This week, we asked readers their thoughts on the different COVID-19 vaccine mandates that are now in effect, and whether they agree with them.

 

“Honestly, it’s really a mixed bag because vaccines do work to an extent, but then we have heard about those who have been vaccinated getting “break out” cases, but generally, those cases that have COVID, they don’t show symptoms. Yet, they’re still a health liability because they can still transmit [the virus]. Maybe they don’t. I just think, right now, with the misinformation going on, and the weaponization of information to make the vaccine look like it’s completely useless, which I disagree with, I think there is usefulness in what’s going on. I have been vaccinated fully already, and now, there is talk about the booster vaccine being approved. We have to find some common ground with what we’re reading, and who we’re listening to in the City and federal government, and what really should be the next step.”

Edgar Arebalo,

Norwood

 

 

 

 

“I feel like the mandates are okay, but freedom of choice is important, and everybody should get to choose whatever they want to do. The mask mandate is alright unless you’re vaccinated. I don’t think you really need to use a mask if you’re vaccinated, and if you’re not vaccinated you have to use a mask. It’s just that simple. Basically, everyone should have the freedom to choose what’s right for them. I believe in that, and I think that’s fair.”

Michelle (last name not provided),

Kingsbridge

 

“I feel like it’s mandatory, and it’s important for everybody to be on the same page so we can all stay healthy, and for the numbers to go down. You know that when the people listened, the numbers went down, but when the people started protesting, saying they didn’t want the mandates, the numbers went up. So, the question is not so much whether you want to wear the mask or not, the question should be: do we want the numbers to go up or down? So, it’s not about being forced to do something you don’t want to do. The local officials are getting the numbers from the scientists, so it’s based on the resources they have in front of them. If they’re not getting it from the Department of Health, or the CDC (Centers for Disease Control & Prevention), they’re getting it wrong.”

Daniel Silvera,

East Concourse

 

“I’m a retired school-teacher, and I realized that a lot of people have issues about the vaccine, the preparation. They think it hasn’t been tested well enough by the federal government… so on and so forth. But I think a lot of that is false propaganda from the right-wing media. I’m all in favor of total inoculations: everything to protect the general welfare of the whole population. So, you have to wear a mask. I got the two shots. I’m waiting for the booster to come around, so I’m in favor of all of this. The misinformation is disgraceful, terrible. I know where it [the misinformation] comes from. I know the origins of it: President [Donald] Trump, when he was a candidate, sowing distrust in the population.”

Francis Leo Hogan,

University Heights

 

“I’m very happy with the mask mandate; they should keep it going. Whether you have the shot or don’t have the shot, people should have their masks on. People should get their shot. I took the Johnson & Johnson [vaccine]. Now, I’m waiting for them to say when I can go get the booster shot. I’m 60. When using a mask, people should cover their entire nose, because if they sneeze it’s going to affect someone else, and they don’t realize that it goes faster through the noise than through the mouth. I take the train and I see people with no mask. I see people who don’t cover their nose. I see people smoking on the train, sharing cigarettes, knowing that we can’t be sharing anything. I see people eating on the train, no mask, coughing. They cough in their hand and then they touch the poles or the seats. You got cops there, and some cops don’t even wear masks. Some cops see what’s happening and they just keep walking.”

José Madera,

Fordham Manor

 

 

Editor’s Note: Get the facts about the COVID-19 vaccines at these sites:

https://www1.nyc.gov/site/doh/covid/covid-19-vaccine-facts.page

https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/vaccines/facts.html

https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/your-health/about-covid-19/caring-for-children/families.html