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News Wire: Amtrak to require passengers to wear facial coverings

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Posted by Brian Schmidt on Thursday, May 7, 2020 1:52 PM

Brian Schmidt, Editor, Classic Trains magazine

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Posted by Convicted One on Thursday, May 7, 2020 2:11 PM

I wonder if there is a potential for ADA conflict here? While I'm not on bottled oxygen, I probably would be if I went to the doctor more frequently.  Having congestive heart issues, I get short of breath from even minor exertion, and don't tolerate "particle masks" very well just from a hobby environment. (find myself needing to breath deeper than the masks accomodate)

Guess Amtrak's off my bucket list.

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Posted by BaltACD on Thursday, May 7, 2020 7:09 PM

Convicted One
I wonder if there is a potential for ADA conflict here? While I'm not on bottled oxygen, I probably would be if I went to the doctor more frequently.  Having congestive heart issues, I get short of breath from even minor exertion, and don't tolerate "particle masks" very well just from a hobby environment. (find myself needing to breath deeper than the masks accomodate)

Guess Amtrak's off my bucket list.

So carry oxygen with the face covering.

While if feel like a bandit when I put on a 'mask' (a free running, left over sock that has been cut to act as a face covering, with blue paper shop towels as the 'filter medium'), since it is required it is not a big deal.  I put it on when I get out of my vehicle and take it off when I return to my vehicle.

Where there is a will, there is a way.  When there is no will there is no way.

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Posted by Convicted One on Thursday, May 7, 2020 7:48 PM

Wonder if they would accept a red lace thong?

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Posted by BaltACD on Thursday, May 7, 2020 7:54 PM

Convicted One
Wonder if they would accept a red lace thong?

Try it.  What do you have to lose?

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Posted by MidlandMike on Thursday, May 7, 2020 9:14 PM

Convicted One
While I'm not on bottled oxygen, I probably would be if I went to the doctor more frequently. 

Are you answering your own question?

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Posted by JPS1 on Thursday, May 7, 2020 10:05 PM

BaltACD
 While if feel like a bandit when I put on a 'mask' (a free running, left over sock that has been cut to act as a face covering, with blue paper shop towels as the 'filter medium'), since it is required it is not a big deal.  I put it on when I get out of my vehicle and take it off when I return to my vehicle.

Where there is a will, there is a way.  When there is no will there is no way. 

I have a face cover that I made out of an old rag that I used to clean the car and the cat’s litter box. I have washed it, of course, but it does retain a trace of its previous use. Hopefully the smell will dissuade the viruses from visiting with me. In any case, it helps promote personal distancing.

Bandit seems a little harsh.  I like to think of myself, while wearing the mask, as a leftover from the Hole in the Wall Gang.  I mean, it is important to keep a railroad theme here, i.e. holding up the Flyer. 

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Posted by zugmann on Thursday, May 7, 2020 10:11 PM

Convicted One

Wonder if they would accept a red lace thong?

 

Do you have the thighs for it?

  

The opinions expressed here represent my own and not those of my employer, any other railroad, company, or person.

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Posted by BaltACD on Thursday, May 7, 2020 11:01 PM

JPS1
 
BaltACD
 While if feel like a bandit when I put on a 'mask' (a free running, left over sock that has been cut to act as a face covering, with blue paper shop towels as the 'filter medium'), since it is required it is not a big deal.  I put it on when I get out of my vehicle and take it off when I return to my vehicle.

Where there is a will, there is a way.  When there is no will there is no way.  

I have a face cover that I made out of an old rag that I used to clean the car and the cat’s litter box. I have washed it, of course, but it does retain a trace of its previous use. Hopefully the smell will dissuade the viruses from visiting with me. In any case, it helps promote personal distancing.

Bandit seems a little harsh.  I like to think of myself, while wearing the mask, as a leftover from the Hole in the Wall Gang.  I mean, it is important to keep a railroad theme here, i.e. holding up the Flyer. 

I guess you don't need a mask for the Hole in the Wall Gang.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bxWrMczsNho

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Posted by alphas on Friday, May 8, 2020 3:46 AM

I wonder if the real reason for this decision now could be the fear of being sued?     We're already seeing the TV adds from law firms saying they can get you big bucks if you have the the coronavirus so contact them.

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Posted by Convicted One on Friday, May 8, 2020 2:03 PM

MidlandMike
Are you answering your own question?

 

I think I did, but not until the part about taking Amtrak off my bucket list.

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Posted by JPS1 on Monday, May 11, 2020 8:41 AM
Beginning today, May 11th, Amtrak’s guests will be required to wear facial coverings (masks) on all trains as well as in public areas, i.e. stations, platforms, etc.  The coverings can be removed when eating in designated areas, private rooms, or when seated alone or with a traveling companion. 
 
It will be interesting to see how many people comply with this requirement.  I would not want to spend six to eight hours on a train wearing a face mask.  I suspect a lot of other people would have the same reaction.
 
Numerous articles in the press are pointing toward a very slow recovery for the airlines.  Some claim that it will be years before commercial aviation comes anywhere near to what it was prior to the Covid-19 health issue.  I would carry that two steps further; I believe Amtrak as well as the nation’s intercity bus operators will experience the same resistance by many to traveling on a public conveyance.
 
People will travel.  It is part of what it means to be American.  But many if not most will travel by car and stay closer to home.  A lot of Texans, me included, probably are going to spend a lot more time exploring our vast state behind the wheel.  

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