BS: New news on the pandemic COVID-19

Subject: RE: BS: New news on the pandemic
From: Mrrzy
Date: 04 Jun 20 - 05:05 PM

Oh great - my blood group (A-) is way more likely to suffer respiratory failure, if infected, than others.

https://www.news-medical.net/amp/news/20200603/Blood-group-type-may-affect-susceptibility-to-COVID-19-respiratory-failure.aspx

Subject: RE: BS: New news on the pandemic
From: Donuel
Date: 04 Jun 20 - 06:02 PM

better quarantine those cops

Subject: RE: BS: New news on the pandemic
From: Bonzo3legs
Date: 07 Jun 20 - 03:37 PM

Just to let you know this is a telephone call a friend received today. Be aware folks.
‘Good morning, I'm calling from the NHS track and trace service. According to our system, you are likely to have been in close proximity to someone who has tested postive for COVID-19. This means that you now need to self-isolate for 7 days and take a COVID-19 test.'
'OK. Can you tell me who that person was?'
'I'm not able to tell you that. That is confidential information.'
'Right. Um... so ....'
'But you do need to be tested within the next 72 hours. So can I just get the best mailing address so that we can send a kit to you?'
'Ok (gives address)'
'Thank you - and I just need to take a payment card so that we can finalise this and send the kit to you.'
'Sorry - a payment card? I though this was all free?'
'No - I'm afraid not. There is a one-off fee of £500 for the kit, and test results. Could you read off the long card number for me, please, when you're ready.'
'No - that's not right. This is part of the NHS so there's no charge.'
'I'm afraid there is. Can you give me the card number please - this is very important, and there are penalties for not complying.'
Puts phone down.
This is how scammers work. And vulnerable people will fall for it.
Don't fall for it...!

Subject: RE: BS: New news on the pandemic
From: Mrrzy
Date: 07 Jun 20 - 04:05 PM

Wow. A$$holes.

Subject: RE: BS: New news on the pandemic
From: Mr Red
Date: 08 Jun 20 - 04:21 AM

Just read George Floyd tested positive on autopsy.

He was also "said" to have had COVID. Either way, if so, his lung function would have been depressed, and was vulnerable.
I saw a picture of a man who was said to have been knocked over by police in the current protest and left to bleed to death. Avoidable deaths both.

Subject: RE: BS: New news on the pandemic
From: Doug Chadwick
Date: 08 Jun 20 - 06:21 AM

I saw a picture of a man who was said to have been knocked over by police in the current protest and left to bleed to death.

If you are referring to the 75 year old in Buffalo, all the reports that I have read say that he is in a serious but stable condition. Has he died since?

We must be careful about spreading false news, even if it is unintentional.

DC

Subject: RE: BS: New news on the pandemic
From: Donuel
Date: 08 Jun 20 - 10:12 PM

Although nothing seems topic related lately, he is in serious but stable condition. He hit hard enough to bleed from his ears and a small laceration.

Subject: RE: BS: New news on the pandemic
From: Donuel
Date: 09 Jun 20 - 06:51 AM

The notion of the amount of viral load is being addressed as to the degree of serious infection. The viral load shedding is highest at the onset of the earliest symptons. It is still transmitted by an infected asymptomatic person but not as high.

Subject: RE: BS: New news on the pandemic
From: Mr Red
Date: 09 Jun 20 - 08:06 AM

Has he died since?<>

On reflection the caption may have read "left to bleed to death". The picture was certainly a lifeless looking person face down, and no one in attendances. Death is not a word you ignore. And the caption does imply something.

Subject: RE: BS: New news on the pandemic
From: Mrrzy
Date: 10 Jun 20 - 10:50 AM

And the O blood group is less likely to get it at all. Goes along with A- being more likely to develop serious complications if they get it. Many sources, google ABO blood coronavirus.

Subject: RE: BS: New news on the pandemic
From: Mrrzy
Date: 14 Jun 20 - 11:43 AM

Wonder why NIH yanked its funding but anyway:

https://www.sciencemag.org/news/2020/06/nih-halted-study-unveils-its-massive-analysis-bat-coronaviruses

Oddly near a Bats Make Tequila thread in my newsfeed:

https://www.cnn.com/2020/06/14/world/bat-facts-cnn-special-coronavirus-scn/index.html

Subject: RE: BS: New news on the pandemic
From: punkfolkrocker
Date: 15 Jun 20 - 06:19 PM

A ship's doctor on a corona quarantine Pirate vessel
has pleaded for more help struggling to lower the aRrrrr rate...




.. if that amuses anyone, it'll be a mudcatter...

Subject: RE: BS: New news on the pandemic
From: gillymor
Date: 15 Jun 20 - 07:07 PM

President Bonespur has come up with the cure for the pandemic. Who knew it would be this simple.

trump-on-coronavirus-if-we-stop-testing-right-now-wed-have-very-few-cases if any

He must have had a 3 Lysol lunch.

Subject: RE: BS: New news on the pandemic
From: Mrrzy
Date: 15 Jun 20 - 08:14 PM

Pfr... Snicker.

Subject: RE: BS: New news on the pandemic
From: Donuel
Date: 16 Jun 20 - 06:33 AM

I'm surprised you did not know that Trump hollowed out NIH of its pandemic research. He then zeroed out funding to WHO.

Subject: RE: BS: New news on the pandemic
From: Steve Shaw
Date: 16 Jun 20 - 06:48 AM

Why the R rate is bullshit: suppose I was the only person in Cornwall with Coronavirus. I then give it to three people in my house. The R rate in Cornwall is then 3. So let's lock the whole country down again.

Subject: RE: BS: New news on the pandemic
From: Donuel
Date: 16 Jun 20 - 03:37 PM

An old steroid was found to reduce mortality by 1/3 among the sickest patients according to a finding at Oxford University.
Way to go UK
The steroid is a dextro...

Subject: RE: BS: New news on the pandemic
From: Thompson
Date: 17 Jun 20 - 01:50 PM

Today had the highest figures worldwide as it rages on in Brazil and the US.
Vitamin D is said to increase resistance to the virus; mushrooms are one of the few vegetarian foods that can make this vitamin - if you expose them to sunlight for 15 minutes.

Subject: RE: BS: New news on the pandemic
From: Steve Shaw
Date: 17 Jun 20 - 06:19 PM

I posted to this and it went into the ether, so here goes again, quite likely not verbatim:

If you want your vitamin D, stick your bare arms, bare legs and bare arse into the summer sunshine for fifteen minutes. There's no charge, and you can save the mushroom money...

Subject: RE: BS: New news on the pandemic
From: Steve Shaw
Date: 17 Jun 20 - 06:27 PM

By the way, mushrooms are commonly grown in a medium containing animal manure. Just thought I'd mention it in case any vegans are reading...

Sticking your bare skin into the summer sunshine for a quarter of an hour daily is totally vegan, and fairly sensual...

Subject: RE: BS: New news on the pandemic
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 18 Jun 20 - 01:27 AM

Texas' big-city mayors ask Gov. Greg Abbott for power to impose face mask rules

The mayors of nine of Texas' biggest cities urged Gov. Greg Abbott in a letter Tuesday to grant them the "authority to set rules and regulations" mandating face masks during the coronavirus pandemic.

As COVID-19 cases and hospitalizations continue to climb in Texas, an executive order from Abbott bans local governments from imposing fines or criminal penalties on people who don't wear masks in public. When the order went into effect, orders from counties and cities requiring masks became toothless. The mayors wrote that many people in their cities continue to refuse to wear face masks and that "a one-size-fits-all approach is not the best option" when it comes to regulating the issue.

The letter is signed by Houston Mayor Sylvester Turner, San Antonio Mayor Ron Nirenberg, Austin Mayor Steve Adler, Dallas Mayor Eric Johnson, Fort Worth Mayor Betsy Price, El Paso Mayor Dee Margo, Arlington Mayor Jeff Williams, Plano Mayor Harry LaRosiliere and Grand Prairie Mayor Ron Jensen.

The letter asks Abbott to consider allowing each city's local officials to decide whether to require the use of face coverings in order to prevent the spread of the virus.

On Tuesday, the state reported a record-breaking total of 2,518 patients hospitalized with the virus. The seven-day average of new cases has also reached new heights in recent days.

Subject: RE: BS: New news on the pandemic
From: Mrrzy
Date: 18 Jun 20 - 09:07 AM

The blood group data has hit the mainstream news. A is more susceptible, both to the virus and its complications, and O is more resistant.

Subject: RE: BS: New news on the pandemic
From: Donuel
Date: 18 Jun 20 - 09:37 AM

Risk factors are just another underlying condition and is more speculative than a guarantee.

Suppose an America devoid of any scientific knowledge or heads up about a pandemic but with its present population. Infection would reach about 60% of 370 million people. Death rates would be several million.

While my scenario is impossible, it could be worse.

Subject: RE: BS: New news on the pandemic
From: Donuel
Date: 18 Jun 20 - 06:22 PM

In my neihborhood they are doing stem cell research to combat the cytokine storm to help the sickest victims.

Subject: RE: BS: New news on the pandemic
From: Donuel
Date: 19 Jun 20 - 07:52 AM

Covid messes with Texas as hospitals see 95% increase in patients

Subject: RE: BS: New news on the pandemic
From: Donuel
Date: 20 Jun 20 - 12:44 PM

Almost 1 in 100 have had or have the virus in the US.
That is so generalized that it doesn't mean your area applies.

The comedian Bill Mahre generalizes further that Americans are not healthy enough to deal with the virus well because of diet. On Meal Time with Bill Mahre I think he goes overboard with his polemics.

Subject: RE: BS: New news on the pandemic
From: Donuel
Date: 20 Jun 20 - 01:07 PM

Eviction freezes are starting to expire State by State.
Its not just about food and health security alone anymore.
Congressional action is needed.

Subject: RE: BS: New news on the pandemic
From: Mr Red
Date: 20 Jun 20 - 05:52 PM

There's a guy here who reckons house prices in the US are rising because: 1) low interest rates are encouraging buyers (millennials) & 2) sellers have taken there's of the market unwilling to allow potential COVIDers to breach the shelter in place. Demand higher than supply, up goes the price.

And I can't see that mechanism being any different in the UK.

So we may see an overheated market, with a swift readjustment. Now wasn't that what happened in 2008? Co-factors are different but the effect will be the same. Second wave (COVID), double dip recession?

Subject: RE: BS: New news on the pandemic
From: Donuel
Date: 20 Jun 20 - 06:01 PM

In 2008 the watch dogs colluded with real estate to make any loan with a pulse. Then bundle the mess as an investment.

Subject: RE: BS: New news on the pandemic
From: Donuel
Date: 20 Jun 20 - 06:40 PM

At the Trump Rally there are optional masks
Mandatory: temp taking

The snack shops have optional Milk of Amnesia
Mandatory: all drinks are laced with oxytocin

Subject: RE: BS: New news on the pandemic
From: keberoxu
Date: 25 Jun 20 - 12:04 PM

The actual news report of this family tragedy is here: one birthday party, 18 people ill with COVID-19, two elderly parents in hospital

This is what Stilly River Sage has been prophesying for months now.


My summary of the story, for those who care to read it:
A middle-aged volunteer EMT is married to a doctor, and is part of
a large family, including his parents in their 80s.
Their adult nephew wanted to host a surprise birthday party, in person,
for their daughter-in-law, turning 30.
So of course the EMT and his doctor-spouse were invited.
The middle-aged couple
"refused to go to the party due to safety reasons."
The EMT is quoted saying:
"We knew this was going to happen,
I mean this whole time this has been going on,
we've been terrified."

Today, this couple, having avoided the event, are in good health.
But the EMT's parents are in the hospital, and may not make it.
Grandma, meaning the EMT's mother,
"stopped by the party to drop something off."
She was there long enough to become infected with coronavirus,
and she then went home,
where her husband became infected.
Grandpa is now in ICU, on life support, and
thisclose to "being put on a ventilator."

Quoting the report:
"Among those infected are two young children,
two grandparents,
a cancer patient,
and [the EMT's] parents, who are in their 80s ...
18 people in the family have tested positive for COVID-19."

Subject: RE: BS: New news on the pandemic
From: mg
Date: 25 Jun 20 - 05:00 PM

read up again about zelenko protocol. Warning...he is not a handsome model type of doctor and that goes against him unfortunately. Read about the people who have been saved with his protocol, zinc plus hcq plus azt plus perhaps vitamin d. read about the non rich countries around the world who have fought the plague with this protocol..countries that will not have a chance with more expensive drugs. read about the faked studies that are the basis for the slander against the protocol..where they gave six or more times the usual dose..and are said to have used a drug with a similar name to HCq. Ooops..so many of them died..it is supposed to be administered when symptoms erupt..not near death. Go on twitter and follow every single doctor and epidemiologist you can find, especially those from other countries. Read countries that have defied WHO. Follow the money that leads to more expensive drugs and vaccines. Follow the political hatred towards trump..justified usually but not here. Do not give heed to what newscasters, politicians, movie stars and home schoolers have to say. We are talking.HCQ by itself has known risks and they are rare and it is a nonpatented, easily produced, inexpensive drug. Now, you of course have to look at interactions with other drugs and other disease states and underlying conditions and stage of disease but they shut down studies that are trying to sort all this out. It is a very complex situation, corrupted by well, corruption of some sort. We are permitting the deaths of thousands of our own citizens..not pretty deaths either...and contributing to death and disease of millions of non-americans. I will not give links People will have to look at this by themselves. It is rapidly evolving, befouled research and it is too complicated. So find experts and follow them.

Subject: RE: BS: New news on the pandemic
From: Mossback
Date: 25 Jun 20 - 05:31 PM

Great, Mary. More voodoo, unscientific "medicine". You working for Trump now, or for Pence?

Subject: RE: BS: New news on the pandemic
From: Mrrzy
Date: 25 Jun 20 - 05:41 PM

And per the CDC, the number of cases is probably 10x what we thought. Good news, actually, as it makes the death toll 10x smaller, percentage-wise.

Subject: RE: BS: New news on the pandemic
From: Mossback
Date: 25 Jun 20 - 05:44 PM

OK, Mary, I did what you asked & looked up the so-called Zelenko Protocol & Dr Zelenko on half a dozen responsible websites.

Didn't take too long to discover that Zelenko is a not too bright lying blogger pushing unsubstantiated, fact-free, harmful bullshit.

Just what we need in these times of crisis- another lying sack of s*** like Trump conning suckers with pseudo-science.

Subject: RE: BS: New news on the pandemic
From: Mrrzy
Date: 25 Jun 20 - 05:45 PM

Also, this:


Blicky

Fox News and their ilk caused a lot of the problem....

Subject: RE: BS: New news on the pandemic
From: Mossback
Date: 25 Jun 20 - 05:47 PM

it makes the death toll 10x smaller, percentage-wise.

Yup - a mere 150,000 and growing in the U.S. alone. Good news indeed.

Damn near cause for celebration.

Subject: RE: BS: New news on the pandemic
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 25 Jun 20 - 06:03 PM

Governor Abbott in Texas is realizing he's going to have to start acting like Cuomo in New York. This "opening up Texas" train is off the rails.

Subject: RE: BS: New news on the pandemic
From: Mossback
Date: 25 Jun 20 - 06:59 PM

Don't canonize Cuomo just yet, Gilly.

In my immediate area 80% of the businesses are not complying with the mandate that customers wear masks and about 25% don't enforce the mask rule for their employees as well as their customers.

These businesses have been reported, weeks ago, and nothing has been done.

Nor has Cuomo made masks mandatory, period, with penalties attached for non-compliance, as should be done.

Stay tuned: theres going to be a resurgence of Covid-19 in New York, they'll have to shut the whole damn state down again - and I hope that'll make the anti-mask morons happy.

Subject: RE: BS: New news on the pandemic
From: Steve Shaw
Date: 25 Jun 20 - 07:17 PM

I'm not exactly anti-mask, but I don't wear a mask unless forced to do so (as in my medical centre). I don't know whether that makes me a moron. The reason I won't wear a mask is that I think that at best, any benefit will be far outweighed by the improper wearing of masks, the inadequate and gappy nature of most masks I've seen and the complacency which an awful lot of mask-wearers appear to be afflicted with. Wear your mask if you want. But you'll have to pass a law before I'll join you.

Subject: RE: BS: New news on the pandemic
From: Mossback
Date: 25 Jun 20 - 08:23 PM

Its not about you, Steve.

Its about protecting OTHERS who might become infected by someone not wearing a mask.

Its about being responsible and considerate of other folks.

Best,

Greg

Subject: RE: BS: New news on the pandemic
From: Steve Shaw
Date: 25 Jun 20 - 08:33 PM

"Greg"...?

Subject: RE: BS: New news on the pandemic
From: Steve Shaw
Date: 25 Jun 20 - 08:35 PM

Er, and that's the unsettled science...

Subject: RE: BS: New news on the pandemic
From: Jeri
Date: 25 Jun 20 - 08:45 PM

It's Greg. He probably just forgot about "Bill".
But what he said... the mask is to protect OTHER PEOPLE if you're an asymptomatic carrier. If you don't care that you may kill other people accidentally, don't wear a mask.

Subject: RE: BS: New news on the pandemic
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 25 Jun 20 - 11:09 PM

Steve, it's a stubborn stance and ignores the solid amount of information that indicates that wearing masks does protect you and others.

I'm pretty sure Mossy was simply yanking chains with that signoff.

Subject: RE: BS: New news on the pandemic
From: Jon Freeman
Date: 26 Jun 20 - 01:46 AM

Oh I don't know SRS, although I think I'd opt to wear a mask if going out and it being my decision, things are blurred to me. Fwiw, I' try to copy a bit of what the WHO had as "interim guidance" on 5th June. I'm too tired to try and go back and find the link and don't know if it has been updated since.

First off, I'll try to present one table:

Table 2. Examples of where the general public should be encouraged to use medical and non-medical masks in areas with
  known or suspected community transmission
    Situations/settings                         Population                                       Purpose of        Type of mask to consider
                                                                                                 mask use          wearing if recommended
                                                                                                                   locally
  
    Areas with known or suspected               General population in public settings, such      Potential         Non-medical mask
    widespread transmission and limited or      as grocery stores, at work, social               benefit for
    no capacity to implement other              gatherings, mass gatherings, closed              source control
    containment measures such as                settings, including schools, churches,
    physical distancing, contact tracing,       mosques, etc.
    appropriate testing, isolation and care
    for suspected and confirmed cases.
  
    Settings with high population density       People living in cramped conditions, and         Potential         Non-medical mask
    where physical distancing cannot be         specific settings such as refugee camps,         benefit for
    achieved; surveillance and testing          camp-like settings, slums                        source control
    capacity, and isolation and quarantine
    facilities are limited
  
    Settings where a physical distancing        General public on transportation (e.g., on a     Potential         Non-medical mask
    cannot be achieved (close contact)          bus, plane, trains)                              benefit for
                                                                                                 source control
                                                Specific working conditions which places
                                                the employee in close contact or potential
                                                close contact with others e.g., social
                                                workers, cashiers, servers
  
    Settings where physical distancing          Vulnerable populations:                          Protection        Medical mask
    cannot be achieved and increased risk
    of infection and/or negative outcomes       •     People aged =60 years
                                                •     People with underlying comorbidities,
                                                      such as cardiovascular disease or
                                                      diabetes mellitus, chronic lung
                                                      disease, cancer, cerebrovascular
                                                      disease, immunosuppression
  
    Any setting in the community*               Persons with any symptoms suggestive of          Source control    Medical mask
                                                COVID-19
  *This applies to any transmission scenario

Now I'll try to give what they see as pros and cons:

Potential benefits/advantages
The likely advantages of the use of masks by healthy people in the general public include:                                                   

• reduced potential exposure risk from infected persons before they develop symptoms;                                             
• reminding people to be compliant with other measures. However, this can also have the reverse effect (see below);                                                         
• potential social and economic benefits. Amidst the global shortage of surgical masks and PPE, encouraging the public to create their own fabric masks may promote individual enterprise and community integration. Moreover, the production of non-medical masks may offer a source of income for those able to manufacture masks within their communities. Fabric masks can also be a form of cultural expression, encouraging public acceptance of protection measures in general. The safe re-use of fabric masks will also reduce costs and waste and contribute to sustainability.                              
                                                                  
Potential harms/disadvantages
                                                                     
The likely disadvantages of the use of mask by healthy people in the general public include:                                    
                                                                     
•    potential increased risk of self-contamination due to the manipulation of a face mask and subsequently touching eyes with contaminated hands;(48, 49)
•    potential self-contamination that can occur if non-medical masks are not changed when wet or soiled. This can create favourable conditions for microorganism to amplify.
•    potential headache and/or breathing difficulties, depending on type of mask used;                                 
•    potential development of facial skin lesions, irritant dermatitis or worsening acne, when used frequently for         
    long hours;(50)                                                
•    difficulty with communicating clearly;                        
•    potential discomfort;(41, 51)                                 
•    a false sense of security, leading to potentially lower adherence to other critical preventive measures such as physical distancing and hand hygiene;                           
•    poor compliance with mask wearing, in particular by young children;                                                
•    waste management issues; improper mask disposal leading to increased litter in public places, risk of contamination to street cleaners and environment hazard;
•    difficult communicating for deaf persons who rely on lip reading;
•    disadvantages for or difficulty wearing them, especially for children, developmentally challenged persons, those with mental illness, elderly persons with cognitive impairment, those with asthma or chronic respiratory or breathing problems, those who have had facial trauma or recent oral maxillofacial surgery, and those living in hot and humid environments.

Subject: RE: BS: New news on the pandemic
From: Mr Red
Date: 26 Jun 20 - 03:49 AM

Its not about you, Steve. - quite!

Most clinical looking masks have gaps but at the sides, deflecting the breath to the side and backwards. On face-to-face meetings that is a plus.

The real problem with masks is the way they are worn. I see mothers deliberately cross the loops to enhance the gap at the cheeks. While their children have them under their chins because of the restriction in breathing. Not even the bus drivers wear them, most of whom are nearing or over retirement age, though the older of that group seem to have disappeared currently. Not that I have observed many, I walk the 5 miles to town and not along the road where possible. Has anyone noticed how fat (ie vulnerable) a lot of bus drivers are?

My masks fit around the sides better, but then I chose carefully from the internet pictures and had them printed with my artwork advertising my website. Wearing on the bus is OK, but I wouldn't want to walk far in them. But if I take a bus it s because I am tired and the mask weighs heavy then.

FWIW the UK deaths graph has bottomed, and looking pretty flat at around 120/day mark (rolling average). The coming weekend may reveal something, numbers plummet Sunday/Monday which must be an artifact of reportage. I keep a spreadsheet and the FFT shows a strong spike at 7 and 3.5 days which is obvious on the daily graph.

Subject: RE: BS: New news on the pandemic
From: Donuel
Date: 26 Jun 20 - 05:27 AM

With mask - 3% infection   Without mask 17% infection.
oversimplified yes, since factors like viral load is even more important/

3 days before symptoms a carrier will be most infectious. Thats why health are workers treating the people with symptoms are as protected as they are.

Subject: RE: BS: New news on the pandemic
From: Steve Shaw
Date: 26 Jun 20 - 06:28 AM

With mask - 3% infection   Without mask 17% infection

Meaningless.

Here in Cornwall there is no mask-wearing culture, so most people are clearly stubborn, accidental people-killers. You have to wear them on buses (which are as rare around here as rocking horse shit anyway) and trains (nearest railway an hour's drive away) and if you go the doctor or hospital. The nurse at our medical centre gave me a sort of papery mask that she said I can use over and over again. I'm puzzling over the hygiene aspect of that, even though I'm an assiduously hygienic sort of chap myself. Two days ago in Morrisons a mask-wearing woman brushed past me to get a bag of frozen peas. Yep, made physical contact. I've had a fair number of similar and unwelcome close-ups like that with mask-wearers. Mask-wearers are far more likely to ignore the other cautions, it seems to me, though I haven't done any counts. You see masks worn under the nose, etc. If they make masks compulsory, yet don't give people loads of free masks, a lot of people are going to reuse masks that they shouldn't be reusing. There plenty of negatives that you mask-zealots are ignoring. Oh, and by the way, this county, full of those stubborn accidental people-killers, has the lowest infection rate in the country. We don't know of anyone who has had the disease and neither does anyone else we know. Well, we did hear of an outbreak in a care home 30 miles from here...

I am not anti-mask. A couple of you are so pro-mask that your posts are beginning to sound a bit evangelical. The fact is that the efficacy of masks in many settings is questionable. There are downsides, some dangerous, that you are ignoring. I don't laugh at people who wear masks and I'll wear a mask when I'm ordered to do so, and I'll do it properly. The case for the defence rests.

Subject: RE: BS: New news on the pandemic
From: Donuel
Date: 26 Jun 20 - 09:08 AM

Everything could be meaningless. But be that as it may
"wear the damn mask"