Three out of 5 survey respondents continue to mask up in public settings

To those who are still taking the precautions of wearing masks everywhere and fear their lives will still be cautious the question should be asked as to what will make them feel free enough to return to a more normal comfort level.

Some people are more cautious by nature while others are more likely to weigh risk/caution balance at a different level.

So is it time, a statement from high up that pandemic is over, or what criteria will make the ultra cautious feel ready to resume a return to life?

As long as I can breathe normally by not having to wear a mask, I'm not too concerned about the mask wearing of others. I was surprised on the day that masks were lifted that a gentleman asked "where's your mask?" while grocery shopping. I told him the mask mandate was lifted. [Portion removed.]

@Jennifer: I know, right? SO much pesky trouble, outrageous inconvenience and oppressive government over-reach asking people to put a piece of cloth on their face (clearly a deeply traumatic wound to freedom).

And all this for a virus that only killed over a million people in this country, and is still only killing over 1000 people per day now in the US. And a mere 6 million deaths globally. Why can't people grow a spine? Sheesh.

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Despite being fully vaccinated, I still wear a facemask when shopping indoors and while picking-up a quick take-out order at a restaurant.

Though the Omicron variant has subsided somewhat, it is still out there and I am playing it safe because the only ones who are supposed to be going maskless in public indoor settings are the fully vaccinated...not anti-mask/anti-vax deniers.

Unfortunately, I suspect that by wearing a facemask indoors some folks might wrongfully assume that I am not vaccinated and a member of the anti-science tribe of ignoramuses.

It is oftentimes best to err on the side of precaution and with the coronavirus still active, why not get fully vaccinated and wear a face mask in public indoor settings not only to protect yourself but to others as well?

Stubbornness is a sign of ignorance.

Interesting to see there are portions deleted. Interesting also to see that there are similarly portions not deleted that are left. It seems that there is some selective moderation taking place rather than debate and varying opinions.

If you're fully vaccinated, the CDC recommends a mask indoors in areas of low vaccination rates. Santa Clara County is one of the highest vaccinated counties in California.

If I see someone in a mask at this stage of the pandemic, I don't assume they're unvaccinated. I have a different assumption. For those who want to continue to wear a mask to protect themselves, I thought we were told that masks protect others more than anything.

I think it depends on your immunity more than vaccination status, mask wearing, social distancing, etc. [Portion removed.]

One day this will be behind us. We're getting there...

I have never found wearing a mask an inconvenience. I am a retired healthcare professional who wore a mask and gloves all day every day for decades. Wearing a mask when I go out in public is no big deal. I feel sorry for those who find it so emotionally challenging. Even if masks are only slightly effective I find a little protection better than no protection.

I find the judging of others to be the most tiring in all of this ("He's not wearing a mask, he must be an Trump supported with no concern for others" or "She's wearing a mask in her car, she must be a self-centered liberal" or variations thereof). As long as you are in compliance with applicable mandates, I say leave the judgment alone. Your assumptions will probably be wrong anyway.

[Portion removed.] The virus is now endemic. There are only 2 camps: those of us who already contracted it and those of us that will contract it - masks or not. If you're over 65 with multiple comorbidities you're probably toast. If not, you'll be fine especially if you're vaccinated.

Will continue to wear a mask as this virus is not over. Being of a certain age it is prudent for me to do so. If others choose not to sport a mask that is their decision. Let’s keep track of what is happening in the UK and follow the guidance of Fauci.

Masks have been proven to provide protection against Covid19, depending on the mask to a varying degree. While cloth masks help protect others; KN95 or N95 masks do protect the wearer from it. I hope PAO will remove or mark disinformation comments above.

I also have one comment and one question to these who found wearing masks difficult:
1. Comment - if you found it difficult to breath while wearing a mask, you might want to check with your health professional because that would indicate you have some sort of preexisting condition that would likely contribute to more complications if you contract covid. Just saying, you might actually be the one benefiting from wearing a mask greatly.

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P.S. None of this, obviously, applies to people who rely on lip reading or have any other conditions that do make masks difficult for them to navigate life.

The good thing is now we all have the freedom to choose. I have no objection to what others do, they are free to make their own decisions.

That is how it should be.

I always carry a mask with me when I'm out walking, just in case I get challenged by a big 6' 8" 260 lb guy who thinks I should be wearing a mask. I'm not stupid! I haven't worn it for a long time. I take walks to my local park, Ramos, 3 or 4 times a week. I see very few unmasked walkers, joggers, bicyclists, and skateboarders. That's fine, and I'm happy to see them out and about, being active and trying to do their best to put the pandemic behind us, but I don't like being treated as a pariah for not wearing a mask. Sometimes I see masked people avoiding me by making sure they don't get closer than 15 feet away from me, even if it means going out in the middle of the street to do it. My question? What are the relative odds of getting COVID from my unmasked protection, and that from getting hit and killed by a car while walking out in the street, to avoid me? I'll bet I could hug and kiss all those super cautious folks and they would never get COVID. "Just Saying!".

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I do find it interesting that according to the poll:

Most people don’t think there’s any risk at all of getting it right now

Most are still going to wear a mask in public

Almost nobody has put the virus itself as the biggest challenge.

Strikes me as incongruous at a high level.

Either way, if people want to wear a mask, no judgement from me. If people don’t, no judgement from me.