No Masks In Businesses, Disheartening

[Youngtimer 25]

I have been inside the Liquor store by Superlake twice about two months apart. Each time a slender tallish teenager boy worker makes a point to start coughing without a mask . I guess there shouldn't be a third time.

 

[Kiko 514]

A quote from someone I know pretty much sums it up for me also,

"Because those who believe they can exercise their freedom prevents those who don't from exercising theirs. Any place a bunch of folks waltz around without mask is a place others might be afraid to go. Because if those who aren't afraid are allowed to go everywhere and do everything, those who are afraid can go NOWHERE and do NOTHING.

I was brought up in a society where I was taught to give up my seat on a bus/train for an elderly, pregnant lady, or anyone lesser able than me. Not because I have no right to take that seat, but because decency calls for respect and altruism. Standing instead of sitting may be a small gesture on my part, but it means a lot to those who benefit from that sliver of willing self sacrifice. Perhaps one day, I shall be the lucky one on the receiving end of that kindness.

So I wear my mask when I go do my groceries, so granny can feel safe to do hers. So I practice social distancing and limit my exposure, so if I am contagious, I do not inadvertently infect - directly or indirectly - the weak and vulnerable. I might recover; they might not. I accept the inconvenience of my today, so I don't take away all of someone's tomorrows."

[sm1mex 379]

I also go to Quality Care and they wear masks and also some face shields. They are compliant. 

[oregontochapala 651]

2 hours ago, sm1mex said:

I also go to Quality Care and they wear masks and also some face shields. They are compliant. 

I call B.S because I have now been in both offices multiple times when masks were not being worn by receptionists and care providers.

 

The other day my friend's specialist entered the office maskless, walked to her desk, and picked up and put on her mask.  That is NOT compliant and my friend wil not return. Two different receptionists in two different offices on two different days were not wearing masks when my partner approached the entrances. That is NOT compliant! Coming out of the dental office on her first visit with Dr. Manuel who WAS compliant and had on both mask and shield, she had to wait while another dentist passed with her beak riding high above her mask. That is NOT compliant! I shall spare you my other observations of times and ways they were NOT compliant!
                                                                                                                                        Here's the problem with sometimes compliant service providers like QC. This disease is airborne and, it has been shown to linger in the air. So, the receptionist who doesn't wear a mask "sometimes" sneezes or coughs. Half an hour later, when you arrive, she has her mask on, and you can't see the micro-particles from that sneeze or cough lingering in the air. The further back in the building the sneeze or cough happened, the longer those particles linger in the air.

 

Me? There's nothing worth being unnecessarily exposed to this virus. No medical care, no dental care, no shopping, no eating out. I will continue to avoid places unless I know for a fact that the people providing the care, tending the shops, preparing and serving my food are showing me the same care and consideration I show them by wearing my mask and wearing it properly at all times, maintaining a safe distance as much as possible, and washing my hands frequently. 

[mudgirl 2,327]

1 hour ago, oregontochapala said:

I call B.S because I have now been in both offices multiple times when masks were not being worn by receptionists and care providers.

It's so disrespectful of other posters here to basically call you a liar simply because everyone happened to be wearing masks when they went there. As if no one could possibly have a different experience than they did.

And you are quite correct- if people who work somewhere only put on their masks when there are clients or customers there, that does little to protect others. All their aerosols are hanging in the air. This is the primary means of transmission-aerosols in an enclosed space. And if the place has AC and doors and windows closed, it's even more dangerous.

[vetteforron 297]

What if all Mexican businesses quit wearing masks. Would expats just starve or leave? Just asking. In Jocotepec maybe about half of people wear masks. In San Juan just guessing maybe a third. Just my personal observation. 

[johanson 965]

I guess they are a little stricter up here in Seattle where at least 95% of us wear masks. I sure hope I can get a corona virus vaccine shot soon, so that I can come back home (Ajijic)

[Xena 3,686]

35 minutes ago, johanson said:

I guess they are a little stricter up here in Seattle where at least 95% of us wear masks. I sure hope I can get a corona virus vaccine shot soon, so that I can come back home (Ajijic)

You keep saying that, Pete. You need to accept that in all probability there will not be a vaccine available to the general public (including the old farts) until late spring or summer 2021 at the earliest. Decide you are in Seattle until at least then or suck it up, put on a mask and face shield, and come on home. 

[thevalerieleigh 265]

Seems we can only control our own actions and behaviors.  I "double bag" it when I go out for essential errands.  I wear my face mask AND face shield, wash my hands, sanitize when I return to my car, spray my shoes with disinfectant, etc.

I'm doing everything I possibly can to avoid this dreadful and potentially deadly virus.  While it deeply saddens me to put my life on hold, I would like to hang onto whatever life I have left and want to ensure I don't unwittingly pass on this virus to someone with an immune system that cannot provide safety and life for themselves and others.

Although I'm from GA, I was brought up to be polite, considerate, caring, compassionate and to consider the needs of others, not just my own needs and desires.

Salud,

Val Jones

[ea93105 257]

I find it quite interesting that seat belt laws are accepted without massive social revolt, but masks ? omg my freedom ( i,e,  my vanity )

 

[Susy Wilson 87]

I was at Quality Care on Wednesday. The receptionist kept letting her mask slide down below her nose but everyone was wearing masks and they were definitely required for patients as well. I also went across the parking area and had xrays done and everyone there had masks on as well. Hopeflly OregontoChapala's experience was a fluke and not a regular occurance:/ 

[dichosalocura 553]

I walk around town daily, I see expats all over the place walking around without facemasks or with them below the nose.  When they go into any store they put them on or slide it up over their nose.  But the minute they get out of the store, they rip that sucker off or immediately slide it below their nose so they can breath fresh air again.  I feel sorry for the store and office employees that are required to wear these all day long in hot stuffy buildings.  They are expected to breath their own germs, breath, and exhaust all day long.  Well, surprise surprise they don't.  The minute the customer leaves they all pull them down to savor the luxury of breathing in delicious fresh air.  They keep them down or off until the next customer pops through the door.  In the meantime, they have already potentially contaminated all the air and surfaces around them in thousands of water droplets contaminated with the Coronavirus.  Why does anybody think that if the employee suddenly puts on the mask, the customer is instantly safe?  That is so rediculous and naive.  The masks may indeed help somewhat to contain some of the droplets but it's not a lot of protection since the virus can virtually get on everyone and everything we encounter.  In all honesty, the whole thing we are playing is simply a game, the mask wearing is just done as a facade so they can stay open.  Its all for sole appearances, the second its possible the masks come down or come off.  Anyways, the masks that you see people wear, probably 90% have never been properly washed, they are over used, dirty and germy in most cases anyhow.  Remember the old adage about security?  True security does not even remotely exist, it is all about the appearance of security which is the deterrence factor.

[Upfront 515]

we coexist with billions of bacteria every inch and minute of our lives. no need to overthink

[cookj5 213]

On 10/8/2020 at 2:54 PM, Dostortas said:

Many of my Mexicans friends have told me they don’t feel comfortable with confrontation.  Perhaps some of the store owners and employees don’t feel comfortable enforcing the protocols for that reason.  We’ve all read those stories about employees suffering abuse from some patron that became unhinged because they were asked to where a mask.  To me it seems pretty simple, if you want to go to a store, wear a mask and keep appropriate distance or if you don’t want to wear a mask, don’t go to the store.  For many small businesses here, people live in the same place where they work.  I sympathize with the challenges some may face trying to make a living in these times.  

What you say is correct. However the original poster says the employees were the ones not wearing masks. This has nothing to do with being uncomfortable with confrontation. It has to do with lax management and employees who don't give a rip who they infect--and infections are increasing rapidly in Jalisco.

[lcscats 464]

10 hours ago, ea93105 said:

I find it quite interesting that seat belt laws are accepted without massive social revolt, but masks ? omg my freedom ( i,e,  my vanity )

 

Interesting post but when belts laws were enforced big stink in many places. I still have friends that won't wear them. (maybe it says something about my friends 🙂

[lcscats 464]

9 hours ago, dichosalocura said:

I walk around town daily, I see expats all over the place walking around without facemasks or with them below the nose.  When they go into any store they put them on or slide it up over their nose.  But the minute they get out of the store, they rip that sucker off or immediately slide it below their nose so they can breath fresh air again.  I feel sorry for the store and office employees that are required to wear these all day long in hot stuffy buildings.  They are expected to breath their own germs, breath, and exhaust all day long.  Well, surprise surprise they don't.  The minute the customer leaves they all pull them down to savor the luxury of breathing in delicious fresh air.  They keep them down or off until the next customer pops through the door.  In the meantime, they have already potentially contaminated all the air and surfaces around them in thousands of water droplets contaminated with the Coronavirus.  Why does anybody think that if the employee suddenly puts on the mask, the customer is instantly safe?  That is so rediculous and naive.  The masks may indeed help somewhat to contain some of the droplets but it's not a lot of protection since the virus can virtually get on everyone and everything we encounter.  In all honesty, the whole thing we are playing is simply a game, the mask wearing is just done as a facade so they can stay open.  Its all for sole appearances, the second its possible the masks come down or come off.  Anyways, the masks that you see people wear, probably 90% have never been properly washed, they are over used, dirty and germy in most cases anyhow.  Remember the old adage about security?  True security does not even remotely exist, it is all about the appearance of security which is the deterrence factor.

Try wearing a surgeons mask available at Guad Pharmacy.  They are much easier to breath than K95/KN95  or cloth masks especially the double cloth kind.   I walk 20,000 to 30,000 steps a day wearing one no problems.  I did fine the KN95 masks to be a little harder to breath with climbing hills.  Tested my oxygen with mask on for an hour and I read 97 which is normal without mask reading.  Save the K95/KN95 mask for airplanes.  Surgeon mask test quite well against the virus contrary to what people think.

[Bisbee Gal 1,704]

15 hours ago, vetteforron said:

What if all Mexican businesses quit wearing masks. Would expats just starve or leave? Just asking. 

It won't come down to that binary choice.  There are businesses here whose clientele are primarily expats.  The couple with their Costco delivery service and a few Ajijic restaurants come to mind.  I don't see them shooting themselves in their collective feet.  🔫🦶

[Colo-Rick 21]

The suggestion to wear a surgical mask instead of an N95 mask is not a good one except for appearances.  Yes, the surgical mask will help minimize the amount of virus you spew into the air.  But, as they are not tight around the edges, the virus particles will just flow around the mask both while breathing in and out.  The N95 masks have 2 straps, one toward the lower back of your head, the other toward the top back.  They have a metal piece which you press down around your nose.  If properly worn, if you place your hand over them and hold the mask close while you exhale, you should not feel air blow out around the mask; all breath goes through the mask.  That assures that all breath, either in or out, goes through the mask filter.  That protects both you from other's infections and them from yours.  But only as long as you wear it properly.  And, if worn properly, your glasses won't fog up.

By the way, when I did fit tests to OSHA standards, facial hair where the mask contacts the skin would disqualify the wearer unless it was well gooped up with petroleum jelly or Vicks.

 

[vetteforron 297]

About 15 years ago when we opened our nursing home Sara made the rule if a caregiver or nurse or anyone including us if we felt sick do not come to work. Even the good old fashion flu is deadly to our demographic. 

During the height of the pandemic we took no chances.  In the back ground is a table where everything is put to be disinfected before entering our home.  

[oregontochapala 651]

On 10/9/2020 at 9:26 PM, Susy Wilson said:

I was at Quality Care on Wednesday. The receptionist kept letting her mask slide down below her nose but everyone was wearing masks and they were definitely required for patients as well. I also went across the parking area and had xrays done and everyone there had masks on as well. Hopeflly OregontoChapala's experience was a fluke and not a regular occurance:/ 

Your visit came after I wrote a letter to QC and my close friend contacted both of her specialists detailing her concerns. Perhaps others have brought this to their attention, too

If people don't speak out, as well as stop spending when they witness non-compliance, nothing changes.

[bmh 2,302]

during the height of the pandemic?? It is right now ,no? 

[vetteforron 297]

2 hours ago, bmh said:

during the height of the pandemic?? It is right now ,no? 

NO! https://www.arcgis.com/apps/opsdashboard/index.html#/bda7594740fd40299423467b48e9ecf6

There was one day a few days ago cases shot up then dropped back to normal. Plus hospital cases was about 19% last time Bisbee posted. So I would I would say things are showings signs of improvement. 

[Bisbee Gal 1,704]

Weekly and monthly charts may be more useful for trendlines.  

Here are charts showing new cases by the week, as well as deaths occurring within a month.  

And yes yes yes, I agree that the data we get is sketchy at best, but it's all we have.   fyi, @vetteforron the hospital occupancy ticked up ever so slightly and is at 20.5% as of yesterday.

Weekly case increases between July 2nd and Oct. 8th in Chapala. Data from Official Jalisco State Government Covid site, https://coronavirus.jalisco.gob.mx/

Date             Cases       New Weekly Cases

July 2nd         33            -

July 9th          36             3

July  16th       37              1

July  23rd       41             4

July 30th        43             2

Aug. 6th          52             9

Aug. 13th        61              9

Aug. 20th        74            13

Aug. 27th         87           13

Sept. 3rd          94            7

Sept. 10th        98            4

Sept. 17th       112           14

Sept. 24th      123           11

Oct. 1st           133           10

Oct. 8th          148           15

 

DEATHS Reported by MONTH by the Federal Salud site:

As Of            Accumulated Deaths         New Deaths Reported During Month

June 30th                 1                                     -

July 31st                   4                                     3

Aug. 31st                  5                                     1

Sept. 30th                9                                     4

 

[bmh 2,302]

Yes the cases here are increasing not decreasing and they are increasing in other places in Mexico as well.. and in the States, France, Spain and other countres, we are not out of the barn yet, I wish we were but we are kidding ourselves if we think it is better now, we just are getting more complacent and tired of not being back to normal. 

[RVGRINGO 2,072]

Complacency kills. You hear of more and more deaths. Then it is someone in your neighborhood, and soon it is a friend who dies. You are slightly less complacent until you feel feverish, and find it hard to breathe.  Then, the gasping begins and panic sets in just before you and your complacence expire.