Here are my rambling thoughts. They may or may not make sense.
There is real fear surrounding this virus, and it feels like this thread goes around and around in circles (62 pages and counting). It obviously conjures deep rooted feelings and opinions.
Before this year, teachers taught in class rooms, people ate in restaurants, others socialized in close proximity, many worked in close quarters in offices and cubicles and only a very limited few visitors from overseas were seen wearing masks in public. What has changed? COVID-19. That's it. No other virus or disease has caused this level of panic and concern.
I have asked myself what the future holds and what will be deemed "normal" going forward and I personally think face shields and masks are ridiculous and pointless. Is the virus real? Yup. Is it dangerous? It has been proven dangerous to certain high risk groups. Am I responsible to protect the high risk? Not directly. I am responsible for my health and my dependents. If someone is high risk it is THEIR responsibility to protect themselves. Am I sympathetic to the high risk folks and their plight in protecting themselves? Yes. I won't knowingly or maliciously act to spread any illness. However, I feel folks have to decide what they are willing to do to protect themselves and their dependents. It is not my responsibility to live your life and make your decisions for you.
Do I fault someone with a new born at home, or someone in the high risk category, for taking precautions? Nope. Do I get annoyed that there are so many opinions and restrictions? Hell yes. Do I think people have to choose for themselves? Yup. Do I wear a mask? Not unless mandated by the business I am trying to patronize and they actually force me to put it on to give them my money. I don't make a scene nor try to attract attention; I am not trying to make a statement and I certainly don't berate employees that are simply doing what they are told to by their employer. I just go about living my life and letting others live theirs. I am extremely discouraged by the evident government overreach and hypocrisy.
I can't fathom nor understand why it's acceptable to protest in close proximity, but not worship in close proximity. Why is it deemed acceptable to shop in big box stores, but not dine at restaurants? The inconsistent application of what is essential vs. non essential is baffling. I would love to hear a reasonable person explain how a mask or face shield protects me when I can go to any retail store and handle goods that have been touched by countless people, including in many cases the cashier. Are gloves and sanitation stations the next step? Will we be forever afraid of germs and getting sick from now on? Is this really the new normal? How many side affects are we willing to accept (suicide, domestic violence, depression, anxiety) with the new "normal"?
If someone wants to force their beliefs on me, they damn well better have good, solid, hard facts before forcing me to act the way they want (i.e. masks, face shields, quarantine, etc). I am responsible for my own health and am accountable for the consequences of my actions. I wish everyone felt that way too.
So, by all means, wear a mask or face shield if you want to. I am totally cool if you decide to avoid me because I don't. If your physical presence is desired in my life, I will do what I can to not make you uncomfortable, but I sure as hell won't force you to interact with me. I would appreciate others not trying to force their desires on me too.
Just my $0.02.