I had to go in for a piss test for the new gig this morning, which required heading off
to the "big city" (Knoxville). they kind of have different mask/distancing requirements
over there from what we do out here - plus of course what the testing lab wanted.
This particular facility is affiliated with the largest medical corporation in that part of
the state. Typically very nice places, well kept and run.
I walked in and headed to the front desk and noticed the sign. I felt the looks of others
in the room, too - but they weren't so much confrontational or hostile as they were, well,
jealous - sort of a "hey, how come HE doesn't have to wear a mask?"
They all looked rather downtrodden and resigned to their masked fates.
Kinda sad, really.
Lady behind the counter robotically hands me a mask out of a box....
I head in the back to do my thing and the nurse looks at me, still not wearing the thing, just
holding it in my hand and leans over and whispers "is it ok if I take MY mask off?"
Heck yeah lady, have at it, fine by me....
She asks how come I'm not wearing one like everybody else.
I tell her what county I'm from and how we don't worry about such - and have an empty hospital
from the lack of need (so does the one next to us, for that matter).
She later announces my clean test (she says VERY clean, like something's wrong with that).
I try to hand her the unused mask, which she refuses since I've touched it....
Such a waste....in many ways.