UPDATE: County, city leaders ‘strongly urging’ mask-wearing when you’re in public; on transit, it’ll be required

(Added: Seattle-King County Public Health graphic)

2:48 PM: We’re monitoring an online media briefing with Mayor Jenny Durkan, County Executive Dow Constantine, and city/county Public Health Director Dr. Jeff Duchin. They’ve just announced they are urging everyone to wear a mask (face covering) in public. Why now? It’s a “precarious” time, said Constantine. It’s a new public-health “directive.” Durkan, meantime, says advice and directives keep evolving because “there is no playbook” for “this virus.” Dr. Duchin says the fight against the virus is likely to last “many months.” He says his directive re-emphasizes the CDC’s recommendation. He also notes that it’s not a matter of protecting yourself, but protecting others. PHSKC’s Matias Valenzuela stresses that there won’t be penalties or law enforcement of this, and that they are working on mask availability for those who are having trouble getting them.

3 PM: In Q&A, Constantine is asked, why issue this directive if it won’t be enforced? He says he believes that as with other directives, people will comply. Dr. Duchin reiterated that people can be contagious without symptoms, and so – again – wearing a face covering is “an important strategy” to protect others, just in case. … Durkan and Constantine says the city and county will be distributing masks/face coverings to community groups – 45,000 and 115,000, respectively. … “Wearing a mask is a sign that together, we care about one another,” adds Dr. Duchin, while reiterating that his directive is “strongly urging,” not requiring masks. But: Businesses CAN require customers to wear face coverings, the mayor notes, if they choose to have that requirement. … What works best, in fabric face coverings? Snug, multiple layers, Dr. Duchin elaborates. … He’s also asked to elaborate on current trends. The number of cases/deaths has “stabilized,” he says, but they’d like to see fewer. “We’re continuing to see too many cases. … We haven’t suppressed transmission as much as we should.”

3:17 PM: The briefing is over. Video is expected soon via Seattle Channel (added below); we’ll add that and official links when available.

4:13 PM: Here’s the official news release. It also notes that while the directive is a request, face-coverings will be required on public transit – though compliance is “voluntary.”

120 Replies to "UPDATE: County, city leaders 'strongly urging' mask-wearing when you're in public; on transit, it'll be required"

  • ScottAmick May 11, 2020 (3:01 pm)

    Yesterday I went to the Thriftway and saw the very clear signage at the entry asking (requiring?) that face coverings be worn by everyone.  I couldn’t believe customers were still in there without face coverings.  I understand staff shouldn’t be bouncers but it was just disappointing when a local business asks for face coverings and customers don’t comply.

    • Aaron May 11, 2020 (4:48 pm)

      I went yesterday (for the first time in about 6 weeks) as well, and was happy to see most folks wearing a mask. Weirdly, the couple of people not wearing a mask were wearing gloves! The virus does not go through your skin folks…

      • jack May 11, 2020 (7:46 pm)

        No, but can be carried.

    • CAM May 11, 2020 (8:04 pm)

      The last time I went into Whole Foods they were handing them out as you entered if you weren’t wearing one. 

  • alkiperspectives May 11, 2020 (3:15 pm)

    About time, as by my regular observation only one in fifty youth along Alki wear masks even traveling in large groups and interacting with others. But if they don’t care about even those laws that are technically subject to police enforcement, like littering and automobile noise and reckless driving and public consumption of intoxicants, why will youthful beach-goers care about this directive that invites no enforcement?

    • KM May 11, 2020 (4:03 pm)

      It’s not just “the youth.” People all ages engage in reckless and damaging behavior. If anecdotal observations meant anything, the “youth” would be the least of my concerns.

  • Stay well May 11, 2020 (3:19 pm)

    In addition to mask wearing, it might be prudent for people to read more about covid-19 transmission (what is currently thought/understood by experts and scholars) and what environments are more risky.  

    I was just reading this blog (shared by the NY Times) and thought I’d share here, some good info to consider:

    https://www.erinbromage.com/post/the-risks-know-them-avoid-them

    • Willow May 12, 2020 (8:36 am)

      This is a VERY well written, easily understandable, fact based article. Everyone should take a little time to read and share this. Thank you for posting the link.

  • Elton May 11, 2020 (3:36 pm)

    Are there any local businesses selling cloth face coverings that we can support? I ordered some online a month ago and am still waiting – my month-old disposable mask is getting pretty worn…

    Other issue with mask-wearing (though I support the cause here) is that there’s a lot of people not wearing them correctly. I think the public health campaign on washing hands has been pretty good, where’s the viral videos on how to wear a face covering correctly? :)

    • Diverlaura May 11, 2020 (4:23 pm)

      Hi Elton,I am sewing masks to raise money for Sustainable West Seattle.  They can be found at the little FB marketplace (search DiverLaura Designs) or DiverLaura Designs website which has link and instructions for making a donation and then mailing me receipt and then I send you a face mask 😷 

    • YouDontGnomeMe May 11, 2020 (5:11 pm)

      While I do live in West Seattle, I also own a home in Pierce County.  A neighbor of mine down there has been making masks (something like 300 already) and recently added them to her website https://leilanifox.com/  While not West Seattle local, I still consider her a business worth shopping at! Reasonably priced, good quality, and have a pocket for a reusable filter. I’ve ordered 8 from her already (for myself and family members). She also makes them in children sizes. 

    • CAM May 11, 2020 (8:07 pm)

      Check out http://www.neomask.org/. They will deliver the masks to you and they are donating all of the proceeds to local charities. It took about a week to get two masks. 

      • Elton May 12, 2020 (9:27 pm)

        Do the Neo masks have a pocket for fitting a filter? 

        • ACG May 12, 2020 (10:22 pm)

          No. At least the ones I picked up last week did not. 

    • starea1 May 12, 2020 (9:11 am)

      I posted this yesterday on the community forums section…. If you are in need of non-medical face masks, I am sewing them and would like to donate them to people in my community. I’m just asking for a small donation to cover the cost of materials, like a couple of dollars. You can view the samples and all the details about them on my ebay posting here: https://www.ebay.com/itm/324161392255. Since there are tons of face masks for sale on ebay already, I am not getting any sales there. But I am not really interested in making money from my face masks. I’ve given many out to friends and family members already and have gotten lots of positive feedback. Feel free to email me (stacey1955@gmail.com) if you want to arrange to get some from me. We could do a no-contact porch pick up or I could mail them to you if you’d prefer. Stay safe, everyone!

  • Lin May 11, 2020 (3:40 pm)

    This is good. We need to get into the habit of wearing a mask to protect each other as businesses open up. It’s great to buy them from local businesses, also. On Etsy, you can specify Seattle shops only when searching for masks. I just bought two silk ones for the hot summer days, and it’s made only a couple miles away.

  • Flo B May 11, 2020 (3:43 pm)

    My understanding is that if you’re outside and can maintain 6′ masks aren’t needed??

    • Mark B May 11, 2020 (4:18 pm)

      The official guidance (kingcounty.gov/masks) is:A face covering is not needed when you are outside walking, exercising, or otherwise outdoors if you are able to regularly stay 6 feet away from other people who do not live with you.

    • Lamont Granquist May 11, 2020 (5:04 pm)

      The 6′ limit is debatable.

      But either way, its better to have a rule like “always wear a face mask in public” instead of trying to slice it up into when you “don’t really need it” and when you do.You could try to apply the same logic to wearing seat belts, since you don’t really “need” it when you’re only driving around at 10 mph in a residential street.  You don’t “need” to buckle up then, but you should.  Because eventually you’ll forget to put it on when you’re turning onto an arterial (and now you’re buckling up while you’re driving) or you’ll just get hit by someone speeding down a residential street.

      This applies to mask wearing as well, then you aren’t walking along and run into a large group of people blocking the sidewalk and you’re so annoyed at asking them to move that you forget to mask up.  Or someone rude comes plowing into you and violates your 6′ bubble.

      It’s a form of the normalization of deviance:

      https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ljzj9Msli5o

      Where you start to come up with so many exceptions to the rule that the exceptions become the rule.  The better rule is to never make any exceptions.

      As a trained cave diver, I practice this and follow some rules in conditions where they’re not strictly necessary.  I also know of people who have failed to follow the rules when they were required and died (which would have been prevented had they simply followed the rules all the time) .  We’re in a similar situation now where the cost of not following the rules every time they’re required is someone can die.  Follow the rules all the time and mistakes can be avoided.

      • Lin May 11, 2020 (8:03 pm)

        That’s a good point. Practice doing it all the time so it becomes a habit. 

  • conscientious objector May 11, 2020 (3:57 pm)

    Statistically irrelevant information regarding the actual effectiveness.   Subjective and conflicting information about the supposed effectiveness.  Great opportunity for well formed Government Policy (sarcastically).  

  • stranded May 11, 2020 (4:11 pm)

    https://erinbromage.wixsite.com/covid19/post/the-risks-know-them-avoid-them
    People really should focus on how this virus spreads and not get distracted by the things that will not make a difference.  You have a near zero chance of getting a high enough viral load to cause infection when you’re outside.

    • WSB May 11, 2020 (4:34 pm)

      Her conclusion (after a verrrrrrrrrry long post) is: Wear a mask.

      • JES May 14, 2020 (8:02 am)

        Long and very informative. It’s a great post to share!

    • Lin Wang May 11, 2020 (5:10 pm)

      This was a great read, thank you. 

  • Joe Z May 11, 2020 (4:13 pm)

    I’m happy to wear a face covering indoors but not outdoors. There is no evidence whatsoever that the virus spreads outdoors when 6 ft of space is maintained. 

    • oakley34 May 11, 2020 (4:53 pm)

      It depends upon where one is outdoors. I broadly agree with your statement, but what about those who choose to visit the farmer’s market.  That’s outside, but six feet distance will be less easy to maintain.  Yes, signs still point to low risk for this sort of place, but why introduce any risk, especially when it is risk to others not risk to oneself.  

      • Joe Z May 11, 2020 (5:10 pm)

        I don’t want to put others at risk and would wear a mask if I went to the farmers market. But while walking my dogs when the nearest person is 25 ft away across the street? At some point the risk is so low that it is essentially zero, like walking under a tree on a calm day and having a limb fall down and kill me. 

        • Lisa May 11, 2020 (10:09 pm)

          Or a utility pole.

    • J May 11, 2020 (5:12 pm)

      All of the public health measures to prevent the spread of this virus are imperfect. If we use multiple prevention methods such as 6ft or more distance, fresh air and open windows to dilute virus, washing hands and surfaces, AND mask wearing to reduce contamination of space and objects around one’s self, screening, testing, contact tracing, selective isolation and quarantine we can save lives and leave our homes. Reducing virus transmission is not a one and done, it’s multiple imperfect efforts that will need to be layered. The more we can all do- the more lives can be saved while we wait for vaccines and effective treatments. This particular virus floats in the air before settling on objects and is shed by even unknowing asymptotic people, so masks logically will be very helpful if you want to more safely exhale indoors, or near people, or near shared objects, or even near your own hands while trying to get anything done.

      • Jenny May 11, 2020 (6:52 pm)

        Very true! It astonishes me how many people see 6 feet as a magic number–it’s based on the flu, not COVID-19.  Experts now recommend runners give people 13 feet of clearance… How likely is that to happen? When you consider the incredible amount of suffering caused by this virus, wearing a mask in public (which encourages others to in the process) is the very least you can do.

  • StaySafe May 11, 2020 (4:32 pm)

    It’s about time! Here is an NIH study that may be useful to some. With a virus that is transmitted by people of all ages, many of whom do not show symptoms, not wearing one simply says you don’t care if you infect others. There are just as many younger people as older people, like much older people, not wearing them, it boggles the mind that people can be so recklesshttps://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7191274/

    • Mp May 11, 2020 (4:58 pm)

      No, not wearing one does not say that the non-wearer doesn’t care. Not wearing one might instead mean sensory issues, anxiety, lack of funds or means to buy a mask. Worry about yourself.

      • Vic May 11, 2020 (5:46 pm)

        I have anxiety and, until i got a washable cloth mask, just used a scarf tied around my neck. Hopefully everyone who is able (the majority of people really) will don a mask.

      • Chuck May 11, 2020 (5:54 pm)

        We are worrying about ourselves. That’s why we need you to wear a mask. Get it? We wear one out of respect for you. Please reciprocate.

      • Hank L May 11, 2020 (6:46 pm)

        These are all pretty weak excuses for not doing something that could very possibly save someone’s life MP, but lack of funds is the weakest.  You can tie an old t-shirt up if you need to.

        • JES May 14, 2020 (8:05 am)

          They’re all pretty weak… I have anxiety too but that doesn’t give me any special right to put others in unnecessary risk.

  • Matt May 11, 2020 (4:36 pm)

    Go on http://www.debriefme.com. They have 3 different types of masks. They’re short on supply so you have to check everyday for availability. We ordered four, two with carbon filter and two with filter and a valve for better breathing. They’re really good and not that expensive. 

    • Aaron May 11, 2020 (4:54 pm)

      Hi Matt, FYI- the masks with a valve are more comfortable to wear, and a good protection for the wearer, but provide absolutely zero protection to others. The whole point is to filter the air going out as well as in. Having a flapper valve lets the wearer’s breath/cough/sneeze/etc. escape freely! 

      • Matt May 11, 2020 (6:21 pm)

        Agree. They also have non valve masks with the carbon filter. That’d be better

      • Jgreen May 11, 2020 (7:54 pm)

        FYI- Some cloth masks with the valves are made with multi layers of material and also have a spot for a multi-layered carbon filter. This allows filtered air to escape but traps any droplets on either the interior cloth layer of the mask, or the multi-layered, replaceable carbon filter. It’s not close to n-95 sealed protection, but is just as good as, if not better than, a folded bandana or other two layer homemade masks. 

  • Helpermonkey May 11, 2020 (4:57 pm)

    For those looking for locally made cotton masks: in addition to Diver Laura’s awesome masks, there is a local Seattle company called Splash Fabric – they’re making cotton face masks both tie-back and ear loop, kids and adult sizes. I’m really happy with mine, and they showed up within a day of ordering. 

    • EC May 11, 2020 (5:08 pm)

      What are the washing instructions on those?

      • DiverLaura May 11, 2020 (6:42 pm)

        My masks are 100% cotton and all fabric is washed in hot water with eco friendly detergent (no scent if possible), masks themselves can be hand washed in hot soapy water in your sink (remember that soap destroys the virus envelope) and then hung to dry, OR they can be washed in your regular laundry load but i recommend a lingerie bag so they dont end up tied in knots in the dryer.  Mine are made to last and withstand washing.  We have the first masks that I made a few months ago and those have been used daily and going through the wash and have not suffered disrepair as of yet. They will look like they ‘shrink’ in the wash but thats not actually the case, every one is pre-shrunk, they’ll loosen up as you wear them, or you can iron back out to original form. To address the wearing comfort for folks who get uncomfortable with things over their face, I’ve worked really hard adjusting the pattern to make a nice ‘breathing pocket’ (they more closely resemble the ‘cone’ type masks vs the surgical types) to reduce the feeling of suffocation.  (Yes, I’m just gonna call it like it is, some masks on some people can get pretty uncomfortable, I used to work full time as a surgical tech and would wear masks for my whole shifts minus lunch and pee breaks, and some of those days if it was a high risk case we would have to wear n95 or full hoods, all day).    I’ve also made them proportionally sized, as in the ‘petite mask’ is not just a child’s mask, its been completely built around the idea that its an adult face, with adult bone projection so it is as comfortable as the ‘standard’ and large sizes.  For the large size the same thing, just made it so that it will ‘fit’ a face with more chin/neck, and allow for more comfortable ‘talking’ without feeling like you are going to lose coverage or pull it off your nose.   Yes, yes, they are wildly over engineered, I realize that, but its OK, i do it for you, for our community with the end goal to get as many folks in masks they like and are comfortable wearing here in OUR neighborhood which will then help us from becoming vectors and infecting our at risk friends and family members (in my case my 88 year old dad whom i care for) 

  • West Seattle Lurker May 11, 2020 (5:08 pm)

    There’s some sort of fire south of the golf course. In the Albertsons used tire area. The entire area has a good amount of foul smelling smoke, I just drove through. The residents were looking in the general direction trying to figure out what was burning. FYI.     

    • WSB May 11, 2020 (6:05 pm)

      It was a bsckyard burn and the SFD response canceled very quickly.

  • Flo B May 11, 2020 (5:25 pm)

    People need to clean their masks regularly, and PROPERLY!-I bet a WHOLE lot of people DON’T!  

    • Vic May 11, 2020 (7:34 pm)

      The easiest way I’ve found is to boil it for 5 minutes in a sauce pan! The cotton ones dry quickly so even if you only have 1 or 2 you will have it available. then you don’t have to wait for a load of laundry to go in the washer :)

      • me May 12, 2020 (11:25 am)

        If it’s all cotton, or other microwavable materials, you could rinse it, then microwave it for 30 seconds.

        • Vic May 12, 2020 (12:47 pm)

          I had considered microwaving it, but read somewhere that it runs the risk of catching fire lol. Not likely if it’s very wet but better safe that sorry!

  • Cheap Easy May 11, 2020 (5:29 pm)

    A tee shirt sleeve or strip with holes cut near the ends to slip over the ears needs no sewing, does not fray, and will greatly reduce the puffs of virus that you might be exhaling unknowingly. Be a hero, cover your mouth and nose. You can save lives cheap and easy.

  • KP May 11, 2020 (5:36 pm)

    I wear a mask to protect you and you wear a mask to protect me. This is why hospitals have enacted universal masking as one way to mitigate unintentional gross contamination.  Proper donning and doffing and storage is the most important factor to understand so that you do not infect yourself by touching the outside of the mask. (Remove by touching ear loops only and place outside of mask on clean surface, paper towel fine, between use). 

  • onion May 11, 2020 (6:09 pm)

    Here is a suggestion: When you go out for a walk, take your face mask along even if you don’t expect to be within 6 ft of anyone. I wear mine around my neck so I can pull it up at a moment’s notice if I suddenly find myself within 6 -10 ft. I don’t want to wear a mask, but always wear it in stores or more “crowded” public spaces (which I do my best to avoid).

  • Zipda May 11, 2020 (6:35 pm)

    Wearing masks is clearly important. Unfortunately I see many customers and employees at most grocery stores including TJ in WS not practicing social distancing. Worrisome.

  • cjboffoli May 11, 2020 (6:40 pm)

    I popped down to Home Depot today for a few minutes and was astonished at how many people simply were not wearing any masks, including employees. I also didn’t see any employees cleaning shopping carts, or the scanners and touchscreens at the self checkout. Disappointing. This national chain seems way behind what I’ve observed at other local stores, like Metropolitan Market which has been exceptional in their response.

    • Joan May 11, 2020 (8:45 pm)

      I also popped over to Home Depot and noticed several customers not wearing masks. I guess unless each particular store posts a sign requiring masks, some just won’t wear them.

    • Bradley May 11, 2020 (9:00 pm)

      I confronted one of the Home Depot managers who wasn’t wearing a mask while he was approaching customers for his high-pressure sales pitches. I was masked, nitrile-gloved, and had on safety glasses. I told him he was a biohazard. I informed their corporate office in Atlanta.

      • Jethro Marx May 12, 2020 (8:51 am)

        Why safety glasses? Just to complete the look? And why did you all go to Home Depot if you are worried about spreading contagion?

        • Maria M. May 12, 2020 (12:08 pm)

          I’ve shopped at the Junction True Value a number of times over the last couple of months for gloves/bleach etc. and none of the employees were wearing face masks and/or gloves, and all the registers were open, leaving customers only a foot or two to squeeze by the front registers to access the registers behind. I haven’t wanted to go back there for a while.  I’ll stop by again now that face masks are being recommended. Hopefully I’ll feel safe enough to go in and shop.

    • Seaweed May 12, 2020 (3:21 pm)

      Report this to the FBI. They need something to do that is easier than catching Russians.

  • D May 11, 2020 (6:45 pm)

    I’ll wear a mask if required as a condition of service (i.e. metro, flying, etc). However, if not explicitly required, I’ve no intention to do so.

    • jissy May 11, 2020 (9:04 pm)

      Same, D!

      • B.W. May 12, 2020 (1:41 am)

        Be careful, I have feeling many people here will shame you..Like Bradley did to the Home Depot manager 

        • JES May 14, 2020 (8:13 am)

          Is ‘shaming’ a person as bad as or equal to endangering multiple people’s health / lives? 

    • JES May 14, 2020 (8:10 am)

      Just curious- why?

  • human May 11, 2020 (7:40 pm)

    If your on the bus or take other public transport, crack the window, or better yet open it all the way. The virus in more likely to spread indoors where there is little air flow.

    • Bill May 12, 2020 (1:58 am)

      How long has it been since you’ve been on a bus?

      And how would you get “little air flow” with windows open on a moving bus

      • human May 12, 2020 (11:32 am)

        I’m sorry if I wasn’t clear.  You would have little air flow if all the windows were closed. Opening them creates more air flow.  Ventilation helps clear the virus out of the air and dry it out on surfaces. So it’s good to open the window if you’re on the bus or in an Uber, etc.

        • Vic May 12, 2020 (12:48 pm)

          Many windows on newer busses in Seattle no longer open, unfortunately.

  • Kathy May 11, 2020 (7:43 pm)

    From what I’ve been hearing they are learning new things about this virus on a regular basis. I would not let comments on the blog influence what I do, but will listen to our public health officials who should have the latest information. Is anyone besides me astounded at how many people don’t seem to know how far 6 feet is? Imagine holding a pool noodle at arm’s length. In fact, I have one of those and found it useful today while weeding by my sidewalk. I am probably known as the neighborhood crank.

  • Smittytheclown May 11, 2020 (8:39 pm)

    Didn’t we flatten the curve?  When did the narrative change to no deaths? Hospitals are empty.  

    • jissy May 11, 2020 (9:10 pm)

      Seriously, Smitty!!!  The end game keeps moving, Gov’t over-reach anyone??  I have a dear friend who works at Valley MC who 3 weeks ago told me they had 2 “empty floors”, one designated for Covid-19 patients and one for elective surgeries….. saw her last Monday, 5/4 who said they now have 3 EMPTY floors & she had the “quietest, easiest shift since this all began”.   I have a niece who just graduated from nursing school in Dec. 2019 who got her first job at a Hosp, in Tacoma who told me last week that if she wasn’t a “resident in training” she would have been furloughed b/c they too are empty.    We flattened the curve…. wasn’t that the goal?????   Now one moving target after another for the Sheeple.   

      • Calires May 11, 2020 (10:05 pm)

        Seriously, “Sheeple”? The reason that there are all the restrictions is because the government has to put a cork on the end of the fork that all you “patriots” constantly try to stab yourselves in the eye with.

        • Bradley May 11, 2020 (11:36 pm)

          Speaking of forks, there won’t be any food on the end of forks if people can’t afford to feed themselves. Poverty is, in itself, one of the deadliest viruses known to mankind. At some point VERY soon (as by June) we’re going to have to open our economy wide-open or we’re going to see a generation-long global depression that would kill tens of millions.

          • JES May 14, 2020 (8:17 am)

            Speaking of poverty, it isn’t the well-to-do who are most at risk by opening the economy too soon- they will continue to work their office jobs from home and travel in their single passenger vehicles.

    • Elton May 11, 2020 (11:25 pm)

      I never saw a narrative stating that flattening the curve meant the end of restrictions – do you have a quote on that? The message I’ve seen has been wait and see as their approach to controlling the pandemic has been evolving. Without extensive testing and drastic contact tracing, the curve can’t stay flat and trend down. The stay at home order is a break glass measure that directly ties to lack of testing. 

  • Smittytheclown May 11, 2020 (8:48 pm)

    Please wear your mask at all times.  For gods sake, 95% of deaths are people over 60 or with underlying health conditions.  Heaven forbid they stay quarantined and safe.  Let’s all suffer!

    • David May 11, 2020 (10:06 pm)

      Show me the study that shows that non medical grade masks are effective against a virus.  

  • Amber Bennett May 11, 2020 (10:49 pm)

    I have had it!  New political differences… wear a mask, protect a life, don’t… and you are a murderer.  This is getting out of control.  I own two businesses (lost one downtown), and am struggling with my west seattle location.  I choose to NOT wear a mask. I am claustrophobic, work super hard, and need to breathe in order to be fast and efficient to serve my customers (so that they don’t bad “yelp” my business because they don’t get their food fast enough.). I am anti gloves and have a brother in law who is a state representative, lobbying to abolish the use of gloves.  As a food server and preparer, people are ill informed about glove use.  Technically, (and acknowledged and agreed by the health department), IF you wash your hands properly, you do NOT need to wear gloves to prepare food that will reach the temperature of 160 degrees and higher.  It is only necessary to not serve “ready made” food without a proper barrier.  I have saved this Earth’s environment by doing so, and when I finish the food, I use either one glove and a knife to cut and serve the food (without bare hand contact), or use a biodegradable tissue to handle the food and serve the food with my already washed hands.  People- observe… it is absolutely impossible to wash hands, stuff them in a glove, make food, serve, ring people up (whilst being the only one working) and be expedient for impatient customers who are soooo excited to destroy a business’s reputation on yelp or “rants”.  Has anyone ever seen a food service worker react due to all this pressure?  This is what they do, and what I have witnessed at many establishments (to appease a customer).  They ring you up (with lovely, dirty money)… then proceed to paw at the gloves to put them on.  Great!  They are wearing gloves!  But the dirty money is on the outside of the “pawed” gloves and they proceed to make your food.  Really?  Washed hands are way better.  Then the grilled sandwich hits well over 160 degrees and the finished product gets cut and served with a recyclable barrier that doesn’t put millions of stupid laytex or nitrile gloves into the environment.  All this BS to give a customer a warm fuzzy feeling their food is prepared properly.I too have parents in their mid-70’s who have had it!  My mother is tired of being isolated by her family because we might “kill” her.  She has diabetes and heart issues, and she says she would rather risk her life connecting with her family (who is healthy and takes the same precautions as if they were feeling ill).  Yes- this isn’t the flu, but kind of, and we are isolating the elders and shunning those who are helping the elders from dying from extreme loneliness and depression.  What gives?  In the last month, I have lost a loved one and nearly killed my child by taking precautions that would have seemed warranted.  But THIS IS LIFE!  I lost my beloved dog because I chose to to be responsible and then a horrific tragedy was the outcome.  I took a potentially dangerous “spear” out of my son’s friend’s possession and while I was putting that away, my son climbed a tiny tree, branch broke, and he fell head first into the trunk.  He suffered 2 fractures to his skull, bleeding of the brain and a slight laceration to his liver.  We took an ambulance to children’s hospital, and he took a turn for the worst in the ambulance.  His eye was swollen shut and then he wouldn’t wake up to our pleas.  His other eye dialated black and we had to put the lights and sirens on and got diverted to Harborview where he spent 3 days in the ICU.  Guess what?  Not 1 doctor, nurse, was wearing a mask.  And there were at least 10-15 people there helping (thank god, and thank you!). They tested us for Covid and it came back negative.  I asked about them not being concerned for their safety (with the Corona), and they seemed unaffected.  And they ALL had access to masks.  They, like me, couldn’t do their jobs quickly and effectively with a mask suffocating them.  They all were diligent with their hand washing/sanitizing and were amazing with my son.  This is getting out of control!  If you are scared and immune compromised, stay at home.  If you are healthy and don’t go out when feeling ill (as life has always been)… stay at home.  Shutting down this economy and saying you are saving lives is unsustainable.  Being “aware” and practicing due-diligence is the only thing we can and should be doing.  My folks are hard working/retired people who are sick of this.  And all their “retirement” is in collecting rent from healthy people who can’t pay because they are told that they will “kill” if they go to work.  Well then, that lack of income is stressing them out needlessly and negating their own mental and physical health.  What gives?  Damned if you do, damned if you don’t.  Quit shaming your fellow neighbors.  Quit adding to the stress which is undoubtedly killing people already.  Quit teaching our kids to be afraid.  Quit telling possible “bio-terrorists” that they can do some major damage with the release of a super bug.I am fed up, a business owner that has applied and haven’t gotten a dime from “all the help” we can get from the government, and fed up with all those who are still working from home, behind their computers, chastising those who are doing everything they can…but aren’t… based on CDC recommendations and misinformation. Remember during the AIDS freak out? We were all told that we should steer clear of homosexuals (don’t touch them!), and then new information came out and all was just not true.  This virus is scary, yes.  But- this is life.  Like I said… more scary, life-threatening things has happened to me during this time (only because I thought I was doing something safer).  I have a heart condition.  I’m doing the things that I should to stay healthy.  But if my folks are happier with my presence and me and my son’s… and my customers are happier and feel safe eating and drinking my products… great!  Just stop with the shaming.  That stress will kill more people than the Covid.  And if you aren’t comfortable with it…keep your 20 ft of distance and I won’t judge you. Just don’t judge those who want to live their lives and listen to their super old parents who want to live their final days with the happiness of being surrounded by their loved ones.And get outside!  Exercise!  Have fun.  Life isn’t worth living otherwise.

    • C May 12, 2020 (12:42 am)

      Respectfully I’d like to note a few things Amber. You are 100% correct about hand hygiene over people trying to figure out gloves. And I fully appreciate your small business In our neighborhood. It keeps the ambience and culture of west Seattle alive. That being said, mask wearing is not shutting down the economy. It’s also not fixing the covid19 issue BUT it is a band aid to help our hospitals from being overloaded so your kiddo had the opportunity to be treated for his injuries instead of turned away at the ED doors. And to your point about employees of Harborview not wearing masks- it’s now mandatory for anyone entering hospital premises. And employees are NOT unaffected by the idea of Covid- please don’t assume otherwise. In regards to your comments about the AIDS epidemic- slightly different. That is a sexually transmitted infection which is completely different then a respiratory infection which has spread very easily in the last two months.One final observation.. let’s all be courteous. You and your family can obviously do what you like to protect yourselves or not, but some of us are dealing with really precarious health situations in our homes, so please be respectful and wear a mask in public. It protects my family just like I want to protect yours.

    • David May 12, 2020 (6:06 am)

      I’m with you…. life is too short to live in fear.  Worry about yourself and do what makes sense for yourself.  This is crazy!

    • Um, No! May 12, 2020 (7:56 am)

      I wish I knew your restaurant so I could come visit and place and order! Please hang in there! But, please don’t post the name of your business given you would be shamed relentlessly and in this town,  probably invite a masked and gloved protest outside your business. Or maybe in these times a massive ZOOM protest. 

      • Friend O'Dinghus May 12, 2020 (10:14 am)

        I too would like to know the name of the business. I disagree that it shouldn’t be divulged. Potential clients reading here can make an informed choice about patronizing the business based on their beliefs. Isn’t that what freedom and libertarianism is all about? Choice with regards to what impacts me? Plus, if you don’t mind me saying, if you don’t divulge here amongst the public, freely and proudly, who you are and how you feel, isn’t that a tacit admission that even you yourself understand that what you are doing is wrong? I don’t care if you take extra time, but I do require you wear a mask, or provide a barrier, to get my business.

      • Stay well May 12, 2020 (10:18 am)

        That’s an interesting perspective Um, No!. I was going to encourage Amber to share her business name so that the community can support her business.

        Even if we disagree with our perspectives regarding the stay at home order and mask wearing, we can try to help support one another through this.

        Also, the people who have been protesting and harassing others are not those supporting the stay home and other measures like mask wearing, it’s been those who oppose these measures. Nice try spinning things there.

        Amber, I was going to share that I feel for all you’ve been going through and the immense stress you’re under.  As a business owner, you might be able to apply for the covid-19 unemployment benefits available, and that might help you and your family some. Best of luck with your business, and if you wanted to share more about your business here, hopefully you’d get some support from the community!

        • Um, No! May 12, 2020 (12:15 pm)

          Ha, nice try yourself.  No spinning on my part.  Have you seen the various comments here on the blog?   Amber is business owner who is struggling.  Why would she want to risk a further decrease in business by identifying her business here?    Especially is what she said goes against what many of the  “posters”  here and not necessarily the general public feel and convey.  It’s her right to express herself and not name her business.  Like it or not, the comments section here  tends to bring out the extremes in people.  

          • Stay well May 12, 2020 (2:20 pm)

            Of course it’s her right not to, did I say it wasn’t?  Was I in anyway forceful in my comment? No.

            I was only suggesting that if she chose to share more about her business, there may be some who would want to patronize her business. There may be others who would choose not to, but they likely wouldn’t anyway, or would walk out if they weren’t comfortable with the measures they are taking.

    • Mp May 12, 2020 (1:10 pm)

      Amber I appreciate this post so much. The mask shaming is out of control (among other things that are out of control). My dad has no computer, no sewing machine, no nearby relatives. The only reason he has a mask is because I sent him one. How many people here without masks are in that situation? I hate the judgment and holier-than-thou attitude that’s become prevalent in this pandemic. I hope your parents stay healthy and I hope your son recovers quickly. Sending light and love! 

  • C May 11, 2020 (11:28 pm)

    Just so everyone is clear- wearing a mask mainly protects others, not the wearer. It is a sign of respect for others to wear a mask in enclosed public spaces. No matter how you vote, where you work, how you feel about your “right” to not wear a mask, it is about basic common decency. Be a decent person, wear a mask. We are all neighbors, we are all human beings. We all have struggles which others may not see, or people in our homes we want to protect. 

    • David May 12, 2020 (6:03 am)

      Show me a scientific study that show non medical masks protect people from a virus.  I bet you can’t…..everyone loves to talk science and data until it doesn’t fit their narrative.  One things for sure, It makes you touch your face much more. 

      • Stay well May 12, 2020 (8:54 am)

        There has been some research done around masks and various materials and their efficacy (do your own research to seek out the information if you’re really interested). But, do you really need evidence, or can you use your reasoning to understand this concept?

        It’s logical that creating an absorbent barrier of any kind between your mouth and nose and the air would help some in reducing transmission of virus from droplets.  It’s also logical that more layers and more tightly woven fabrics would likely be more protective. 

        Is it not enough that the experts in disease control are recommending this? Do you really believe there would be such widespread global advisement of mask wearing if there was no basis?  

        The CDC has their hands full right now, and it probably isn’t their priority to demonstrate just exactly just how effective masks are, to convince you to wear one. There is a pandemic happening and many people are becoming sick and many dying, if wearing a mask might help spare others suffering, why would you not wear one?

        Please wear a mask in public, if you are able to (understanding there are some exceptions), experts and leaders in the scientific and medical communities are saying this will help.

        Also, you don’t have to touch your face to wear a mask. Give it a try, or watch some videos on how to wear a mask without touching your face.

    • Erithan May 12, 2020 (12:38 pm)

      Well said, it’s so little to ask of people too. 

  • Arix May 12, 2020 (4:04 am)

    Here’s a “novel” idea. How about providing housing for elders/homeless/lo income & vulnerable? 3-5 year waiting lists. Most charities & social services can’t help. Our exorbitant rents are creating more and more vulnerable populations.

  • Maria M. May 12, 2020 (8:09 am)

    Does a mask really offer protection? Here are the findings from a study testing the efficacy of home-made masks published by Cambridge University Press  on the  US National Institute of Health website, The study compared the filtration efficacy of home-made masks. Here is the filtration efficacy of some common materials:  100% cotton shirt = 69.42% efficacy; tea towel material: 83.24%; silk = 58%; vacuum cleaner bag = 94.35%. For comparison, a surgical mask = 97.5%; compare these findings to no mask = 0%. This study also gives the pressure drop across the fabric efficacy which found lower – but still significant – efficacy. There’s a lot of good information available online from reputable research organizations. After a bunch of research, I sewed masks for my family using black-out curtain material with a vacuum cleaner bag filter, copper wire sewn into the top of the mask that molds the mask to the nose bridge and shoe lace ties to fit the mask snugly on the face. Whenever I go out walking  I put on my outdoor shoes, my mask and a pair of nitrile gloves, and then I enjoy my surroundings – maintaining a 12-ft. distance from others when I can.  It’s still a lot easier than all the rules I have to follow when I drive. It all comes down to perspective.

    • Um, No! May 12, 2020 (9:00 am)

      I take it you “didn’t” read the Conclusion paragraph at the end?   Raw data/numbers always have the be interpreted.  When they did interpret the data,   As a result, we would not recommend the use of homemade face masks as a method of reducing transmission of infection from aerosols.”   I’m not saying it’s pointless to wear a mask in public indoor settings (I will do so)  but to cite this article as proof they are really that effective is a bit reckless especially when their conclusion don’t support it.  

      • Stay well May 12, 2020 (9:58 am)

        @Um, No!”

        They also concluded:

        “Conclusion

        Our findings suggest that a homemade mask should only be considered as a last resort to prevent droplet transmission from infected individuals, but it would be better than no protection. (Disaster Med Public Health Preparedness. 2013;0:1–6)

        Key Words: homemade facemasks, respirators, airborne transmission, microbial dispersion, pandemic prevention
        Wearing a face mask in public areas may impede the spread of an infectious disease by preventing both the inhalation of infectious droplets and their subsequent exhalation and dissemination.”

        This one study indicates that homemade masks do help to reduce transmission of virus some, to varying degrees depending on materials used. Of course they wouldn’t recommend it as a the ideal or sole strategy, since efficacy varies and is less protective than medical grade masks.

        The CDC and medical and scientific community at large are currently recommending this as one of the strategies to help reduce transmission. Regardless of the conclusion wording of this study, they have looked at the information available, and at the current situation, and have made the determination that people should wear face coverings in public.

        • Um, No! May 12, 2020 (11:05 am)

          You need to keep reading to the end of the article where they make their final conclusions.  You’re just citing the Abstract which says a mask is last report but  better than nothing. Homemade mask are what probably 90% of the public wearing now?  Just a guess of course but probably pretty accurate?   My point was this is not an article that supports the use of homemade masks as anything other than a minimally effective tool to reduce the transmission of infection from airborne particles.  That was their final conclusion.   Again,  I’m not saying don’t wear a mask but to cite articles like this as some kind of  “proof” homemade masks prevent a person from transmitting the virus is just inaccurate.   And once again, not saying don’t wear a mask.   Any bit of help can’t hurt.   But, people should not just assume by wearing a homemade mask they are protecting themselves and others to any meaningful degree.  They are not and the public should not let themselves be lulled into thinking masks are anything more than a minimally effective barrier.   

          • Stay well May 12, 2020 (12:36 pm)

            I’m assuming the point of this article being shared (correct me if I’m wrong Maria), was to show that there has been some research into the effectiveness of homemade masks, and that they have been shown to have some effectiveness.  Some is better than none.  

            If collectively (millions of Americans) take precautions such as both physical distancing and wearing any kind of mask, that would help greatly to reduce the spread.  (I would love to see a math genius or logician break this down into formula for us ;) No one is saying that the homemade mask themselves are highly effective at protecting oneself or others, or that they will help all of the time, in every circumstance.  The circumstances may vary greatly, in different situations.  The point is, it will help on a larger scale if everyone was wears them in public, and if used correctly, and in combination with other important guidelines.  No one is saying, wear a mask which provides minimal protection and then don’t take other precautions, or knowingly expose yourself to the virus.  It’s just another protective measure, an additional layer, that is currently thought will help in this pandemic.  If the experts and leaders change their advice on this, I will listen to their guidance and review the information, but for now this is the advice.

            Please stop nit-picking.  Some might say you are being reckless in your line of arguing and potentially discouraging people from taking responsible actions to help reduce transmission of this virus.

            Also, I have read the final conclusion at the bottom. However, this research groups conclusion (from research done years ago) isn’t the end-all-be-all on this matter.  The data of their study is still relevant, and currently, the CDC is advising that homemade mask wearing will help reduce the spread. They have considered the information available, and determined this is worthwhile advice, in this particular pandemic, at this time.

          • Um, No! May 12, 2020 (2:19 pm)

            Now who is spinning?  LOL. In no way am I being reckless.  My point is people should not solely rely on mis-information out there that homemade masks stop the spread of this virus. It helps to a small degree but other things like washing hands, not touching things,  exercise, diet and other precautions need to also be followed.  And yet again,  I’m pro mask!  I just don’t hold them out to be as effective as some people “recklessly”  do. If anything, I want people to be more cautious.  

          • Stay well May 12, 2020 (3:47 pm)

            You’re full of it.Commenters like Maria and myself are not spreading mis-information. We have shared the guidance and some information that exists on the subject. Nowhere have I claimed that homemade masks are highly protective on their own.I have shared the current guidance that is in line with what experts and leaders are recommending.Its fine if you want to have a different perspective, it is not okay that you are attacking commenters and wrongfully accusing others of spreading misinformation, when we are sharing credible information.How about you show us a study that proves homemade masks are not of some help in reducing the spread of this virus?

          • Um, No! May 12, 2020 (4:36 pm)

            Stay Well, I think you’re getting a little frustrated here.  What in my previous post is untrue?  I’m saying there is a lot of misinformation out there that masks protect people a lot more than they actual do.  Because of this, people need to be even more aware and not use masks as a crutch in the hopes of avoiding the virus. I agreed they should be used but Other measures are needed as well.  I think you and I can both agree on that right?  So what’s the problem? Now I terms of your statement about the above referenced study recommending people should wear masks, that is simply not correct. The authors of the study do not make that recommendation. They say a mask is better than nothing but nowhere do they make The recommendation people should wear them. I’m simply saying don’t say the study says something when it doesn’t.  And I’m not attacking anyone. If you can’t handle spirited debate on a blog like this, don’t participate.  People will call you out for inaccuracies.  I will leave you be.  

          • Stay well May 12, 2020 (6:55 pm)

            Once again, I never stated that the authors of that article directly recommended wearing a mask. I shared direct text from their article which essentially said ‘… a homemade mask… would be better than no protection.’

            I’ve defended this multiple times now. Time to move on.

            Your repeatedly saying this, is not ‘spirited debate.’ It’s inaccurately referencing and twisting what’s been said, and it’s antagonistic.

            Other than this, I essentially shared that the current advice from leaders and experts in the medical and scientific community is for people to wear a mask when in public settings, and that this may help reduce the spread of transmission. I shared specifically that the CDC is currently recommending this.

            The only problem I have with your commentary here is that you are inaccurately interpreting and referencing comments, implying they have spread misinformation or have exaggerated the effectiveness of masks, and that is not true.

            I never said masks should be solely used without other measures or that they guarantee safety. That is the gist of what you seem to be implying here, and it’s untrue, and not cool.

            Also, your perspective has seemed to shift and has been slippery as this conversation has evolved. It seems you now agree with what I’ve been saying all along! Which is that masks are just one additional measure that may help reduce the spread and why not do what we can to help.

            It’s almost like you’ve chosen my comments as a pulpit to argue with other information ‘out there’ and it isn’t relevant to my comments.

            All of your arguing here, hasn’t resulted in changing any of the information that I’ve shared.

            Maybe the next time you choose to jump on someone’s comments you should make sure you don’t actually agree with them?

        • Um, No! May 12, 2020 (11:29 am)

          And, no where in that article did the say “people should be wearing face mask in public” as you indicate.    Maybe I missed it but I can’t find any such recommendation.  If I did miss it, please show me.   Otherwise, you are just making stuff up.  But again, maybe I missed it?

          • Stay well May 12, 2020 (12:50 pm)

            I haven’t made anything up, and I try to be very careful and accurate about the information I share.

            What I shared was direct text from the ‘Abstract’ (essentially the highlights/summary) section of that article. I’ll share it again:”

            Our findings suggest that a homemade mask should only be considered as a last resort to prevent droplet transmission from infected individuals, but it would be better than no protection. (Disaster Med Public Health Preparedness. 2013;0:1–6)Key Words: homemade facemasks, respirators, airborne transmission, microbial dispersion, pandemic prevention
            Wearing a face mask in public areas may impede the spread of an infectious disease by preventing both the inhalation of infectious droplets and their subsequent exhalation and dissemination.”

          • Um, No! May 12, 2020 (2:24 pm)

            Yes, you are making it up that the authors of this article are recommending people to wear masks. That’s not true.  This is not not picking as you seem to think. Whether intention or not,  you are stating the article says something it doesn’t say.  Simple as that.  

          • Stay well May 12, 2020 (4:12 pm)

            I never said ‘the authors of that article recommend people wear masks.’ You are making up that I stated that.

            What I shared was that they said ‘…a homemade mask… would be better than no protection.’ 

            Also I was referring generally to the data of the study that indicated homemade masks do have some efficacy.

            Again, please stop nit-picking, and spinning others comments and words.

            Interesting that you say you are ‘pro mask’ and yet have felt the need to attack others who are simply encouraging people to wear one, because it’s being advised that they may help. 

            I haven’t been making exaggerated claims about how effective masks are, and Maria didn’t either. If you are so ‘pro mask’ why did you feel the need to try to invalidate our reasonable comments in support of them. I’m calling BS.

          • Um, No! May 12, 2020 (6:26 pm)

            Your words, not mine. “ Regardless of the conclusion wording of this study, they have looked at the information available, and at the current situation, and have made the determination that people should wear face coverings in public”   And good grief, please re-read my posts.  I am not attacking you or anyone else for saying we should be wearing masks.  I’m saying we should!  What don’t you get about that? I’m just saying a lot of people rely on mis-information (NOT YOURS!) and think a mask is all they need and that a mask fully protects them. The fact is, it’s doesn’t  I want people to not just rely on Mask think they will absolutely protect them.  What’s wrong with that? How can you disagree with that? So please quit twisting MY words  and attacking me by saying I’m “full of it” and spinning information.  You’ve said things to make it sound like I’m against wearing a mask  I AM NOT! And I’m not telling people they shouldn’t wear one. If they choose to wear one, great! I have been very consistent with my message. If you can’t understand what I’m saying, that’s you.  

          • Stay well May 12, 2020 (10:46 pm)

            I think I see the confusion now. You’ve taken what I’ve said out of context, and I think you misunderstood. This is what I said (in more context):

            ‘The CDC and medical and scientific community at large are currently recommending this as one of the strategies to help reduce transmission. Regardless of the conclusion wording of this study, they have looked at the information available, and at the current situation, and have made the determination that people should wear face coverings in public.’

            When I said ‘they’ I was referring to the CDC and other medical and scientific experts who currently recommend public mask wearing.  I was saying that regardless of this one study, they (CDC…) have reviewed the information they (CDC…) have and have made this determination. Sorry if that was confusing, I thought I was being clear.

            Thanks for explaining where you’re coming from with arguing about this. It just seems to be needless here because I’ve certainly never said or implied that people should only rely on masks, or that they will guarantee protection, and I haven’t heard anyone else here say that either.

            You said ‘… a lot of people rely on mis-information (not yours!) and think a mask is all they need and that a mask fully protects them…’

            I think that’s a fair concern and I appreciate that. I just don’t understand why you chose these comments to argue this. I’ve tried to be clear that wearing masks is just one of the things we can do to try to help. It concerns me too that some may feel overly safe while wearing a mask. That doesn’t mean people shouldn’t be encouraged to wear one. There are other very important measures to take, this is just part of the equation, and masks were being specifically discussed. I appreciate that you raised this concern, but it would have been helpful if you shared this from the start.

    • Stay well May 12, 2020 (9:27 am)

      Thank you for sharing this info Maria, and for your great comment.  I also sought out and reviewed this and other information a couple months ago, before embarking on making my own homemade masks.  Hopefully sharing this will help reassure those who doubt there is any scientific basis for the recommendations.

  • Chels May 12, 2020 (8:13 am)

    Interesting that despite all this, law enforcement Never have masks on their faces either at the five way intersection or down on Alki which is where I see them most often. They have them attached to their belt loops and still openly approach the public and conduct business as usual. Are they exempt from these ‘suggestions’?

  • passionate parent May 12, 2020 (10:33 am)

         Amber Bennett, I applaud you! We, in our household are fed up as well. I am so disenchanted with this community publicly shaming others with any belief other than their own. I wish people would mind their own business. “You do you, ” and quit micro managing others actions. This is a free country. We need to get people back to work.  I will most definitely patronize your small business. Thanks for speaking up.

    • heartless May 12, 2020 (9:18 pm)

      “Mind your own business.”

      “Quit publicly shaming!”

      “This is a free country!”

      Better pick two out of three, cuz ya can’t have all of ’em.

  • Anna May 12, 2020 (10:37 am)

    Cloth masks are imperfect, and compliance with the suggestion to wear them in public will also be imperfect. Kids aren’t going to wear them among their friends, and parents aren’t going to wear them around their kids, thus the virus will continue to spread. You can’t wear them while you are eating or drinking, so you go to a socially distanced bbq and you take it off to eat some food and someone gets within six feet of you with their mask off because people forget, and then your kid has his mask around his neck and is playing tag with his friends who have also taken off their masks because, kids. At that point, does it really matter if you are wearing a mask at this BBQ? Mask wearing may slow the spread, but at this point, especially with the information that’s coming out about the complexity of getting vaccines for a majority of the world’s population, isn’t everyone going to be exposed to the virus before there is a vaccine? Sure, most people will do what they can to slow the spread if that’s what their gov suggests, but it seems like a gross oversimplification to equate not wearing a mask with not being a decent human being or being a murderer. To me, human decency involves not making judgements about who has human decency and who doesn’t. Perhaps those who are extra concerned about contracting the virus could make or buy a plastic face shield for themselves? In my understanding, the face shields are more about protecting the wearer, and I’ve seen some DIY options online. 

  • BettyTheYeti May 12, 2020 (10:55 am)

    @Amber Bennett  We are with you!  During the height of SARS COV2 Fauci:  http://adam.curry.com/html/NOMASKSORG-ZSvkmhpzqCvPckCJKPQwKrd8mxsfqG.html

    • Um, No! May 12, 2020 (12:54 pm)

      Wait, what?  LOL!  Are you sure that wasn’t an SNL skit?  As I mentioned above, I’m fine with wearing a mask indoors and in close quarters to other people.   But, it’s not anything more than a minimal barrier for this virus and people should be aware of this and treat it as such. Thanks for the link. 

    • Seaweed May 12, 2020 (3:09 pm)

      Click_like
      Although this was his position a couple months ago, I still like Faucis’ first opinion as my second opinion.

  • Amber Bennett May 12, 2020 (2:16 pm)

    https://youtu.be/LScHAvufgfMI’m basically reminding people that information and recommendations are changing and evolving every day.  This leads to a harsh divide amongst people.  Thanks to those that would support my business and I if you don’t, then that is OK.  I think the point of having small businesses in the community (and not solely corporate chains), is that we are all not the same, and I don’t think that everything needs to be “equal”.  I for one don’t think allowing dogs in a food establishment should be a crime (another West Seattle great divide!).  In all my experience, dogs that are well trained and known to be obedient (because I trust my regulars and I have known many for 15 years), are much more sanitary than all the children that come in (who I love and reminder!  I am a mother as well).  I should be able to run a business that reflects my personality.  This is what makes small businesses great for communities.  It’s all about compatibility.  If you hate dogs, then maybe my establishment isn’t for you.  And that’s fine.  There probably is another spot that feels the same way and is perfect for your taste.  Same with having beer and wine, or gluten free options, or punk rock music, or art shows, or putting up funny things on the wall that might seem offensive to someone that doesn’t get the humor.  Let the customers have the ability to choose.  If all establishments have to cater to everyone equally, well you are creeping into being a corporate chain.  Which is fine, for those that are compatible with corporate chains.I have always told my regulars that I want my vibe to be like you are coming over for a dinner party.  Good food, good music, great conversation and possibly some interesting debate. I tell my regulars that if they find a hair in their food (I wear my hair back, and I’m not going to wear a hairnet!…but I can’t stop the impossible), to simply return it, I will remake it, or refund their money.  Don’t yelp about how “gross” it was, etc.  You are in MY home, and I care about my product and my customers (who become friends).  It’s not gross, it came off my head, and mistakes happen.  Would you act in horror at your best friend’s dinner party if you found a hair in your food?  I would hope not.Of course this is a business.  But as a business owner, I am very aware of public health safety measures, and it’s bad for business to get someone sick.  This city has just gotten out of hand for small businesses.  We are glorified tax collectors that are forgotten when help is needed.  We have a lot on our plate…I’m responsible for collecting taxes, paying taxes, paying a living wage to my employees, sick leave, family leave, making sure there isn’t a dog that passed through, making sure I card everyone who is clearly over 21, making sure no one is smoking within 15 feet, paying for an outdoor permit for a couple tables, paying for “air space” for my outdoor sign, donating (happily) to surrounding schools, being asked to hang posters and give out flyers, taking in ton of Amazon packages for residents, providing a myriad of alternatives for those with allergies, making sure my staff does this, dealing with bad hires who call in L&I on you for asinine reasons, or bad hires who steal from you, or bad hires who fight for unemployment after they single-handedly lost business for you, or a bad hire white male who yells at you angrily that you are a “white-privilege woman” because I told him he couldn’t sleep at my establishment when I found out he was secretly sleeping there!  I can go on and on.  I have a lot of crazy stories:). It just really irks me to have this blog announce a new business in the neighborhood or a closing of a business, and read such hateful and passive aggressive comments as if they really new what it takes to start a business.  Did I mention that after all that, I need to actually “run” the business.  Cook, clean, be stressed every day about someone not opening on time, or calling in sick, or weeding out these bad hires without opening myself up to litigation and fines.  It is exhausting.I cannot breathe with a mask, I cannot hear what people are ordering with a mask, I cannot see through my foggy glasses with a mask, I cannot be efficient and speedy (so as to not anger an impatient customer) with a mask, I get claustrophobic and then anxiety ridden (due to a heart condition) with a mask.  All I want is for us to stop this hateful banter.  We are getting bombarded by different information.  We have forgotten about free will.  As for comparing the virus with AIDS…I KNOW it is completely different.  I was merely comparing the lack of information that made people afraid.  Yes it is a sexually transmitted disease… but do you remember when people thought they could get it just by touching someone?  And then how it amplified the fear and hatred about being gay?  Now people with Chinese ethnicity are being targeted?  The virus and disease aren’t the same.  The way the information is causing such a panic that it is creating more bad than good.Thanks for listening to my rant, it’s been on my mind for a while obviously.BUT- I would never change my choice to have opened my business.  My customers, regulars and staff have been amazing…OUT OF THIS WORLD!  And I thank you every day.

    • Um, No! May 12, 2020 (4:46 pm)

      I appreciate and respect your thoughts.  I can’t imagine how hard it is for some people to keep their business and dreams afloat during this time or any time for that matter.  The fact you allow dogs says a lot in my mind.   Pretty sure I know your business now and I used to take my elderly dog there quite often when she was with us. Still stop by quite often. Keep up the fight and hopefully this will all be over soon.  Easy for people to sit back and judge people trying to just make it and get by right now.   Don’t let them deter you.  

    • Stay well May 12, 2020 (4:55 pm)

      Hi Amber, thank you for sharing your experience and perspective. I can empathize with the challenges of being a small business owner, and totally agree with and appreciate your perspective of being authentic in your work and what you offer. Also, your place sounds cool! I want to wish you the best with weathering this challenging time.

      Regarding the video you shared of Dr. Fauci… please note, this interview was from a couple months ago, early on in the outbreak here, he has since said otherwise. Also, notice at the beginning he specifically says ‘no one should be out walking around with a mask on, at this time...’  This was before the CDC changed their recommendation that people wear masks. In the beginning, there were concerns and issues around medical personnel having enough PPE and they didn’t want the public buying out all of the medical masks and leaving medical workers without access to them.

      Also, this video is a clip and doesn’t show the full context of the conversation. Here is another link:

      https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=PRa6t_e7dgI

      You’re right, this is a fluid situation and there are a lot of unknowns. Advice is subject to change as more is learned and as things shift and change. The current recommendation seems to be suggesting and encouraging people to wear some kind of mask while out in public. It isn’t required and it’s understood that there are exceptions, for people who are unable to wear one. If someone is truly claustrophobic, it would be understandable not to wear one. Hopefully people who can wear one without too much discomfort will do so, to try and help.

      I also agree that it’s not necessary for people to attack one another here. I do think it should be okay for people to express concerns, share their perspective, and share information they think might be helpful to the community, but being unkind, name calling, etc. is really not cool, especially at a stressful time like this.

  • redblack May 12, 2020 (5:57 pm)

    let me tell ALL of you morons who were out on alki on sunday that i will no longer support any businesses there. because of YOU and your reckless behavior.

    i went for take-out and i was appalled at the lack of distancing, the lack of respect for others’ personal space, the fact that one in thirty or forty people were wearing face coverings…

    i hope the beach stays closed all summer just to *iss you off. you obviously have weird social disorders and are not comfortable being alone or with your families. and you suck at following public health guidelines. hell, you were bad at washing your hands BEFORE the covid-19 outbreak – even after using the restroom.

    good work, guys. whatever happens, you brought it on yourselves.

Sorry, comment time is over.