My announcement that I was running with a mask got a LOT of comment (from all sides) earlier. It’s in response to changes in the state of the pandemic and the transmissibility of the virus. Worth unpacking 1/goodness knows

First I posted the photo after a couple of interviews this week in which mask use outside was discussed in the context of surging infections due to the variant B.1.1.7. Here's one https://t.co/fyzz8rKnXb
And then this with RTE where were talked about mask use in the context of the situation in the Republic of Ireland, where cases are surging. I commented that I run with a mask. Hence the tweet

https://t.co/P3tC6NYWAa
Some asked “why are you doing this outside?” – I know where they’re coming from. Risk of transmission is MUCH lower outside. If all contacts were outside there probably would not *be* a pandemic. But it's also not nil
https://t.co/gTxywkPqFf
and remember this is also about solidarity. Seeing a person wearing a mask is a sign that they are looking out for you and not just themselves, because masks greatly reduce the risk of transmission https://t.co/k0yjAePH1w
and there's this too. The law. I'm not altogether sure I agree with it as phrased. But I sure as hell have bigger fish to fry https://t.co/eUv8GT6JgQ
BUT the context of this is the variants of the virus that are more transmissible. One is rampant in the UK, and growing in Ireland. THAT is the context for the discussion – what more can we do to stop a yet more infectious virus?
These may not have been identified where you live, but they will likely grow there and become more common over the next couple months. Like this says, so get ready now. https://t.co/AlEmZA1lbq
Nearly a year ago I pinned the tweet - Don't panic, do prepare. Still true. Rather than panicking or being fatalistic, this means we have to step up infection control. That includes masks outside. So I am stepping up. And showing that I am stepping up in the hope you will too
(Btw I don't *like* running wearing a mask. but it's far from impossible. You can also wear one on your chin and pull it up as you get close to other people esp when running in less crowded areas)
Masks are a small inconvenience in all but quite limited, specific situations. Being triggered by this seems… odd for people who would probably not like to view themselves as easily shaken. And would like masks in other contexts where they were more macho and transgressive
Don't know how to reach those folks. But won't stop trying.

/end
PS those who want to know I was wearing a KF94 from Facefit, which people who know more about masks than I do recommend. There are *many* other options

More from Society

We finally have the U.S. Citizenship Act Bill Text! I'm going to go through some portions of the bill right now and highlight some of the major changes and improvements that it would make to our immigration system.

Thread:


First the Bill makes a series of promises changes to the way we talk about immigrants and immigration law.

Gone would be the term "alien" and in its place is "noncitizen."

Also gone would be the term "alienage," replaced with "noncitizenship."


Now we get to the "earned path to citizenship" for all undocumented immigrants present in the United States on January 1, 2021.

Under this bill, anyone who satisfies the eligibility criteria for a new "lawful prospective immigrant status" can come out of the shadows.


So, what are the eligibility criteria for becoming a "lawful prospective immigrant status"? Those are in a new INA 245G and include:

- Payment of the appropriate fees
- Continuous presence after January 1, 2021
- Not having certain criminal record (but there's a waiver)


After a person has been in "lawful prospective immigrant status" for at least 5 years, they can apply for a green card, so long as they still pass background checks and have paid back any taxes they are required to do so by law.

However! Some groups don't have to wait 5 years.

You May Also Like

@franciscodeasis https://t.co/OuQaBRFPu7
Unfortunately the "This work includes the identification of viral sequences in bat samples, and has resulted in the isolation of three bat SARS-related coronaviruses that are now used as reagents to test therapeutics and vaccines." were BEFORE the


chimeric infectious clone grants were there.https://t.co/DAArwFkz6v is in 2017, Rs4231.
https://t.co/UgXygDjYbW is in 2016, RsSHC014 and RsWIV16.
https://t.co/krO69CsJ94 is in 2013, RsWIV1. notice that this is before the beginning of the project

starting in 2016. Also remember that they told about only 3 isolates/live viruses. RsSHC014 is a live infectious clone that is just as alive as those other "Isolates".

P.D. somehow is able to use funds that he have yet recieved yet, and send results and sequences from late 2019 back in time into 2015,2013 and 2016!

https://t.co/4wC7k1Lh54 Ref 3: Why ALL your pangolin samples were PCR negative? to avoid deep sequencing and accidentally reveal Paguma Larvata and Oryctolagus Cuniculus?