I'm actually surprised by this. Should be interesting to see what happens.

Gov. Greg Abbott requires masks statewide to fight COVID-19, limits size of gatherings

The move comes amid pressure from local leaders as cases of the coronavirus soar.

By Allie Morris
3:24 PM on Jul 2, 2020 CDT

AUSTIN -- As cases of the coronavirus surge to record highs, Gov. Greg Abbott on Thursday ordered Texans to wear face masks in public in counties with outbreaks of COVID-19. Abbott also gave local officials power to restrict outdoor gatherings with more than 10 people ahead of the holiday weekend.

“Wearing a face covering in public is proven to be one of the most effective ways we have to slow the spread of COVID-19,” Abbott said. “We have the ability to keep businesses open and move our economy forward so that Texans can continue to earn a paycheck, but it requires each of us to do our part to protect one another—and that means wearing a face covering in public spaces.”

The move is a reversal for Abbott, who in April blocked local officials from enforcing mask orders with penalties. Those who don’t follow Abbott’s latest order face a warning and fines of up to $250 for any subsequent offense.

The order, which takes effect Friday at noon, requires people over age 10 to wear masks inside public buildings and outside when it’s not feasible to stay six feet apart from others. There are some exceptions, including for people who are eating, drinking, exercising, voting or worshipping. The requirements apply only in counties with 20 or more positive COVID-19 cases.

Local leaders have pressed Abbott for stricter mask requirements as cases soar.

I'm all in on mask wearing but it's crossing a line for the Governor to mandate it IMO. The governor mandating it will cause people to not wear them. It's like the stay at home orders. Ask me to stay home, give me the reasoning behind it and I'll stay home. Tell me to stay home and I'll do whatever I feel like doing.

Interesting light reading on the lancet article. :D

Thanks for posting.

You got me into a wormhole, where I googled the lancet:

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Lancet

and the wikipedia article specifically mentioned concerns regarding the study as not incorporating exposure time into the equation. A British study link was included:

https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/887618/EMG_Environmental_transmission-_02052020__1_.pdf

And appears to support the trend in data, but also taking into account (at least somewhat) the effects of time of exposure. No big new revelations, but the trend continues. The mentioned UK article seems more of an adjunct than a rebuttal to the lancet article and has plenty of aerosol talk for the aerosol junkies. :)

What I find interesting, is that in early April, I was watching this video from Dr. David Price (Someone on ppot shared it), and the data seems to essentially be supporting what Dr. Price said "way back then"

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

His information seemed to be on the right general track. Since April, I have followed this advice religiously, and done well (so far) treating hundreds of patients/ and going out in public the entire time. For me, the video just clicked. From the looks of him on the video, I was concerned he would be overworked, and get inundated in a high exposure environment, and Covid would get him. I've done some google searches and so far it looks like he is doing okay- which is good ;) Perhaps he has gotten it, but I haven't seen anything. I like that he incorporates time/distance into the equation and uses it to stratify his mask choices, as well as predominantly addressing hand hygiene, which has gotten thrown a little to the sidelines, but is addressed somewhat in the UK article.

I bet so. I can already envision mass fingers in the air around here. :D

I have a bubba in Houston, he goes everywhere and when I ask him if he's concerned about catching the virus (cuz he's at a compromised age) he says in typical Texan big ass "F**k no, i ain't worried about it at all". All I know is that it's above my pay grade and I don't have any inkling of thinking I can change his mind/behaviour.... so I am not surprised at mandating a mask in TX cuz the "suggestion" to social distance did quite work out. I haven't nor will I ask him what he thinks about the mask thingy becasue to him it's all about politics. I just pray that he doesn't catch it and pass it to his kids and mom. I listen to my doctor, cuz if I don't he asks me "who's the dr?" point taken.... so who are you gonna listen to?

https://wwwnc.cdc.gov/eid/article/26/5/19-0994_article

Volume 26, Number 5—May 2020
Policy Review
Nonpharmaceutical Measures for Pandemic Influenza in Nonhealthcare Settings—Personal Protective and Environmental Measures
Jingyi Xiao1, Eunice Y. C. Shiu1, Huizhi Gao, Jessica Y. Wong, Min W. Fong, Sukhyun Ryu, and Benjamin J. Cowling
Author affiliations: University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China

We did not find evidence that surgical-type face masks are effective in reducing laboratory-confirmed influenza transmission, either when worn by infected persons (source control) or by persons in the general community to reduce their susceptibility

We get the fact that you are miserable here. Can you move to a better place? Home prices are dropping in California. They need tax payers badly.

How does my comment about Texans likely not taking kindly to being told they must wear masks in public trigger you to offer me life coaching? Regardless, California is out for me; my car would not be legal there at all and I could not buy all the toxic chemicals I use for work (fuuk all that weakass cleaners and waterborn paints and solvents they use there).

He makes a fair point about masks and face-fiddlers. But wouldn't putting Tabasco sauce in your Purell also do the trick?

Wait a second.. that means that this (unconstitutional) mandate to wear masks is purely for political posturing, or for unsubstantiated unmitigated fear. Maybe both.

The governor mandating it will cause people to go Karen ballistic when they see someone walking around with nothing but a sharp suit and an immune system. (an immune system which has already done the Covid-19 dance.)

IOW, the kompliance-Karens come out of the the woodwork to bark like little yappy POS dogs about that which they know nothing.

If you are staying for the long haul, explore adding an addition or something that will trigger a re-assessment.

Then challenge the results.
"Housing prices are down 25% since bought. Home was originally purchased in arms-length transaction. I want 25% off my taxes now. Will go to federal ct."

It might work. It might not. I don't know the law.

The covid organisms are so small, I've heard it's like stopping mosquitoes with a chain link fence. idk.
Distancing and cleanliness are always a good policy.

http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1593795327.jpg

More effective...

http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1593798830.jpg

I'm taking my sanitizer internally this weekend! I figure Wild Turkey 101 and the heat sweating it out of me should add another layer of protection!

Maybe apply it via enema, as well?!?! :eek:

Nah. I like to take my medcin orally. Maybe with mix it with a Coke and some cubes for good measure. I figure the fizzyness of the Coke might help fend off the virus.

People that react with "you can't tell me what to do" remind me of children, teen age children that think they know everything and won't listen to adults just because.

I can understand the reaction. It is not the place of government to tell you what to do. The government should be a source of accurate information. Once that information is out there, we need to rely on the people to do the right thing based on that information.