That is hard for me to wrap my mind around.

M's work is facing the same thing, flea. He's done as much as is allowed, like removing chairs from the common areas and putting up barriers between desks, but they can't require masks or wellness checks, lest they take on legal responsibility for their customers' health. It's scary.

Flea, our board met last night to go over the opening plan. We are shooting for the 22nd. But our plexiglass shields aren't shipping until the 19th.

Back in line for a test this morning.

I hope you can get tested today, Cashmere. My negativity was reassuring.

In discussions with my doctor's office manager this morning about my annual trek north for the summer. All will be fine once I get there, but I'll have about 12 rest stops along the way through Florida, Georgia, Carolinas, etc. before I get there. So many people and rest rooms. Then I would really have to isolate from my NY family for a couple weeks after I arrive. Both my family and my physicians have real concerns. I know I will be good about masking and hands, but it is a big leap after being isolated for so long. On The Other Hand, it is stupid hot here in the summer and delightfully cool in Otter Lake.

Our administration has decided that we cannot require customers to wear masks. Apparently we can't even suggest it and provide the masks. (I guess because we're a public space and they are afraid of litigation like whoa.)

You'd think they'd be afraid of litigation from workers who brought COVID home to vulnerable family members or who had adverse health issues themselves. Because if you're gonna get sued either way, you might as well do the right thing.

It feels like Ohio has given up, just in time for me to start working with the public next week. Our administration has decided that we cannot require customers to wear masks. Apparently we can't even suggest it and provide the masks. (I guess because we're a public space and they are afraid of litigation like whoa.)

Ugh, that's so scary. For Cashmere and M, too.

Meanwhile, I saw an old guy be turned away from the local farmers market yesterday because he didn't have a mask. The market is outdoors and spread out and anything you could try to do to make it safer.

The idea that being afraid of being sued leads anyone to do LESS to make things safer is fundamentally pretty wrong. Isn't it? We have really fucked up as a society.

Huh, we are a government building and we are requiring masks, an employee can appeal, and some buildings are requiring temp checks, and there is an app we are about to have to start using before entering another county building that asks questions about health, travel, exposure.

The app seems pretty useless since it is just self-reporting, but my guess is it will be used against someone if they lie and are found out.

Texas, of course, is merrily chugging along as our numbers go up and up. Plus, the orange idiot in charge is in town today, or is coming to town today.

Interestingly, also in Texas, everyone on campus - faculty, staff, students, and visitors - are required to wear masks. There is some appeal process, but otherwise required. What I don't know is whether they will enforce that "required". I'm sceptical.