WHEN SOCIAL DISTANCING IS NOT POSSIBLE. NOT WEARING A MASK PUTS OTHER PEOPLE AT RISK.

You keep posting the same dangerous misinformation over and over. Why?

I'm just going to keep posting this over and over again: Face Masks Against COVID-19: An Evidence Review (https://www.preprints.org/manuscript/202004.0203/v1)

MASKS MAKE A BIG DIFFERENCE. EVERYONE SHOULD WEAR MASKS WHEN SOCIAL DISTANCING IS NOT POSSIBLE. NOT WEARING A MASK PUTS OTHER PEOPLE AT RISK.

If Masks make such a huge difference why can’t we open everything up? Either they work 100% or they are useless. Isn’t it very possible people going to grocery store collect virus on their mask and take home or to other stores and expose it? I doubt most are throwing away. Lots are homemade cloth masks which if not washed as soon as leaving store just collect virus right? Details matter.

I heard a joke this weekend that kind of compares. Does underwear stop a fart? If you think about it the virus is so small masks are mostly a feel good story unless its been fitted, has no leaks and is of a certain type. And then its disposed of before putting in car.

If Masks make such a huge difference why can’t we open everything up? Either they work 100% or they are useless. Isn’t it very possible people going to grocery store collect virus on their mask and take home or to other stores and expose it? I doubt most are throwing away. Lots are homemade cloth masks which if not washed as soon as leaving store just collect virus right? Details matter.

I heard a joke this weekend that kind of compares. Does underwear stop a fart? If you think about it the virus is so small masks are mostly a feel good story unless its been fitted, has no leaks and is of a certain type. And then its disposed of before putting in car.

Yikes. You realize there's a huge gap between "either it solves everything or it does nothing," right? Masks help but they're not a panacea. They decrease emissions through droplets, especially from nasopharyngeal droplets which is thought to be the most contagious source of Covid-19 spread. Wearing masks and increasing social distancing lowers the odds of spread even further. We have no silver bullet for this thing, or really any sort of effective therapy, so every measure we can do to lower the spread of the disease is beneficial. Thinking in a dichotomous "either it works all the time or not at all" way is incredibly simple-minded and wrong.

Oh and breaking news: most White House staffers will now wear masks to limit the spread of Covid-19 in the White House. Must be because they actually do have a limiting effect: https://www.washingtonpost.com/nation/2020/05/11/coronavirus-update-us/