Dreary Memorial Day weekend Sunday. Main Ave. OG. Paul Goldfinger © Click to enlarge.
Paul Goldfinger, Editor. Blogfinger.net
A small but steady crowd meandered up and down Main Avenue. Eateries were open but only takeout. Nagle’s remains shuttered. Some other shops were open, but not for interior shopping.
About 50% of strollers wore masks. Some carried their masks while others had them hanging around their necks. I sensed some confusion as to the decision to wear or not to wear–that is the question.
I think the ones who carried would put them on as needed, such as if a group were coming toward them. One woman was overheard complaining that the mask made her feel smothered, so she had none on—can’t blame her. Her favorite group must be Air Supply.
The 6 foot distancing was easy because there wasn’t much of a crowd, but you can see in the photo that it was often ignored.
I saw a guy driving alone in his car wearing a mask. I’m quite certain that is not necessary.
And there was no sign of the Neptune PD which is supposed to be policing the situation, but I can’t imagine the police being enthused about this job.
I saw a sign on Rt 195 yesterday asking for “automotive distancing.” Really? Another sign was reported to say, “Don’t be a knucklehead.”
It seems that some OG visitors are having masks handy because they are afraid that someone might berate them for not masking, and who wants to feel guilty that they might make someone sick, even if they truly believe that the masking is largely nonsense.
Others want to decide for themselves when to implement the mask “as needed.” One woman told me her theories, and that is to be really compliant—-wearing double mask and gloves even as she stood in front of Cheese on Main. The double mask was in case one breaks. Her theory is like the double condom approach.
It seems that people have made up their own minds about the “mask issue.” But when they go out in public and see a variety of masking theories in action, then they feel worried and confused.
Wait till it gets really crowded over there and especially on the boards and the beach. It might be amusing to watch.
AIR SUPPLY