With Omicron spreading like wildfire, should the White House/CDC

[KS Toronado]

Come out and politely ask everyone to do their part in helping to eliminate covid by simply wearing a mask?
Even people who'd have their booster shot can still get infected and spread it.

[LizBeth]

1. Oregon still wearing and in Eugene most all comply.

[madville]

2. Masks are proving less effective against Omicron

We are seeing surges even in areas with mask mandates and high levels of compliance, like San Francisco. So “simply wearing a mask” isn’t going to help much as far as eliminating Omicron COVID, just as being fully vaccinated with the current vaccine won’t eliminate it either. It is becoming apparent that Omicron will burn through the population rather quickly, regardless of vaccination rate or mask wearing in a given area.

Made a post this morning that that UC San Francisco hospitals are reporting that 8% of people admitted for any reason are testing positive with asymptomatic COVID. That’s a big number, but also means that the surge should be short lived if that rate is a reflection of the population.

Also the types of masks people are wearing can be an important factor. If it’s not a tightly fitted N95 or better then it’s probably not doing much with Omicron, lots of info out the last couple of weeks saying cloth and the disposable blue “surgical” type masks are not going to be effective against Omicron due to how contagious it is.

Distancing and isolation are the best tools to prevent spread but less and less people seem like they are willing to go that route again.

[dumbcat]

12. So you are saying that everyone wearing a mask

won't eliminate COVID as the OP indicated?

[madville]

14. Correct

COVID is something we are going to be managing for years, maybe even decades. They are a tool in the box just like vaccines, but neither will eliminate COVID.

[Srkdqltr]

3. How much more can "The White House " do?

If people haven't gotten the message by now they never will.

[WhiskeyGrinder]

4. Free masks, increased testing, a focus on people instead of ThE eCoNoMy, paid leave, stimulus

checks, and a change in messaging that doesn't throw kids, essential workers, the immunocompromised and other at-risk people under the bus.

[Calculating]

8. No more stimulus

Do you WANT to make the inflation even worse? All that money comes straight off the printer at the FED. COVID is never going away, shall we have people stay home forever? The show must go on as they say.

[Elessar Zappa]

10. Stimulus checks and paid leave won't happen.

Not enough votes in Congress to pass it.

[totodeinhere]

11. I think it's hard to focus exclusively on people over the economy because the health of our

economy has a direct affect on the well being on the people.

[ProudMNDemocrat]

5. I made tighter fitting masks with Pellon interfacing added.

They are a tad heavier and the interfacing adds a layer of protection. I use the shirt tailor weight that gives stiffness to a layer of fabric.

Keeps its shape after washing. I hang dry them and then press them before wearing.

[MyMission]

6. Yes, a good quality mask should be worn

Or double masking, which should be recommended again. And I think wearing a mask is part of their guidelines....to wear a mask in areas where covid numbers are high, which is the entire US at the moment. But many won't wear one, or will only wear them in crowds but not with friends, neighbors, or family. And many would do it if it was required/mandated, but otherwise they're vaxed and believe they're safe and don't get they can be carriers and spreaders. I don't think the CDC wants to publicize that the vaccinated can spread it.

Especially because people are getting or spreading omicron even though they are vaxed and wore a mask, CDC needs to strongly advise, encourage and advocate. But too many people believe masks don't help, especially now that they haven't helped against omicron. And good quality masks are hard to find. I went looking yesterday and found some KN95 in home Depot, after not finding any in Lowe's or Walmart. I work retail and have been double masking or wearing kn95 masks or filters for a month now. A neighbor asked me if I could get her some, which is why I went looking. At Walmart I asked about masks at the pharmacy, and then thought to ask about COVID tests, which they had and limit was one. So I got one, just in case I need it in the future.

I've seen several articles recently discussing the importance of wearing a good quality mask.
It's a supply and demand issue, for masks and tests. They're recommended, but not easily available.

[tanyev]

7. I would imagine that most people who would voluntarily comply are already doing so.

[Zeitghost]

9. Elimination

Is not and never was a viable option. Get vaccinated for a better individual outcome and go on with life.

[madville]

15. I agree

It’s about self-mitigation at this point. There will be new variants coming from every corner of the world for years to come, vaccines can improve individual outcomes of course but logistically there is no way to eliminate COVID worldwide, it mutates too quickly and a large portion of the world will always be behind.

[Spider Jerusalem]

13. If it hasn't worked so far it won't work now

And MAYBE the CDC shouldn't be doing dumbfuck things like announcing a 5-day quarantine period for Omicron (which can remain contagious for up to 2 weeks).

[Ms. Toad]

16. It **should** be mandated.

I think the CDC has asked politely, since they asked everyone to wear them in areas of high cases - which, right now - is the entire US. (A few territories have escaped.)

Will they? Not a chance. If they did, would pepole comply? Also not a chance.