A preference cascade occurs when ordinary people, who have been acting against their inclinations due to societal pressures, suddenly discover that their personal feelings are shared by many of the population. Therefore, public behavior swiftly adjusts accordingly.
The US is now experiencing the mask-free preference cascade. States and stores across the country drop their mask requirements after the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) advised that people fully vaccinated against COVID-19 could stop donning face coverings.
The governors of at least 10 states and officials at a slew of retail giants, like Walmart, announced they would no longer require masks, at least for those fully vaccinated against the CCP (Chinese Communist Party) virus.Delaware’s governor, Democrat John Carney, said effective May 21 residents will not be forced to wear masks anytime they are indoors with people they do not live with.“It’s clear that the COVID-19 vaccines are extremely safe and protective against infection and serious illness,” he said in a statement.Kentucky, Louisiana, New Mexico, North Carolina, Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota, Vermont, and Virginia also relaxed or eliminated masking requirements. Some also eased or rescinded social distancing mandates.
This is a decision that has been needlessly delayed.
Many large-chain retailers are announcing changes to face mask policies for fully vaccinated customers as well.
Trader Joe’s, Walmart, Sam’s Club, Costco and Publix were the first to confirm updates to mask requirements, leading the way for mask-free shopping except where required by state or local mandate. In some cases, vaccinated store employees can also go to work without a mask.Many retailers, including Apple, Target, CVS and Walgreens, say they are still evaluating the CDC guidance but say they could update policies.Starbucks updates its policy starting Monday and makes masks “optional for vaccinated customers beginning Monday, May 17, unless local regulations require them by law.”
And while California is still participating in pandemic Kabuki Theater, Gov. Gavin Newsom said the state would stop requiring people to wear masks in almost all circumstances on June 15, when most COVID-restrictions are set to end.
“We’re not wearing face coverings. We’re not restricted in any way, shape or form from doing the old things that we used to do, save for huge, large-scale indoor convention events like that, where we use our common sense,” Newsom said in an interview with Fox 11’s Elex Michaelson on Tuesday.
New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo decided to follow the CDC guidance after hesitation this weekend. The new guidelines begin on Wednesday.
For those of you following: The reproduction number for the country is less than 1 for the fourth week in a row. The epidemic within the United States is ending and…God willing…the rest of the world will follow.
In light of this preference cascade, it is transparently clear: Stores that bitterly cling to masks in the wake of this science will find themselves with fewer customers; states bitterly adhering to mandates will find themselves with fewer citizens.
CLICK HERE FOR FULL VERSION OF THIS STORY