XBB Variant Sparks New Covid Concerns - NBC News

[TexasTowelie]

Public health experts are concerned for omicron’s new subvariant XBB with one study suggesting the strain is resistant to Covid-19 boosters from prior infections. NBC News’ Valerie Castro has more on whether the U.S. is looking at another surge as hospitals are already overwhelmed with RSV and flu cases.

[czarjak]

1. Mask. Up. Again. Everybody.

[SuperCoder]

3. I have never...

...stopped wearing my mask. Never will.

Not until:

1. Everyone is 100% vaccinated and boosted.
2. The pandemic is over. And not just because a politician says it is. This means that it will be displayed in big white letters scrolling down the bottom of every news station across the country. Like at the very end of the movie Contagion.
3. There is no more Covid-19. Anywhere.

If that means I have to live the rest of my life in this house avoiding people...so be it.

[OhioChick]

12. Never stopped, don't intend to anytime soon n/t

[IzzaNuDay]

2. Key word: complacency

Some folks are so over the pandemic, they don’t care, won’t mask, continue to live as if there was no pandemic. And we continue to see new variants.

I’m frankly afraid we will have a virus that will kill like the first strain did in 2020 when there was no vaccine available. Until
Then, hope Pfizer and Moderna have a plan to create a XBB vaccine.

[Skittles]

4. and it's not just MAGAts

I've seen that I'LL TAKE MY CHANCES attitude right here on DU - fucking DISGUSTING

[NJCher]

5. I've just accepted

We’re going to be a mask-wearing society. Not a big deal.

I’m a germaphobe. Not as bad as Howard Hughes, but…

I actually like the fact that mask wearing and vinyl gloves are normalized.

[Irish_Dem]

6. In some Asian countries, mask wearing has been routine for decades.

To protect self or others from illness, pollution, cold weather.

I don't mind wearing a mask. So far it has kept me healthy.

[Rhiannon12866]

11. +100!

[calimary]

7. Well, I have a solution:

Start thinking about masks in a different way.

Not drudgery or forced obligation. Have a little fun with them!

Why not? If we have to tolerate mask-wearing again, or it seriously starts becoming the new normal, why not lighten it up a little? Have a little fun! Why not use your masks to express yourself a little! It’s your way to get creative, that a little of the humdrum out of it. Hey, instead of those pale clinical mass-produced ones, maybe something in royal blue? Or plaid? Maybe something with your favorite professional sports team’s logo on it? How ‘bout something in a relevant zodiac sign? Or a Valentine’s theme? Or a tasteful pattern or pinstripe or floral or watercolory? Textures? Prints of that Van Gogh wheat field? How ‘bout rhinestones? They can easily become conversation-starters or boredom-killers if you’re stuck waiting in line. Might even help perk up somebody’s spirits when they notice what you’re wearing.

Silly? Yup.

Simple? Ridiculously!

Mood-lifting? Definitely?

Why the hell not? If we’re stuck with ‘em, why not have a little fun with ‘em. It’s a LOT better than being bummed out or frustrated or aggravated. And it just might perk up your mood.

[NJCher]

10. I saw this at Trader Joe's

A woman had on a pinkish colored sweater with black trim around the front closing and on the sleeves. Her mask was the same color and it had black trim, too. She wore a black beret, had long white hair in a braid, and had black glasses. Very striking.

It made me think like what you described above.

I tend to like obscurity, but I just might try this for--as you say--to have a little fun. Conversation starter and a good way to connect with people at the checkout stand or at the library.

[calimary]

13. It's not just protection. It's an expression of YOU!

Your personality, your sense of humor and of whimsy! Your refusal to let the bad bug getcha, bum you out, or hold you back.

Besides, you just might brighten somebody’s mood on a grey day! Cheezy sequins or rhinestones can do that! And why the hell not?

[NJCher]

14. Ultimately

It can be a statement of how seriously one takes oneself.

And for me, the answer to that is almost always not very. 😽

[ampm]

8. Look at this

So here she is reporting, guessing she not taking it seriously herself.

[MagaSmash]

9. I call it the MRW variant: Mutates in Right Wingers

If you pass by a right winger; be sure to EXHALE; not Inhale.