@luckytran@med-mastodon.com cover
@luckytran@med-mastodon.com avatar

luckytran

@luckytran@med-mastodon.com

📢 Scientist and organizer working in public health, climate justice, and science communication

🎓 Columbia, Cornell, Cambridge, Adelaide

➡️ Contact/Links: https://linktr.ee/luckytran

This profile is from a federated server and may be incomplete. For a complete list of posts, browse on the original instance.

luckytran , to random
@luckytran@med-mastodon.com avatar

"In the short term, living in a state of peak denial helps us cope. In the long run, it will be our undoing.

Truth tellers are the Achilles heel of collective denial.

And so those who wear masks are ridiculed, scientists reporting on COVID-19 risks are cast as fearmongers, and those with long COVID are dismissed as having anxiety disorders."

Fantastic piece on the tactics behind science denial, most notably on COVID, by sociologists in @scientificamerican_rss_bot

https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/weve-hit-peak-denial-heres-why-we-cant-turn-away-from-reality/

luckytran , to random
@luckytran@med-mastodon.com avatar

Tips to beat the heat:
💧 Drink water
👕 Wear light and loose clothing
🏡 Stay indoors
✊ Dismantle the fossil fuel industry

luckytran , to random
@luckytran@med-mastodon.com avatar

A mask ban makes our communities LESS safe.

It makes everyone more at risk of COVID and other health concerns.

It increases harassment of higher risk people, Asian people, and many others.

It increases profiling of Black and Brown communities.

luckytran , to random
@luckytran@med-mastodon.com avatar

"I'm a strong supporter of the decision of stopping of masks on our subway system, masks in protest, and masks in other areas where it's not health related." - NYC Mayor Adams

But you can get COVID everywhere. EVERYWHERE is health-related. A mask ban doesn't make sense.

video/mp4

luckytran , to random
@luckytran@med-mastodon.com avatar

Kids are losing 'huge chunks' of their childhood to long COVID. Too many are being told it's 'all in their head.' https://www.abc.net.au/news/2024-06-16/children-with-long-covid-dismissed-doctors-myth-virus-harmless/103959078

luckytran , to random
@luckytran@med-mastodon.com avatar

A timeline of New York's destruction of public health.

luckytran , to random
@luckytran@med-mastodon.com avatar

As usual Asian people have been left out of the discussion about masks and hate. Asian people have been attacked throughout the pandemic for wearing a mask. A mask ban would further stigmatize mask wearing and encourage further harassment and violence against mask wearers.

luckytran , to random
@luckytran@med-mastodon.com avatar

Despite government abandonment, COVID conscious advocates and mask blocs have done an amazing job educating people, distributing free masks, and holding COVID safe events. Instead of supporting this important public health work, governments are making it even harder with mask bans. Ridiculous.

luckytran , to random
@luckytran@med-mastodon.com avatar

This is horrible. Reporting from Reuters revealed that the US military ran disinformation campaigns, including creating fake social media accounts, to sow doubt in the quality of COVID vaccines, masks, and tests produced by other countries.
https://www.reuters.com/investigates/special-report/usa-covid-propaganda/

luckytran , to random
@luckytran@med-mastodon.com avatar

It says everything about the US attitude towards public health that they want to ban masks and abortions before they ban guns.

luckytran , to random
@luckytran@med-mastodon.com avatar

Mask bans will not stop crime. Mask bans will not stop protests. What mask bans will do is put people's health at greater risk, and make society less accessible.

luckytran , to random
@luckytran@med-mastodon.com avatar

Banning masks and halting congestion pricing puts the health of all New Yorkers at risk.

Kathy Hochul is an anti-public health, pro-fossil fuel Governor.

luckytran , to random
@luckytran@med-mastodon.com avatar

UPDATE: NY Governor Kathy Hochul said on CNN last night that she is considering a ban on masks.

This is absolutely shameful! New York has suffered so much from COVID, and COVID is not over. We should be normalizing and depoliticizing masks, not banning them.

Source: https://www.governor.ny.gov/news/icymi-audio-rush-transcript-governor-hochul-guest-cnn-laura-coates

Laura Coates, CNN: There is also a call some have talked about, some Jewish leaders actually in New York are calling tonight for a mask ban. Saying that covering faces allows protesters to have some level of anonymity to be more aggressive, to me more entitled to say what they want because they don’t fear repercussion in the same way. Would you support that endeavor? Governor Hochul: There was a ban on masks before the pandemic that you couldn't have face coverings that didn't serve a purpose. For example, a surgical mask for someone who is elderly or ill — the pandemic removed that from our State Law. It was repealed at the time, but I absolutely will go back and take a look at this and see whether it can be restored because it is frightening to people. You're sitting on a subway train and someone puts on a mask like this and comes in — you don't know if they're going to be committing a crime, they're going to have a gun, or whether they're just going to be threatening or intimidating you because you are Jewish, which is exactly what happened the other day. Absolutely unacceptable in the State of New York.
ALT
  • Reply
  • Expand (64)
  • Collapse (64)
    • + philip_cardella, Npars01, PallasRiot, DemocracyMattersALot
    luckytran OP ,
    @luckytran@med-mastodon.com avatar

    Pre-pandemic laws banning masks from group events were always harmful. We should have learned from the pandemic that we need to do more to normalize public health tools like masks. After seeing so much death and harm that is continuing, it makes no sense to roll back mask laws.

    luckytran OP ,
    @luckytran@med-mastodon.com avatar

    ACTION ALERT: Contact Governor Kathy Hochul & say that you are against banning masks in NY, & she should issue a statement retracting her comments on CNN supporting a mask ban.

    Call: 518-474-8390 (press 1 to leave a message, press 2 to speak to a person)

    Write: https://www.governor.ny.gov/content/governor-contact-form

    luckytran , to random
    @luckytran@med-mastodon.com avatar

    COVID is not over. Scientists are worried about bird flu. We need to be ready for the next pandemic. Right now we need to depoliticize and normalize mask-wearing. North Carolina’s anti-mask bill recklessly does the exact opposite.

    luckytran , to random
    @luckytran@med-mastodon.com avatar

    "Black and Hispanic adults were twice as likely than their White peers to be unable to renew their Medicaid enrollment after the end of the COVID-19 public health emergency"

    The end of the public health emergency was a disaster for health equity.

    https://www.cidrap.umn.edu/covid-19/black-hispanic-adults-double-risk-losing-medicaid-after-covid-emergency-ended-study-finds

    luckytran , to random
    @luckytran@med-mastodon.com avatar

    The irony.

    luckytran , to random
    @luckytran@med-mastodon.com avatar

    With North Carolina's anti-mask bill on the verge of passing, now is one of the most important times than ever to wear a mask. The fewer people who wear masks, the easier it makes it for right wing politicians to recklessly ban them and put everyone's health at risk.

    luckytran , to random
    @luckytran@med-mastodon.com avatar

    "But, on private properties, like at grocery stores or at a workplace, people can be required to remove masks if requested."

    This part of North Carolina's anti-mask bill is particularly horrible. It will increase harassment of people wearing masks, and puts public health at risk.

    https://www.motherjones.com/politics/2024/06/north-carolina-house-passes-revised-mask-ban/

    luckytran , to random
    @luckytran@med-mastodon.com avatar

    North Carolina's anti-mask bill just passed the House. It will now go to the Governor.

    This is a horrible bill that narrows the health exemption for wearing a mask, and makes it easier for cops and anti-maskers to harass people into taking off their mask.

    https://www.newsobserver.com/news/politics-government/article289178384.html

    luckytran OP ,
    @luckytran@med-mastodon.com avatar

    Important: If you are in North Carolina, please keep wearing your mask!

    The bill has not been signed into law yet. And while the language makes it easier for cops to abuse it, the bill does keep the right to mask to stop the spread of contagious disease.

    luckytran OP ,
    @luckytran@med-mastodon.com avatar

    The narrowing of the health exemption and the broadening of language permitting unmasking demands is intended to have a chilling effect and scare people into not wearing masks.

    This is a common right wing tactic. It is critical to resist and affirm your right to wear a mask.

    luckytran OP ,
    @luckytran@med-mastodon.com avatar

    North Carolina's anti-mask bill will now go to the Governor, who is a Democrat. However, because Republicans have supermajorities in both houses, they can override any veto by the Governor.

    luckytran OP ,
    @luckytran@med-mastodon.com avatar

    Even though the Republicans may override it, it's still important for Governor Roy Cooper to veto the anti-mask bill, and that he hears that a lot of people are against the bill.

    You can call Governor Roy Cooper's office at (919) 814-2000.

    luckytran , to random
    @luckytran@med-mastodon.com avatar

    LAST REMINDER: Comment on the rule that would reinstate hospital reporting requirements for COVID and other respiratory viruses.

    Deadline is TODAY at 11:59 pm EDT.

    Comment here: https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2024/05/02/2024-07567/medicare-and-medicaid-programs-and-the-childrens-health-insurance-program-hospital-inpatient#open-comment

    luckytran OP ,
    @luckytran@med-mastodon.com avatar

    Here's a fact sheet on how the new CMS rule would reinstate hospital reporting requirements for COVID.

    Old requirement expired due to the end of the Public Health Emergency, new one enforces the requirement regardless of PHE status.

    https://www.cms.gov/newsroom/fact-sheets/fy-2025-hospital-inpatient-prospective-payment-system-ipps-and-long-term-care-hospital-prospective

    luckytran OP ,
    @luckytran@med-mastodon.com avatar

    Please note that a short comment of support is fine. The form only takes a minute, so please do add your comment. Every single one helps!

    luckytran , to random
    @luckytran@med-mastodon.com avatar

    Thank you @actupny for this amazing COVID-safer Pride Guide!

    It's incredible seeing so many organizers stepping up and centering COVID, public health, and accessibility, as part of their events and protests. More of this please!

    You can read the full COVID-safer Pride Guide here: https://www.instagram.com/p/C7-BaWduahH/?img_index=1

    luckytran , to random
    @luckytran@med-mastodon.com avatar

    When you see protestors wearing masks, a big reason is COVID.

    The right lies that it's only to hide identities, so they can ban masks and make protesting illegal.

    Leftists need to stop repeating right-wing talking points. Always point out mask wearing is also due to COVID!

    luckytran OP ,
    @luckytran@med-mastodon.com avatar

    To be clear, people should have the right to wear a mask BOTH for health reasons and to protect against surveillance and doxxing.

    luckytran OP ,
    @luckytran@med-mastodon.com avatar

    But when you fail to mention COVID as one of the big reasons protestors wear masks in addition to surveillance, it makes it easier for authorities to ban them, and also erases the ongoing state-sanctioned harm that is being caused by lack of public health measures against COVID.

    luckytran , to random
    @luckytran@med-mastodon.com avatar

    This is how to protest when you understand that all our struggles are connected ✊

    luckytran OP ,
    @luckytran@med-mastodon.com avatar

    For those wondering, yes the DC Dyke March required masks as well as negative tests for community protection against COVID.

    COVID-19 Safety Masks are required during DC Dyke March. Please wear a KN95 or N95 mask; if you do not have one, we will provide one to you: • DCDM will have masks available at a wagon during the rally and march. The wagon will have a tall, bright green sign attached and will be staffed by a DCDM volunteer throughout. • Mask Bloc DC volunteers (with tall signs) will be circulating during the rally and march, and will also have masks to distribute. Please test for COVID-19 in the 72 hours before the march. Please do not attend if you do not have a confirmed negative test, or if you are experiencing COVID symptoms.
    ALT
  • Reply
    • + luckytran, philip_cardella
    luckytran , to random
    @luckytran@med-mastodon.com avatar

    In addition to making our cities climate resilient, we need to make our cities pandemic resilient.

    This includes air quality monitoring and clean air infrastructure everywhere, providing free masks and tests, mixed-use zoning, remote work, outdoor public spaces, bike lanes etc.

    luckytran OP ,
    @luckytran@med-mastodon.com avatar

    The good news is that many of the things we need for pandemic resiliency—clean air, free masks, more accessible public transport, decrease commuting—are the same things which will make our cities more resilient to climate change.

    luckytran , to random
    @luckytran@med-mastodon.com avatar

    It’s unethical that COVID is frequently left out of conversations about public transport accessibility. Many disabled and higher risk people haven’t been able to access public transport for years due to the lack of masks and clean air. This is a huge equity issue.

    luckytran OP ,
    @luckytran@med-mastodon.com avatar

    As we are talking about needing funds to improve public transport accessibility, it's important to note that accessibility must include COVID prevention measures such as air quality monitoring, installing clean air infrastructure, and providing free high quality masks to riders.

    luckytran , to random
    @luckytran@med-mastodon.com avatar

    Last month the requirement for US hospitals to report key COVID data to the federal government ended.

    This is reckless! But there's a rule that would reinstate hospital reporting requirements outside of public health emergencies.

    Comments close Jun 10! ➡️http://bit.ly/covidhospitaldata

    luckytran OP ,
    @luckytran@med-mastodon.com avatar

    Here's a helpful guide from the People' s CDC with tips on what to include in your public comment to reinstate hospital reporting requirements for COVID: https://peoplescdc.substack.com/p/tell-cms-medicaremedicaid-to-protect

    luckytran OP ,
    @luckytran@med-mastodon.com avatar

    @anniegreens Here's the direct link https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2024/05/02/2024-07567/medicare-and-medicaid-programs-and-the-childrens-health-insurance-program-hospital-inpatient#open-comment

    luckytran , to random
    @luckytran@med-mastodon.com avatar

    The idea that there will be fewer protests if they banned masks is ridiculous. People are rightfully going to continue protesting genocide. The only thing banning masks will do is make society even less accessible and discriminate against anyone who wants to protect their health.

    luckytran , to random
    @luckytran@med-mastodon.com avatar

    New York City's skyline, one year ago today.

    It's criminal that one year later, Governor Hochul is trying to kill off one of New York's most important climate policies ever.

    luckytran , to random
    @luckytran@med-mastodon.com avatar

    New poll from Data for Progress finds that 71% of US voters are against mask bans.

    Bar chart of polling data from Data For Progress. Title: Voters Strongly Agree That Masks Should Not Be Banned Regardless of Medical Framing. Description: North Carolina law currently allows people to wear a mask in public for the individual's physical health or safety and for the health or safety of others. North Carolina lawmakers are now considering a law that would ban the wearing of masks in public. When thinking about this, which of the following comes closest to your view, even if neither is exactly right? Response Options: A) We should not ban [masks / medical masks]. Banning [masks / medical masks] will put people at risk for health dangers like the flu, Covid, and wildfire smoke. B) Don't know C) We should ban [masks / medical masks]. Banning [masks / medical masks] will help us better identify criminals and crack down on crime. Medical masks — 71% chose A, 9% chose B, 20% chose C Masks — 71% chose A, 8% chose B, 21% chose C May 31–June 1 survey of 1,216 U.S. likely voters.
    ALT
  • Reply
  • Expand (9)
  • Collapse (9)
    • + DemocracyMattersALot, Npars01
    luckytran , to random
    @luckytran@med-mastodon.com avatar

    Update on the North Carolina anti-mask bill: The committee has come to an agreement on a compromise bill.

    BUT the compromise bill contains problematic language, saying you can wear a mask to "prevent the spread of contagious disease."

    This sounds like you can wear a mask if you already have COVID, but not to prevent yourself from getting it.

    Masks are a key prevention tool. People should have the right to wear them to protect their own health.

    luckytran OP ,
    @luckytran@med-mastodon.com avatar

    Even if the contagious disease exemption included preventing oneself from catching disease, this wouldn't be sufficient for a health exemption. Masks also protect from environmental hazards such as wildfire smoke, and many other allergens and toxic substances.

    luckytran OP ,
    @luckytran@med-mastodon.com avatar

    Overall, the problem with the vague language in North Carolina's anti-mask bill is that ultimately it leaves it up to the cops to interpret. And history shows they are likely to use any opening as license to target and wrongly arrest marginalized communities.

    luckytran OP ,
    @luckytran@med-mastodon.com avatar

    It may be true that in the court of law, any charges for wearing a mask for health reasons may be thrown out. But by that stage, people would have already been violated by the police. And the bill will also have a chilling effect on mask wearing; which is the intended purpose.

    luckytran OP ,
    @luckytran@med-mastodon.com avatar

    Here's a link to the updated North Carolina anti-mask bill: https://webservices.ncleg.gov/ViewBillDocument/2023/8694/0/H237-PCCS40622-CE-5

  • All
  • Subscribed
  • Moderated
  • Favorites
  • •
  • random
  • test
  • worldmews
  • mews
  • All magazines
    •