Comments

1. Germany requires FFP2 or better masks – in public places everywhere inside. This is equivalent to an N95 or KN95. I know the CDC doesn’t have the authority to mandate masks or mandate what type of masks we should wear. But hell, why don’t they tell the public how inadequate the cloth masks and paper masks are – even those hospital OR masks. Why don’t they just come out and give correct information about masks. It is no longer acceptable to simply say, “Wear a mask.” THE TYPE OF MASK MATTERS. And oh, Germany’s latest COVID infection rate per 100,000 is one tenth that of the United States.

2. Not sure how new this is, but I had several flights earlier this year on SAS where I recall some flight attendants said cloth masks were forbidden.

3. I don’t think the type of mass can be mandated in the US , in public places or public facilities, unless the government provides that specific type of mask at no cost to the user.

   Something else that really shocked me was to learn that UK residents are encouraged go to their local for a pharmacy 2x weekly to obtain a Covid self-test, FOR FREE. In the US it’s $20 and up, depending upon where you buy the kit.

4. I bought the thinnest mask I could find, and then cut out the back of it.
   You can basically see through it, very breathable, it’s perfect.

   I use that when flying, and it’s really nice. I mean, it’s still terrible, but, it’s better than one that restricts your breathing very much. So, it’s minimum compliance, and doesn’t bother me too much.

   I would say, of all the mandates, I can bypass all of them easily.
   If they started forcing KN95 masks, or surgical ones, I would end the 2 years and 50+ countries of traveling.

   I can get tested instead of vaccinated.
   I can go to countries that don’t care about ‘social distancing’ or ‘lockdowns’ (which are categorically insane)

   But, I can’t handle wearing a mask. So, if they mandated those crazy ones people wear… I think that would be the end of the best two travel years of my life.

   I guess it’s been a good run, but, the State always crushes its subjects.
   Why stop at mask mandates. Wouldn’t we all be safer with tyvek suits?

5. If we required vaccination we wouldn’t have to require masks. The focus on masks is so 2020. We have a much better tool to stop the spread.

6. @DaveS, “If we required vaccination we wouldn’t have to require masks. The focus on masks is so 2020. We have a much better tool to stop the spread.”

   In reality, not realistic. Even the countries with the best control, there’s Covid-19. Everyone needs to use multiple methods, not putting all your eggs in one basket. Vaccination? Yes. But also limiting exposure by staying home as much as possible, distancing from others, mask, wash hands, limit time of exposure (buy your stuff from the grocery store then get the hell out of Dodge.)

7. I recently flew Austrian Air and Lufthansa. Both require N95/KN95 on thieir flights. Whether their flight crews followed that. mandate is another matter!

8. I was in Berlin recently, we were notified Kn95 or N95 were required in the building. Hotel staff and guests were using regular surgical masks. The hotel said they did not care. The fact is I would have done as asked. This was my second Europe trip in June and July, restaurants required proof of vaccination, some made you fill out a tracing form. Again, did not care. I believe in Science and I am vaccinated. To those that prefer not to get vaccinated or skirt the rules (George). please stay home or go to a country that does not care. . Unrelated, we used the scooters to get around (when not at the office) instead of Uber, it was a blast, less expensive, weather was good the entire time. Use the scooters for late-night sightseeing and photos of buildings lit up at night. Out of all the companies we liked the Silver Bird scooters the best. BOught a segway Ninebot 45 when I got home.

9. @derek
   “In reality, not realistic. Even the countries with the best control, there’s Covid-19. Everyone needs to use multiple methods, not putting all your eggs in one basket. Vaccination? Yes. But also limiting exposure by staying home as much as possible, distancing from others, mask, wash hands, limit time of exposure (buy your stuff from the grocery store then get the hell out of Dodge.)”

   With the end goal being what? This virus will never be completely suppressed. Cirve has been flattened. Time to start living again, and what you describe is not living.

10. Gotta love the people who say “I believe in science” when the science is constantly evolving and it seems that the vaccine and masks aren’t doing much to slow this virus. We now need booster shots, going back to needing to wear N95 mask (remember in the begging how even these weren’t effective because civilians wear them incorrectly).

    Covid is hear to stay. If you’re in a risk group it’s probably best to get vaccinated. If not then it’s your choice. The stupidity of this fear feast will eventually disappear.

11. You wear a mask to protect others. Why is that so difficult? If you choose not to travel, that’s your business, but those of us who enjoy travel should follow the best practices – not the least obtrusive.

12. I would like to see a Darwin book of all the people who fought against masks, science and the vaccine then died because of Covid. The caption can be their disbelief, rant about freedom and personal choice. A list of all the meds and treatments they had to take to try and survive and ultimately something about their family members they left behind. It HAS happened and will continue to happen to the unvaccinated.

13. @George oh no… please don’t stop travelling.. we all care about you being inconvenienced so much! … not. Perhaps you’ll change your tune when someone you care about (if such a person exists) gets sick and dies due to your lack of caution. Or maybe not, you don’t seem to be the caring type.

14. @Don in ATL – It wouldn’t matter if the CDC came out and said that. Nobody listens to them anymore. They have the credibility of a used car salesman.

15. I think it was already mentioned but whats the point anymore to mask wearing and all the other measures including mass vaccinations? If you are in a high risk group, these measures make sense. But if you are not in a high risk group it is pointless. A growing number of scientists are admitting that the virus will never go away even with 100% vaccine compliance. I would rather die of covid than to live in a world where theres nothing to live for. Whats the point of living if you have to be a prisoner in your own home forever and never get to interact with other humans? With an endemic virus your only choices are to keep up these measures forever or to live life knowing there are risks. It seems that several generators of helicopter parenting have made too many fear making their own choices.

16. Thanks for that great video on the Pacific Coast Highway. It was fascinating!

17. Have to laugh at Derek’s comments to stay home…. Etc. you do realize this is a travel blog! Let’s get realistic. I agree with another comment where it was stated “this is not living”.

18. @Wesley and others, maybe I am missing something but we are back where we were last year because of the individuals who won’t mask or get vaccinated. Frankly, if it was not for the younger nieces and nephews who could not get vaccinated, I would not care. As of now, it is them I am protecting by wearing a mask, because of those who would not take advantage of the vaccine. Once vaccines are approved for the younger group, those that don’t believe go off and do their thing, spread the virus amongst themselves. You may get lucky and get over the virus with no long-term issue or you may die. I would like to see a Darwin book with photos of those that do not believe in science and because of that we all have to wear masks again. The book can show a photo, have a few references to the foolish (in my opinion) comments made, and list the meds you were forced to take to try and save your life. When that finally fails, the book can list all of the family members left behind.

19. Thr ignorance of people is incredible. The delta variant is ripping the Usa apart and people are still debating the utility of masks.
    Of course Gary has to go on his months old rant about how masks may not work with the delta variant. Which is not true. Masks help to reduce the spread. Sadly Gary has his own agenda while his own state is running out of ICU beds and a judge has said “if your child has an accident and needs an ICU, they will have to wait for another child to die to get a ICU bed.
    Wonderful death cults in the USA. Sadly Gary appears to be a part of those.