Coronavirus in Massachusetts (Worcester, Provincetown: beetle, hurricanes, houses)

[mdovell]

Reminds me when I was hired for some reason they gave me access to a spreadsheet that has every employee's date of birth and for some reason everyone above the age of 65 is highlighted in yellow.

I have to wonder at some point if someone might make the argument for a protected class and all this. The tech companies are pushing for modification of Visa requirements in that H-1B visa holders should be able to bring their spouses in. As a number it's only about 90,000 people. But from where?

If an employer says we don't hire Indians that's obviously discrimination. If they say we don't hire people that have just moved from India that's still discrimination. Is going to have to be some sort of HR policy that specifically State something to the effect of. "We do not take people for I'm person work should they not be tested and vaccinated if there is an epidemic. They can work remotely until they are fully vaccinated."

At this point I think we should probably see some borders starting to open. I can't see that much of an argument on keeping the u.s. Canadian border closed at this point.

[yesmaybe]

Originally Posted by rach5

An outbreak like that amongst people who don't test daily will lead to infections in how many unvaccinated, kids or immune-compromised people before it is detected? Combine that with the CDC's new policy of no longer reporting breakthrough cases unless they lead to hospitalizations or deaths (probably to avoid scaring people that they are not fully protected).

Politically you aren't going to be able to keep the mandate forever. Maybe they have finally come to the conclusion that waiting isn't going to change much.

[GeoffD]

I have the state's weekly vaccination spreadsheet up. New Bedford only has 27% fully vaccinated. Springfield 25%. Lawrence 28%. The leafy suburbs are around 50% fully vaccinated. The failed cities have a long way to go.

[mdovell]

Originally Posted by GeoffD

I have the state's weekly vaccination spreadsheet up. New Bedford only has 27% fully vaccinated. Springfield 25%. Lawrence 28%. The leafy suburbs are around 50% fully vaccinated. The failed cities have a long way to go.

I'm not sure why you keep using the term failed cities. Most of the suburbs around those areas rely on those cities for emergency management, office space, transit etc. Leafy suburbs is a joke of a term since the vast majority of foresters and arborists are employed by cities, not towns.

[lrfox]

Originally Posted by mdovell

I'm not sure why you keep using the term failed cities. Most of the suburbs around those areas rely on those cities for emergency management, office space, transit etc. Leafy suburbs is a joke of a term since the vast majority of foresters and arborists are employed by cities, not towns.

Wow, I've seen a lot of hot takes in the "Coronavirus in Massachusetts" thread, but "suburbs have the cities to thank for trees" is a scorcher.

[massnative71]

Originally Posted by yesmaybe

Politically you aren't going to be able to keep the mandate forever. Maybe they have finally come to the conclusion that waiting isn't going to change much.

I somewhat agree, but I also say at least give it until everybody who is willing to be vaccinated has had the option. After that, I'm not going to fret as much over them.

[yesmaybe]

Originally Posted by massnative71

I somewhat agree, but I also say at least give it until everybody who is willing to be vaccinated has had the option. After that, I'm not going to fret as much over them.

At this point that's just kids under 12, and that's gonna be awhile before below 12 gets approved.

[massnative71]

Originally Posted by yesmaybe

At this point that's just kids under 12, and that's gonna be awhile before below 12 gets approved.

That is inaccurate. LOTS of people over 12 who intend to get it, but have yet to become fully vaccinated. LOTS.

[msRB311]

Originally Posted by massnative71

I somewhat agree, but I also say at least give it until everybody who is willing to be vaccinated has had the option. After that, I'm not going to fret as much over them.

I agree, why the sudden rush to be maskless indoors? I personally wasn't one of the ones who was chomping at the bit to be one of the first to get vaccine...it's also been available to people 18 and older or whatever since April 19th. I have had my first dose and scheduled for my 2nd next week. I am sure there are people who haven't had a first dose yet for a variety of reasons. I get that people want to get back to normal but it's not like the flip of a switch. I am fine with continuing to wear a mask indoors.

I was skeptical about wearing a mask outdoors all along when not in a crowded area. I took my kid to the playground last week and walked in without my mask on mostly because I hadn't had a chance to put it on AND technically i don't see the point of wearing one outside in a non crowded area. My daughter did have one on. I noticed a little girl about 5 take hers off and her dad told her to put it back on and she still needs to wear it. She pointed at me and said, she doesn't have one on. The dad said, well we're still going to wear ours. I kind of rolled my eyes to myself and put it on. It wasn't crowded, outdoor mandate is over, I dont NEED to wear a mask outdoors, but felt the need to put it on when I had apparently influenced a 5 year old to take hers off.

[msRB311]

I feel for families who have immunocompromised kids. This isn't over for them and I imagine some are feeling frustrated...but at least numbers are way down.