103: Masks
On My Mind: Mask Wearing
I go for walks during the day. If I have a phone call where I don’t need to take notes or be at my computer, I like to do it on the street with my AirPods.
I used to not wear a mask as I was just jumping out for a quick walk and then coming back. But I’ve changed my tune. It’s masks all the time now.
Some view the decision to wear a mask similar to the decision to wear a helmet on a motorcycle. Non-helmet wearers know it’s more dangerous but they are willing to take the risk and want the freedom to do what they please. Obviously, wearing masks is different as it protects those around you whereas helmets don’t. But the desire to wear what you want is similar.
The decision to wear masks are trending on party lines. The percentage of Democrats who wearing a mask all the time rose from 49% to 65% from April to June. Republicans are bit different. Trump has not been seen to wear a mask, and he said that attendees at his Tulsa rally should "do what they want" on masks (which were not required at the rally). Thus, during the same time period, the percentage of Republicans who reported constant mask-wearing rose from 29% to just 35%.
It’s also interesting how masks can be the ticket and potentially the silver bullet to stopping the virus cold. Check this out:
Also, Japan did everything wrong except wear masks and they are in good shape because of it.
I’m hopeful that while we wait for a vaccine we can become a mask wearing country and beat this damn virus.
Other Items
There’s a race called The Impossible Climb which is exactly what it sounds like. Riders attempt to reach the top of a hill on dirt bikes. Last year the closest anyone got to crossing the finish line was with only their front wheel. It takes a huge amount of speed to even come close which leads to some crazy wipeouts.
Corona
The U.S. hit a single-day record yesterday for new cases.
It’s getting worse out there almost everywhere. Over half the country — 26 states — have seen their coronavirus caseloads increase over the past week. New cases are up 77% in Arizona, 75% in Michigan, 70% in Texas and 66% in Florida, and California, saw a 47% jump in new infections over the past week.
It’s not just more testing. 7 states, including Arizona, have set records for the number of people hospitalized with coronavirus, and the percentage of all tests that come back positive is also increasing.
If you’re in Marin this weekend, mask up and stay away from others. We are spiking:
That’s all everyone. Have a great Friday.
PS: a bit of a change for me. I won’t be posting over the weekend and will be back in your inbox on Monday. Going every. single. day. was becoming a bit much. I love it but was starting to take up too much time. #PrioritizeFamily
Only 64 more days to go