Paul Goldfinger, MD.
LOCATION: Checkout lane at Publix, a Florida grocery chain–like Wegmans, but not so upscale. I wanted to pay for a few items. I was masked as was the cashier. The store was not crowded.
One person was finishing in front of me, and then an elderly woman. (older than I) entered my lane, dragging her cart, and she wound up about 2 feet behind me. I turned toward her and realized that she had no mask on. One juicy cough and I could be in the hospital.
Me: Could you please back up.
She: Why should I?
Me: You are supposed to be wearing a mask and moving back 6 feet.
She: I don’t believe in that.
Me: Well I do.
She: You have nothing to fear because you have a mask.
Me: Where did you get your medical degree?
She: (scowling). moves back about 10 feet and says, dripping sarcasm, “Is this far enough for you?”
Me to the cashier: “She’s arguing with me about distancing”
He: Says nothing–just “That will be $5.11.”
Me. I pay quickly and vanish out the front door where the air is fresh and warm, and parking is plentiful. (People in Florida are avoiding shopping as much as possible.)
TANGLEWOOD FESTIVAL ORCHESTRA.
I plan on going to FL at some point this winter and I guess I’m going to encounter some craziness. If people are outside without a mask, I don’t care. It’s going to be weird going into a store if people don’t have them on. I’ve rarely ever seen that up here. I plan on ending up in the Punta Gorda area, but slightly east of there down Duncan Road, which is borderline rural. I wonder what it’s like.
In NC there is a mask rule, while in stores. However, when there is a recalcitrant, store employees are hesitant to enforce the rule. I guess the employees do not want to get involved in an argument with someone who is intentionally breaking the law.
Mask compliance is generally good but there should be enforcement. A plain clothes policeman roaming the isles of mega stores such as Walmart and issuing tickets would certainly help with compliance.
I’ve made 4 trips to the Venice area from NC the past two months. At least in Sarasota county the adherence to masks and distancing has been good and enforced. As you venture into rural areas it all goes out the window. Sounds like Paul ran into a BBH (Belligerent Blue Hair)
That’s Florida. A bit of advice: do not travel Route 75 from North Fort Myers–north Sunday. More non-believers. Norm