I'd like to point out to anyone who thinks that "you do you" public health is sustainable that it's illegal to wear a mask in many public places in the US. This has only been on hold because of the emergency declaration and that's about to end.
For example, let me introduce you to my local law in Florida. Florida State statute 876.12:
Wearing mask, hood, or other device on public way.—No person or persons over 16 years of age shall, while wearing any mask, hood, or device whereby any portion of the face is so hidden, concealed, or covered as to conceal the identity of the wearer, enter upon, or be or appear upon any lane, walk, alley, street, road, highway, or other public way in this state.
This law was pointed out to my wife by a law enforcement officer who really wanted to arrest her for wearing a mask in a grocery store last year.
If you think you're going to be able to avoid COVID after the end of the emergency declaration you'd better be a full on hermit who never has to venture out.
@BE That's terrible -- but it also sounds like that cop was wrong. Surely a grocery store is private property and not a public way.
I notice you mention NYC in your bio, so for your reference here's the NY state law on the subject:
NEW YORK Penal Law 240.35 (4):
Being masked or in any manner disguised by unusual or unnatural attire or facial alteration, loiters, remains or congregates in a public place with other persons so masked or disguised, or knowingly permits or aids persons so masked or disguised to congregate in a public place; except that such conduct is not unlawful when it occurs in connection with a masquerade party or like entertainment if, when such entertainment is held in a city which has promulgated regulations in connection with such affairs, permission is first obtained from the police or other appropriate authorities;
This is not good. Is there an emergency declaration in NYS or NYC that might mitigate that?
It's an open question as to what each state does with the upcoming situation. With the end of the US emergency declaration I assume that means states would be completely on their own as to funding anything they want to continue. A state like NY could, theoretically, do that. As of now NY's emergency declaration ends in March, it appears. I'd keep an eye on what the Governor does with it then.
People's entire pandemic view has been shaped by the fact that they've been in an emergency declaration for virtually the entire time. I know that most people don't understand how dramatically things could change with the end of the US emergency declaration.
@BE @NadiaYvette @trishanderton there are numerous reasons for mass non-compliance with these unjust laws. Feels unlikely now but a mass movement against repression and spreading death sure is needed.
A lot of things have been needed for a long time that haven't been getting done. I can't count on this time being different somehow. And this isn't the only issue I'm having to say this about.
@BE @trishanderton
That's a pretty ominous sign given that a 9/11 a week are still dying from COVID nationally & NYC hospital beds still have plenty of COVID patients in them. Hopefully some measure of tolerance for N95's will persist even in the absence of formal legal permission. I may need to look into other countries.