Taking stock

Happy Hump Day, everyone.  I suppose that's still something of a thing, even if so many of us are working exclusively from home these days.

Looks like I will be for the immediate future, anyway.  I have a healthcare account management job that has me working in seven states under ideal conditions, and nearly every one of those states is considered a "red" status level state, meaning there is an uptick in positive cases.  So meeting the challenge of staying healthy and safe is certainly easier when remaining at home.

I certainly wish that everyone felt that way.  I know that we as humans are social creatures and miss direct contact with friends whom we're not seeing in our home environments.  But people really need to think a little harder before going to bars or restaurants, where people congregate in close contact and wearing masks is not compatible with enjoying adult beverages.

Think!

I have to say that since our governor here in Kentucky instituted a mask order, most everyone that I've seen at the grocery is wearing a mask, for instance.  I haven't witnessed any drama from people who insist that they have the right not to wear masks, nor have I watched store personnel quietly escort folks from their stores because they refuse.

Contrast that with my grandson's baseball games.  Our son is the head coach and tries very hard to observe all of the appropriate precautions about distancing and wears his mask conscientiously.  I help with practice sometimes and try also to be compliant and set a good example.

The other parents who participate in the coaching of these kids apparently feel that being outside negates the need for a mask.  Same with the parents and grandparents who huddle close to watch the games.  Since the league mandates the bleachers to be clear for the players to socially distance when not in the field, there's a crush of lawn chairs on top of each other, hardly a mask in sight.

Disappointing.

And I don't know about you, but have you noticed how many people seem to think that the mask must cover the mouth but NOT the nose?  I mean, aren't we wearing them to stop the spread of droplets that we exhale into the air or that we might inhale?  Leaving one of your two routes of air circulation open isn't going to help with that, I'm afraid.  

Perhaps some public service announcements about how to position a mask on one's face properly would help.

And this reminds me of one of the more amusing satirical cartoons I've seen throughout this pandemic.  The New Yorker magazine, often known for their pointed cover art, featured a cartoon of our President wearing a face mask....over his eyes.

Says it all, doesn't it?