Not digging 40% maskholes in an NC Costco. Costco was sooo good about the requirement.

[JanMichael]

So I go in around 2pm today and expected being that it was Costco that most people would have a mask. They have a been a go-to since March 2020 for shopping safely. Overall they were the best mask rule enforcing shopping public space where I lived.

But since the NC Gov. Roy Cooper (who I like) put out new mask guidelines last week all hell has broke loose.

Let me back-up...I am fully vaccinated but NC is barely "ok" in percent fully vaccinated adults at 48%. So a sliver over 50% of the adult population is not fully vaccinated so we shrink our mask rules. The mask rules that NC did early I think really kept down COVID spread even in our numbskull conservative fly over counties. NCDHHS did a wonderful job under heavy fire from our crazies.

Then I went into a Harris Teeter and only two or three maskholes tops. Harris Teeter has not modified their mask rule to the new rules that excluded restaurants and grocery type stores (leaving homeless shelters, schools and hospitals and Jack in the Box requiring masks).

I get home and look up Costco's policy. Basically in states, like NC, that do not require masks for people in retail like Costco. But it also says this:

"Face coverings will still be required in some close contact situations in healthcare settings, including Pharmacy, Optical, Hearing Aid."

Funny. The Costco pharmacy tech was maskless as was the hearing aid person. People hanging around those spaces 50/50 maskless.

What I noticed with the maskless customers...smug. They looked smug. They were also mostly looking Type 2, sickly, and 99% middle aged (not over 65) white. Also,and this is mean, but we'd all be better off if they kept masks up due to the Rickety Cricket looks on their faces. Blech.

I wonder what percent were fully vaccinated. 50%? 0%? 90%? I would guess lower because they all looked like they thought they were in a le Carre spy novel like Smiley's People. The main characters.

Is this the high point, the acme, or their existence? Walking into a Costco like the Cold War was still a thing? There is no more in life for them. For today they are powerful Gods cruising through the aisles unaccosted with the air flowing through their noses and permed hair...owning the Libs. Tomorrow too maybe. But eventually this will all end.

Gawd I can't stand them.

[TraceNC]

1. Same experience at Costco. And I won't be

going back. Two other grocery stores near me are doing a good job holding up their mask policy. And now that there’s a Lowe’s Foods with gas prices competitive with Costco, I don’t think I’ll be back. My membership is up in June and likely won’t renew.

One of the greeters at my local Costco is an old man who wore a plastic shield and no mask (absolutely worthless) through the entire pandemic. He was out there gleefully announcing that if you’re vaccinated you do not need to wear a mask. So I asked him if they were checking vaccine cards. He said no. I said then Costco is a fool for using the honor system, especially considering where we live. (Red state ranked near bottom of vax rate.)

Anyway, disappointed but plenty of options to take advantage of.

[Loki Liesmith]

2. North Carolina's immunity level almost 65%

When you add vaccination level to natural immunity via infection. You’re pretty safe.

https://covid19dashboardgt.shinyapps.io/us_immunitylevel/

[HUAJIAO]

7. Natural immunity through infection is not a sure thing... by any means.

[lagomorph777]

44. People commonly get re-infected. It appears the vaccines are far more effective than real infection

[Hekate]

3. So California here. Last time I was in Trader Joe's & Costco, all was comfortable...

Tomorrow we’ll be going to Costco for gas and a pharmacy pickup (oh, and bananas and a rotisserie chicken). I don’t expect any problems that would make me quit shopping there.

Life is changing (again). I’ll wear my mask while shopping, and at this point let others decide their own course.

[FreeState]

8. CA's mask mandate is until the 15th of June - statewide n/t

[JT45242]

4. Similar at Costco in Iowa City

Governor Covid Kimmy screams and Costco goes mask optional.

Did not feel safe with the number of people in the store with no masks.

Will limit my treks to costco to weird hours to avoid large crowds of maskless covidiots most of whom I am certain are not vaccinated.

[lagomorph777]

45. I'm gonna start shopping pants-optional.

It's my freedumb, doncha know?

[luvs2sing]

5. Here in Columbus, most of the stores..

have ditched the mask requirement. I was out this morning early to the four stores I regularly shop at. At Fresh Thyme, one vendor was unmasked and all store employees and customers were masked. At the other three stores, Kroger, Walmart, and Giant Eagle, I saw maybe two customers unmasked at each store. But I would estimate 75% of the employees were unmasked, which is consistent with my experience throughout the pandemic.

We haven’t made a Costco run lately, but when we were there a couple months ago, people were running around the store without masks. I dread going to Costco during the best of times. This just made it worse. Same with Trader Joe’s.

[madville]

6. It's nice to be mostly back to normal in my area

Participated in a new employee group orientation today with about 20 people and a catered lunch, went to a shoe store after work and then a Publix grocery store. No one voluntarily wearing masks at work event (Policy just rapidly changed, no more masks required, no more screening questions, no more weekly rapid tests) or the shoe store, Publix was about 50/50 and they have removed any signage about distancing or masks that I could see.

I'm vaccinated and trust the science and experts that I'm relatively safe and even if I had an asymptomatic case it would be very unlikely I would be contagious to others. At this point any adult that wants to get vaccinated could have it done by now and 17 and under are at almost no risk even if they get COVID. At this point any unvaccinated adults have voluntarily decided to accept the risk.

[dawg day]

10. You're right-- they've chosen not to get the shot.

I know there are people who can't get it -- I have two friends who are undergoing immune therapy and have to wait. One's a Trumper and seems glad she doesn't get a shot, and I told her that it's me and everyone else getting vaxxed that will protect her from all the Trumpers who don't mind killing her.

And I know there are some people who haven't yet been able to get a shot because of distance or availability... but now it's in a lot of CVSs, so if they want it, they can get it.

The rest-- well, I wish they'd change their mind, but if not, well, they can infect each other. I would rather have this wiped out like smallpox, but if they're going to insist on being reckless, I think the rest of us are just going to have to give up on them.

As for the efficacy of masks for other reasons-
US
Last flu season: 39 million cases.
This flu season: 2,124 cases.

[Wingus Dingus]

13. Getting to only about 25- 30 percent of mask wearers in stores near me.

I don't wear one anymore unless either the facility or the situation calls for it. I feel weird without it at Lowe's and Wally World, but I need to move beyond the habit.

[madville]

14. For many the mask has become a comfort object (aka security blanket)

Like if someone is masked walking alone in a park 100s of yards from any other person or driving in their car alone. It makes them feel safer even if there is no real threat, it will take years for those that have developed a psychological attachment to move beyond it.

[JanMichael]

17. Not for me. My issue is how everybody is an expert on COVID and Variants now.

We are really just 4 months into mass vaccinations. And I never wore a mask jogging during the height of January/February or April last year. I had one in my hand in case I ran into a crowd at a crosswalk.

What we know is that masks alone then plus vacs works. The spread is dampened. We do not know how long, or how well against variants that we don't yet know about, about how well and how long, against what variations, natural immunity lasts. There are initial reports that contradict each other or are limited studies. Or what impact the rest of the world wil have on us once international travel gets really rolling.

I just wish we could just cool our jets and keep masking in public places. Or at least a lot of those CV sniffin mutts.

[beaglelover]

33. Agree 100% with your post!

[dawg day]

9. We're still under a mask mandate here in my town-- until July.

I'm fully vaxxed, but happy to don the mask inside the stores, and most everyone else is complying, because we are just normal sensible people who don't get hysterical about nothing.



And I will wear my mask when the mandate is done- for one thing, it blocks some of the pollen! What a bad allergy season this is.

[helpisontheway]

11. I just did a road trip through TN,AL,MS,GA and FL..

Some fast food workers in AL and MS were not wearing masks at the drive thru. We are from VA and fast food employees here wear masks.

[cinematicdiversions]

12. Why would it matter to you whether people were wearing masks or not?

If you are vaccinated it shouldn't make that much a difference.

Attacking people in North Carolina for being obese seems a bit over the top as well.

[JanMichael]

15. Why would it matter? Personal reasons, thanks.

Also, on top of non-private reasons, if you saw what I saw with the demeanor and the behavior of the maskless people you might feel the same. We have a high number of extreme Trumpadistas here in a fairly Dem area. I bet the maskless were 90% conservative/kkk/nazi/rotarian. 10% must be like some of the folks on this thread and Dems or the lumpin proletariat.

Being mean to people, in a specific indoor place in NC, yes. People in NC? Not quite.

[Maru Kitteh]

23. Personal reasons? You made a stink out of it on a public message board.

I am a registered nurse. I was vaccinated in Tier 1A, helped organize and then administer vaccinations to hundreds of my patients and employees. I've made the phone calls to inform a family member their loved one has Covid. I've held the hands of terrified and desperately ill patients not allowed to see anyone else. I've fielded phone calls from asshole family members who basically accused me of trying to kill their father because I was part of "them" and wanted to hurt "President Trump."

I don't have time to tell you all I've been through. The buising, bleeding, exhaustion, the pain. The crying.


I also hold an advanced degree and have the capacity to study the maths involved here. I wear a mask where it is still required. I keep a mask in my pocket and put it on in every single store/location that asks me to. I put it on if I find myself in close conversation, indoors, with a person who is wearing a mask in order to be polite. Other than that - outside of work I will no longer be wearing a mask. The data do not support it and I have logged enough hours in hell thank you very much. I've no reason to create another meaningless hell for myself worrying about the mask habits of others.

I've been walking over the hot coals of Covid for over a year. I have nothing but heartfelt compassion and understanding for those who want to continue wearing masks themselves. I am your advocate. By god I will put my own body in between you and anyone who seeks to harm you just because you want to wear your mask and I will take the consequences.

But I'm following the science. I'm following the CDC. I'm following the law and the guidelines. I'm following the data. I'm vaccinated. I'm not wearing a mask.

[Thtwudbeme]

25. DU was built as a website for people to "make a stink."

I hope you don't end up one of the 5% that has a breakthrough infection because you had to choose your 2% cottage cheese between a few people with Covid that were searching for the yogurt.

Please don't patronize with your "I have an advanced degree and follow the science." I do too. I have had both shots, and you better believe I have a mask on in public.

[Maru Kitteh]

38. Your choice. I hike in the wilderness because I will not surrender

those experiences to the quite frankly much more statistically plausible possibility where I live of attack by people, dogs or bears (in that order) than I have of contracting, let alone transmitting Covid-19 to anyone.

Wear your mask as required, if you need to, if you feel you should. I will defend you - and your right to do so.

[Skittles]

16. if unvaccinated people are not wearing masks, they can still spread Covid

AND its variants

being unmasked is not the victory, containing the virus IS

[Amishman]

19. Agreed. The vaccine works, those who are sane are now safe and free

Those who refused to wear masks are a lost cause, they weren't wearing them when mandates either. You can't force public compliance if the public doesn't want it.

Let it go.

I'll be fully vaccinated in a few days and I'll stop wearing a mask out shopping. Why? The data is pretty conclusive that I have next to zero chance of catching or spreading it. I also found them annoying, but sucked it up and wore it.

[beaglelover]

27. Agree 100%.

Come 6/15 no more masks for me unless it is required by a business I am visiting.

[Thtwudbeme]

24. Do you really believe all vaccines are 100% effective?

Ever met anyone who got the flu shot, and then the flu?

You have no idea about what type of variants are going to show up.

[cinematicdiversions]

28. Well have very good confidence I will not catch covid

walking past someone in a warehouse store with 100ft ceilings.


There are currently no variants of concern. There is no reason to believe unknown magic bullet variant will show up unannounced in a North Carolina Costco.

If you want to wear a mask because, it makes you feel better or you are not vaccinated, certainly feel free to do so. But don't attack people who are vaccinated and are simply following the science.

[Thtwudbeme]

31. Hyperbole. The poster did not "attack" anyone

He ranted on a message board that was designed for rants.

Here's your CDC information about variants, so you may continue to "follow the science."

https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/variants/variant-info.html?CDC_AA_refVal=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.cdc.gov%2Fcoronavirus%2F2019-ncov%2Fcases-updates%2Fvariant-surveillance%2Fvariant-info.html

[cinematicdiversions]

35. Really this isn't an attack?

What I noticed with the maskless customers...smug. They looked smug. They were also mostly looking Type 2, sickly, and 99% middle aged (not over 65) white. Also,and this is mean, but we'd all be better off if they kept masks up due to the Rickety Cricket looks on their faces. Blech.

[Treefrog]

46. Yeah, kinda judgemental.

Honestly, I can’t imagine paying that much attention to the facial expressions, physical deficiencies, or any thing else about other customers. I go in to shop, check out, and leave.

[Ms. Toad]

40. COVID vaccines aren't 100% effective -

But even J&J is more effective than the flu vaccine.

It's been years since the effectiveness of the influenza vaccine topped 50%.

I just told my boss that I'm not comfortable usng the honor system about mask wearing, at a minimum, until everyone is eligible (including 0-11 year olds), since until everyone can be vaccinated it is our collective responsibility to ensure that we are not making it impossible for the to be safe.

More generally, I suggested we needed to reject the honor system until community rate is < 50/100,000 cases over a 2-week period, and there is 70% county-level immunization.

[GulfCoast66]

41. Flu vaccines are normally around 60% in a good year.

The mRNA Covid vaccines are looking to be over 99% using actual evidence not trials.

120,000,000 vaccinated in the US. Less than 10,000 breakthrough cases. Less than 150 deaths. Your odds of dying in a car wreck are worse.

Moderna just released data that show their trials on 12-17 year olds are 100% effective.

All this talk about variants ignores the way mRNA vaccines work. And is just internet speculation and getting old on DU. The mRNA vaccines work on all.

And with this new technology look for flu vaccines to become as effective every year.

We are at the beginning of the largest medical breakthrough since antibiotics were discovered.

[mnhtnbb]

18. I went in a Harris Teeter today in Durham (NC)

And they had a sign on the door that if you were vaccinated, masks were no longer required in the store except where local ordinances were still in effect.

I was only in there for 10 minutes, tops, but didn't see anyone without a mask.

I will continue to wear a mask when I go inside around other people even though I've been fully vaxxed since mid March.

[hardluck]

20. Smug? Sounds like you might be projecting

Maybe a deep breath and a bit less judgmental mind reading. Oh, never mind, it’s the internet. Go forth with your rant.

[Thtwudbeme]

21. It's a little hard to not judge the anti-maskers, anti-vaxxers. Aren't you here to "judge"

Conservatives?

[cinematicdiversions]

29. He isn't judging anti maskers though

He is judging vaccinated people who no longer need to wear a mask. There is a large gulf between the two groups.

[Thtwudbeme]

32. are you really naive enough to believe

that the Trump voters who are anti-vaxxers suddenly found God and decided to be truthful about their vaccine status in Costco today?

Seriously?

[cinematicdiversions]

34. No but I have visited Costco twice in the last few weeks

And neither time did I wear a mask. Because I am fully vaccinated and have no real risk from catching Covid at the local Costco.


I simply find it hard to believe I am the only one.

[Thtwudbeme]

36. No one claimed you are the only one

I personally don't want to find out what the long term effects are from a "mild case" of Covid.

[GulfCoast66]

42. But they not catching a mild or severe case.

They are vaccinated. As am I.

I’ve followed the guidelines for 13 months. Religiously because it is what science showed it as needed to prevent Covid. Now science says if vaccinated you have defeated it. For yourself and those you contact.

Keep wearing a mask. I’m fine with that. Will defend it. But I’m fully vaccinated and follow the science. And DU is a fact based site. If you want to keep masking I’m an ally. But if you suggest on DU it is an irresponsible choice, regardless what science says, I will push back.

[Ferrets are Cool]

22. All you can do is just mask up yourself. The problem is that we have no way of knowing

who and who has not been vaccinated. I just assume that NO ONE has been.

[beaglelover]

26. Since you are fully vaccinated you have nothing to worry about

[GulfCoast66]

30. I went to 2 stores today. Publix and ABC liquor.

Wore a mask in one, not the others. Because science and manners.

Publix has no sign asking I wear a mask. And because science shows my chance of catching Covid or passing it on is pretty close to nil I did not wear my mask.

ABC still has their mask sign up so having been taught manners I wore my mask.

What would you have Costco do? Require masks forever? In many parts of the nation we will be lucky if 40% ever get the vaccine. Those of us who are vaccinated are safe. At some point it is time to move on and regretfully realize that among the non vaccinated they will continue to get sick and die at the same rate as before the vaccine. There will be less deaths. But still a few hundred a day.

If I looked smug today in Publix, which I doubt, it was because I know I am safe.

Wearing a mask at the heart of the matter is not a political issue but a public safety measure. I wore one religiously before I was vaccinated and the latest recommendations came out. Once science proves if vaccinated you are safe and can’t spread the virus the mask is no longer necessary.

[albacore]

37. Was at Costco in Western Washington state today..

Both my wife and I had our Covid shot cards on lanyards around our necks.... and masks on.
Store policy is: If you have been vaccinated, you can go maskless, and you do not have to prove you have been vaccinated.
We were there during the old-folks hour before regular opening, and I believe that 90% were wearing masks. Since our county has a high percentage of vaccinated, I would guess that the old folks were vaccinated, but wore the mask anyway.
Better to be safe... for everybody.
Wearing a mask isn't exactly wearing the brand of slavery, like MTG and the other idiots say.

[Tree Lady]

39. We went to Costco Southern Oregon

Few days ago, about 80% still wore masks. I heard they were taking peoples word on if they were vaccinated. I think Costco was tired of policing the issue and my state is putting it square on the shoulders of businesses. Actually Costco was not doing what my state says which is ask for proof or keep mask rule.

I told an employee I was not happy they were just trusting the untrustworthy. Few minutes later a woman masked walked up to me and said she felt same way.

I don't blame Costco though state shouldn't expect businesses to be police. The law before gave them cover.

I definitely would not bring my kids out in public now if they aren't vaccinated.

[Volaris]

43. If you got your shots, try not to worry too much about them.

Honestly, yes they're assholes. Darwin will deal with them in due course.
The REAL FUN will begin when the FDA lifts the emergency use order, and authorizes the vaccine for regular-use, and their employers will start requiring shots to get or keep jobs.