Taking Precautions

Do you wear a face mask when out in public?

Many businesses have reopened and people are returning to restaurants and retail outlets. Since that puts folks in close contact with others, it is recommended that, in addition to social distancing, face masks be worn to avoid the spread of COVID-19. Most businesses do not require customers wear masks. But some do. And that’s not always popular.

We want to know if you wear a face mask when out in public places like stores and restaurants where people congregate? If you don’t usually wear a mask, do you put one on when a business requires it or do you choose to spend your money elsewhere?

Send your response (50 words maximum) to opinion@texarkanagazette.com by Wednesday, June 3. You can also mail your response to the Texarkana Gazette Friday Poll, at P.O. Box 621, Texarkana, TX 75504 or drop it off at our office, 101 E. Broad St., Texarkana, Ark. Be sure to include your name, address and phone number. We will print as many responses as we can in next Friday’s paper.

Last Week: Vaccine?

Last week’s question was about the possibility of a COVID-19 vaccine. If science comes up with a vaccine for COVID-19, will you take it? Do you think it should be mandatory?

From www.facebook.com/texarkanagazette

■ I think in this situation where the vaccine could very possibly be rushed it’s not unreasonable to be cautious about taking the first round of vaccines

■ We have invented 0 functional vaccines for any of the thousands of coronaviruses. This will be no different. Most scientists who remain objective and not tied to the government or large corporations know this and also understand that heard immunity is the only way we return to semi-normal. By the time a vaccine is tested and ready the virus will have changed enough to render it non-functional.

■ I would have to do tons of research.

■ No, I will not take it and NO it, nor any vaccine, should be mandatory! Mandating vaccinations undermines civil liberties.

■ So they going to figure away out to get bill gates vaccine in people one way or another didn’t they just lose a court case about these vaccines they been shooting up in our kids that they say is mandatory I wouldn’t take no vaccine and my kids won’t either and let’s not forget oh by the way in order for you child to go back to school they need this COVID-19 vaccine … hell no

■ We will go back to living WITHOUT a vaccine. We have all kinds of viruses and manage to live. The flu vaccine is not 100%, I have had the flu after taking the vaccine! So I will say NO to the COVID-19 vaccine. #1 too many are rushing it through and plan on making it available too soon. #2 Bill Gates is working to get one created with a microchip in it. NO NO NO!

■ I will not take it and it should not be mandatory. If required for kids to attend school, I recommend home schooling or online school.

■ Never mandatory and no I would not take it … I also choose to not take the flu vaccine.

■ Of course. It’s the only way we can truly return to normal. I’m uncomfortable with making it “mandatory” but I think it should be heavily incentivized. Perhaps a tax break for taking it? It should definitely be offered without cost.

■ No I will not take it & no it shouldn’t be mandatory.

■ It’s way too soon. Not enough time to test and see effects it can have on individuals. Let it strictly be voluntary.

■ It is all about having confidence in our government and medical community. Right now they are not generating very much confidence. So risk wise for now I choose to wisely be careful and trust my immune system and its Creator God. For now no and It should be voluntary.

■ Will it work as good as the HIV vaccine? Oh wait there still isn’t one for HIV and its it’s been what 40 years now? If they do come up with one that isn’t laced with other things so women can’t give birth then I’d say let anyone that wants it take it but do not force it onto everyone.

■ They can vaccinate my body after it is dead and cold.

■ Don’t trust any of them!

■ We will welcome an effective and safe vaccine.

■ Nope! I don’t take the flu shot why take this one? And it’s not even been tested like it should … so nope!

■ If it has gone through it’s trial period, yes. I would take the vaccine.

■ With as much misinformation and propaganda (both directions) associated with this virus, it’s difficult to discern what is legitimate and what isn’t. But personally, if there’s a billionaire that desperately wants population control and suddenly he supports a vaccine that would save lives, I’m instantly skeptical. So NO, I will not take it. And NO it shouldn’t be mandatory.

■ I’m gonna sit back a year ‘n watch. After all liberals and Democrats take it with no problem I might consider.

■ Except the vaccine wont work. They cant even make a flu vaccine that actually works for the current flu virus each year. They have been working on that for years. But they can make one for this in a matter of months? I don’t think so. This is most likely just some kind of population control garbage or some other crap.

■ Short answer No. I understand the need for it. However, we tend to rush into vaccines without them being fully vetted. Vaccines save lives. I am not debating that, but untested and unproven vaccines can take lives or potentially make the situation worse.

■ Never ever … and people will snitch and will be a reward system for those who do.

■ I won’t take it and don’t believe it should be mandatory.

■ Not even if it’s mandatory!

■ Yes of course, we aren’t antivaxx here. Also the earth is round.

■ The survival rate is large enough that we shouldn’t worry about a vaccine.

■ They are listing most deaths as corona so hospitals get more money.

■ Not no but heck no and none of my kids or grandkids will take it either. There hasn’t been enough time to do research on the longterm affects. Not to mention that some people can’t take the flu shot for various reasons. And if it’s mandatory for children to go to school, the ours will be home schooled.

■ If it’s proven effective, then sure, I’ll definitely take it.

■ I would not… could not… WILL not… EVER!

■ Vaccines are necessary, but a covid-19 vaccine should be voluntary.

■ I myself would decline this vaccine, no one understands who will manufacture it America or China its a real mess right now.

■ Yes I will definitely get it. But no I don’t think it should be mandatory. If people don’t want to get it for whatever reason, that is their choice.

■ While I do not object to vaccines in general for this one I would say no, not yet. I find it difficult to trust that there will be no negative side effects in something that has been rushed. If and only if it is showing as safe in a few years would I consider taking it. I also feel it is much too early to say a vaccine that has not been tested for several years will be mandatory.