I am livid (COVID content)

[regentrude]

When a restaurant or a store does not enforce social distancing and the employees don't wear masks, I can choose not to patronize the establishment.

When it's the DMV, I have no choice.

People were packed like sardines, almost nobody was wearing masks, and when I asked the employee about distancing, I was told "the state opened, we don't have to do that anymore". Uggh. Never mind that there is still a city ordinance in place.  I opted to stand outside and periodically peeked in to check on the progress of the numbers. I have never complained about a business to the city administration before, but today, I did.

Edited June 16, 2020 by regentrude

[Kassia]

Wow, I'm really surprised.  Ours opened recently and DH went last week.  He said they had distancing with people waiting outside.  He forgot his mask, but I didn't ask him if employees were wearing them.  He did say there was plexiglass there.  

 

 

[MEmama]

Good for you for speaking up.

I find it transparently ironic—if in no way surprising— that the same folks who want “the economy to open up” and everything to “ go back to normal” are often the same people who refuse to do the one thing that helps both of those to happen, mask. Seriously, it’s the easiest, most proven (as of yet) way to help keep each other healthy, thus allowing for a sense of normality to return. I do not understand it at all.

I also will not support businesses that do not enforce masking. I did thank our local UPS store today for doing so—the sales rep said he’s hearing a lot support for the policy. My community is very good about masking overall; the holdouts who refuse to do really stand out. 
 

I'm sorry you were forced into that position today. I’m angry on your behalf.
 

 

[Guest]

Wow, that’s incredible to me! Here, my nephew just had his driver’s test: the instructor does not currently join the student in the car and observes the student driving on the closed course. There is currently not an open road test. 

For once I’m glad I live in such a liberal state, lol. I’ve just come home from a shopping trip and mask compliance is still total (and still mandatory) and all the directionals and SDing stuff is still in place. 

[Jentrovert]

Masks and distancing have never been required or really enforced around here. It's aggravating. At the same time, there are generally few people in any one store at the same time anyway. I would hate being packed in somewhere like that.

[regentrude]

3 minutes ago, Quill said:

For once I’m glad I live in such a liberal state, lol. I’ve just come home from a shopping trip and mask compliance is still total (and still mandatory) and all the directionals and SDing stuff is still in place. 

My state is very conservative, sigh. That word doesn't seem to mean what it actually means.

My friend is on the city council and has been called a Nazi - because they instated a city ordinance limiting occupancy and mandating social distancing.

I do not see how it would infringe on a business operation if indoor waiting areas had to seat people 6ft apart, or if they did appointments etc.

The DMV office is run as a private business. I can think of dozens of ways to make their operation more efficient so the waiting room weren't as packed because people simply wouldn't have to wait that long. Instead of cramming everybody in there with their paper numbers (so last millennium's technology), what about buzzers or text notifications? Why do I need to be on the premises for an hour ? They could just text and I'd return....

[Scarlett]

18 minutes ago, Quill said:

Wow, that’s incredible to me! Here, my nephew just had his driver’s test: the instructor does not currently join the student in the car and observes the student driving on the closed course. There is currently not an open road test. 

For once I’m glad I live in such a liberal state, lol. I’ve just come home from a shopping trip and mask compliance is still total (and still mandatory) and all the directionals and SDing stuff is still in place. 

Can you just imagine what it is like in the Tulsa OK right now? Our numbers are spiking at an alarming rate.  And majority of people are carrying on business as usual.  It is quite alarming. 

[Scarlett]

13 minutes ago, regentrude said:

My state is very conservative, sigh. That word doesn't seem to mean what it actually means.

My friend is on the city council and has been called a Nazi - because they instated a city ordinance limiting occupancy and mandating social distancing.

I do not see how it would infringe on a business operation if indoor waiting areas had to seat people 6ft apart, or if they did appointments etc.

The DMV office is run as a private business. I can think of dozens of ways to make their operation more efficient so the waiting room weren't as packed because people simply wouldn't have to wait that long. Instead of cramming everybody in there with their paper numbers (so last millennium's technology), what about buzzers or text notifications? Why do I need to be on the premises for an hour ? They could just text and I'd return....

Same in OK. is that where you are?  thankfully  we can do ours on line though.  Do you have that option?

[Scarlett]

26 minutes ago, HeighHo said:

I'm sorry.

I had to leave my public library in March.  I cant stand by and watch people with obvious respiratory infections come over and cough and sneeze on people who are over 85 and just trying to get in a few hands of bridge or borrow a book before their health declines.  The selfishness is beyond belief. I lost the battle with the Library Director and the Board.  The country has changed so much since I was a child. I've never seen so many dirty people who aren't poverty.

What the what.  Very rude.  Or something.do you think poverty creates dirty people? Or that non poverty people are always clean? 

[regentrude]

5 minutes ago, Scarlett said:

Same in OK. is that where you are?  thankfully  we can do ours on line though.  Do you have that option?

not for real ID. They need to take a pic and check documents. You can renew vehicle registration online

[Momto6inIN]

Our BMV has you make an appt online so no one is standing in line and they can regulate how many are in the building.

[Scarlett]

1 minute ago, regentrude said:

not for real ID. They need to take a pic and check documents. You can renew vehicle registration online

Oh yeah.  I forgot about real ID.  

[Scarlett]

1 minute ago, Ordinary Shoes said:

I can only imagine. I just read on FB that Stillwater (my hometown) is becoming a hotspot. Crazy! I haven't lived in Oklahoma since 2001 and it's sad to watch how crazy the state has become in recent years. 

I'm beyond furious about that Coach Gundy stuff. Ugg! 

I am not from here and don’t know the sports...is that coach who had that offensive tshirt on?

[Pawz4me]

DS24 went to the DMV last month. He needed to do an address change, which he could have done online. But he also wanted to get a Real ID, so for that he needed to go in person, of course. He made an appointment ahead of time and said it was the best experience he'd ever had with the DMV. He said there were only a couple of other people there, and they waited outside until they were called. The examiners were wearing masks and the man who helped him said they were loving working this way because it was so much less zoo-like than normal.

[Bootsie]

So sorry this happened.  I can't imagine what the DMV offices are like around here.  I don't understand why there is always such a long line--no matter time of day or day of week you go.  We do have an online appointment system which is a joke.  We tried to make an appointment and it was extremely difficult to use; once we had a choice of two appointment times that were all over three months away.  In Texas, we can go to a DMV anywhere in the state so we drive to a small town when we need a DMV.  

[regentrude]

21 minutes ago, Momto6inIN said:

Our BMV has you make an appt online so no one is standing in line and they can regulate how many are in the building.

that seems such an easy solution, even for non-pandemic times

[maize]

1 hour ago, regentrude said:

When a restaurant or a store does not enforce social distancing and the employees don't wear masks, I can choose not to patronize the establishment.

When it's the DMV, I have no choice.

People were packed like sardines, almost nobody was wearing masks, and when I asked the employee about distancing, I was told "the state opened, we don't have to do that anymore". Uggh. Never mind that there is still a city ordinance in place.  I opted to stand outside and periodically peeked in to check on the progress of the numbers. I have never complained about a business to the city administration before, but today, I did.

I'm glad you complained. I think the people who dislike the restrictions have generally been more loud and vocal with their objections, our local and state governments need to hear from those of us who understand the need for restrictions to protect everyone.

[athena1277]

A lot of teens and parents have been very frustrated by the DMV here.  Since reopening, they aren’t doing appointments for driving tests.  There was a big discussion on a local FB group where the recommendation is to get there well before they open to get in line and plan to be there, outside in the sun, for hours.  Several mentioned being there for 5 hours.  Parents can’t enter the building, they have to give their teen their license to take in to show they came with a licensed driver.  My oldest will need to take her road test soon, but there’s no way I’m standing out there for 5 hours.  No idea how long it’s taking for other things, but I can’t imagine it’s much better.

[regentrude]

2 minutes ago, athena1277 said:

A lot of teens and parents have been very frustrated by the DMV here.  Since reopening, they aren’t doing appointments for driving tests.  There was a big discussion on a local FB group where the recommendation is to get there well before they open to get in line and plan to be there, outside in the sun, for hours.  Several mentioned being there for 5 hours.  Parents can’t enter the building, they have to give their teen their license to take in to show they came with a licensed driver.  My oldest will need to take her road test soon, but there’s no way I’m standing out there for 5 hours.  No idea how long it’s taking for other things, but I can’t imagine it’s much better.

Our driving tests are done at a different location. The people come over to the DMV after their test to process the paperwork.

[Carol in Cal.]

That would really fry me.  

I'm experiencing something similar where I've been SIP since March--it's in a mountain county with little infection.  The locals are social distancing even outside, and being really careful, but when people from out of the area drive up for recreation, which has been questionably legal until last Friday or so, they are not social distancing even in the stores.  That means that they don't care whether they carry it here--they are just glad that they probably won't catch it from a local.  That is an incredibly selfish POV.  

[SounderChick]

Oh man I would be super annoyed.  Our is still all online even if you wouldn't normally be eligible. They also delayed the real id compliance date so people can just renew the regular license for now.  Drivers tests are handled by the driving school here I don't know the process but they are happening.

[Tanaqui]

Quote

Do you think poverty is a condition of the pocketbook or ignorance of the mind?  

 

The former. You can pull people out of poverty quite easily by simply giving them cash.

[Kanin]

1 hour ago, Pawz4me said:

The examiners were wearing masks and the man who helped him said they were loving working this way because it was so much less zoo-like than normal.

Oh, I bet! It's always such a madhouse in the DMV. And people are SO impatient. It must be very stressful to work there most of the time. I hope appointments become the norm... wouldn't it be better for EVERYONE?? People make appointments for doctors, etc. so it shouldn't be a huge shock. 

[TCB]

2 hours ago, Quill said:

Wow, that’s incredible to me! Here, my nephew just had his driver’s test: the instructor does not currently join the student in the car and observes the student driving on the closed course. There is currently not an open road test. 

For once I’m glad I live in such a liberal state, lol. I’ve just come home from a shopping trip and mask compliance is still total (and still mandatory) and all the directionals and SDing stuff is still in place. 

How crazy it has to come down to politics though! I'm just having such a hard time understanding that. Probably because it makes no sense lol. My dd needs to go in to renew her learner driver permit and I just don't want to go because I know it will be just the same as Regentrude's experience. There is a supermarket around here where the employees don't wear mask at all and I don't go in there now.

Edited June 16, 2020 by TCB

[MEmama]

1 hour ago, Scarlett said:

Can you just imagine what it is like in the Tulsa OK right now? Our numbers are spiking at an alarming rate.  And majority of people are carrying on business as usual.  It is quite alarming. 

These people include my in-laws. We don’t dare ask how excited they are for...an upcoming event. 😞 

[Guest]

7 minutes ago, TCB said:

How crazy it has to come down to politics though! I'm just having such a hard time understanding that. Probably because it makes no sense lol. My dd needs to go in to renew her learner driver permit and I just don't want to go because I know it will be just the same as Regentrude's experience. Their is a supermarket around here where the employees don't wear mask at all and I don't go in there now.

Right? It never ceases to amaze me. It’s so bizarre to me that a freaking virus is political now. If you willingly wear a mask, you must be a Democrat. If you refuse to wear one, Republican. Does.Not.Compute. 

Quote

My state is very conservative, sigh. That word doesn't seem to mean what it actually means.

Funny you say that, Regentrude, because that exact thought went through my head as I typed the word “liberal.” I’m “liberal”, so I don’t think people should opt not to wear a mask and respect distance in a pandemic. Ummm....

[Scarlett]

18 minutes ago, Quill said:

Right? It never ceases to amaze me. It’s so bizarre to me that a freaking virus is political now. If you willingly wear a mask, you must be a Democrat. If you refuse to wear one, Republican. Does.Not.Compute. 

Funny you say that, Regentrude, because that exact thought went through my head as I typed the word “liberal.” I’m “liberal”, so I don’t think people should opt not to wear a mask and respect distance in a pandemic. Ummm....

A friend of mine had her teeth cleaned the other day.  The hygienist did. Not. Wear. A mask.  And she talked non stop about politics.  I mean, what the heck?  Hygentists always wear mask and goggles don’t they?
 

That is my dentist.  I won’t be going there if they are not wearing a 😷 .  

Edited June 16, 2020 by Scarlett
Left out the word not

[KungFuPanda]

1 hour ago, Bootsie said:

So sorry this happened.  I can't imagine what the DMV offices are like around here.  I don't understand why there is always such a long line--no matter time of day or day of week you go.  We do have an online appointment system which is a joke.  We tried to make an appointment and it was extremely difficult to use; once we had a choice of two appointment times that were all over three months away.  In Texas, we can go to a DMV anywhere in the state so we drive to a small town when we need a DMV.  

I’ve done that in Maryland. It’s quicker to drive an hour into the country than to go to a populated DMV. (In Maryland it’s the MVA and I will never get used to this.). My town does have a MVA Express, so that is quick for the stuff they do. I went to the one in Baltimore ONCE. 

[GoodGrief]

I had to go to a medical appointment today in a clinic within a larger medical facility. Though I suppose our state is "conservative", the city/medical facility/staff are certainly not.

There was a sign to "check in" when you walk through the door. There were three people sitting with computers at the area, immediately adjacent to each other. I waited, and was not acknowledged. After a minute, I asked, "Do I check in here?" They looked up, asked if I had an appointment and whether I had used the hand sanitizer, and pointed me toward the clinic.

There were tables in front of the check in area for the clinic, so distancing from staff happening there. However, the staff was all sitting together, passing papers and such back and forth. No particular setup for distance in the waiting area, but it wasn't super busy either. Then I got called into a tiny room where I sat in the enclosed space immediately adjacent to a young man with a beard and loose mask to talk about insurance.

Back in the exam room, they used a standard thermometer and actually auscultated the blood pressure, so a staff member had her face by mine for a prolonged time getting the reading with the stethoscope. The provider who saw me had a loose mask that was hanging below her nose most of the time.

I do know they had a positive case at the facility just hours before, so it's not like they had no experience with the situation.

Anyway, interesting. I'm not super worried. I could have walked out if I was. Again, not a remotely conservative population at this facility.

[happi duck]

3 hours ago, MEmama said:

Good for you for speaking up.

I find it transparently ironic—if in no way surprising— that the same folks who want “the economy to open up” and everything to “ go back to normal” are often the same people who refuse to do the one thing that helps both of those to happen, mask. Seriously, it’s the easiest, most proven (as of yet) way to help keep each other healthy, thus allowing for a sense of normality to return. I do not understand it at all.

I also will not support businesses that do not enforce masking. I did thank our local UPS store today for doing so—the sales rep said he’s hearing a lot support for the policy. My community is very good about masking overall; the holdouts who refuse to do really stand out. 
 

I'm sorry you were forced into that position today. I’m angry on your behalf.
 

 

Well said!

Edited June 16, 2020 by happi duck

[happi duck]

1 hour ago, Carol in Cal. said:

That would really fry me.  

I'm experiencing something similar where I've been SIP since March--it's in a mountain county with little infection.  The locals are social distancing even outside, and being really careful, but when people from out of the area drive up for recreation, which has been questionably legal until last Friday or so, they are not social distancing even in the stores.  That means that they don't care whether they carry it here--they are just glad that they probably won't catch it from a local.  That is an incredibly selfish POV.  

Our county has high numbers.  I know someone who has had to be a loud voice in getting a youth trip cancelled.  The other adults were only thinking about that the destination county had only a few cases.  "We'll be safe."  The loud voice had to explain " we are coming from a hotspot!  It is wrong for us to go to a place with very few cases and very few hospital beds! "  

 

[Carrie12345]

Our DMV is doing really good with keeping to recommendations.
My dds’ employer... not so much. 😤 (For employees, yes. Customers, not always.)

[Guest]

I'd have been angry, too. I was relieved when the DMV here actually was being cautious (masks required, sign in and wait in your car until you are called, only a small number of people inside at a time when DD went to get her permit. If they hadn't been....well, I would have had a teenager who was continuing to be frustrated, as she had been for the last few months, because a learners permit is NOT worth that amount of risk...

 

I am very concerned that I am going to be expected to go back to teaching without any extra precautions in the fall because for the most part, people here want to believe it's over-but the government offices, at least, seem to be being cautious.

[Pen]

Thanks for speaking up and for complaining to city!!!  Good job!

I would probably also send a complaint email to state department of motor vehicles or transportation or whatever you have that controls the dmv in your state.  Usually DMV is a local branch of a state level government entity, not a local controlled business. 

 

[regentrude]

5 minutes ago, Pen said:

I would probably also send a complaint email to state department of motor vehicles or transportation or whatever you have that controls the dmv in your state.  Usually DMV is a local branch of a state level government entity, not a local controlled business. 

No, not here. They are a private contract agent, not operated by the state.

And the state has no restrictions anymore. Thanks, stupid governor.

[TravelingChris]

5 hours ago, regentrude said:

My state is very conservative, sigh. That word doesn't seem to mean what it actually means.

My friend is on the city council and has been called a Nazi - because they instated a city ordinance limiting occupancy and mandating social distancing.

I do not see how it would infringe on a business operation if indoor waiting areas had to seat people 6ft apart, or if they did appointments etc.

The DMV office is run as a private business. I can think of dozens of ways to make their operation more efficient so the waiting room weren't as packed because people simply wouldn't have to wait that long. Instead of cramming everybody in there with their paper numbers (so last millennium's technology), what about buzzers or text notifications? Why do I need to be on the premises for an hour ? They could just text and I'd return....

We actually have some Nazi/white power type running around our city --- doing graffiti on two synagogues over Passover and this last weekend, spray painting an overpass near my house.  The video of one of the synagogue vandalism incidents makes most of us think it is younger teenager-- the body type was not one typical of an adult but rather more like a fast growing boy but whoever it is doing it needs to be caught.  That is Nazism-  not social distancing.

[TravelingChris]

2 hours ago, GoodGrief1 said:

I had to go to a medical appointment today in a clinic within a larger medical facility. Though I suppose our state is "conservative", the city/medical facility/staff are certainly not.

There was a sign to "check in" when you walk through the door. There were three people sitting with computers at the area, immediately adjacent to each other. I waited, and was not acknowledged. After a minute, I asked, "Do I check in here?" They looked up, asked if I had an appointment and whether I had used the hand sanitizer, and pointed me toward the clinic.

There were tables in front of the check in area for the clinic, so distancing from staff happening there. However, the staff was all sitting together, passing papers and such back and forth. No particular setup for distance in the waiting area, but it wasn't super busy either. Then I got called into a tiny room where I sat in the enclosed space immediately adjacent to a young man with a beard and loose mask to talk about insurance.

Back in the exam room, they used a standard thermometer and actually auscultated the blood pressure, so a staff member had her face by mine for a prolonged time getting the reading with the stethoscope. The provider who saw me had a loose mask that was hanging below her nose most of the time.

I do know they had a positive case at the facility just hours before, so it's not like they had no experience with the situation.

Anyway, interesting. I'm not super worried. I could have walked out if I was. Again, not a remotely conservative population at this facility.

I am have been in a lot of medical appointments both during quarantine and after and I am in a conservative but very educated area.   Nothing like this in any of the miultiple facilities I have been in.  And lots of my medical providers are doing telehealth too.

[regentrude]

2 minutes ago, Danae said:

If we’re at the point where professionals who previously wore masks are now going to boycott them for political reasons we’ve really gone off the deep end.

We used to have a heandbang emoji, if I remember correctly. I want that back.

[TCB]

56 minutes ago, Danae said:

If we’re at the point where professionals who previously wore masks are now going to boycott them for political reasons we’ve really gone off the deep end.

I hate to say it but I work with a couple of people like that.

[kristin0713]

Our reality in NJ has been so different.  We were on total lockdown right away and masks were mandated from the get-go.  You cannot go inside any building without one.  Even though our numbers have declined, many things are still closed.  I think masks will be mandated by law until 2021 or longer if it gets bad again in the winter.  I personally haven't seen anyone put up a fight about masking.  

6 hours ago, regentrude said:

Our driving tests are done at a different location. The people come over to the DMV after their test to process the paperwork.

Michigan does 3rd party driving tests, but they aren’t being allowed and new driver’s licenses still are not being processed at Secretary of State offices...”not essential” supposedly.  Appointments make sense, but here it has never seemed to work out well.  It is more hold my place in line rather than an actual appointment.  I try to avoid the place at all costs even during non pandemic times, but my daughter would really love to get her license.

[TravelingChris]

7 hours ago, happi duck said:

Our county has high numbers.  I know someone who has had to be a loud voice in getting a youth trip cancelled.  The other adults were only thinking about that the destination county had only a few cases.  "We'll be safe."  The loud voice had to explain " we are coming from a hotspot!  It is wrong for us to go to a place with very few cases and very few hospital beds! "  

 

You are reminding me that we have to call for the cancelling of a retreat that was rescheduled for August.  If it won't be cancelled, both dh and I will not be attending.

[Hilltopmom]

Ugh, our dmv was supposed to open for road tests in phase 3 but have not yet. Ds needs to get his license to drive back and forth to campus from his apartment in August (if colleges are on site). Otherwise it’s an $80 Uber round trip. Or he needs to change his class schedule.. or something. If he doesn’t pass it or can’t get an appointment his plans need to change!

i hate uncertainty.

Theyll be using masks and face shields.

Edited June 17, 2020 by Hilltopmom

[KungFuPanda]

13 hours ago, kristin0713 said:

Our reality in NJ has been so different.  We were on total lockdown right away and masks were mandated from the get-go.  You cannot go inside any building without one.  Even though our numbers have declined, many things are still closed.  I think masks will be mandated by law until 2021 or longer if it gets bad again in the winter.  I personally haven't seen anyone put up a fight about masking.  

I think there is so much regional disconnect. There are entire states that have fewer cases than my COUNTY and my county isn’t the worst in Maryland. There are states where a huge increase in cases will still mean they have fewer cases than my county. Population density seems to be a real problem with this. I have relatives in rural areas that aren’t taking it seriously at all and meanwhile I had another friend diagnosed yesterday. A couple friends lost their parents. It’s just ugly out there. 

[Splash1]

I've done it all online.  They then give me a print out to put in window until stickers arrive.  If you need to go in person you have to make an appointment and wear a mask.  Workers are behind plexiglass.

 

[kristin0713]

3 hours ago, KungFuPanda said:

I think there is so much regional disconnect. There are entire states that have fewer cases than my COUNTY and my county isn’t the worst in Maryland. There are states where a huge increase in cases will still mean they have fewer cases than my county. Population density seems to be a real problem with this. I have relatives in rural areas that aren’t taking it seriously at all and meanwhile I had another friend diagnosed yesterday. A couple friends lost their parents. It’s just ugly out there. 

I think part of it is that it got serious here real fast.  We have had almost 13,000 deaths in NJ.  It is impossible to not know someone who had it, died, or had a family member who died.  Our numbers have been dropping in recent weeks, but for awhile I was constantly wondering if we were going to be next.  I am finally able to go into a grocery store now without panicking every time. 

[Janeway]

You do not have to patronize the place that is not social distancing. I do not patronize places that require masks. In the end, it all evens out. 

[ktgrok]

2 minutes ago, Janeway said:

You do not have to patronize the place that is not social distancing. I do not patronize places that require masks. In the end, it all evens out. 

There are zero regular grocery stores in my area that require masks. So I don't have much of a choice. Costco in the next town over is the only food store that does, they don't have everything we need, and even there people fudging it. 

The only retail store I've found so far that requires them is the local mom and pop running store. 

[regentrude]

1 hour ago, Janeway said:

You do not have to patronize the place that is not social distancing. 

Actually, I have to, since not patronizing this business requires me to break the law. I do not have the option not to drive.

Quote

I do not patronize places that require masks.

I am struggling to understand the rationale behind boycotting a business that tries to protect its employees and customers from other customers' germs. Could you please explain to me the mindset that makes you refuse? I am at a loss.

Quote

In the end, it all evens out. 

What evens out?

Edited June 17, 2020 by regentrude

[Wheres Toto]

19 hours ago, kristin0713 said:

Our reality in NJ has been so different.  We were on total lockdown right away and masks were mandated from the get-go.  You cannot go inside any building without one.  Even though our numbers have declined, many things are still closed.  I think masks will be mandated by law until 2021 or longer if it gets bad again in the winter.  I personally haven't seen anyone put up a fight about masking.  

I'm in NJ too and my adult daughter and I have been saying a lot recently that we are so glad to be here where the majority seem to be taking it seriously.   I have seen comments against masks and complaining about the slow pace of opening up online especially on Facebook, but for the most part even if people are complaining, they are complying.  The few times I go into a store, I'm seeing 100% masking.   It's not quite as good outdoors, but the protest or marches all seem to have lots of masking so that's good.  

I do feel like Murphy took too big of a jump with the most recent relaxation of rules, but I also understand why he felt the need to do it.   I'm just hoping it doesn't come back to bite us in the ass.