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2022-05-09
Brett Reinert Oral History, 2022/05/09
Brett Reinert is from Springdale, Arkansas. He works at a toner company as a deliverer. He delivers copier toner for a small business in Northwest, Arkansas. Brett talks about his home state of Arkansas and how the state government reacts differently to the pandemic. Brett and his family take the pandemic very seriously and made sure that his two grandmothers are not exposed to it. Brett also talked about his observation of the changes around him as many restaurants in the state started to require a proof of vaccination to eat in. And the changes with the requirement of masks felt weird to him. Although there were changes, he has seen what the pandemic brought to his life and the people around him, he hopes that people will take the pandemic seriously if we experience another one in the future -
2022-05-13
Mask trash motorcycle in Peru
While walking my daughter home from school I noticed this disposable mask next a motorcycle in Arequipa. It was about one block away from Av. Kennedy. -
2022-05-10
Pandemic Skeptics
The attached screenshot is from the pandemic skeptic website https://evidencenotfear.com/. In this image, the site states a fact that adults are more likely to be killed in a car accident than from contracting the SARS-CoV-2 virus. This fact is true, unless you are an adult over the age of 49. Sites like this twist and spin facts to produce a narrative that sounds convincing enough to make you not have to look the information up. Oh and if you click the hyperlink "car accident" in that fact, it just takes you to more articles on their site that talk about automotive accidents on their site. This site is trying to use "science" and "medical" facts to push the narrative that COVID fears are unreasonable and scare tactics. My reaction when I see any article full of hyperlinks is to check them out as well as to fact check the main ideas separately. Sites like this assume that people will not take the time to look information up and take it at face value. -
2022-04-28
There might finally be a good use for all those disposable masks
This is a news story from Mic by AJ Dellinger. A new study published in Material Letters has found that disposable masks could be used to help strengthen concrete. The concrete has tested out as 47% stronger than concrete than did not contain traces of masks. The reason it is stronger is due to the microfibers found in masks. Microfibers used in building materials have shown to reduce the amount fo cracks and shrinkage, which can happen within the first 28 days of laying concrete. Using disposable masks in concrete can help reduce mask pollution while making the concrete itself more durable. -
2022-05-05
New York City could bring back Covid mask mandate, vaccine checks if hospitals come under pressure
This is a news story from CNBC News by Spencer Kimball. New York City might bring back the mask mandate and vaccine checks if hospitals become too overwhelmed. New York City increased its COVID alert level from low to medium earlier this week as infections have kept on rising. Health Commissioner Ashwin Vasan said New York might reinstate mandatory masking and vaccine checks if the city raises its Covid alert level to high. New York's alert system is based off of CDC guidance and hospital protocols. Mayor Eric Adams ended mandatory vaccine checks at restaurants and other indoor venues in March, in addition to the mask mandate for people attending school. Masks are still required on buses, rail, and on subways in New York City. New York City, as of right now, has 80% of their population fully vaccinated. -
2022-05-05
Vaccine skeptics and anti-maskers who invoked 'my body, my choice' in the pandemic are now lining up to support the end of Roe v. Wade
This is a news story from Business Insider by Mia Jankowicz. This is about the argument of bodily autonomy as it applies to abortion and COVID. People have argued that vaccine passports and masks are infringements of civil liberties. The author writes that this is a mirror of what pro-choice advocates say. Some have argued that the anti-vaccine and anti-mask views being conflated with bodily autonomy arguments do not make sense, as being unvaccinated poses a greater risk to others, whereas lack of abortion access could put the mother's life in danger. -
2022-05-01
Disposable mask on soccer field, urb 15 de enero
After a game of soccer, that ended when the ball was kicked out of bounds and landed on cactus (rendering the ball flat), I took this picture of a disposable mask left behind on the soccer field. -
2022-05-01
Mask trash soccer field in Parque de la Independencia
This is a mask left behind on a cement soccer field in Parque de la Independencia, Urbanización 15 de enero in Arequipa, Peru. -
2022-05-01
Mask trash parque de la independencia
Mask trash on the football field at parque de la Independencia urb. 15 de enero -
2022-04-29
For Those Most at Risk, COVID-19 Is Not Over
This is a news story from Inside Higher ED by Josh Moody. As schools begin to resume to pre-COVID standards, not all are happy with this change. Those with disabilities worry about the loosening guidelines and how it would affect their health. COVID rates vary across the country, but many colleges are starting to drop protocols. Some disability advocates claim that this is a wrong decision from the colleges doing this, as it is putting people at high risk in more danger. COVID Safe Campus, a group of high-risk academics and activists with disabilities, recently launched a report card grading college coronavirus policies. The effort, they say, grew out of concerns that high-risk individuals are being left behind as colleges return to pre-pandemic normalcy. Colleges are graded on masking, COVID-19 testing and vaccination policies, and access to remote learning. Of the 90 institutions graded from this organization, majority have received a D or an F, and none earned an A. -
2020-04-03
My Neighbors and I
My neighbors and I have known each other for multiple years, and are good friends. They came from India as immigrants back in 2000 and started a family, eventually moving in right next to us about two years before the pandemic. Once COVID hit, our usual Saturday night bonfires together came to a halt as we wanted to be safe and not spread the potential infection. Instead, they bought an entire fire pit off Amazon, and through the trees each Saturday night we continued our Saturday night bonfires together, just not next to each other. This was honestly a beautiful experience because no matter what we found a way to continue to connect with each other in a safe and timely manner! We still keep in contact to this day and reminisce on our old memories as neighbors. -
2021-04-28
I thought COVID mandates were over
Living in Arizona life has been “normal” for months. I got rid of all the masks in my house, I stopped obsessively sanitizing my hands (I still use it from time to time) and life has kind of just continued. We’ve found this new normal that most are good with, I randomly see people wearing masks but they are definitely not the majority. I thought COVID mandates were a thing of the past, until I went to California. I grew up in the LA area and had seen how different the two states are when I moved. Nothing has made that difference more notable than COVID though. It’s a different world here in California. The first day here I had to buy masks for my family and I. My daughters thankfully reverted to “COVID mode” quite quickly. I see how life has continued in Arizona and wonder how and when California will make that transition. -
2022-04-26
Mask trash grifo Porongoche
Mask trash on the street near the grifo Porongoche in Arequipa, Peru. -
2022-04-25
Mask trash Arequipa
Mask trash by parque 15 de enero in Arequipa, Peru. -
2022-04-22
Happy Earth Day!
This is an Instagram post by hoploninc. This company is wishing everyone a Happy Earth Day. The post itself is relevant because it shows an anthropomorphized version of an earth in a mask, crushing COVID with its foot. Next to it is a personified roll of toilet paper and hand sanitizer. Since the pandemic began, masks and hand sanitizer have become more commonplace to combat COVID. -
2022-04-22
Wear a Mask
This is an Instagram post by cabbiecat. This user posted a comic that is referencing the recent lift on plane mask mandates in the United States. The comic itself is suggesting that by people removing their masks that COVID will spread easier. -
2022-04-22
Drawing What I See in NYC
This is an Instagram post by themeatofit. This is an illustration of someone wearing a mask. The person wearing the mask looks miserable. In the tags the artist uses, he wants the mandates to end. One person, jake._.robertss, suggests that if the person is wearing a properly fitted KN95 or N95 mask that the person will be more protected. -
2022-04-22
Everyone Needs to be Careful
This is an Instagram post by aecmvy. This person is reminding everyone that COVID is still out there. Right now, she is quarantining. In the hashtags, she advises people to wear a mask, get vaccinated, and quarantine. -
2022-04-20
'More fearful than I was': At-risk immunocompromised Americans decry lifting of travel mask mandate
This is a news story from USA Today by Ella Lee. This is about pushback against the lifting of the mask mandate, as it has made immunocompromised people afraid. "Being immunocompromised, it's already a huge risk getting on a plane with everybody masked," said Derek Schmitz, 17, of Oxford, Alabama, who takes immune-suppressing arthritis medication and has to fly for work as a disability advocate. "Now, knowing that I most likely will be one of the only people on a plane with a mask is petrifying." After the lift of the mandate for planes and other public transportation was voided, ride share companies like Uber and Lyft have followed suit in removing their own mandates. "I was angry and felt hopeless," said Erin Masengale, 33, who has multiple autoimmune diseases treated by immunosuppressants. "I just want people to realize that when they cheer for the ending of protections, they’re cheering for the ending of access to everything for people like me." Under the strict definition of immunocompromised, only about 3% of Americans fit that definition. Though, the author mentions that disabled and chronically ill people, a much larger population, also face risk with the lifted mandates. The question I have for people that read this is: is it worth it to keep the mandate even though it caters to a relatively small population? Would it be wiser for people already with these ailments to mask on their own instead of mandating it for everyone else, especially if overall cases and hospitalizations are lower? These are the questions I have after reading this article. I am not against people masking when they see fit, but it is clear that these mandates have worn many people out. -
2022-04-20
Canada Will Keep Mask Mandate for Planes
This is a news story from Skift by Anna Mehler Paperny. This says that Canada will keep the mask mandate for planes. The Canadian government said it has no plans to lift the mask mandate after a US federal judge in Florida struck down the mask mandate for planes. Canada's spokesperson for the Transportation Minister wrote in an email that “We are taking a layered approach to keeping travelers safe, and masks remain an incredibly useful tool in our arsenal against Covid-19."' The safety measures that travelers to and from Canada are beyond just masks though. The federal government also requires citizens to track close contacts for fourteen days. Masking and other such safety measures have been shown to have more popularity in Canada, with surveys in agreement with the mask mandates as they are right now. -
2022-04-20
Travel and masks in Lima
we just arrived to Peru This morning. Before we got on the plane we were told that we would have to show two masks because in lima we would need to double mask while walking around no one seems to be checking if you have one mask or two masks but everyone is wearing a mask. This is a photo of the free breakfast the airport hotel provided this morning after waking up. You’ll notice the sign that says Masks are obligatory. We’re staying at the Wyndham Costa Del sol hotel. -
2022-04-11
26th Birthday
This is an Instagram post by alannakate96. This person is celebrating her 26th birthday while wearing a mask. She thanks her family for helping celebrate her day despite having a "spicy cough" as she calls it. -
2022-04-17
Still Masking!
This is a Twitter update by myrabatchelder. This woman is saying how grateful she was for people that avoided large gatherings this year for Easter, yet is being made to share space with unmasked neighbors going to big events. -
2022-04-12
Abandoned Mask Found At Gas Station
Mask I found while pumping gas. It's crazy how many masks are just dropped on the ground after using them -
2022-04-15
It’s time to think outside the mask mandate
This is a news story from Vox by Keren Landman. The author interviews an epidemiologist on new solutions to tackling the virus that do not require shutting things down or forcing masks. The epidemiologist, Jennifer Nuzzo, says that instead of forcing masks, make things more equitable with having rapid testing more readily available, in addition to vaccines, so that people can continue on with their lives without as much interruption. She believes that masks and lockdowns are okay short-term when not much is known about the virus, but since we know more now, and have more testing, vaccines, and treatments, that we do not need these things. Luzzo thinks we should focus on low-access places so that more people have a chance of protecting themselves. -
2022-04-12
NOT AGAIN! Philadelphia set to reimpose indoor mask mandate
This is an Instagram story by endtimeheadline. This is about Philadelphia bringing back the mask mandate, which will have masks be required again at restaurants, shops, offices, and other indoor public spaces. -
2022-03-03
Mask On!
This is an Instagram post by taracomics. This post is a PSA reminding people to be respectful of small businesses that want masks. The reasoning is due to small businesses having less workers, and if too many people get sick, it can't stay open as long, thus giving money issues. -
2022-03-08
I am not ready to give up my mask
This is an Instagram post by mrjeff2000. This post shows a picture with words on the mask for reasons to keep wearing one. Some of the reasons include: too many still being hospitalized; and the protection of the immunocompromised and disabled. -
2022-03-11
Disposable Mask Pollution
This is an Instagram post by zerowastesrilanka. This is a post advising people to cut the straps off of the mask before disposing of them because it can hurt ocean life. This is one major issue with mask mandates, since disposable masks are the most commonly worn. Having a buildup of too many masks places can hurt the environment, so this group is looking to let people know of how to properly dispose of a mask. -
2022-03-14
Feeling Awkward in Your Mask?
This is an Instagram post by gailwaldby. This is a comic of showing you how you can deal with wearing a mask while other people aren't wearing one. Some of the advice includes: ignoring people, focusing on the task at hand, and remembering why you are wearing a mask still. For some, they might have reasons for wanting to continue wearing a mask if they are high risk, or are in contact regularly with people that are high risk. Others might not feel confident in cases not going down as much as the news claims, so that could be another reason to continue wearing a mask. Whatever the case, some might have anxiety standing out if they are one of the only people wearing a mask in a public setting. -
2022-03-23
Masks Save Lives
This is an Instagram post by vivekcherianmd. This post is by someone advising others to continue wearing masks despite a lot of the restrictions being lifted because young kids are not eligible to be vaccinated yet. This person recommends people use KN95 and N95 masks to best protect themselves. In the picture, we see an illustration of a kid in a mask saying "masks save lives." -
2022-01-29
Govern Me Harder Daddy
This is an Instagram post by jakewienhold. The picture posted by this user shows an NPC accepting all the COVID restrictions. The NPC is the grey character. The NPC itself is a meme that got popular in the late 2010s and has continued to have popularity into the 2020s. NPC stands for "Non Playable Character." The term has its origins in gaming where characters that have a pre-written script and can't go beyond that are an "NPC." This term has gone beyond gaming and has been used to refer to people of any political stripe as an NPC as an insult. It insinuates that people who would follow herd mentality for any cause have no thoughts of their own, like an NPC in a video game. The context of this picture shows an NPC having multiple vaccines injected in, while wearing a mask and a ball gag. The vaccines are referring to the COVID vaccines that some places have asked for people to go beyond two and get boosters. To critics of this, they see this as a ploy by big government and pharmacy to gain more money at the expense of the health of the people, as it is a common belief among the critics to claim that the vaccines are not safe. The mask has been a common trend during the pandemic, and is commonly used by critics to show that people following the rules imposed are being submissive towards the government. The ball gag is an extra thing that was added to show submissiveness and has some sexual connotations. The barcode on the forehead is a mark of being branded by the government and being tracked by said government. As with the things explained of this image, majority of the criticisms of the pandemic are based on the government response to it. For how much it limited some people's ability to make money or get things done that they needed to do, a lot of that anger is toward those governments limiting those freedoms. -
2021-08-03
The Pandemic Is Not Over
This is an Instagram post by courtneyahndesign. This user is warning people about a new variant and how it is affecting others. She brings up the CDC and what they say about this issue. She says that if you are not, you should be wearing a mask and get vaccinated. -
2022-01-18
Protect the Vulnerable
This is an Instagram post by courtneyahndesign. This is an Instagram post critiquing people's lack of care for others during the pandemic. She thinks it is ridiculous that people are already going places maskless and being careless with how much they expose themselves. At the end, she recommends for people to go and get tested. -
2022-04-08
NHS Approved PPE
This is an Instagram post by sciquipuk. This is a store that sells NHS approved PPE for people to buy. Throughout the pandemic, I have seen people use a variety of these items. I have mostly seen masks. Every once in a while, I have seen people use face shields. This is a good post that demonstrates some of the things people have regularly worn during the course of the pandemic. -
2022-04-08
Our Roadmap Moving Forward
This is an Instagram post by smcpublichealth. This post is about vaccination status and the risks that they pose. Those unvaccinated are said to be highest risk. The immunocompromised are recommended to see a doctor about a fourth dose. If you are up to date on all vaccines and everyone else in the household is vaccinated, life can continue on as normal. In the hashtags below this post, it says to wear a mask, stay home when sick, and get tested. Obviously, despite it saying that those that are up to dates on vaccines and live with those also fully vaccinated are able to return to normal, culturally, I have seen some people out in public abiding by COVID restrictions. I think this is a hard habit to break, and for some, the feeling of security is worth continuing to wear a mask even if some places have already lifted mandates. My overall feeling from observing those at my own local church is that people are more lenient with mask use based on what the CDC says. A few did not wear masks despite the CDC recommendation, but once the CDC announced masks were not necessary, people at my church took them off. -
2022-04-08
Wear a mask if you are...
This is an Instagram post by thehesbrooklyn. This is a PSA advising you when you should wear a mask. Some of the things it say to wear a mask for include: feeling sick, indoor public settings, unvaccinated, immunocompromised, high risk group, around unvaccinated, etc. The first point I find the most interesting because it marks a change in culture due to the virus. Prior to the virus, people I know wouldn't really wear a mask if they felt sick. Now, if some are feeling under the weather, they will wear masks. Considering this is a PSA for New York City, it is a place with some that has had some restrictions much longer than other parts of the United States. According to a relevant article linked with this post, New York City did not drop most COVID restrictions until March 7, 2022. Comparatively, my own state of Arizona had most restrictions lifted on March 25, 2021. Though, much like New York City, some businesses still require masks out of their own choice. As we see here, this PSA for Brooklyn is encouraging people to still wear masks even if some restrictions have been lifted. -
2022-04-10
Mask Necklace
This is an Instagram post by xo.beads. Since the start of the pandemic, some companies have taken advantage of people needing to wear masks and designed accessories to go with them. One accessory that has been sold in some stores are mask necklaces, which are similar to glasses chains that some already wear. They are made to look good with an outfit, while making sure you can keep track of your mask better. These accessories can range from very expensive, with some well-known designers making masks and mask accessories, to the very cheap. It is one of the new trends that have come about since the pandemic. -
2022-04-11
Don't forget to wear a mask!
This is an Instagram post by kondinincrc. This is a post about an upcoming Easter egg hunt for kids. It says that kids three and above are required to wear a mask. This is pretty normal for the time. Some places still require masks, while others do not. This has been an ongoing trend after 2020 where restrictions are lifted for certain things, but required for others. It is one of those aspects of the pandemic that have carried over for quite some time. -
2022-04-11
Man of Steel
This is an Instagram post by elmagnifico5000. This post is of a man wearing a mask while showing something he is interested in with it. In the hashtags, he is encouraging people to stay safe, get boosted, and for others to wear masks. -
2022-04-11
Stratford Literary Festival
This is an Instagram post by stratfordlitfest. The caption says that masks are not compulsory, but they are encouraged for the safety of others attending. These types of policies are more of the norm in some places, as opposed to full-on mandates like there was in 2020 and parts of 2021. As time has gone on, more places have lifted restrictions, but are not entirely okay with everyone being mask-free. Though, this message to me does not make it out to be like wearing a mask is entirely of one's free will. They say "we encourage audiences to wear a mask, unless exempt." The "unless exempt" part makes me believe that masks will be encouraged fairly more than in other places, as only those that would qualify as exempt would not be encouraged to do so. For me, I find this to be a bit wishy-washy with how it is worded, and it would be better if it were more straightforward by saying "masks requried", or "masks not required, but encouraged." The exemption status makes me think masks are more compulsory than what it might be trying to give off. -
2022-04-11
Fundraising for Ukraine
This is an Instagram post by maniteeshirts. This post is about people fundraising for Ukraine since they have been hit hard by the Russian invasion. Noticeably, all of the people posted in this picture are all wearing masks. This picture helps show that where some places might not require masks, some people are still wearing them. Due to not being given a location, I am not sure on the status on masks where this was posted. Since everyone is wearing them though, I am at least guessing it is a store that requires masks to enter. -
2022-04-11
Custom Black Lives Matter Masks
This is an Instagram post by shopdashofk. This is a post on custom masks with the words "Black Lives Matter" and "I Can't Breathe" written on them. These masks are meant to send a message on racial disparities between Black people and those of other races. Writing messages on masks has been a trend across all political spectrums, with some choosing different slogans or symbols to use, in order to send messages much like the masks featured here. This evokes some of the larger culture surrounding mask wearing in general, where they have been used much like graphic t-shirts to say messages people want heard. It is a new social phenomenon that has come with the pandemic, and it is still popular among some people. -
2022-04-05
Truth Serum
This is an Instagram post by namastou, and is partly in French. The comic posted in addition to the caption is by Ben Garrison, a political comic artist based in the United States. The comic shows how "truth" is being injected into "medical tyranny", and with that, the truth is that the masks are akin to making you slaves to the government, the vaccines cause gene alteration, and that PCR tests can come out as a false positive. -
2022-04-06
Please Wear Your Mask
This is an Instagram post by cathyk88. This user is posting on behalf of everyone that has followed the rules regarding masking these past two years. This user says that while new cases are not being reported by the media, this user is still keeping up with them. They say at the end that it is a personal choice of whether to wear a mask or not, there are a lot of people that cannot afford to get sick. At the end, they conclude that COVID is making a comeback and that people should mask up more. -
2022-04-07
Where the Government Requires Masks
This is an Instagram post by urbanpeaceinstitute. This post refers to places where mask mandates are still in existence. Even though mask mandates have been lifting in many places, certain places still want masks. Some of these places include: emergency and homeless shelters; public transit; healthcare settings; long-term care facilities; and correctional and detention facilities. These places are either government or healthcare associated. This post links to the County of Los Angeles Public Health for more information on the Coronavirus. -
2022-04-07
Ways of Prevention
This is an infographic on Instagram posted by fairhavenhealthcare. This infographic advises people to: use tissues when sneezing or coughing; wash hands often; refrain from crowded places; not to touch hands, mouth, or eyes; follow recommendations from healthcare providers; and get vaccinated. -
2022-04-07
Get Vaccinated
This is an Instagram post from myinnovage. This is a team that worked on getting people vaccinated. Here, one of the pictures that was chosen was of a woman holding a blank vaccine card and wearing a mask. This team is in Colorado and is encouraging people to get their booster shots. -
2022-01-21
School Apologizes After Viral Photo Of Teacher Taping Mask To Student's Face Outrages Parents
This is a news story from Your Tango by Nia Tipton. This is about a middle school in Pennsylvania, where a video of a teacher taping a mask to a student caused outrage. The photo was taken at Pennfield Middle School in Hatfield. The photo went viral and appeared on Sean Hannity's website. The middle school announced that they are going to conduct an investigation over this scandal. Parents also expressed their anger at school board meetings over this. The mother of the student getting his mask taped to his face says that she never intended for the story to go viral. She used the photo to gain support from a Facebook group prior to a school board meeting. She says that other individuals in the group took it upon themselves to spread this story further. -
2022-03-30
After two-year hiatus, LGBTQ events return to Fiesta San Antonio
This is a news story from the San Antonio Current by Sam Sanchez. This story is about LGBTQ events returning to San Antonio after a two year break due to COVID. For the past two years, many of these events have been canceled. This article shares events happening in San Antonio and what non-profits they benefit. Some of these non-profits include: the San Antonio AIDS Foundation, The Thrive Youth Center, Pride San Antonio and BEAT AIDS. Events include: themed parties, chili cook-offs, party shuttles, and fiestas. Certain events include fees for attending and certain COVID precautions, such as masks, to attend.