Let's talk about wearing face masks in Lakewood

[Dan Alaimo]

My observation is that with the "reopening," many of our neighbors in Lakewood have taken that as a sign that the Coronavirus has gone away. To the contrary, as several current articles on the Deck report, the virus is in its most dangerous and contagious phase, before it has reached a peak of infections, hospitalizations and deaths. Was the reopening in Cuyahoga County premature? I think so, but to use a recently discarded cliche, it is what it is. We have to deal with it.

The one thing we all can do is wear a face mask. The level of protection is debatable but not if we all wear one. If I wear a mask for you and you wear a mask for me, and if everyone does that, we are all protected, and the virus will go away sooner than later. It's a matter of social manners and respect.

For some time, I've been watching the daily press conferences of Gov. Andrew Cuomo in New York State as I find the constant stream of facts he offers to be somehow consoling in these difficult times. To me, he's the credible national leader we are lacking elsewhere. Dr. Fauci is very good, but he's under Trump's thumb.

Cuomo has reported that the rate of infections for front-line essential workers is lower than the general populace generally because they wear face masks. The CDC reported the other day that there is less chance of transmission of the virus from other surfaces, and the main threat is personal contact. The move in NYS is to encourage the wearing of masks and to get citizen buy-in such that enforcement is not needed. Toward that end Cuomo's daughter, Mariah Kennedy Cuomo (to keep her lineage brief, she's the granddaughter of the late Robert Kennedy and of the late Mario Cuomo) ran a contest where video messages were solicited and 600 were received. Five finalists were chosen and I think they all are pretty good, although "Don't Be That Guy" is something special. Although they are New York City-centric, the general concept should be considered here. This is the YouTube clip of the press conference introducing them. If I haven't succeed in cuing it to right spot, this starts around 18:10. They are worth watching as they are all, if nothing else, entertaining.


There's much more to say about face masks: What types to wear, and how to get them for use in Lakewood, but save that for another post. Perhaps someone else with better knowledge will contribute.

[Mark Kindt]

Our elected representatives believe that masks are readily available to business owners for their customers. Not the case at all. Amazon routinely is canceling orders for non-medical masks in my actual experience. Mask availability remains an issue. As well as sanitizing products.

[pj bennett]

The masks on Amazon are coming from China and are getting held up in customs.
Actually, all packages mailed from outside the U.S. are being delayed.
Doesn't matter if the sender lives in the Nederlands, Wales or Australia....packages are not getting through.

Meanwhile, local stitchers continue to crank out mask after mask after mask. It took 2 weeks for my order to get filled. Not only have they been stitching for the medical community, but also the AIDS community, City Mission, etc.

Hopefully, masks will be for sale in local businesses, but the stitchers I know, have been at it from the beginning of the outbreak and are getting a bit burned out. Interesting enough, I got my first mask from an auto mechanic. Now, I have a few and feel comfortable in grabbing a clean one, while another is air drying from after being handwashed.

[cmager]

You wearing a mask protects others. Others wearing a mask protects you. That's how it works. You can deal with in in public as you best see fit.

[pj bennett]

You wearing a mask protects others. Others wearing a mask protects you. That's how it works. You can deal with in in public as you best see fit.

It'd work, if that was how everyone viewed it. But, in this age of selfies, I'm not seeing anyone wearing a mask to protect others. What I'm seeing, are only the older folks wearing masks to protect themselves. Honestly, those of a younger age, feel invulnerable and comfortable in the fact, that if they get the covid cooties, that they will not die. I don't think they give a flying f _ _ k about theirs or anyone else's grandma.

And, at this point, that's why I wear a mask. I need to protect myself as much as possible from those who don't care and refuse to wear a mask.

Living in Lakewood, I think a lot folks have a cavalier attitude about this whole covid thing.
The disease isn't prominent and showing it's ugliness like in New York.
Plus, folks have the attitude that 'it won't happen to me'.

Consequently, masks are considered more of a nuisance as opposed to saving someone's life and are not being worn.....like they should be.

[Bridget Conant]

I was at Holden Arboretum today. You had to have an appointment to enter. The place is huge but they only allowed a certain number of guests.

Even though the visitor center was closed and ALL activity was entirely outdoors, I was shocked that almost every guest wore a mask! Again, it was outdoors, and a very limited number of guests.

So people CAN be altruistic and they CAN wear masks without whining that it’s “ruining” their enjoyment of an activity.

[Dan Alaimo]

What was the demographic? Any signs posted?

[Dan Alaimo]

I'm thinking that Lakewood needs some kind of mask campaign. This need is going to be with us for a much longer time than people like to think. But I don't know if our elected representatives are up for it. Literally, I don't know.

[m buckley]

You wearing a mask protects others. Others wearing a mask protects you. That's how it works. You can deal with in in public as you best see fit.

It'd work, if that was how everyone viewed it. But, in this age of selfies, I'm not seeing anyone wearing a mask to protect others. What I'm seeing, are only the older folks wearing masks to protect themselves. Honestly, those of a younger age, feel invulnerable and comfortable in the fact, that if they get the covid cooties, that they will not die. I don't think they give a flying f _ _ k about theirs or anyone else's grandma.

And, at this point, that's why I wear a mask. I need to protect myself as much as possible from those who don't care and refuse to wear a mask.

Living in Lakewood, I think a lot folks have a cavalier attitude about this whole covid thing.
The disease isn't prominent and showing it's ugliness like in New York.
Plus, folks have the attitude that 'it won't happen to me'.

Consequently, masks are considered more of a nuisance as opposed to saving someone's life and are not being worn.....like they should be.

pj-

Spot on.

Whether it's the millenial jogger that strides up behind, in tight, indifferent to space, safety, or the possible threat they pose. Or the grown man on a bike on a sidewalk coming right at you.The truth is we are not in this all together and that is frightening, dangerous and demoralizing.

[Jim O'Bryan]

People, people there are no worries, I can assure you it is over.

As I drove down Lakewood streets yesterday they were filled with happy joyous people and 1 in a hundred wore a mask if that. Patios, bars, restaurants with packed tables.

You are going to wear a mask for them? Why?

A conversation I had with someone the other day.

P-1 "Well outdoor dining is safer than inside."

Well yes kind of. The larger the crowd, the less safe outside becomes. Crowded beaches still outlawed, hmm seems safer? Also they are finding out that transmission on planes are not as bad as one would think. The thought is the filters in the air conditioning filters out COVID-19 which is large for a virus. No matter the average "life" of COVID-19 in sunlight is up to 5 hours. In heat 5 seconds to 20 hours depending on the temp. So theoretically you have little smudge pots generating exhales especially when talking loud or shouting.

Also they have found that many serious cases are from long exposure to an infected person. A 2 minute conversation on the street is safe at a distance, extend that to 15 minutes it goes up. Put 4 at a table for an hour, up higher. Sit 5 feet from another table of 4 with a nice gentle breeze, might as well be sitting in their laps.

What I saw yesterday and for the last week made me realize 1 percent wearing masks is akin to peeing in the wind.


Spanish Flu and the effect of Memorial errrrr Armistice Day and number of cases and deaths.

Those that do not remember or know history are forced to repeat it.

I still wear a mask in public.

.

[Bridget Conant]

What was the demographic? Any signs posted?

Dan

Signs posted. Entry limited. A police car at gate.

They are taking this seriously and it’s nice especially since it’s in a GENERALLY low risk situation.

I saw all ages - older adults, families, a few young couples. Entire families, children and all, wearing masks.

I don’t know whether that place attracts a more aware and educated population than say, a bar, but it was nice to see. Everyone made room on paths or waited for people to cross interesevtions.

[Dan Alaimo]

People, people there are no worries, I can assure you it is over.

As I drove down Lakewood streets yesterday they were filled with happy joyous people and 1 in a hundred wore a mask if that. Patios, bars, restaurants with packed tables.

You are going to wear a mask for them? Why?

A conversation I had with someone the other day.

P-1 "Well outdoor dining is safer than inside."

Well yes kind of. The larger the crowd, the less safe outside becomes. Crowded beaches still outlawed, hmm seems safer? Also they are finding out that transmission on planes are not as bad as one would think. The thought is the filters in the air conditioning filters out COVID-19 which is large for a virus. No matter the average "life" of COVID-19 in sunlight is up to 5 hours. In heat 5 seconds to 20 hours depending on the temp. So theoretically you have little smudge pots generating exhales especially when talking loud or shouting.

Also they have found that many serious cases are from long exposure to an infected person. A 2 minute conversation on the street is safe at a distance, extend that to 15 minutes it goes up. Put 4 at a table for an hour, up higher. Sit 5 feet from another table of 4 with a nice gentle breeze, might as well be sitting in their laps.

What I saw yesterday and for the last week made me realize 1 percent wearing masks is akin to peeing in the wind.


Spanish Flu and the effect of Memorial errrrr Armistice Day and number of cases and deaths.

Those that do not remember or know history are forced to repeat it.

I still wear a mask in public.

.

Slide 17 of Friday's Cuyahoga report:
https://www.ccbh.net/wp-content/uploads ... _FINAL.pdf

Jim,
You are in a unique position to help develop a mask wearing campaign in Lakewood, but you or I can't be the face of it. I post elsewhere about masks and I get accused of virtue signalling. Cuomo had the right idea of putting his 25-year-old daughter, a Kennedy no less, in charge of it. Let's talk when we're free - maybe after the weekend.
Dan

[Jim O'Bryan]

Jim,
You are in a unique position to help develop a mask wearing campaign in Lakewood, but you or I can't be the face of it. I post elsewhere about masks and I get accused of virtue signalling. Cuomo had the right idea of putting his 25-year-old daughter, a Kennedy no less, in charge of it. Let's talk when we're free - maybe after the weekend.
Dan

Dan

"virtue signalling" hahahahaha haters have to hate. That is why I stay off those community boards. Too much hate, too much bs.

I follow Cumo, and yes Lakewood could use one but wouldn't that be the LO "virtue signalling?" Like I or any of us would care if we were.

As I drove around the other night I see similar breakdowns that we saw during other "civil wars" this country and community have fought in the past.

Under 40, all they care about is their next mediocre craft beer, they can post on social media. And what fun is that without the crowd. Besides people under 40 rarely get sick. And it ends there. Self sacrifice sure but we are talking craft beer, selfies in crowded cool places, and you know hanging out because their apartments are empty of love.

Over 40, uncomfortable, doesn't suit me well, and it makes me feel claustrophobic. Besides we will be good with Herd Immunity and the vaccine. Of course without a vaccine there will be no herd immunity, and a corona virus vaccine has never succeeded.

Do you understand how broke this country is. Week two of a suggested lockdown. "Let's sing in our streets like Italy" of course that was natural, organic, and this was someone's idea of "we can be cool like Italy." My question was simple what are you doing in Week 10? People, nearly everyone acted like this was a weekend camp out. And sure enough when they should have shopped for four weeks they shopped for a stay at home party. We meant they had to go out again, and again. After all no businesses were really closed.

A week later I mentioned how I was freaked out that "so many of my friends are freaking out." I was meant with a ton of push back. What is not to freak out over. At that point I said I understand losing a job, not having money to fall back on, being broke and about to lose an apartment. I get that. But a larger group was worried about their margaritas, missing small mundane gatherings so they snuck out. Self sacrifice, sure but not the margaritas, not the bowling, not hanging with my friends for a month or two.

Flats packed, not counting the servers 2 masks I saw. Metro Parks packed, masks 1.

I am convinced nothing short of over 1,000,000 deaths will cause most of America and Lakewood to change lifestyles.

.

[Betsy Voinovich]

I have to come on and say that I haven’t been to the Metro Parks nor have I been driving around checking out restaurant patios but I am living my life in Lakewood. I go to the Root to get coffee, I go to Drug Mart and Heinen’s and even Target when there is a need. I ride through Kauffman Park on my bike.

The people I have encountered on my way through Lakewood have been polite and aware on every occasion. Maybe I’m just lucky but I’ve been out every day.

Many people are wearing masks; those and others who aren’t wearing masks are going out of their way to leave a wide space when we pass, one person will wait for the other so we both don’t meet at the same place. This has happened over and over again, with pedestrians, dog walkers, bikers. I also find this to be the case in the three stores I have been in. One person sees me in an aisle and goes around to the next one, or I do. Or if we pass we take care not to face each other. One person waits for their coffee on one side of the Root while another orders. If people aren’t paying attention, they start to when they notice that you’re paying attention.

I haven’t been out at busy times because I try not to be out at busy times, but I’ve been to Target when there was a long line to get in and a long line to get out. People kept their distance, about three fourths had masks on and again, those who didn’t were still keeping their distance and being aware.

I have had the thought that I’m glad I live in Lakewood, with such good neighbors who are aware of each other and treat each other like we’re part of an extended family, which we are. Many of us know each other and each other’s families, and that is by and large how I have been made to feel. I have smiled to see family groups raising their voices to talk from one family grouping to another while maintaining distance.

I’m sure there are many examples of this not happening, but it’s only fair to mention how often it does happen and how loved and protected I have felt in my own community during this time.

When restaurants start occupying sidewalks, we have to make sure that we residents, and walkers in our most walkable city, let our council representatives know that we expect to be able to walk through Lakewood without endangering ourselves by having to walk in the street, and by not having to be right on top of people talking, eating and laughing at restaurants. There are many creative solutions. I’m sure each restaurant is working on their own. Solutions will be different for different restaurants depending on their locations.

I also expect that our representatives will be aware of the parking issue that will arise if parking lots are used for dining. Those of us who live near the main streets already deal with all of the parking on our streets being taken by diners or club goers on weekends. What will be done about parking? Will there be a shuttle?

I think we have been doing a good respectful job of taking care of each other up to this point. I expect that the council will follow our lead. There are some restaurants that will not be able to use sidewalks or parking lots, and some that will.

I’m sure they don’t want Lakewood to get the reputation of being party city, where people come from other towns to congregate and spread disease, and then go home to their quiet safe communities. They don’t want a hot spot in Lakewood with their name on it.

We are very good at living together in our densely populated community. We are up to this challenge; we have to require our council to act responsibly. It’s not their goal to act irresponsibly. Governor DeWine said, “Restaurants open.” Now we have to deal with it, and I expect that our representatives are trying to deal with it in some kind of orderly fashion.

It’s easy to communicate with your council representative. Google Lakewood City Council and a page comes up with all of the members and how to contact them. If you’re shy use email, if not, pick up the phone.

Maybe we need to create a new elected position, “Resident Advocate.” Our council people are supposed to be that. But if we do have to, now’s the time to be thinking about it.

But first, if you are concerned, contact your council representative today. (Or tomorrow since today’s a holiday. You can always email today.) And by all means come back to the Deck and tell us about it.

Betsy Voinovich

[Stan Austin]

Betsy--- good summary of our situation at this moment of time. My experiences pretty much coincides with yours. This is just going to be a continuing discussion (this being a good forum) as we all (note that ALL) try to deal with this situation in the coming months. Stan