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Why Zombies and Covid-19 are Different
They are both scary, but at least you can see zombies
Back in March, North Carolina, where I live, was placed under a mandatory shelter-in-place order (or, what has been dubbed lockdown). This order meant, among other things, that bars, restaurants, schools, parks, anywhere where people might gather in groups, were to be partially or fully closed for the foreseeable future. In addition, health and political officials highly advised citizens to social distance, or keep a distance from others of 6 feet.
The foreseeable future turned out to be just a few weeks, as pressure was building on state officials to open their states back up. Phase after phase, the reopening of certain services, businesses, and organizations began.
In the beginning, wearing masks was not advised for people except in instances in which individuals felt ill or were at a higher risk. If you were not coughing, did not have particular pre-existing health conditions, or were not above a certain age, the message was not to bother with a mask. This was echoed by CDC Director and virologist Robert Redfield in February.
But recently, the Director and the CDC have turned their advice on its head. The news now? Wear a mask.