Read on Twitter
I’ve typed then deleted a lot over the last 24 hours, but wanted to summarize my now deleted tweets. First up, a mask mandate is needed for Oklahoma. IMO
From my weekend drives to small towns, I’ve seen the percentage of people wearing masks and it isn’t a pretty number.
I’ve sat in parking lots, in towns like Claremore, watching people go into Walgreens and Walmarts. A majority of people walking in and out of the doors didn't have a mask on. When those people get sick, they are usually transported to a hospital in a larger city.
A top health official said, “I've had people come up and tell me they'd wear a mask unless someone told them they had to.” I have my doubts those people wear masks even today.
In Sept., @news9 conducted a poll of likely voters and 72.3% approved of mandating wearing masks in public places. It wasn’t just Democrats, but also Republicans. Decisions to not protect people are being made from a loud minority of people. We have to filter through the noise.
I’ve said this before, but a few times during the last eight months I’ve traveled to New Mexico to escape. It is a state with a mask mandate, both outdoors and indoors. The decision to travel there was made because of that mandate and their numbers.
Restaurants are open at limited capacity and shop owners doors are opened for business. On the street, outside of city limits on mountain trails, a person waiting at a bus stop with no one around, people are wearing masks. It feels safe.
Because it is normalized and expected. Because it is the rule. Because it is saving lives and reducing spread.
At the border there are signs that say, “masks are required.” If you drive that way you better pee at home and hold it until you get to Tucumcari, because there is a clear difference when you cross the borders. Also you need to be tested 72-hours before arriving.
Our numbers are worse today than when we took steps to protect people, reduce hospital capacity and secure PPE. A statewide mask mandate can make a difference. You see it in the data in places in Oklahoma that have them compared to other areas.
My parents and family lives in Pryor Creek so I see what is happening there and people’s approach to the pandemic and mindset. If you want to get a glimpse of the division and those mindsets, click on this thread. https://www.facebook.com/zach.e.nash/posts/10157758765278602
People there who are concerned about COVID and safety have been silenced through intimidation, labeled “liberals and shamed for speaking out – by their friends, families and co-workers.
Last night when I was discussing what is going on there a person said, “Pryor will default to ‘faith over fear’ in all situations.” I wish they would put their faith in a mask.
Just like today in the press conference, nurses I’ve grown up with plead with people to wear their masks and distance. They have been using the same talking points as the State and that messaging isn’t working.
The replies and cries: “Masks don’t work.” "I'll show you what you can do with that mask." “You are a sheep.” “The flu is worse than COVID.” “It isn’t real.” “Fake news.” “Don’t trust the mainstream media, WHO or CDC.”
Talk about discouraging, sad and defeating. It has been happening from the start of it and because of the response from leadership in the White House. Words matter. Honesty matters. The truth matters.
I’ll end my rant there, but before I do I must also say that what is going on and being said (or not said) both before and after the election isn’t normal. Nothing about it is. The division and distrust was already bad, but with each tweet it is getting worse and dangerous.
