Discussions

Stores and Masks

theeagle
Joined: Jul 2011
Posts: 411

theeagle
Joined: Jul 2011
Posts: 411

Stores and Masks
8/7/2021 at 9:43 AM

Just a reminder, while masks are no longer required (but still suggested), individual stores can still mandate them in their stores. If you do not like that, either mask up, and respect it, or quietly shop elsewhere. Do not make a fuss with the staff, do not go online to blast them, do not start a boycott campaign. Generally, just do not be a A-hole. They may very well be doing so as they may have a immune compromised individual working there. Or one of the rare few that can not be vaxxed, but would be if they could be. They are doing it for protection, theirs, and yours.
SK19
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 346

SK19
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 346

..
8/7/2021 at 10:36 AM

I went to Canadian Tire this morning. There are two signs by the entrance that say “Masks are recommended”. I would say about 90% of customers were wearing masks! It was nice to see!
prairie gal
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 422

prairie gal
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 422

Princess Auto
8/7/2021 at 5:01 PM

There were very few people voluntarily wearing masks at Princess Auto this afternoon. At best 20% of customers were wearing masks. However, all the staff were. Thank you to their staff.
Someonesomewhere
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 67

Someonesomewhere
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 67

Experience
8/8/2021 at 1:16 PM

I’m from a small town and stopped at two gas stations and a grocery store today and was the only one wearing a mask and was glared at and informed by all that I didn’t need to be wearing a mask. I will not judge anyone not wearing one and certainly would never comment but I prefer to. It’s a habit and I still need to wear one 50 hours a week for work. I wish people didn’t feel the need to tell me I don’t need to. Really made it awkward.
SK19
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 346

SK19
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 346

..
8/8/2021 at 1:31 PM

Someonesomewhere said "I’m from a small town and stopped at two gas stations and a grocery store today and was the only one wearing a mask and was glared at and informed by all that I didn’t need to be wearing a mask. I will not judge anyone not wearing one and certainly would never comment but I prefer to. It’s a habit and I still need to wear one 50 hours a week for work. I wish people didn’t feel the need to tell me I don’t need to. Really made it awkward. "
That’s too bad people felt they needed to comment on your mask. It’s not their place to say anything about it. If that happens to me, I’ll be politely replying with: “it is my preference to continue wearing a mask, thanks” or “I’m more comfortable wearing a mask, thanks”.

Covid hasn’t gone away, so it’s important to protect yourself in a way that makes you comfortable. For me, it will be by continuing to wear a mask, and all the extra washing/sanitizing that I have been doing since the start of the pandemic.
VTB
Joined: May 2011
Posts: 189

VTB
Joined: May 2011
Posts: 189

Sad...
8/8/2021 at 2:25 PM

When Covid was not around, it always bothered me to see people in public who were sick and coughing, sneezing etc.

But seeing the lady in Sobey's today doing just that without a mask on, and making no attempt to cover her mouth even, was, frankly, disgusting.

The Province has made a huge mistake by lifting the mask requirement.

We should start a pool to see how long it takes for the requirement along with lockdowns return. It is only a matter of time now.
Adam

Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 15663

Adam
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 15663

Masks
8/8/2021 at 4:58 PM

About 80% masked in Safeway this PM. I'd mentioned in a prev thread that on our road trip last month there seemed to be clear regional differences as we made our way through the provinces to the West coast. Early returns are that Brandon might bemore Vancouver Island than Alberta.

My red line is quick service restaurants with the ingredients I'm about to feed the family sitting all out there and staff not masked. Just can’t do it yet, maybe post-pandemic. Was in and out of four of them today to sort out a few different orders… thankfully three of them had staff all masked up.
cmp
Joined: Dec 2010
Posts: 140

cmp
Joined: Dec 2010
Posts: 140

Zero is zero
8/8/2021 at 11:35 PM

Active cases in Brandon is at or near zero. And while your home-made masks might make you feel like you are contributing to the solution, the best thing they might do is catch some larger particles of phlegm if you cough or sneeze. Best bet is if you are feeling sick, stay home. Thats actually good advice all the time, not just when covid is around.
I am done wearing masks for the time being. When the fourth wave gets here, and numbers start climbing, then I will follow the guidelines given by public health.
Positivity rate for Manitoba is under 2. A positivity rate of over 3 was where the masks and restrictions came in.
It's hard to let go of the fear after having it ingrained to us for almost a year and a half. But zero is zero...enjoy it while it's here.
Farmergeorge
Joined: Oct 2019
Posts: 1837

Farmergeorge
Joined: Oct 2019
Posts: 1837

.
8/9/2021 at 12:49 AM

cmp said "Active cases in Brandon is at or near zero. And while your home-made masks might make you feel like you are contributing to the solution, the best thing they might do is catch some larger particles of phlegm if you cough or sneeze. Best bet is if you are feeling sick, stay home. Thats actually good advice all the time, not just when covid is around.
I am done wearing masks for the time being. When the fourth wave gets here, and numbers start climbing, then I will follow the guidelines given by public health.
Positivity rate for Manitoba is under 2. A positivity rate of over 3 was where the masks and restrictions came in.
It's hard to let go of the fear after having it ingrained to us for almost a year and a half. But zero is zero...enjoy it while it's here. "
If you are following guidelines from public health they now clearly ADVISE the wearing of a mask. Masks have also been shown to very effectively reduce the spread of virus, bacteria and disease which is the reason dentists and surgeons wear them during procedures.
Even rudimentary simple face coverings have been proven to help and good hand hygiene is a simple effective precaution often overlooked. I know that I haven’t had a cold or any sickness in over 18 months.
As for staying home when sick for some of us that is impossible, livestock have to be tended to , field and crop work has to be completed in a timely manner and there is no one else to do it, I am sure that other occupations are equally demanding and unforgiving.

Edited by Farmergeorge, 2021-08-09 00:58:45
MEB
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 73

MEB
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 73

Nearly New Store
8/9/2021 at 6:34 AM

The Nearly New has decided to continue with masks, hand sanitizing and distancing for both the volunteers and customers.
Hopefully everyone will continue to support us in our ongoing efforts to raise funds for needed hospital equipment. it has been a difficult time and the store is still not open fully due to a lack of volunteers.
readingwithmycat
Joined: Mar 2020
Posts: 112

readingwithmycat
Joined: Mar 2020
Posts: 112

Public health orders
8/9/2021 at 8:33 AM

Farmergeorge said "If you are following guidelines from public health they now clearly ADVISE the wearing of a mask. Masks have also been shown to very effectively reduce the spread of virus, bacteria and disease which is the reason dentists and surgeons wear them during procedures.
Even rudimentary simple face coverings have been proven to help and good hand hygiene is a simple effective precaution often overlooked. I know that I haven’t had a cold or any sickness in over 18 months.
As for staying home when sick for some of us that is impossible, livestock have to be tended to , field and crop work has to be completed in a timely manner and there is no one else to do it, I am sure that other occupations are equally demanding and unforgiving.

Edited by Farmergeorge, 2021-08-09 00:58:45"
Masks are only recommended for people that are not vaccinated.

“Due to the ongoing presence of COVID-19 in Manitoba and elsewhere, and the extra risk posed by the more contagious delta variant, provincial public health officials strongly recommend the following:

• wearing masks in indoor public spaces for everyone who is not fully immunized including children under 12: and

• maintaining physical distancing of two metres (six feet) in indoor settings.”

https://news.gov.mb.ca/news/?archive=:&item=:51998

I have been following public health orders since day one and will continue to do so. As a fully vaccinated person I will not wear a mask (unless asked to do so by a business where I will fully comply).
Farmergeorge
Joined: Oct 2019
Posts: 1837

Farmergeorge
Joined: Oct 2019
Posts: 1837

.
8/9/2021 at 9:40 AM

sarae said "Masks are only recommended for people that are not vaccinated.

“Due to the ongoing presence of COVID-19 in Manitoba and elsewhere, and the extra risk posed by the more contagious delta variant, provincial public health officials strongly recommend the following:

• wearing masks in indoor public spaces for everyone who is not fully immunized including children under 12: and

• maintaining physical distancing of two metres (six feet) in indoor settings.”

https://news.gov.mb.ca/news/?archive=:&item=:51998

I have been following public health orders since day one and will continue to do so. As a fully vaccinated person I will not wear a mask (unless asked to do so by a business where I will fully comply). "
A fully vaccinated person can still transmit virus to others even when showing no symptoms their self.
Because I think of others around me and because I know someone who died from covid 19 I will continue to wear a mask even though I am fully vaccinated .
NoCares
Joined: This month
Posts: 3009

NoCares
Joined: This month
Posts: 3009

Hannd
8/9/2021 at 10:00 AM

The only reason I am wearing my mask in store, is because I cannot keep track of what stores are still keeping masks mandatory and which ones and just using the recommendation, just easier to keep wearing it.
FredFeb
Joined: Jun 2010
Posts: 892

FredFeb
Joined: Jun 2010
Posts: 892

Mask
8/9/2021 at 10:34 AM

Manitoba is making a mistake. We will go back in lockdown soon … Look at Alberta because cases are rising again. I know quite a few people catching covid and they were vaccinated so stay safe! It is not over
Mac72
Joined: Jul 2020
Posts: 713

Mac72
Joined: Jul 2020
Posts: 713

Masks should have been last restrictions lifted
8/9/2021 at 10:55 AM

The biggest issue lies in this statement by Public Health

“Masks are only recommended for people that are not vaccinated”

Well I will continue to wear mine even though I’m fully vaccinated so don’t assume I’m not vaccinated as one shopper approached me with no mask on to actually asked me if I was an anti Vaxer..

And as Adam touched on in his post - I do not feel safe now going to a restaurant where staff are not wearing masks- last week we had to show our cards and ID Now nothing - back to take out for our family

CMP -As far as comments in regards to the homemade masks — they must’ve worked our flu season was basically non existent this past year and we must remember our young Manitobans 12and under are still at risk - let’s think about them even if it’s supposedly less severe for kids - in who’s eyes - definitely not a parents eye when your child is suffering.
naturelover
Joined: Apr 2021
Posts: 90

naturelover
Joined: Apr 2021
Posts: 90

Masks
8/9/2021 at 11:31 AM

Totally agree with you, Brookwells, we will be back to Square one, AGAIN:
Its been stressed ,over and over, being totally vacinated, is no guantee, against being a carrier, or getting it. Why , is it so difficult to wear a mask, for 15 -20 minutes of your life, in coparision, to being sick, or making someone else sick ? Wheres common sense ?
We are in a World Wide Pandamic going on 2 years.
Hard to comprehand this bahavior. Just leading to lockdowns and restrictions, and the new way of life to come., over and over.
Adam

Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 15663

Adam
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 15663

Can Tire
8/9/2021 at 12:21 PM

Canadian Tire over lunch hour. Overwhelmingly masked shoppers… wouldn’t be surprised if it was 90%.
Tayler Man
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 193

Tayler Man
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 193

Winnipeg Shopping
8/9/2021 at 1:34 PM

I was in Winnipeg yesterday, Sunday, and went to an outlet store on Sterling Lyon. I was on a mission to go to one store that we don't have in Brandon. I was mortified and sickened by the amount of maskless people. The store's employees were all masked up but I would be hard pressed to say that there was 20% of shoppers that were masked. Hold on eBrandon...lockdown will be back soon...thanks Winnipeg!
Someonesomewhere
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 67

Someonesomewhere
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 67

But
8/9/2021 at 2:15 PM

0 doesn’t really mean 0. All through this pandemic I’m sure there were hundreds if not thousands of cases where for whatever reason or due to being asymptotic the person did not get tested who had covid. Especially now with a false sense of security people are even less inclined or confused if they should get tested due to the decreased reported cases or being vaccinated.
Abbysmum
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 5038

Abbysmum
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 5038

Something to think about
8/9/2021 at 2:48 PM

Here's something to think about and chew on when deciding whether to mask up or not. It came out in today's press conference that Delta modelling was NOT taken into consideration when making the current health orders.

Atwal clarifies: Some modelling informed decision-making for public health order that went into effect Saturday.

It just didn':t take delta into account. The delta model is not finished.
&mdash: Bartley Kives (@bkives) August 9, 2021

We don't have to look very far to see the effects this variant is having. I, personally, because I haven't been able to be vaccinated yet (hopefully this week, as I need special arrangements), I've actually increased the quality of my mask now that restrictions are loosened and wearing a kn95 whenever in public.

Stay safe, everyone!
Abbysmum
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 5038

Abbysmum
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 5038

Yes
8/9/2021 at 3:30 PM

GhOsTID said "How stupid that they would do that without an appropriate model.

More importantly, you seem to be well informed regarding most health care but as a reminder please ensure you use a KN95 or equivalent mask properly. If they're not properly fitting their efficacy drops well below a dual layer cloth mask which is crazy even if it makes sense due to their stiffness and the resistance to air flow. "
It's absolutely imperative that a mask - any mask - fits well. The material does the work! It took trying a few brands to get one that fits well and I was comfortable breathing through.

My kids have medical-grade (kid-sized) masks, there's lots of good tutorials about how to get a good fit on them.
Home Slice
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 1360

Home Slice
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 1360

Masks and stores
8/9/2021 at 4:15 PM

I will keep masks on hand and in my car til the very last case of Covid disappears which might be never. As long as their is human population to infect Covid will oblige. I honestly think it was meant to stay and mutate as long as their are people who let their guards down. Totally my opinion but an opinion no less. You can’t just blink this away as much as some people would like to.
Adam

Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 15663

Adam
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 15663

Sobeys
8/10/2021 at 11:19 PM

Sobeys South at least 80% masked shoppers on a stop-in late this PM. Of course in that percent of unmasked happened to be a couple that felt I’d enjoy them standing in line behind me practically toe to heel. Nothing a quick switch to a simple wide scissor stance can’t correct

Respect that folks going without have made a choice that’s within the rules. Hope that same level of respect continues to be shown to those wearing a mask who in doing so are also signalling that the usual distance is still expected.
Otta Towner
Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 75

Otta Towner
Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 75

Acceptance
8/11/2021 at 1:27 PM

I accept that some people will continue to wear a mask, and will not assume they are anti-vaxxers or unvaxxed. I will assume that they are not comfortable with the lessening of the restrictions, or have their own reason to continue to wear one...i.e. have an child that isn't able to get a vaccination or some underlying condition...Either way, they made their choice and who am I to question it, nor should I. I have followed all Health Orders, and was extremely perturbed if I seen non-masked people out and about during the mask orders.
On the flip side, the current Public Health order permits me NOT to wear a mask. If the store requires it, I will wear one, but if the choice is left up to me, I will not. As a double vaccinated person, who as soon as I became eligible took the shot, I shouldn't be chastised or otherwise shamed for not wearing one.
daysnnights
Joined: Mar 2020
Posts: 73

daysnnights
Joined: Mar 2020
Posts: 73

Agree
8/11/2021 at 4:45 PM

If stores require you to wear a mask then wear one. Your only going to be the store a short time not all day. I will still wear mine as I have been. I am not going to get upset if someone else is not wearing a mask. Oh and I know you don’t have to wear one. I have had people telling me“ you know you don’t have to wear a mask “ I just say that your choice to not wear one my choice is to wear one. Side note people that work full time in an office but are working part time at home and part time in the office and not wear a mask why not go back to work full time at the office? Your in an office which is usually your own office. How many people come to your office? Do you go shopping or out to eat if you do you should be at work full time. As I have been working full time and I don’t have that office job.

Edited by daysnnights, 2021-08-11 16:49:39
Kida

Joined: Feb 2009
Posts: 470

Kida
Joined: Feb 2009
Posts: 470

Fully Vaccinated
8/13/2021 at 2:22 AM

I am fully vaccinated and I still wear a mask. with a compromised immune system I am not taking a chance. I have not been sick for 1 year and it is a nice relief.

Reminder: Before covid even hit in China and Japan wearing a face mask was a daily thing...

Unfortunately who knows, we just might get use to it. lol
I still wear one at work... It is just is a part of life. No point in complaining about it,, Plus BC is locking down again because of the rise of cases, it is just a matter of time.
Winter123
Joined: This month
Posts: 848

Winter123
Joined: This month
Posts: 848

shopping
8/13/2021 at 7:25 AM

So impressed with everyone in Brandon. The majority of people are still wearing masks when shopping.
We are both double vaccinated and will continue to wear ours. Our child won’t be eligible for a bit yet. We are used to wearing them so it’s not a big deal to keep going until covid is over
Moussa3Trena
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 403

Moussa3Trena
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 403

Covid
8/13/2021 at 9:01 AM

Snowball said "I am fully vaccinated and I still wear a mask. with a compromised immune system I am not taking a chance. I have not been sick for 1 year and it is a nice relief.

Reminder: Before covid even hit in China and Japan wearing a face mask was a daily thing...

Unfortunately who knows, we just might get use to it. lol
I still wear one at work... It is just is a part of life. No point in complaining about it,, Plus BC is locking down again because of the rise of cases, it is just a matter of time. "
Same with Alberta … the cases are getting bad again so we (Manitoba) should be cautious and continue wearing
Cjford
Joined: Jun 2017
Posts: 419

Cjford
Joined: Jun 2017
Posts: 419

8/14/2021 at 12:11 PM

Is there a list of stores that still require masks? Mainly concerned about grocery. Was extremely disappointed that coop has done away with them and will no longer be shopping there until this is well in the rear view mirror.
Trevor B

Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 8881

Trevor B
Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 8881

Just
8/14/2021 at 12:27 PM

Cjford said "Is there a list of stores that still require masks? Mainly concerned about grocery. Was extremely disappointed that coop has done away with them and will no longer be shopping there until this is well in the rear view mirror. "
because a store doesn't say you must wear a mask, you can still wear one. From what I saw today while out shopping, most still wore masks. Think for many, it's still habit.