Open Thread Wednesday

I think it’s important to know that masks do not mean its safe to be in close proximity to others. They offer some protection but certainly are not full proof. Wet masks are not as effective and it’s recommended to change them once they are wet which can promote the growth of microorganisms.
The masks with the exhalation valve, which I’ve seen many people wear, are defeating the purpose of protecting others by releasing unfiltered air into the environment.
As an NPR states:
Regardless of whether you choose a cloth or surgical mask be aware that this doesn’t mean you can suddenly be in prolonged close contact with others. These masks might buy you a few extra minutes of protection but “not hours. Not lengthy periods of time.”
The best way to protect yourself is by social distancing.

https://www.npr.org/sections/goatsandsoda/2020/07/01/880621610/a-users-guide-to-masks-what-s-best-at-protecting-others-and-yourself

And I agree I’m not sure how schools are going to be able to manage to be in session safely.

No, you were not singled out because you’re you–how could he know who you are? Abuse is his reflexive MO. Unpleasant, to be sure, but nothing to take personally. Just avoid him.

FABULOUS! Thank you! For enclosed play spaces where one cannot distance the Park could hand out plastic face shields-this solves the problem of a wet mask-do timed entry, have a presence that stays at the water lab all day. Even if they have to do 2 hr shifts at a time. According to Levin’s office the Park is SUPPOSED to be monitoring mask wearing.

They have limited staff as it is and who is going to pay for the shields? Not to mention pick up all the discarded shields that would litter the park. They would sooner close it.

There is no ideal answer. Generally speaking, when one raises the alarm to elected officials it is helpful to offer them some kind of solution in addition to complaining. I was just throwing spaghetti at the wall. What’s an alternative to a wet mask? A face shield. But they could do timed entry and limit the number of people. It is clear the Park can and should do more. Whether or not they are able to remains to be seen. If they can’t the lab should close unfortunately. I’m not optimistic.

A very old joke, from when I was a kid.

Remember – this is the same conundrum as affects Wal-Mart and virtually every other retail store – more and more understaffed as they look to cut expenses fighting online sellers.

All have minimum wage workers “on the floor” – lacking motivation, training & [speaking candidly] even avg. intelligence & judgment. The people commenting here and advocating “safe practices” are trying to push a string!!

Moreover, an increasing portion of even NY’s population is getting both testy and tired of observance [improved metrics have that unfortunate effect], so the front-line workers (whether or not they have been encouraged to ask for compliance) are rightly reluctant to get in anybody’s face.

BBP’s security staff has always struck me as VERY WEAK [as opposed to the gardening staffers, who seem excellent] – most are on their phones several hours a day, and they do as little as possible, staying rooted to a spot until their break times motivate them to move.

I only go on to this extent because it appears that we have a new participant (Howard K.) who might be able to move the needle. Meanwhile, remember the AA credo about knowing the difference between what can realistically be changed and that which is mostly immutable!

I don’t think Teresa’s closed for financial reasons. If I recall correctly, Teresa owned at least two and maybe more restaurants and has been downsizing her way to retirement for some time now. The Montague Street establishment was the last to close.

But I love some B.K.Heights😢