Coronavirus and Walt Disney World general discussion

[Vegas Disney Fan]

On May 1st Nevada went from 50% occupancy to 80% occupancy and eased social distancing requirements from 6 ft to 3 ft, we’re still wearing masks but I just got off the phone with my boss and I start working concerts again next week.

We just passed 40% of the state having at least their first vaccination and 30% fully vaccinated.

I never could have imagined how much I’d miss live music, I can’t wait to see live bands again.

A few casinos have been allowed to reopen at 100% because more than 80% of their staff are fully vaccinated.

 

[seabreezept813]

Not all doctors are for vaccines. I know a doctor in our community who is pretty anti-vax and a lot of people see them for the autism no vax mentality. Not all medical people are the same.

Oof.. guess I should have considered that people lacking intelligence might not opt for a credible doctor..

 

[ImperfectPixie]

Oof.. guess I should have considered that people lacking intelligence might not opt for a credible doctor..

There are way too many quacks out there.

 

[trainplane3]

Most of South Florida businesses and institutions still masking up.

Don’t pitch your mask just yet. You’ll still need it most places

Supermarkets, schools, big-box stores, malls and stadiums all will require people to wear masks even though the governor has declared that Florida no longer faces a coronavirus emergency. Gov. Ron …

www.sun-sentinel.com

The only related thing to what I'm going to say is it's in Florida but while this hotel has rules, no one is following them. 90% of guests here don't do the basic maskup and 6ft outside the rooms. Literal children were laughing at us for wearing masks in the building. I guess Florida will Florida.

 

[Jenny72]

I have an elderly/at-risk family member who along with his wife only got one shot of the Moderna vaccine and won't get the second. This decision was based on "research" (=Google) and advice from friends. I mean...I guess it's better than being anti-vaccine but it's unnerving how many people get their information like this.

There is no way this person would take any advice from me; in fact, if I made a suggestion it would cause them to dig in deeper. Already they've got a weird pod that they sit in an hour a day to prevent cancer (?), they bought a machine to ionize water for...health purposes, and various devices/timeshares/you name it. They are very easily convinced by infomercials and sales pitches. It's odd that the people profiting from these items are seen as trustworthy while the consensus of trained experts is not.

I guess this is why the campaign to get people vaccinated has to move local now to reach people. I think if everyone around them got the second shot, or if someone local they admired got the second shot, that would do it. They're actually very easily influenced--in the right context. But it can't be the guy on the news. (Or me.)

 

[HairyChest]

Had another family discussion about the vaccine. My family all had COVID last august with mild to moderate symptoms. Some in my family are hesitant getting the vaccine. Reasoning is if there is long term effects and believing that we all have the antibodies. Doing some research online in regards to antibodies from getting COVID seems to be “Not sure how long antibodies last”. Brother is saying to wait until end of year to see if any negative effects show from the vaccine. Others say to wait until scientifically it is proven that antibodies are only temporary from getting COVID and then to get the vaccine. I am going back and forth between getting it ASAP for the greater good as we are being told vs waiting. The problem is I can’t find enough facts against the “wait, not yet” camp of thinking other then “get it for the greater good”. That’s not enough to change the mind of a family who got covid,and got through it (thank God).
This is real situations that people are grappling with.

 

[disneygeek90]

Had another family discussion about the vaccine. My family all had COVID last august with mild to moderate symptoms. Some in my family are hesitant getting the vaccine. Reasoning is if there is long term effects and believing that we all have the antibodies. Doing some research online in regards to antibodies from getting COVID seems to be “Not sure how long antibodies last”. Brother is saying to wait until end of year to see if any negative effects show from the vaccine. Others say to wait until scientifically it is proven that antibodies are only temporary from getting COVID and then to get the vaccine. I am going back and forth between getting it ASAP for the greater good as we are being told vs waiting. The problem is I can’t find enough facts against the “wait, not yet” camp of thinking other then “get it for the greater good”. That’s not enough to change the mind of a family who got covid,and got through it (thank God).
This is real situations that people are grappling with.

I think the better question is what are the real facts for the "wait, not yet" camp of thinking? Especially with Pfizer and Moderna. There's no reason not to get it.

 

[sullyinMT]

Had another family discussion about the vaccine. My family all had COVID last august with mild to moderate symptoms. Some in my family are hesitant getting the vaccine. Reasoning is if there is long term effects and believing that we all have the antibodies. Doing some research online in regards to antibodies from getting COVID seems to be “Not sure how long antibodies last”. Brother is saying to wait until end of year to see if any negative effects show from the vaccine. Others say to wait until scientifically it is proven that antibodies are only temporary from getting COVID and then to get the vaccine. I am going back and forth between getting it ASAP for the greater good as we are being told vs waiting. The problem is I can’t find enough facts against the “wait, not yet” camp of thinking other then “get it for the greater good”. That’s not enough to change the mind of a family who got covid,and got through it (thank God).
This is real situations that people are grappling with.

Based on my limited knowledge of reinfection, there is some thought that you’re still at risk of an infection from one of the circulating variants of concern. However, the mRNA vaccines in particular have demonstrated efficacy against all of them. Why not protect yourself against the potential of reinfection? Especially if round 2 of COVID proves worse in any way whatsoever.

 

[Disney Experience]

Had another family discussion about the vaccine. My family all had COVID last august with mild to moderate symptoms. Some in my family are hesitant getting the vaccine. Reasoning is if there is long term effects and believing that we all have the antibodies. Doing some research online in regards to antibodies from getting COVID seems to be “Not sure how long antibodies last”. Brother is saying to wait until end of year to see if any negative effects show from the vaccine. Others say to wait until scientifically it is proven that antibodies are only temporary from getting COVID and then to get the vaccine. I am going back and forth between getting it ASAP for the greater good as we are being told vs waiting. The problem is I can’t find enough facts against the “wait, not yet” camp of thinking other then “get it for the greater good”. That’s not enough to change the mind of a family who got covid,and got through it (thank God).
This is real situations that people are grappling with.

Studies have shown ( I linked them some time ago)(2am now so do not have studies in front of me)

Studies have shown a very, very large increase in antibodies after just the first shot when the patient has had covid in the past. So getting vaccinated will likely increase the effectiveness and the duration of “immunity” compared to just having covid. Longer you wait to get vaccinated, the more likely the bonus immunity you get being post covid and vaccinated will decrease.

So there are self serving reasons to be vaccinated even post covid. It is not just for the greater good.

 

[DisneyCane]

I see what you’re saying... there are a few possible explanations for the data variance.
But a drop from 150,000 to 45,000 in a week is still very concerning. Even if that 45,000 is the more accurate number (I’m not convinced. )

If you look back at every report posted, the most recent days always start low and increase with each subsequent report. For "newly vaccinated" the daily rate has probably dropped in half from the peak from something in the 90k average to in the low 40k range.

I think the highest day for doses was a little under 270k so the capacity exists for a lot more people to get shots every day and the supply is not a concern at all right now.

 

[havoc315]

The Liberals Who Can’t Quit Lockdown

Progressive communities have been home to some of the fiercest battles over COVID-19 policies, and some liberal policy makers have left scientific evidence behind.

www.theatlantic.com

Article is too anecdotal for my taste, but I agree with it. Under the mantle of following the science, I’ve seen some people — whether out of a political statement or neuroticism — push policies and practices that are too extreme.

I’ve advocated for loosening mitigation measures as cases have gone down and as we have learned more about what is effective.

It makes it harder to convince people to follow the effective mitigation measures (like indoor masks) when there are so many meaningless measures thrown in.

WDW is an example of this. (Though I think they have an ulterior motive - using Covid as an excuse for budget restraint).
There is no reason not to have The Beauty and the Beast show back at DHS. There is no need for temp checks. WDW can safely increase dining capacity — they are currently spacing tables far more than 6’.

It’s not just WDW. My school district was smart in September, adopting a system that has been open for elementary and middle school, high school was hybrid. But as the science has evolved, it’s clear that it would be perfectly safe to welcome all the students into the HS full time. They were going to do it, but then decided they couldn’t unless they added a whole of of unnecessary stuff. (Can’t have 3’ separation unless every kid has a plexiglass shield on his desk in addition to a mask!)

A year ago, nobody could be blamed for “over mitigation.”
But as vaccination increases, over mitigation becomes as ridiculous as the anti-maskers.

 

[havoc315]

If you look back at every report posted, the most recent days always start low and increase with each subsequent report. For "newly vaccinated" the daily rate has probably dropped in half from the peak from something in the 90k average to in the low 40k range.

I think the highest day for doses was a little under 270k so the capacity exists for a lot more people to get shots every day and the supply is not a concern at all right now.

Supply hasn’t been the issue anywhere for a while.

 

[DisneyCane]

I was thinking earlier that the young adult resistance/ambivalence is a huge problem with the goal of vaccine induced herd immunity. Whatever percent of the population is calculated to need immunity to reach herd immunity, the calculation is based on a roughly random sampling. If the number for COVID is 70% (it could be higher or lower, I don't know), the assumption is that the virus only has 30% of the population to spread to and it is unlikely that an infected person comes into contact in a way that they can transmit it with one of the 30% not immune.

However, with the vaccination rate being so varied by age, I don't think it will work because for most situations where spread is likely to occur, people are having close contact with others that are near their age. College students don't typically invite their grandparents to frat parties.

If you end up with 70% of the population vaccinated but if under 30 is only at 35%, there will not be herd immunity in the under 30 population who spends a lot of time with each other. Based on the trends to date, it will take a really successful outreach program to get the under 30 crowd anywhere near the required percentage vaccinated.

 

[DisneyFan32]

Now the vaccines are taking too slow now because the millions people don't take the vaccine, we need to speed up the vaccine ramp up by July. Darn you anti vaxxers! Please we need millions more people will be vaccinated by July so we may go finally herd immunity soon!

 

[ImperfectPixie]

The Liberals Who Can’t Quit Lockdown

Progressive communities have been home to some of the fiercest battles over COVID-19 policies, and some liberal policy makers have left scientific evidence behind.

www.theatlantic.com

Article is too anecdotal for my taste, but I agree with it. Under the mantle of following the science, I’ve seen some people — whether out of a political statement or neuroticism — push policies and practices that are too extreme.

I’ve advocated for loosening mitigation measures as cases have gone down and as we have learned more about what is effective.

It makes it harder to convince people to follow the effective mitigation measures (like indoor masks) when there are so many meaningless measures thrown in.

WDW is an example of this. (Though I think they have an ulterior motive - using Covid as an excuse for budget restraint).
There is no reason not to have The Beauty and the Beast show back at DHS. There is no need for temp checks. WDW can safely increase dining capacity — they are currently spacing tables far more than 6’.

It’s not just WDW. My school district was smart in September, adopting a system that has been open for elementary and middle school, high school was hybrid. But as the science has evolved, it’s clear that it would be perfectly safe to welcome all the students into the HS full time. They were going to do it, but then decided they couldn’t unless they added a whole of of unnecessary stuff. (Can’t have 3’ separation unless every kid has a plexiglass shield on his desk in addition to a mask!)

A year ago, nobody could be blamed for “over mitigation.”
But as vaccination increases, over mitigation becomes as ridiculous as the anti-maskers.

I agree that over-mitigation sucks. BUT...we can't forget that rules need to keep the lowest common denominator in mind and that especially when it comes to safety, some people just don't feel there's a threat. Those things need to be taken into account when policy and rules are decided upon. (Although it would be REALLY nice if it was unnecessary.)

 

[FormerMember]

I agree. We have multiple highly effective and perfectly safe vaccines which could easily get us out of this pandemic and instead thanks to fear, paranoia and misinformation a large number of people won’t take them. Sad

Agree! Fear was used as a weapon for a year, and it's hard to unwind that. Fingers crossed we come out of this state of fear.

 

[DisneyDebRob]

The temperatures right now are ridiculous for early May - heat indexes over 100. I can say that more people than not are carrying water and drinking while walking, and I haven’t seen anyone confronted about it. Seems like Disney doesn’t want guests getting heat stroke.

As for someone that just got back from 9 nights, you are correct, the weather is unbelievably hot for half those days. I was surprised at the mask wearing though.. I think I saw 2 people the whole week lower their mask. I was pleasantly surprised.Social distancing was another thing . Practically none at the parks. Some rides a bit better then others but mostly 3 ft and closer from what I encountered. I had to laugh though at the plexiglass separating part of lines but in other spots, even in the same line, there’s about a foot or less between yourself and the people going the other way with no plexiglass.
We had a good time with the lines being on average 15 minutes shorter then what was posted but.. this is strictly my opinion.. if anyone can wait for their next trip until masks are gone, more things are open..etc.. will be so much better. Masks are brutal in that heat. I think we had 5 days in a row of 92 or better, with it feeling like close to 100 or more and it’s not enjoyable, I don’t care what anyone says.
Before anyone asks.. I usually go November through February but was in a bind with DVC and points that needed to be used. Also airfare had to be used by July so.. we did it.
It is a relief knowing you are fully vaccinated.

 

[GaBoy]

Stating the obvious but this has never been a "young person's disease". It was never reported as such and the efforts to vaccinate based on the older and vulnerable population has reinforced that. Couple this with the general attitude of a young person (I was young and healthy once) that only physical injury and possibly disease was a threat (if it was a result of sexual behavior - paramount of the minds of the young).
Now... it can and does have effect on young people and children but those much lower numbers aren't going to move the needle much with the general populous. If this were a "polio" affecting children or even the 1918 Flu that primarily killed people in their 20's and 30's, different story.
If you want to entice college age kids to get the vaccine, you'll probably have to pay them in some form or fashion. It may fall to private industry to offer free this or that but it's a tall order, they are stretched thin too. I don't think you will pull them in as a civic responsibility with messaging.
I have spent the past year in a generally non-mask mandated part of the country and it is interesting to be on a nationwide forum like this. I had to kind of had to wrap my head around some of what was going on with a lot of people here who are pushing vaccinations (great idea - my entire, largely conservative family of 4 siblings, their wives and eligible children, totaling 22 close family, are fully vaccinated) just so they can eat inside, walk around in public without a mask, etc... when its been normal life for us for months.
I would have to say that a LOT of people in the South have moved on, still mask where asked because it's rude not to if it's the rules, but we also know where it is not really enforced. I also don't see much difference in the numbers compared to the rest of the nation.
I don't think Georgia will vaccinate more than 50% but with the amount of interaction and myself being quarantined 4 times related to work exposure (lots of coworkers affected but none seriously) it really isn't very scary among the folks I work and interact with. Kind of that thing that you get used to when you have spent months exposed because life moved on regardless.

 

[drizgirl]

Agree! Fear was used as a weapon for a year, and it's hard to unwind that. Fingers crossed we come out of this state of fear.

I'm to the point where I think some of it will never be unwound. Some people are coming out of this with lifelong issues related to the pandemic.

 

[Archie123]

Agree! Fear was used as a weapon for a year, and it's hard to unwind that. Fingers crossed we come out of this state of fear.

The real weapon that was used was lies, misinformation, and stupidity. The fear was real as we are hitting 580K people dead in the US since Covid hit our neck of the woods. Luckily we are doing much better with the vaccination roll out but unfortunately we are seeing a slow down in it since some people refuse to get it.