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Post by catmom on Sept 26, 2021 20:15:41 GMT
That's a really interesting question. For me there are 2 aspects. First is my baseline level of safety which informs the level of risk I'm willing to undertake. As @sunnycamom stated, privilege buys safety - both actual safety and a 'sense' of safety. I'm incredibly privileged and I'm aware of it. Privileged to live in a country and province that took Covid and people's safety pretty seriously and that is rich enough to afford early access to vaccines while we watch(ed) countless millions suffer and die. Privileged to live in a town with an exceptionally high vaccination rate, privileged in that I don't ever have to leave the house if I don't want to, and can get even food delivered. In other words, I'm able to create a bubble of comprehensive protection around me with little to no risk of infection, and any risks I take are essentially of my own choosing. My day to day life 'feels' very safe, because it literally is as safe as humanly possible within a pandemic. Which leads me to the second aspect. As a result of my privileged safety, I'm very aware of risks I do take and whether the experience is actually worth it. I've often said how angry I would be if I end up in the hospital as a result of a <painting class/dinner out/band/gym visit>. Which leads me to my verbose answer of - safety to me means that the amount of risk has been minimized as much as possible and that I feel that I'm statistically unlikely to be exposed to Covid based on the precautions that myself or others around me have taken. When we had 1 case a day I felt safe doing most things as it seemed statistically unlikely that I would be unlucky enough to run into the couple of people who could be infectious. When we had 50 a day and outbreaks at a restaurant down the street and my grocery store, I ramped up my protective behaviours and felt that most outside activities were not safe. I think I would have a very different view if I worked in one of the many jobs that requires me to be exposed to people every day. I think in that case I would decide that since I was already being exposed and taking on risk just by going to work, that I might as well keep taking risks to give myself the best life that I could - whether that's going to the gym, concerts, restaurants etc. I would actually be really curious to test out the relationship between work/life-related risk of Covid and willingness to take on risks in personal life. Sorry for the long answer - I lack the capacity to be concise lol. |
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Post by epeanymous on Sept 26, 2021 20:22:37 GMT
I don’t feel “safe.” I feel like there is a huge amount of risk to be managed here, and that there are a variety of things a person can do to make things less risky, Covid-wise. Getting vaccinated reduces the risks to you and the people around you considerably; masking also seems to have an effect; and a lot of us are avoiding indoor unmasked or indoor very crowded scenarios precisely because we do not know if other people are vaccinated or not unless there are specific rules (eg, I really do feel decently confident that my students are vaccinated, although we are still managing risks by wearing masks and by having social events outdoors).
I think of it like driving. Wearing a seatbelt, following traffic rules, staying sober and alert, etc. won’t guarantee that you will be safe, but it will reduce the risks. I don’t feel “safe” driving, but I think there are ways I can do it that will make it less likely that I experience harm, and that we collectively try to design traffic patterns and features and develop laws to reduce collective risks.
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Post by papercrafteradvocate on Sept 26, 2021 20:29:54 GMT
I review “safe” daily, depending on what we are doing.
I’m safe in our home.
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QueenoftheSloths
Drama Llama
Member Since January 2004, 2,698 forum posts PeaNut Number: 122614 PeaBoard Title: StuckOnPeas
Posts: 5,955 
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Post by QueenoftheSloths on Sept 26, 2021 20:45:13 GMT
I don’t feel “safe.” I feel like there is a huge amount of risk to be managed here, and that there are a variety of things a person can do to make things less risky, Covid-wise. Getting vaccinated reduces the risks to you and the people around you considerably; masking also seems to have an effect; and a lot of us are avoiding indoor unmasked or indoor very crowded scenarios precisely because we do not know if other people are vaccinated or not unless there are specific rules (eg, I really do feel decently confident that my students are vaccinated, although we are still managing risks by wearing masks and by having social events outdoors). I think of it like driving. Wearing a seatbelt, following traffic rules, staying sober and alert, etc. won’t guarantee that you will be safe, but it will reduce the risks. I don’t feel “safe” driving, but I think there are ways I can do it that will make it less likely that I experience harm, and that we collectively try to design traffic patterns and features and develop laws to reduce collective risks. I think your driving comparison is a great way to look at it. Every time you drive somewhere you could be in a wreck. But people don't say, I have no choice, I have to drive, so I won't bother with my seatbelt because just the driving itself puts me at risk of an accident. |
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Post by Merge on Sept 26, 2021 20:52:39 GMT
Interesting to note that the CDC doesn’t use the word “safe.” It uses “more risky” and “less risky.” There is no safe. There never will be again. There’s only whatever level of risk we’re willing to take or that is forced upon us. Do you feel this situation is (or at least will be) akin to flu in terms of risk/never going away etc ? Yes, akin to the flu but worse. COVID is more deadly and, unlike flu, has the potential for serious long-term effects in a significant number of those who survive. It also has a much greater impact on our healthcare systems and is not "seasonal" like the flu. |
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Post by dewryce on Sept 27, 2021 1:35:23 GMT
I would guess that maybe it means "I have weighed up the risks, taken various factors into account and decided I am comfortable with this level of risk, while knowing nothing is 100% safe." I don't think we're there yet with the vaccination (rates aren't high enough) but in the end it will be as good as it gets. I don't believe we were promised more than that. 100% this. I never heard and read that the vaccines were a cure. They were a way to prevent our hospitals being flooded with very sick patients. And keep the majority of people from being very sick. Just like the flu vaccine. Exactly this. Where did the idea that the vaccine would be a cure or stop all deaths come from? In my experience, I have mostly seen the argument used as an excuse by anti-vaxxers not to get it and how it “doesn’t work.” But perhaps it started somewhere? I have seen bad messaging from the CDC that we knew were setting expectations too high (get the vaccine masks not needed anywhere), but even then they didn’t say it was a cure or 100% effective in avoiding getting the virus or becoming seriously ill. We are all in the same storm, but we are not all in the same boat. Some are in yachts and some are in row boats. I really like this analogy! |
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Post by hop2 on Sept 27, 2021 1:57:19 GMT
I do not feel ‘safe’ I’m in the vicinity of 15-30 people a day. I wear a mask, try to keep my distance, use sanitizer etc., but I still feel at risk. Always.
If it’s ‘safe’ enough for my employer to send me into these situations daily then it’s safe enough to do things that are fun for me. So for me, I weigh what risk I am to others. People I spend time with know what I do for a living so they know I’m a risk. If they are game, then I’m game.
I do not do crowds. I wear a mask. But I’m not sure this is ever going away so I’m going to live my life. Taking what precautions I can.
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Post by Zee on Sept 27, 2021 2:26:34 GMT
For me it's not safe vs unsafe, it's just that I have been exposed multiple times now and if I was going to catch a deadly case I'd already have done so.
I'm not scared of it, and if I was to die tomorrow, I'd have lived my life enjoying most days. That's all I could want out of life.
I could quit working, stay home and let my husband take care of everything, but that's pretty boring to me and not worth it. I'd much rather be doing what I'm doing. We go out to eat, shopping, appointments, to the gym, etc. I only wear a mask where required or if I think I'll be in close quarters.
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RedSquirrelUK
Drama Llama
Posts: 6,920
Location: The UK's beautiful West Country
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Post by RedSquirrelUK on Sept 27, 2021 12:46:01 GMT
I feel safe at home, knowing that neither DH nor I go anywhere except for medical appointments at the moment. I feel safe outside when there is nobody else about except for DH and me, and in our cars with the windows closed. I feel safe enough when outside with other people - we had our first meal out yesterday since February 2020 with MIL and FIL in a pub garden. We are all fully vaccinated.
Any other circumstances will be risk-assessed when they arise. My definition of "safe" will change as my immune system gets stronger.
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Deleted
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Nov 24, 2024 0:01:23 GMT
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Post by Deleted on Sept 27, 2021 12:54:37 GMT
There is also Long Covid to consider too.
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Post by jeremysgirl on Sept 27, 2021 13:02:11 GMT
It's all about assessment of risk/reward for me. I don't need to eat in a restaurant. I'm fine with takeout. So that doesn't have a reward benefit that is worth the risk to me. I enjoy working in my office on Thursdays. I like seeing people and I feel productive there. Masks are mandatory and the building does not have everyone in it. That feels like a situation where the reward is greater than the risk. I'm on the fence about the gym. I can assess the reward part, but I posted yesterday because I'm having a hard time assessing the risk end. So I evaluate each circumstance because I absolutely don't want to celebrate Thanksgiving and Christmas alone this year. That's a situation where I want the reward so badly. And I have to think about the risk to the people I want to spend my holidays with.
I read that soon an anti-viral pill for covid is coming out. I think once it does, my risk assessment of things will go down even more. Because it will be another tool (next to vaccines) that will help should I get covid. As we make progress on treatments, the level of risk, IMO, goes down for all things.
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QueenoftheSloths
Drama Llama
Member Since January 2004, 2,698 forum posts PeaNut Number: 122614 PeaBoard Title: StuckOnPeas
Posts: 5,955
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Post by QueenoftheSloths on Sept 27, 2021 13:09:57 GMT
Maybe if your most important thing is the holiday gatherings, delay the gym until January. Of course, then the gym will be full of new year's resolution people, so another element to consider.
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RedSquirrelUK
Drama Llama
Posts: 6,920
Location: The UK's beautiful West Country
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Post by RedSquirrelUK on Sept 27, 2021 13:34:20 GMT
There is also Long Covid to consider too. Already dealing with that. {sigh} |
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Deleted
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Nov 24, 2024 0:01:23 GMT
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Post by Deleted on Sept 27, 2021 14:49:35 GMT
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Deleted
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Nov 24, 2024 0:01:23 GMT
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Post by Deleted on Sept 27, 2021 15:13:31 GMT
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Post by chrispeas on Sept 27, 2021 15:16:24 GMT
I honestly don’t really think about risk vs safe in my daily life. I wear my mask inside businesses because I want to. We don’t have a mandate just a recommendation. I’ve gotten so used to wearing them I don’t really think about it. I’ve flown 10 times this year all with connecting flights. I will be headed to a wedding in October in Maryland. Vaccination required to attend. I’ve eaten in restaurants. I’m not letting the virus control me like it did in the beginning. I’m vaccinated as is the rest of my family and friends. Three of my family members got covid last year before vaccines. One being my husband. How did I not get it? I’m generally pretty healthy and rarely ever get sick. I don’t feel reckless or invincible. I’ll get the booster when it’s my turn. Hoping that positive data comes out about mix n match cuz I’d like to switch. I don’t see this virus going away so we need to try and live our best lives. Tomorrow isn’t guaranteed anyways.
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RedSquirrelUK
Drama Llama
Posts: 6,920
Location: The UK's beautiful West Country
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Post by RedSquirrelUK on Sept 27, 2021 15:27:07 GMT
Thank you my dear. I did start following it, but whilst having the chemo my brain could only cope with so much at a time. I have bookmarked it and I need to have another look. All previous health issues were put on hold until the cancer is dealt with. I get that - the cancer treatment changes your body and isn't compatible with treatment for other things. I just have to put up with the other stuff until I'm discharged back to my GP. |
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kelly8875
Pearl Clutcher
Posts: 4,441
Location: Lost in my supplies...
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Post by kelly8875 on Sept 27, 2021 15:29:29 GMT
I feel safe enough. I know my risks, I know my risk areas. I know what I do to help against it all. None of the recommended ways are perfect.
I feel safe enough to drive. I know I'm at risk every time I'm in a car that someone will smash into me. What do I do to help ease anxiety of that? I wear a seatbelt, have airbags, and pay attention to my surroundings. Still at risk, but I feel safe.
I feel safe enough to go to a large crop this past weekend. I wore a mask when I needed to, made sure I wasn't close to people I didn't know. Our group specifically requested to be on the edge of the room (we knew the organizers, so we were lucky to be accomodated). I didn't join the food line (boxed meals) when it was crowded. I did the make & take early in the morning when it wasn't busy. I washed my hands and used hand sanitizer. Still at risk, but I felt safe.
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Deleted
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Nov 24, 2024 0:01:23 GMT
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Post by Deleted on Sept 27, 2021 16:44:59 GMT
I think when people say they are "safe" it's a figure of speech and what they really mean is, the risks one faces in any situation not just Covid is far lower and more acceptable to their level of comfort in dealing with whatever the situation is.
Everything in life on a day to day basis has a risk. Nothing protects one fully from danger or risk. Some we are prepared to accept because the risk is much lower than the possible outcome. Others the risk is higher.
If I say I feel "safe" in saying I'd go to the gym, as an example, during the pandemic as it is at the moment. What I really mean is that I have considered the risks that I might get infected and have taken precautions to mitigate that risk. Doesn't mean I am totally " safe" but the actions I have taken - fully vaccinated, masked, social distancing, attending at a quieter time good hygiene are the precaution that would make it an acceptable risk and in turn I would be as "safe" as I could be.
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Post by Scrapper100 on Sept 27, 2021 17:10:58 GMT
For me while numbers are down I “feel safe” going into uncrowded stores. I’m vaccinated and masked. I did leave Trader Joe’s one day as it was later in the day snd there were a lot of people snd a lot unmasked. If numbers go back up I will go back to online snd curbside only (I still use but not all the time). I am stocking up on some things but that’s more of seeing the supply chain stuff on the news and online constantly. I have browsed a bit in a few stores and really enjoyed it.
I feel we are taking as many precautions as is realistic right now. Husband is back in the office but everyone is tested at least once a week and given tests and encouraged to test twice a week at home as well. They mask except when at their desks with no one around.
I know vaccines are not perfect as a friends daughter who is a nurse Is in the hospital with Covid. She was vaccinated late January and was waiting to get her next dose. A coworker came to work with symptoms she ignored. She is livid as she is sick snd has two children at home too young to vaccinate. She is young so hopefully she will be fine and hasn’t seen passed it to her children.
If our numbers go up again I won’t feel safe shopping indoors knowing that the vaccine does wane after 6-8 months or so.
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Post by Scrapper100 on Sept 27, 2021 19:32:28 GMT
There is also Long Covid to consider too. Already dealing with that. {sigh} I thought you had recovered finally. I’m so sorry you are still dealing with it. I didn’t know you were still dealing with it. Long Covid really scares me so many ways it can manifest. |
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Post by jenjie on Sept 27, 2021 20:30:07 GMT
That leaflet is excellent. TFS |
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RedSquirrelUK
Drama Llama
Posts: 6,920
Location: The UK's beautiful West Country
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Post by RedSquirrelUK on Sept 27, 2021 20:58:03 GMT
Already dealing with that. {sigh} I thought you had recovered finally. I’m so sorry you are still dealing with it. I didn’t know you were still dealing with it. Long Covid really scares me so many ways it can manifest. Thank you. It got overtaken by the cancer. The fatigue is probably because of the chemo/cancer, so it's really mainly the random raised temperature (often 100+) and the breathing, which may not be Long Covid after all. But nobody really knows because as you say, there are so many different manifestations of it, and also no investigations are being done because of 1) Covid and 2) cancer. I'm still using a combined steroid/long acting bronchodilator twice a day after 15 months. It keeps me largely out of distress, but I can't go more than a couple of hours late. I have needed salbutamol on top at times. It's been pretty stable for months now though so I suspect it isn't going to get any better. Are you struggling as well? |
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