#Immune compromised

[sapphic-sprite]

[image description: a tweet by @/stellarissys that says “trans masc? we’re in a pandemic of course they should” end id]

[justyourjester]

masking is so fucking sexy, I love my immune compromised homies. biting my lip whenever I see another mother fucker in public masking but they can't see it cause I also be masking

[hazelbutterflies]

House Bill 237 Rapid Response Info Sheet (5/24/2024) (link to this on Google docs)

(id: Simone Hetherington, a speaker during public comment, urges lawmakers not to pass the masking bill during the state Senate Rules Committee in the Legislative Building in Raleigh, N.C on May 15, 2024. She is wearing a gray sweater and standing in front of a brown podium and microphone, she has long brown hair and is wearing glasses and a white face mask with head straps.)

Update + Call to Action!

The House of Representatives did not concur with HB 237! Next, the bill will be going through the Conference Committee to be amended again. We still need to fight and let the members of the Conference Committee understand the implications of this bill. Please focus your calling and emailing to members of the Conference Committee, found in this document and the link here! We have scripts you can utilize to communicate with them!

Our goal is to contact legislators to 1) oppose HB 237 altogether and reject the criminalization of masking, 2) advocate for, at minimum, the inclusion of a health exemption!

So far, there are no Senate Conferees for this bill. We will update this sheet if they are added! We do not know when the Conference Committee plans on meeting but it is important to continue contacting them!

CALL + EMAIL THE FOLLOWING REPRESENTATIVE CONFEREES FOR HB 237 TO TELL THEM NO ON HB 237!

Scripts, talking points, and contacts can all be found below!

Step 1: Email NC Representative Conferees

Copy/Paste the email below and the contact list of the NC Representative Conferees. You can also use ncmegaphone.com to send these emails automatically!

Example Email/Letter

Hello Senator/Representative [Last name],

I am emailing today to express my opposition to the amendment to HB 237, also called the Unmasking Mobs and Criminals Bill, that was proposed on Tuesday, May 7th, 2024. I am a constituent of District [Number], living in [Town Name], North Carolina.

The proposed removal of the health and safety exemption ignores the ongoing pandemic, impinges on federal rights, and would have larger material consequences on the economy and our communities’ collective well-being.

As we speak, new COVID variants have emerged and are predicted to cause a wave of infections, disabilities, and death this summer. Thousands of people continue to be hospitalized, disabled, or killed by COVID-19 every day in this country and around the world. Health and safety professionals identify masking or the use of high-quality respirators as the best protection against airborne viruses and diseases. To remove the medical exemption in the midst of an ongoing risk to public health is irresponsible and endangering your constituents.

Earlier this year, Congress held its first hearing on Long COVID and the need for research and resources on this complex and often confusing illness. From the advocacy and testimony of doctors, frontline workers, and Long COVID patients themselves, there has been an international push to recognize Long COVID as a disability. Disabled Americans are protected under the American Disabilities Act to have access to accommodations necessary for thriving and survival. High-quality masks and respirators are medically necessary for those disabled by or at risk of being disabled by COVID-19 and other airborne viruses. To remove the health and safety exemption would be a violation of the federal rights of disabled and immunocompromised citizens.

The larger material consequences of this amendment to the bill on the state of North Carolina cannot be understated. Hospitals, schools, social services, and even restaurants and recreation spots are massively understaffed, underfunded, and overworked. This amendment to remove the health and safety exemption, essentially increasing the potential spread of sickness and disease, would put these already overextended aspects of our society and our economy into further disarray and strain.

I strongly urge you to consider these material consequences, but more importantly, your disabled and immunocompromised constituents by voting against any amendments to House Bill 237 that would further restrict masking as a necessary precaution.

NOTE: ADDITIONAL TALKING POINTS ARE LISTED AT THE END OF THIS DOCUMENT.

NC House Representative Conferee Emails

Erin.Pare@ncleg.gov

Sarah.Stevens@ncleg.gov

John.Torbett@ncleg.gov

Brian.Biggs@ncleg.gov

Step 2: Call the NC House Representative Conferees!

Rep. John Torbet (R), 704-263-9282

Rep. Brian Biggs (R), 919-733-5865

Rep. Sarah Stevens (R), 919-715-1883

Rep. Erin Paré (R), 919-733-2962

Phone Zap Script

Hello Senator/Representative [Last name],

I am a constituent of District [Number], living in [Town Name], North Carolina, and I am calling today to ask you to vote against the proposed amendment to House Bill 237 (the Unmasking Mobs and Criminals Bill). Removing the health and safety exemption for masking in public would harm my life and the lives of many other constituents. Thousands of people continue to be hospitalized, disabled, or killed by COVID-19 every day in this country and around the world. Removing masking as a protection would contribute to economic decline through overcrowding and understaffing of schools, hospitals, and businesses.

High-quality masks and respirators are medically necessary for those of us who are disabled and/or immunocompromised. This amendment would be a direct violation of the Americans with Disabilities Act which was created to protect and accommodate disabled citizens. People have the right to protect themselves from airborne contaminants. I strongly urge you to consider these material consequences, but more importantly, your disabled and immunocompromised constituents by voting against any amendments to House Bill 237 that would further restrict masking as a necessary precaution.

Additional Talking Points

Masking as ADA accommodations

Masking as a tool for survival; medically necessary like a wheelchair or other mobility and accessibility aids, glasses, hearing aid

When we criminalize masking we make it impossible for immunocompromised people to work, support the economy, be part of society

Collective Wellbeing & (What they Care About) The Economy

Collective impact on hospitals, school and work sick days. Will cause more people to miss work and school; cause delays in receiving crucial healthcare; deplete the labor force and damage the economy

Disconnecting from COVID, and focussing on masks as necessary for general health & wellness for many elderly and disabled people. (COVID is triggering potentially)

Ban as Impinging on Personal Freedom / Protections of 14th Amendment / Encouraging Profiling

It is not a functional or rational measure, it is like saying that because people wear shirts in one context then no one can wear shirts in any other setting; it impinges on our freedom

Mask wearing has been presented as a matter of personal choice and now we suddenly don’t have that choice, the choice is being made for us

People have different reasons for needing to cover their bodies (religious, physical, psychological) and they should have a right to do so. You cannot determine the reason that someone is covering their body just by looking at them; this ban could impinge on 14th amendment rights

This will disproportionately impact people who are already discrimination and biased treatment from law enforcement.

Lawful or unlawful behavior can’t be predicted by mask-wearing, nor can intent. Mask wearing is not inherently bad or harmful. It should remain a neutral choice

There is no legitimate link between medical mask wearing and the original intent of this law against racist hate groups; this is an outdated and a misguided use of previous legislation.

Ongoing Pandemic/Risks to Public Health and Safety

As we speak, new COVID variants have emerged and are predicted to cause a wave of infections, disabilities, and death this summer. To remove the medical exemption in the midst of an ongoing risk to public health is irresponsible and endangering your constituents.

Personal Connection

Having been disabled by COVID-19, I worry for others who could be disabled and also for what would happen if I were to get sick again; I could lose the ability to work and support myself or to participate in social life, be dependent on systems that can’t support me

Quick Facts

What is HB 237? What’s happening now?

HB 237, also known as the “Unmasking Mobs and Criminals Bill”, is a law that makes face coverings in public illegal. There are several exemptions, including an exemption for “health & safety reasons” that was passed in March 2023 to account for the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. Currently, NC lawmakers are attempting to remove the health & safety exemption to retaliate against students holding Palestinian solidarity protests. The removal of this necessary exemption would further isolate disabled/immunocompromised people and create even more consequences for protesters who are arrested.

What is a phone or email zap?

Phone and email "zaps" are an easy and direct way of letting public officials and others know what you want them to do or to stop doing. It may involve voting on a particular bill, or actually implementing plans they have proposed but haven't acted upon. People in positions of power take such actions seriously. Politicians usually keep track of their pro and con calls on controversial issues. Phone and email zaps are particularly useful when you need to respond to something quickly. (ACT UP)

If you’d like to hear more about why this bill is bad please listen to this episode of death panel. Something the podcast highlights is that this is revenge on behalf of Republicans because Republicans hated that we cared about others and had mask mandates during 2020-2021. They also hate that we care about solidarity and we’re masking during protest against the genocide of Palestinians. It’s all connected.

[spacedocmom]

Doctor Beverly Crusher @SpaceDocMom People who don't respect your health and safety needs are not your friends. I'm so sorry you have to deal with so many people like that. emojis: black heart, blue heart, masked, spoon 4:07 PM · Apr 19, 2024

[spookysalem13]

I'm home from work, infected with covid-19, yet again. As an immune compromised person, I'm starting to think covid is in love with me. This is my third infection this year alone.

I'm at the point in my infection where I'm getting worse. The old phrase "it gets worse before it gets better" comes to mind whenever I have covid.

I feel like it starts off mediocre, then you start to feel it and you're like "man this sucks"! That's when covid laughs and hits your harder.

I'm at the stage where my ears are half way plugged. It's becoming increasingly difficult to hear anything. I can't smell anymore, but I can still taste. Though taste is numbed. Nothing is like so delicious anymore it stands out. Everything kind of tastes just average.

My lungs have been burning for days now. But I haven't had a cough until today. Considering I still barely have a cough, that tells me it's still going to get worse.

My fever is so bad I'm drenched in sweat! I continuously randomly fall asleep at the drop of a hat. Due to my fever I'm having fever dreams. Shaking in my sleep even.

This isn't fun, I'm struggling with this infection. My immune system is having a rough time kicking it out.

Once again, they've put me on Paxlovid. The medication used in treating high risk patients, such as myself, for covid-19.

I'm writing all of this, even if no one reads it. Because I personally like to look back at where I was during certain times. Also, for those who do read, and are a part of my spooky community here on tumblr, just know you can probably expect me to posting more this upcoming week, as I will be stuck in bed.

And finally, because I am immune compromised. I have multiple autoimmune diseases as well as a ton of other chronic health conditions. It personally upsets me when people talk about how the pandemic is so called "over" or how covid is "irrelevant" now.

That is so far from the truth. In fact, covid is worse now than it ever was when we were on lockdown. The virus is also stronger now. It's learning to beat our vaccines. Which is why new ones keep immerging.

It's a deadly virus that's constantly mutating, it spreads at a rapid rate, especially during this time of year.

I tell you how my body is handling the virus, even before it hits its peak, so hopefully some more people can understand why this virus is dangerous. Why we must protect the vulnerable like myself. And even everyone for that matter.

One single covid-19 infection leaves life long health implications. We're already seeing it play out.

This virus was supposed to be far more complex than we understand. Please don't take it lightly and don't make jokes. Please take precautions when out in public and remember. The pandemic isn't over.

[yeeclaw]

Just for the record, I tag COVID not for people who want to pretend it doesn’t exist or isn’t a problem, but for the COVID-conscious people who don’t ever get a break from it and want to look at gifs and talk about their favorite media without being reminded for the 500th time how much their community and society at large doesn’t care about them (and in many cases actively wishes them harm!). If you’re chronically ill, disabled, a caregiver, or a COVID-conscious ally who wants to read about the blorbos from your shows in peace on your little corner of this hellsite, go for it! Take what reprieve you can!! If tagging also helps some people who have decided to stick their heads in the sand to keep their heads in the sand, that’s incidental & idgaf about their peace ¯\_(ツ)_/¯

[performativezippers]

how I feel having very symptomatic covid for the second time in two months

[commiepinkofag]

calling all queers: get your vax-on

mpox cases are far outpacing last year's numbers, CDC reports

We also wanted to give people time to protect themselves ahead of Pride season. We're hoping this might encourage people to go ahead and get vaccinated so they can go out and enjoy their celebrations… — Dr. Brandy Darby, director of the Division of Surveillance and Investigation in the Office of Epidemiology at the Virginia Department of Health

[imalump]

[disableism]

In a situation right now where I’m mad at myself, mad at my sister, mad at my mom, mad at The State of Michigan, mad at The CDC, & mad at every person who doesn’t mask when they’re indoors somewhere outside of their own home.

[sapphic-sprite]

fist fighting the CDC for preferring disabled people die rather then tell the nondisabled population to wear a mask

[goth-maudra]

The first pic is on the post of an earring. Small. And I FUCKING HATE IT. It's a spore of Aspergillus fungus. We found out it's in our house. It's made me very sick. And it took our beautiful asshole away from us.

Midnight had a human-level intelligence and was a delightful jerk. She was 15. Aspergillus fungus and orbital/sinus cancer. The vet assured us that we did the kind thing today.

And now I've got leverage, in a way. I've been having Aspergilliosis symptoms for months now. Can't shake it because I have multiple immune disorders. Even had an Infectious Diseases specialist tell me I had Delusional Parasitosis.

My dead cat would beg to differ, bitch.

Her saying that put me in a deep hellscape for 3 days, because I thought I didn't know what was real. Then I thought "hey, what the actual fuck," and started advocating better...remembering all the SCORES of ways the US health system has failed me.

I plan on being a SEVERE asshole in plenty of asses.

[chronically-autistic-dinosaur]

Whenever my mom gets sick, I really have a hard time feeling sorry for her. She does nothing to prevent the spread of any respiratory illness, COVID included. She doesn’t wear a mask anymore (except in medical facilities), she goes shopping (and to other public places) and to work while sick, and hand washing/sanitizing are so low on her list, they might as well not even exist. She sees no problem being around other sick people or bringing sick people around (as long as they aren’t vomiting) and now has the mindset that COVID is no longer a problem/big deal…despite her youngest AND me having it last month! I don’t even think she plans on getting any of the boosters except for the one she already got.

Like right now, she has strep (and she failed to let me know that she possibly had it over the weekend when I was over), and I’m just like 🤷🏻‍♀️ She could have prevented this SO easily. Now she’s sitting at home complaining about being sick. She knows I’m immune-compromised (from having numerous COVID infections) and can get sick very easily. I don’t want strep. I am hoping I don’t get it. I stayed as far away from her as possible when I was in the house and masked when we went anywhere. Right before Christmas, she had some sort of respiratory tract infection and again, I was like 🤷🏻‍♀️

I’m moving in with her at the end of the month and I’m worried about my health. I’ll wear a mask in that house if it means I don’t get every illness her youngest brings home from school…because he doesn’t mask either!

If you mask and are taking precautions and still manage to get sick (like I did with my last COVID infection), then I’ll definitely feel sorry for you. You did nothing wrong and still got sick. That sucks. But if you’re going to be like my mom and traipse around and just not care, then 🤷🏻‍♀️

[spacedocmom]

Doctor Beverly Crusher @SpaceDocMom Doctors who fail to take even simple, basic steps to protect their patients from airborne pathogens are failing at medicine. emojis: black heart, blue heart, masked x5 2:55 PM · Jan 5, 2024

[spookysalem13]

The pandemic is getting out of control. I've come down with covid-19 yet again.

My whole house is sick, everyone is infected.

What is even more frustrating is that according to the government, covid-19 is no longer a problem. Which is a bunch of BS. 😑 So therefore my job won't pay me while I'm out again.

What are they expecting people to do? I just came back to work. I've been back a week and a half. I've only had time to earn for one paycheck. I haven't been paid in so long already. Now I'm going to be out again.

I'm beyond frustrated and stressed at this point. I'm immune compromised. My immune system doesn't tolerate covid-19 well. I'm out longer than what the government says you should be out for. Which I'm sure irritates my employer.

I'm chronically ill, I only go to work because disability has been giving me a hard time and I have yet to make my dream of social media provide me with any sort of income.

Despite work killing me faster, we live in a capitalist country and it's killing disabled people like me. And the United States Government is failing its people when it comes to the pandemic.

I'm really lost at what to do. And I'm having to worry about all this when I'm supposed to be getting better. I'm becoming very depressed again.

[meekamaye]

Its Been a Rough Day Today

Every four weeks I need to have an IV infusion of Gammagard. I drive two and a half hours to Mankato for the procedure. I get tired, the med wipes me out and I have now learned to take it easy the following day. Today was the second day after the infusion and I was totally wiped out. I took two naps which is really unusual for me. I missed a summer get-together of friends and my great-grandson’s…