[NMCycling] do send letters to Grisham

Tue Jul 14 17:20:52 MDT 2020

To my community, 

The following information is currently on the New Mexico Department of Health webpage titled "COVID Safe Practices for all New Mexicans"

 https://cv.nmhealth.org/covid-safe-practices/ <https://cv.nmhealth.org/covid-safe-practices/>

"If You Must Go Out:
Individuals are required to wear a face covering or mask in public spaces except when eating, drinking or exercising, or unless otherwise advised by a health care provider.
Maintain a 6-foot distance from others.
Avoid gatherings.
Protect vulnerable populations by finding ways to connect without face-to-face contact.” 
Does anyone know if this information is intended to clarify the Gov's new mandate is old information?   

Be well and let’s do what is supported by science and benefits for the "Common Good."

Respectfully, 

Geoff Mather

> On Jul 12, 2020, at 4:14 PM, Nathan Masek via Bike-racers <bike-racers at mailman.swcp.com> wrote:
> 
> Hey guys,
> Continuing the thread, here’s a report from a test ride I did this morning - 
> 
> I did a bit of climbing today, with mask on for testing. Although today probably wasn’t the best day to test face coverings under physical strain (halfway up my Garmin lit up with a Heat Warning), but I hVe to say that under the circumstances, it was manageable. There were times, specifically on the climb  that I found myself dropping the mask to my chin as long as no others were around. At those times I’d also get a drink.  I found this particular type of mask worked best, although after a bit it softened up and would flex into my mouth on the inhale - I might fashion something to keep it from doing that. 
> 
> I’d say that under the circumstances, not ideal of course, but manageable.  The sooner this is through the better! 
> 
> <image0.jpeg><image1.jpeg><image2.jpeg>
> 
> Sent from my iPhone
> 
>> On Jul 12, 2020, at 3:44 PM, Robert L. Browning II via Bike-racers <bike-racers at mailman.swcp.com> wrote:
>> 
>> Done.
>> 
>> RE: Proposed health order.
>> 
>> The proposed public health order to require masks covering the nose and
>> mouth outside without exception is ineffectual and contrary to public health
>> guidance.  To reduce the spread of COVID-19, CDC recommends that people wear
>> cloth face coverings in public settings when around people outside of their
>> household, especially when other social distancing measures are difficult to
>> maintain.  
>> 
>> The most effective methods to limit disease infection remain, in order: 
>> 
>> 1) Wash your hands thoroughly
>> 2) Maintain physical distancing
>> 3) Clean and disinfect regularly touched surfaces
>> 
>> Wearing a mask in situations where physical distancing cannot be maintained
>> does nothing for the mask wearer, but only mitigates coronavirus infection
>> if the mask wearer is a carrier, which is highly unlikely given disease
>> prevalence.  There is also the problem with what passes for masks lately are
>> fabrics of varying filtration ability, from medical masks that are not in
>> the hands of health care providers, to sheer fabrics that provide the
>> appearance of a face covering but none of the anticipated benefits.  A quick
>> internet search shows "masks" that have visible openings, particulate and
>> dust filters, and of such a sheer nature they appear to be made of the same
>> material as panty hose.  While these products would be technically in
>> compliance with the public health order, they would not protect the wearer
>> nor others from whatever comes of the act of exhalation.
>> 
>> The mask wearing proposal that would remove all exemptions to wearing a
>> mask, essentially requiring mask usage all the time a person is outside,
>> results in absurd situations which could embarrass the State and its
>> government were the proposed health order enforced as written.  For one, a
>> swimmer doing laps in a pool is in violation of the proposed health order,
>> and would likely publicize any attempt by law enforcement to sanction the
>> activity of swimming without a mask.  Similarly, an unmasked runner or
>> cyclist on a lonely stretch of New Mexico highway would be correct in noting
>> there is no human around for considerable distance (miles even) save for the
>> law enforcement officer citing the runner/cyclist.  
>> 
>> Finally, there is the risk the public will not accept the removal of prior
>> exceptions to the outdoor mandatory mask requirement.  Large swaths of the
>> public in defiance of a public health order further erodes the credibility
>> of government to manage the pandemic response to the point the government is
>> required to reverse course (again) to regain consent of the governed.  See
>> Prohibition and its subsequent repeal as a historical example, as well as
>> societal pressure to decriminalize marijuana use and legalize gay marriage.
>> 
>> The prudent course of action remains to encourage New Mexicans, to a person,
>> practice diligent hand hygiene, regularly clean high touch surfaces, and
>> maintain physical distancing to manage the pandemic.
>> 
>> Robert L. Browning II
>> browning5800 at comcast.net
>> 
>> 
>> 
>>>> On 07/10/2020 2:25 PM Heidi Snell via Bike-racers
>>> <bike-racers at mailman.swcp.com> wrote:
>>> 
>>> 
>>> Fellow cyclists:
>>> 
>>> I think MLGrisham needs to hear from many cyclists as to why there 
>>> needs to be an exception the mask rule. The letter can be short and 
>>> easy, simply asking to not wearing a mask when cycling while also 
>>> keeping a good social distance.  Others of you have already written 
>>> good reasons and those can be incorporated into a letter. I don't 
>>> think she needs a huge list of reasons, but she does need to hear from 
>>> enough people to make time to make a change in the ruling.
>>> 
>>> My thoughts are with the mask law and a fine involved, it seems to me 
>>> the cyclist/police interactions could just get worse. Police could
>>> easily pull a cyclist over as an easy target. Without an exception to 
>>> the mask ruling, a ticket could be a plausible result.
>>> 
>>> A letter is easy and she just needs to hear from the New Mexicans she 
>>> is trying to protect.  I expect she is willing to make a change with 
>>> proper input.
>>> 
>>> I certainly would not want to be in her shoes with the massive 
>>> pressure she has trying to keep as many people safe as she can while 
>>> maintaining a functioning state.
>>> 
>>> cheers,
>>> heidi
>>> 
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>>> Bike-racers at mailman.swcp.com
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