Is it safe to go out to play chess tournaments?

I know people that have quit living because of this.  I also know people like myself that have refused to quit living.  I am fully vaccinated, and am not here to debate that.  I do not wear a mask to work, gym, church.  Not a single case of covid at any of those places.  Are their segments of society that need to be careful?  Sure. 

Our mens group meets at a restaurant.  Masks are required when you come in.  But once you're seated you can take your mask off.  Does that make any sense?

Im 58.  I go to the gym 6 days a week.  I eat clean, healthy, organic, real, grass fed food.  I avoid anything artificial, sugar, and processed foods.  I am on ZERO prescriptions, and don't even take aspirin.  I deal with everything naturally. 

Yes...Yes it is safe to go outside.  Dont believe the fear mongering.   But as with anything else in life.  Be careful. 

Live in fear.  +

Stay in your house.  Live on the computer.  Get injections every 6 months for the rest of your life. Wear a mask everywhere.  Don't shake hands or interact normally.  

Yup live in fear.  thats the answer.

we should not live in fear thats what i say but its important to take care of your health

Even that is risky. Better to double up on the masks, at all times. And goggles. Don't forget the goggles. 

Then of course there are additional steps that can be helpful. Never touch anything, especially anything that another human has touched. A surgical gown is also recommended, at all times, for people aged 8 and above. 

I would up that advice and go with a radiation suit.

You are quite correct. 

It is amazing all the things they recommended for the prevention of the spread contribute to poor health.  Sitting at home is recipe for depression, overeating, increased alcohol consumption, too much screen time.  All these things lead to weight issues, which lead to type 2 DM, heart disease, etc....  Ironically all the prior conditions make you more susceptible to a bad outcome with Covid.   Funny in the old days they recommened sunshine, getting outside, exercise for good health.

Im still waiting on the CDC, and our govt. to suggest sunshine, exercise, and eating healthy to combat this.  Not sitting at home, masks, and fear.

that pretty much describes a national master in my state that I know. He's a college professor, and i've only seen him a few times otb  - but both times he had the double mask and gloves. But everyone likes talking to him, and besides looking a little silly, it really doesn't do any harm.

He will not kill you for beating himl 

Him*

I disagree it does do harm.  

Wearing a mask contributes to fear.  To the oppresive government overreach.  It dehumanizes interactions.  The psychological effects are enourmous.  It also can cause hypoxemia, increased CO2, rashes, skin infections, and pneumonias.  They also simply do not work to prevent the spread of Covid.  

I think masks could help to some degree. If someone has covid and they cough violently a mask could help slow down or limit how far the cough particles go. But I do agree overall they don't help much. I've only worn mesh masks, the ones that don't limit breathing or airflow. I think wearing a mask during risky events (like a doctor during surgery) is a good idea. But wearing a mask all the time seems like a really bad idea. 

In a way I do agree with Bizmark because it doesn't harm me if someone else wants to wear a mask. I suppose there is the potential it could harm the person wearing the mask, but as long as them harming themselves doesn't interfere with anyone else I have no problem with it. 

I mean, none of that really is my problem except for the psychological parts you mentioned at the beginning. (I’m not the one getting rashes)

And really, the man is just wearing a mask. I can see him as a perfectly normal person just like everyone else.

The less someone knows, the more eager they are to share their "wisdom".

I have been playing OTB again, and also again running an afterschool chess club in person. 

In both, I am fully masked (and vaccinated) and in a room with others who are fully masked. The capacity of the room is also a consideration--there must be room for distancing. Air circulation must also be addressed.

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7833696/ 

Masks absolutely help.

What many in the general public do not comprehend is that EVERY SCIENTIST knows that virus molecules are far smaller than the weave on any mask, and also that virus molecules nearly always hitchhike on much larger particles, such as water droplets, which do not pass through masks.

Also masks are one part of the equation: social distancing, vaccinations, hand washing, air circulation are all important, too. Any of these factors alone are relatively ineffective.

I agree with most of that. I just wonder if anyone has ever given serious thought to if there is ever an end in sight. I was watching a commentator on MSNBC talking with a doctor. The "conclusion" was that there is no end, and the commentator said "ok, so it will be endemic and these measures will be ongoing. That seems reasonable."

What they were discussing and agreeing is "reasonable" is that even if you are vaccinated, you will still have to wear a mask and socially distance. For the rest of your life. 

In my opinion the reaction to covid was botched so severely it doesn't make sense to keep botching it. Especially forever. That, also, seems like a really bad idea. 

I was sharing my opinion. 

I'm fully vaccinated also.   I go to a church that leaves it up to each individual as to wearing a mask.  I go to a gym that leaves it up to the individual as to wearing a mask.  I do not wear a mask at work.  ZERO cases of covid at all three of those places.  I am not saying people don't need to be careful or take precautions.   Im simply saying that most do not need to live in fear. 

And while they help some, I dont believe masks do as much good as they claim.  Again...this is my opinion based on what i have read. 

Disclaimer:  This involves absolutely ZERO news media crap.

So. you go to a church that spurns science. What is new? You've confirmed my claim.

Glad you are vaccinated. That's something.

It is hard to contemplate, but yes, a lot of people give a lot of serious thought to it every day.

Actually that is false.  Science and religion go hand in hand.  What i will not get into is fear mongering.  As i have posted many times here.

It makes no difference to me if people choose to wear a mask or not. 

It makes no difference to me if someone chooses to get vaccinated or not. 

What i do have a problem with is those that think they have a right to tell others what to do.