Well now that I'm hearing more about different perspectives, I am changing my hosting requirements to require proof of COVID vaccination before I'll let people stay with me. Thanks for the discussion!
Hey Tim, did you know that there are millions of viruses out there and about 200 can spread to humans? Look it up, this information is available and it is scientific proofen, not just media circus.
You should ask also for proof of yellow fever vaccination, and
Chickenpox (Varicella)
Diphtheria, tetanus, and whooping cough (pertussis) (DTaP)
Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib)
Measles, mumps, rubella (MMR)
Polio (IPV) (between 6 through 18 months)
Pneumococcal (PCV)
Hepatitis A (HepA)
Hepatitis B (HepB)
Just to name a few.
Proof of HIV negativ, in case you and your guest like each other, that can happen, it is called humanity. Also there would be a need to let them proof all of their allergies, in case you cook for them beforehand. I mean you dont want to be sued cause of a potentially killed cyclist in your house, right?
Also, please make sure they do not have diabetis, in case you serve a cake with icing after dinner.
Please check too, that they lock their bikes accordingly, cause if their bikes get stolen on your property, that can cause trouble too.
I assume you are all covert with all necessary insurances but make sure your guest has insurances too,because you know, they might break a lamp, a plate or alike.
But most importsnt, lokck your bedroom door from the insidee, there are so many freaks out there. You never know.
Happy hosting then, you are all settled for a very nice experience. Nothing ever can go wrong now.
Oh, I forgot, do you have anti slipping mats in your shower?
Regarding vaccinations, yes of course I know about all of those other vaccines. The COVID situation is very serious and different from those others at this time. It is disappointing you don't seem to care very much about the health and safety of others.
You are way too extreme and I would not host you. My house, my rules. Hope others who consider hosting you can know your views so they can choose whether or not to host you. Just saying.
I have similar criteria whether I host or guest -- I avoid situations where we'll be robbed, hurt, or killed.
While most bike tourists want to keep others safe, in this thread we have encountered at least 2 who could be dangerous as hosts or guests as they either don't believe COVID is real and/or don't believe in taking proper precautions and getting vaccinated. I very much want to keep both my guests and hosts safe plus I am a scientist and engineer so follow the science. I will only host or guest when all parties are vaccinated (unless the unvaccinated person has a damn good reason for not getting vaccinated and a doctor's note). Yes I support COVID passports aka a Yellow International Vaccine card/certificate that can be verified. My experiences with COVID have been too scary. I have not gotten it and don't want to get it. While the vaccines are very good they are not 100% -- having everyone vaccinated against COVID is best.
Although there is no vaccine for Malaria, it is a virus nontheless.
I just learned that people in those regions getting immune over time. I had Malaria twice and cycled through tropical countries after that for long time. Like 7 months through SE Asia, 8 months through Central America. You cannot avoid every single mozzie bite. So did not get malaria again.
A vaccine for a coronavirus is no not needed since humans have an immunesystem has designed by nature to protect the body. all you got to do is living a healthy life.
On the contrary, to keep a healthy immunesystem you need to engage with people, nature, environment, germs, bacterias and viruses. That is why indiginous people died when Europeans landed on their land snd brought all those bacterias and viruses with them They were never exposed to them hence had absolutely no immune response.
Having a social distance, covering your face is not helping at all. It actually makes you weaker. for that matter
How come you have rules that someone need proof of vaccination and masks and what not, just now.
Do you realise that those coronaviruses are out there since ever. And you never had any of those rules when guests came? So by saying, those are your rules you just admitted, that you need someone to tell you what is right and wrong, because you did not make up those rules, your mighty leaders did and you just follow. Because they manipulated your perception of a coronaviruses from 2019 to 2021.
...you guys in the first world do not have enough problems, so you create some more. To forget about the others. We are so tired of listening again again to the same old stories about climate change and world hunger and cutting down the rain forrest. That is old news. Medias can not sell this anymore to us. So lets create something new. Oh, here is an idea. A virus. No dont get me wrong. This virus is real. As is any other virus since the dawn of time. But what a surprise to learn that this particuliar virus here is different. How so? Dare to shine some scientific light on that Tim, as you say you are a scientist and listen to science. Look. I can play your game against you. Do not dare to say, that experts in the national news stated this and that. Just because someone has a PhD or is a doctor does not make him an expert. You need to give me some proof from Experts in the field, virologists, epidemiologists f.e. They do this for a living. They study viruses for decades, they know, what they are talking of. A news reporter knows shit.
And now tell me why nobody after a whole year is not tired of hearing again and again of a virus being out there, killing people. That is just unbelievable.
BTW. When I say, you in the first world...I mean, I am white too from a rich and wealthy country but I have been in countries very much the opposite of that and I tell tou, I am ashamed of being white and "rich". Rich meaning, knowing I have immidiate access to 1000 Dollars or so, when the people around me would never own that much in a lifetime.
You should be ashamed of yourself, and with YOU I mean your governments in your wealthy countries to discuss wether to allow fabric masks or make proper masks mandatory. What a waste of time and money on that matter.
I rest my case. This is pointless. You mindless sheep will never learn,because tou not willing to give up your believes that the rulers of your country have the best interests for you. History has prooven all of them wrong, all the time. They lie and promise and pretend to be the good guys, but hey. Ignorance is a blessing. Keep believing. They are all saving the world for you. Just sit down and watch the show. But dont forhet to put on your mask for Gods sake.
Alright, business people have a free pass. how surprising!
Dont you understand nothing how this world works. that people do not count but only business, trade and money?
That your freedom of speech, of movement or in poorer countries free education, free acess to water is only permitted if it suits the people in charge who control the world trade?
But as soon as you enter the business world you free to go, because we need you to make money, to trade, to expoit nature, people, anything and anyone. Oh but the virus, er, who cares, money is more important.
So what if I am a digital nomad, my business is my own business (no pun intented). That does not count as business due to the money goes into my pocket and the free market does not benefit from me. Sure, whatever.
I am open to host since last month but there has been no request at all, with my last guest staying on January of last year - right when the earliest cases were being reported in the US. While I am simultaneously planning on cycling to Nevada in June, the potential lack of available hosts makes me doubt my itinerary. Sure, we do have vaccines now, but the herd immunity is not expected until mid-summer at the earliest...
I am in the hell of UK, brexit, worst covid deaths... - so i doubt people want to visit, sure it just be UK people visiting if any, but i am welcome and open to one person staying (mostly due to my tiny flat's size!). really want to host as been hosted a bit. Good cook and know the area super well - on quite a few trails too! Just ask the person stays in contact enough so we can tell each other if we get syndoms soon after staying which i think is fair. cycling is mostly (especially if your introvert like me) pretty solo!
Last year when this Covid 'situation' started, we thought it not a bad idea to wear face masks, just in case it was really a deadly virus lurking on every conflakes packet in our local shop! We decided, together, that we would carry on hosting long distance cyclists, as we know what it's like riding a bike all day and needing somewhere comfortable and safe to stop overnight. But, as a safeguard for all, that our visitors would sleep in a tent in our garden, or in our car garage, and not inside our house. We still have this condition in place, but I have become more and more sceptical about this whole Covid so-called pandemic and am now labelled as a 'conspiracy theorist' as I believe it to be a sinister means of ushering in the 'New Normal' by using social disapproval. Experts in psychological abuse are running the show, with many 'sheep' happily wearing face masks, rubbing alcohol into their hands every time they go into a shop, queueing up for the 'vaccines' and ignoring the fact that the 'vaccination' rollout is a 2-year trial, and eagerly awaiting the introduction of the 'Vaccine Passport' on their smartphones so they can smugly show that they are 'good citizens' and 'responsible members of society'.
I feel as if we are living in absurd times, and many have relinquished their freedoms for 'security'. The Covid 'discussion' is a long one, and I realise some people's views cannot be changed, and if you were to stay with us that would not be our goal. I just wanted to say that we are 'still open' to long distance cyclists, and will do what we can to help you with your journey. I feel it is a shame some people have closed their doors to cyclists during this present 'pandemic' (or 'scamdemic'!), and thank goodness there are still some normal people about who can think for themselves!
Hi Ross, I feel in the same way about these things happening nowadays. There is a real virus, maybe even a pandemic, but there were virusses and pandemics before (like influenza). Never before there were restrictions like there are now. Never before they wanted to have everyone vaccinated.
Probably some would call me a 'conspiracy theorist', but I don't mind. I think social contacts in real life are very important, it can't be healthy to see friends, family and others only through 'zoom' a.a. And in my opinion nobody else (like politicians or doctors) should decide for us; we are responsible for our own choices.
As someone who has had friends and family die and some become extremely sick but not die, this pandemic is very real, very serious, and very deadly. The restrictions in place have kept the death toll much lower so be thankful and get vaccinated as soon as you can!
Seems that people have forgotten about what it was like before measles, smallpox, and many, many other vaccines that are now standard. Most governments worldwide have done the right thing and we created governments to look out for us in ways that individuals are unable -- like public health, food standards and inspections, transportation standards and inspections, building codes, and so much more.
I do realize that many struggle to understand what is real and what is not. Media literacy is more important than ever and you can learn it by going to your library and talking to educators and librarians. And get to know your elected officials too. It takes a team to make our world safer.
Hi Tim, there are different opinions possible on this subject. I respect yours, but mine is not the same. That's all I want to say now, I won't go on discussing this subject here. But I can say I do my best in keeping the world a safe place to live in for everyone.
One cousin was in his 60s, had just retired, and no serious health issues but died after 2 long painful months. Many friends, especially in healthcare, became very, very sick (some young but most middle aged). Most of my friends in healthcare are suffering variouis forms of PTSD -- dealing with the pandemic has been brutal on them.
I, my wife, and 2 sons did not get infected because we maintained very safe procedures at all times and avoided dangerous locations -- mostly sticking to online interactions or 10+ feet away outside. I'm able to work at home or outside for most everything I do (I am not in healthcare). My sons worked at home too. As a librarian, my wife did have to start going to work a few months ago but has been very careful. Many of her colleagues were drafted as disaster service workers to do contact tracing and help at testing and vaccination sites -- those folks found this work quite stressful. One of our neighborhood grocery staff died from COVID too. One friend got COVID from his college age son who had not been careful enough and gave it to my friend during a single meal. Another friend got it from his son who were still playing soccer with other kids. These last two survived but it was still pretty bad. Thankfully here in California things are looking up due to vaccinations and strict guidelines -- we paused but did not backslide like happened in many other areas of the US and especially in India right now (!!!).
One cousin was in his 60s, had just retired, and no serious health issues but died after 2 long painful months. Many friends, especially in healthcare, became very, very sick (some young but most middle aged). Most of my friends in healthcare are suffering variouis forms of PTSD -- dealing with the pandemic has been brutal on them.
I, my wife, and 2 sons did not get infected because we maintained very safe procedures at all times and avoided dangerous locations -- mostly sticking to online interactions or 10+ feet away outside. I'm able to work at home or outside for most everything I do (I am not in healthcare). My sons worked at home too. As a librarian, my wife did have to start going to work a few months ago but has been very careful. Many of her colleagues were drafted as disaster service workers to do contact tracing and help at testing and vaccination sites -- those folks found this work quite stressful. One of our neighborhood grocery staff died from COVID too. One friend got COVID from his college age son who had not been careful enough and gave it to my friend during a single meal. Another friend got it from his son who was still playing soccer with other kids. These last two survived but it was still pretty bad. Thankfully here in California things are looking up due to vaccinations and strict guidelines -- we paused but did not backslide like happened in many other areas of the US and especially in India right now (!!!).
This flu virus is not more lethal than any other flu virus before. But people's health has deteriorated instead making mankind weaker and therfor more vulnurable to any kind of virus really.
I mean,even The BBC or FOX news admitted that 60% of americans who died had diabetis and/or obesity.
I travelled by bike through the US, got hosted by WSvor other kind people a few times and got served only one cooked meal. Like actual food.
Now of coursecI cannot generalize a whole country of 200 million people with just a handful of encounters but the numbers speak for themselves. At least for the US.
Another reason why so many more die in the US is, that there is no good healthcare. People are reluctant to see a doctor because they cant afford it, and when they eventually decide to do so, it might as well be too late.
Sorry, but in sick societies people die of much other courses than a simple natural course as a virus.
Tim - We are sorry to hear about your losses. It has been real for us too, in Ecuador, and very stressful on medical professionals in our family. We listen to them. We are now vaccinated and have just begun hosting again - carefully and with hand-washing protocols, etc. We did not know of one's status, but a small family that came all had negative COVID tests within a week. Not totally perfect, but we made a choice. I am struck by how many unregistered people are commenting on this forum - do you happen to know who they might be? Bikers? If so, why not identified? Just thought you may have insights.
Hi Suzy, Thanks for the post and glad you are vaccinated. With a negative COVID test, I would probably host too in the situation you described. Thankfully in California right now COVID vaccines are easily available to anyone who wants one regardless of where you are from or insurance situation. It boggles my mind why some are still not getting vaccinated. The ability of people to fool themselves is quite astounding.
Regarding the "Unregistered" people, earlier when I posted these were not unreigstered but went to real WarmShowers accounts. Looks like those people have since left WarmShowers for what ever reason.
My wife and I are looking forward to hosting more people as well as doing some bicycle touring ourselves in the next few years. Recently we have greatly enjoyed getting together in perosn with others who are fully vaccinated -- what a relief and so much fun to socialize again!
be careful. Saying you are a conspiracy theorist for yourself puts people off already,they do not care to listen to what you wanna say anymore.
But here is the thing. I created lots of conspiracies last march 2020 but realised that it might not matter after all. I let it run its course cause here from Ecuador I cannot do protests on the streets and stuff. People here are so much more obedient. But then again, in the villages life is still normal.
I dropped the conspiracy thinking long ago but believe rather, that this is not planned but happened because in March 2020 when everybody was scared including the actual scientists they made bad desicions that never got reviewed. And then, according to Naomi Klein, politians took their chance to use the fear and push through their agendas, that were lying around and were just waiting for a disaster, a catastrophy that makes people vulnurable and believe even worse in polititians to fix it. Otherwise more people would have stand up for their rights. Confusing them with contradicting information is now just a medias method since ever. No matter if they are in bed with politics or not.
I check messages on my phone,put it back into my pocket, obediently apply alcohol onto my hands when entering a shop, then grab my phone again to check messages again. Well done people.
For all I know whenever someone sprayes my hands, I immidiadly rub it of on my pants anyway.
I keep repeating my self but humans will bot stop spreading a virus. It is nature PERIOD.
It doesn't matter to me to call it 'conspiracy theory' or otherwise. I just want people to know I don't think those restrictions are of any help. And to people who are not afraid, I am still a host.
We had three sets of cycle tourists last Summer. Because 'Covid' was a new 'unknown' then, we decided that visitors should not be inside our house, and sleeping in the spare bedroom, to reduce the possibility of infection, but that they would still be welcome to sleep in their tents. They all had their own tents, but for the third guy I had already erected our 3-person tent in our garden for him, to save him the bother of putting his own up.
We provided meals, and ate with them outside on our terrace, although we did maintain the 'social distance' aspect. We did allow them inside to have a shower, our bathroom is just one door from the terrace. We would still host in this way, and wouldn't ask to see evidence of 'Covid vaccination' ("Yours papers! Where are your papers!!"). I find the whole agenda of the government getting you to suspect others of being 'unclean' to be insidious and quite evil.
It's not a bad idea to be cautious but, having spent over a year following this 'Covid nonsense', I think it's pretty obvious there's much more behind this so-called pandemic. Censorship in the media is rife, and raises my suspicions. I may be wrong, but I take comfort in the fact that there are others who question what's really going on.
My wife and I are considered high risk because of our age. We both have had the innoculations, though that only means the symptoms are not as severe and the contagiousness is less.
We were always hosting, just the what we had to offer was pretty pathetic. We had a few takers. Now, though, we will host only if vaccinated. I'm not worried that I'll contract it, but more that I could unknowningly pass it on.
My wife and I are considered high risk because of our age. We both have had the innoculations, though that only means the symptoms are not as severe and the contagiousness is less.
We were always hosting, just the what we had to offer was pretty pathetic. We had a few takers. Now, though, we will host only if vaccinated. I'm not worried that I'll contract it, but more that I could unknowningly pass it on.
My wife and I are considered high risk because of our age. We both have had the innoculations, though that only means the symptoms are not as severe and the contagiousness is less.
We were always hosting, just the what we had to offer was pretty pathetic. We had a few takers. Now, though, we will host only if vaccinated. I'm not worried that I'll contract it, but more that I could unknowningly pass it on.
In CA the statewide COVID shelter orders are no more as of today 6/15 and we also hosted our first WarmShowers guest since the pandemic started. Turned out to be a fellow climate rider too, great guest! And fully vaccinated! Yay!
please if you come to my place, don't show a coronapass or anything like this, I would feel offended. But please wear a clean facial mask and wash your hands if you feel sick or if you have met infected (or probably infected) people recently. Remember that this virus can be dangereous (like some other viruses...), but also that PCR-tests are so sensitive that more than half of positive-tested persons are in fact neither sick nor contagious (ref.: https://academic.oup.com/cid/article/72/11/e921/5912603 )
Alas because of what I do in the Medical field and the numbers that we are seeing, we no longer are hosting. This is something that we will be missing. We have met some great individuals in the past from all over the world. Hopefully soon we can start hosting again.
Well now that I'm hearing more about different perspectives, I am changing my hosting requirements to require proof of COVID vaccination before I'll let people stay with me. Thanks for the discussion!
I have not changed anything. No reason to.
Hey Tim, did you know that there are millions of viruses out there and about 200 can spread to humans? Look it up, this information is available and it is scientific proofen, not just media circus.
You should ask also for proof of yellow fever vaccination, and
Just to name a few.
Proof of HIV negativ, in case you and your guest like each other, that can happen, it is called humanity. Also there would be a need to let them proof all of their allergies, in case you cook for them beforehand. I mean you dont want to be sued cause of a potentially killed cyclist in your house, right?
Also, please make sure they do not have diabetis, in case you serve a cake with icing after dinner.
Please check too, that they lock their bikes accordingly, cause if their bikes get stolen on your property, that can cause trouble too.
I assume you are all covert with all necessary insurances but make sure your guest has insurances too,because you know, they might break a lamp, a plate or alike.
But most importsnt, lokck your bedroom door from the insidee, there are so many freaks out there. You never know.
Happy hosting then, you are all settled for a very nice experience. Nothing ever can go wrong now.
Oh, I forgot, do you have anti slipping mats in your shower?
I crack myself up here, this is hilarious.
Hey Sven,
Regarding vaccinations, yes of course I know about all of those other vaccines. The COVID situation is very serious and different from those others at this time. It is disappointing you don't seem to care very much about the health and safety of others.
You are way too extreme and I would not host you. My house, my rules. Hope others who consider hosting you can know your views so they can choose whether or not to host you. Just saying.
It is troublesome to use the reply for this app.
I host all except those who I think will try to rob or kill me.
Lucky for me most bike tourists don't fit that mold.
Ken,
I have similar criteria whether I host or guest -- I avoid situations where we'll be robbed, hurt, or killed.
While most bike tourists want to keep others safe, in this thread we have encountered at least 2 who could be dangerous as hosts or guests as they either don't believe COVID is real and/or don't believe in taking proper precautions and getting vaccinated. I very much want to keep both my guests and hosts safe plus I am a scientist and engineer so follow the science. I will only host or guest when all parties are vaccinated (unless the unvaccinated person has a damn good reason for not getting vaccinated and a doctor's note). Yes I support COVID passports aka a Yellow International Vaccine card/certificate that can be verified. My experiences with COVID have been too scary. I have not gotten it and don't want to get it. While the vaccines are very good they are not 100% -- having everyone vaccinated against COVID is best.
Cheers,
Tim
Although there is no vaccine for Malaria, it is a virus nontheless.
I just learned that people in those regions getting immune over time. I had Malaria twice and cycled through tropical countries after that for long time. Like 7 months through SE Asia, 8 months through Central America. You cannot avoid every single mozzie bite. So did not get malaria again.
A vaccine for a coronavirus is no not needed since humans have an immunesystem has designed by nature to protect the body. all you got to do is living a healthy life.
On the contrary, to keep a healthy immunesystem you need to engage with people, nature, environment, germs, bacterias and viruses. That is why indiginous people died when Europeans landed on their land snd brought all those bacterias and viruses with them They were never exposed to them hence had absolutely no immune response.
Having a social distance, covering your face is not helping at all. It actually makes you weaker. for that matter
How come you have rules that someone need proof of vaccination and masks and what not, just now.
Do you realise that those coronaviruses are out there since ever. And you never had any of those rules when guests came? So by saying, those are your rules you just admitted, that you need someone to tell you what is right and wrong, because you did not make up those rules, your mighty leaders did and you just follow. Because they manipulated your perception of a coronaviruses from 2019 to 2021.
...you guys in the first world do not have enough problems, so you create some more. To forget about the others. We are so tired of listening again again to the same old stories about climate change and world hunger and cutting down the rain forrest. That is old news. Medias can not sell this anymore to us. So lets create something new. Oh, here is an idea. A virus. No dont get me wrong. This virus is real. As is any other virus since the dawn of time. But what a surprise to learn that this particuliar virus here is different. How so? Dare to shine some scientific light on that Tim, as you say you are a scientist and listen to science. Look. I can play your game against you. Do not dare to say, that experts in the national news stated this and that. Just because someone has a PhD or is a doctor does not make him an expert. You need to give me some proof from Experts in the field, virologists, epidemiologists f.e. They do this for a living. They study viruses for decades, they know, what they are talking of. A news reporter knows shit.
And now tell me why nobody after a whole year is not tired of hearing again and again of a virus being out there, killing people. That is just unbelievable.
BTW. When I say, you in the first world...I mean, I am white too from a rich and wealthy country but I have been in countries very much the opposite of that and I tell tou, I am ashamed of being white and "rich". Rich meaning, knowing I have immidiate access to 1000 Dollars or so, when the people around me would never own that much in a lifetime.
You should be ashamed of yourself, and with YOU I mean your governments in your wealthy countries to discuss wether to allow fabric masks or make proper masks mandatory. What a waste of time and money on that matter.
I rest my case. This is pointless. You mindless sheep will never learn,because tou not willing to give up your believes that the rulers of your country have the best interests for you. History has prooven all of them wrong, all the time. They lie and promise and pretend to be the good guys, but hey. Ignorance is a blessing. Keep believing. They are all saving the world for you. Just sit down and watch the show. But dont forhet to put on your mask for Gods sake.
Alright, business people have a free pass. how surprising!
Dont you understand nothing how this world works. that people do not count but only business, trade and money?
That your freedom of speech, of movement or in poorer countries free education, free acess to water is only permitted if it suits the people in charge who control the world trade?
But as soon as you enter the business world you free to go, because we need you to make money, to trade, to expoit nature, people, anything and anyone. Oh but the virus, er, who cares, money is more important.
So what if I am a digital nomad, my business is my own business (no pun intented). That does not count as business due to the money goes into my pocket and the free market does not benefit from me. Sure, whatever.
Yes I am still hosting.
I am open to host since last month but there has been no request at all, with my last guest staying on January of last year - right when the earliest cases were being reported in the US. While I am simultaneously planning on cycling to Nevada in June, the potential lack of available hosts makes me doubt my itinerary. Sure, we do have vaccines now, but the herd immunity is not expected until mid-summer at the earliest...
I am in the hell of UK, brexit, worst covid deaths... - so i doubt people want to visit, sure it just be UK people visiting if any, but i am welcome and open to one person staying (mostly due to my tiny flat's size!). really want to host as been hosted a bit. Good cook and know the area super well - on quite a few trails too! Just ask the person stays in contact enough so we can tell each other if we get syndoms soon after staying which i think is fair. cycling is mostly (especially if your introvert like me) pretty solo!
Wednesday 14th April 2021
Last year when this Covid 'situation' started, we thought it not a bad idea to wear face masks, just in case it was really a deadly virus lurking on every conflakes packet in our local shop! We decided, together, that we would carry on hosting long distance cyclists, as we know what it's like riding a bike all day and needing somewhere comfortable and safe to stop overnight. But, as a safeguard for all, that our visitors would sleep in a tent in our garden, or in our car garage, and not inside our house. We still have this condition in place, but I have become more and more sceptical about this whole Covid so-called pandemic and am now labelled as a 'conspiracy theorist' as I believe it to be a sinister means of ushering in the 'New Normal' by using social disapproval. Experts in psychological abuse are running the show, with many 'sheep' happily wearing face masks, rubbing alcohol into their hands every time they go into a shop, queueing up for the 'vaccines' and ignoring the fact that the 'vaccination' rollout is a 2-year trial, and eagerly awaiting the introduction of the 'Vaccine Passport' on their smartphones so they can smugly show that they are 'good citizens' and 'responsible members of society'.
I feel as if we are living in absurd times, and many have relinquished their freedoms for 'security'. The Covid 'discussion' is a long one, and I realise some people's views cannot be changed, and if you were to stay with us that would not be our goal. I just wanted to say that we are 'still open' to long distance cyclists, and will do what we can to help you with your journey. I feel it is a shame some people have closed their doors to cyclists during this present 'pandemic' (or 'scamdemic'!), and thank goodness there are still some normal people about who can think for themselves!
Hi Ross, I feel in the same way about these things happening nowadays. There is a real virus, maybe even a pandemic, but there were virusses and pandemics before (like influenza). Never before there were restrictions like there are now. Never before they wanted to have everyone vaccinated.
Probably some would call me a 'conspiracy theorist', but I don't mind. I think social contacts in real life are very important, it can't be healthy to see friends, family and others only through 'zoom' a.a. And in my opinion nobody else (like politicians or doctors) should decide for us; we are responsible for our own choices.
As someone who has had friends and family die and some become extremely sick but not die, this pandemic is very real, very serious, and very deadly. The restrictions in place have kept the death toll much lower so be thankful and get vaccinated as soon as you can!
Seems that people have forgotten about what it was like before measles, smallpox, and many, many other vaccines that are now standard. Most governments worldwide have done the right thing and we created governments to look out for us in ways that individuals are unable -- like public health, food standards and inspections, transportation standards and inspections, building codes, and so much more.
I do realize that many struggle to understand what is real and what is not. Media literacy is more important than ever and you can learn it by going to your library and talking to educators and librarians. And get to know your elected officials too. It takes a team to make our world safer.
Hi Tim, there are different opinions possible on this subject. I respect yours, but mine is not the same. That's all I want to say now, I won't go on discussing this subject here. But I can say I do my best in keeping the world a safe place to live in for everyone.
Tim, how old were your family members or friends who have died?
Had they underlying conditions like respitory deseases, cancer, lung deseases, obesity, diabetis?
And how did you not get effected or infected during that time with those people?
BTW My condolences.
One cousin was in his 60s, had just retired, and no serious health issues but died after 2 long painful months. Many friends, especially in healthcare, became very, very sick (some young but most middle aged). Most of my friends in healthcare are suffering variouis forms of PTSD -- dealing with the pandemic has been brutal on them.
I, my wife, and 2 sons did not get infected because we maintained very safe procedures at all times and avoided dangerous locations -- mostly sticking to online interactions or 10+ feet away outside. I'm able to work at home or outside for most everything I do (I am not in healthcare). My sons worked at home too. As a librarian, my wife did have to start going to work a few months ago but has been very careful. Many of her colleagues were drafted as disaster service workers to do contact tracing and help at testing and vaccination sites -- those folks found this work quite stressful. One of our neighborhood grocery staff died from COVID too. One friend got COVID from his college age son who had not been careful enough and gave it to my friend during a single meal. Another friend got it from his son who were still playing soccer with other kids. These last two survived but it was still pretty bad. Thankfully here in California things are looking up due to vaccinations and strict guidelines -- we paused but did not backslide like happened in many other areas of the US and especially in India right now (!!!).
One cousin was in his 60s, had just retired, and no serious health issues but died after 2 long painful months. Many friends, especially in healthcare, became very, very sick (some young but most middle aged). Most of my friends in healthcare are suffering variouis forms of PTSD -- dealing with the pandemic has been brutal on them.
I, my wife, and 2 sons did not get infected because we maintained very safe procedures at all times and avoided dangerous locations -- mostly sticking to online interactions or 10+ feet away outside. I'm able to work at home or outside for most everything I do (I am not in healthcare). My sons worked at home too. As a librarian, my wife did have to start going to work a few months ago but has been very careful. Many of her colleagues were drafted as disaster service workers to do contact tracing and help at testing and vaccination sites -- those folks found this work quite stressful. One of our neighborhood grocery staff died from COVID too. One friend got COVID from his college age son who had not been careful enough and gave it to my friend during a single meal. Another friend got it from his son who was still playing soccer with other kids. These last two survived but it was still pretty bad. Thankfully here in California things are looking up due to vaccinations and strict guidelines -- we paused but did not backslide like happened in many other areas of the US and especially in India right now (!!!).
I have a theory.
This flu virus is not more lethal than any other flu virus before. But people's health has deteriorated instead making mankind weaker and therfor more vulnurable to any kind of virus really.
I mean,even The BBC or FOX news admitted that 60% of americans who died had diabetis and/or obesity.
I travelled by bike through the US, got hosted by WSvor other kind people a few times and got served only one cooked meal. Like actual food.
Now of coursecI cannot generalize a whole country of 200 million people with just a handful of encounters but the numbers speak for themselves. At least for the US.
Another reason why so many more die in the US is, that there is no good healthcare. People are reluctant to see a doctor because they cant afford it, and when they eventually decide to do so, it might as well be too late.
Sorry, but in sick societies people die of much other courses than a simple natural course as a virus.
Tim - We are sorry to hear about your losses. It has been real for us too, in Ecuador, and very stressful on medical professionals in our family. We listen to them. We are now vaccinated and have just begun hosting again - carefully and with hand-washing protocols, etc. We did not know of one's status, but a small family that came all had negative COVID tests within a week. Not totally perfect, but we made a choice. I am struck by how many unregistered people are commenting on this forum - do you happen to know who they might be? Bikers? If so, why not identified? Just thought you may have insights.
Hi Suzy, Thanks for the post and glad you are vaccinated. With a negative COVID test, I would probably host too in the situation you described. Thankfully in California right now COVID vaccines are easily available to anyone who wants one regardless of where you are from or insurance situation. It boggles my mind why some are still not getting vaccinated. The ability of people to fool themselves is quite astounding.
Regarding the "Unregistered" people, earlier when I posted these were not unreigstered but went to real WarmShowers accounts. Looks like those people have since left WarmShowers for what ever reason.
My wife and I are looking forward to hosting more people as well as doing some bicycle touring ourselves in the next few years. Recently we have greatly enjoyed getting together in perosn with others who are fully vaccinated -- what a relief and so much fun to socialize again!
Hi Inge, hi Ross,
be careful. Saying you are a conspiracy theorist for yourself puts people off already,they do not care to listen to what you wanna say anymore.
But here is the thing. I created lots of conspiracies last march 2020 but realised that it might not matter after all. I let it run its course cause here from Ecuador I cannot do protests on the streets and stuff. People here are so much more obedient. But then again, in the villages life is still normal.
I dropped the conspiracy thinking long ago but believe rather, that this is not planned but happened because in March 2020 when everybody was scared including the actual scientists they made bad desicions that never got reviewed. And then, according to Naomi Klein, politians took their chance to use the fear and push through their agendas, that were lying around and were just waiting for a disaster, a catastrophy that makes people vulnurable and believe even worse in polititians to fix it. Otherwise more people would have stand up for their rights. Confusing them with contradicting information is now just a medias method since ever. No matter if they are in bed with politics or not.
@ Ross:
AMEN!
how about that.
I check messages on my phone,put it back into my pocket, obediently apply alcohol onto my hands when entering a shop, then grab my phone again to check messages again. Well done people.
For all I know whenever someone sprayes my hands, I immidiadly rub it of on my pants anyway.
I keep repeating my self but humans will bot stop spreading a virus. It is nature PERIOD.
It doesn't matter to me to call it 'conspiracy theory' or otherwise. I just want people to know I don't think those restrictions are of any help. And to people who are not afraid, I am still a host.
We had three sets of cycle tourists last Summer. Because 'Covid' was a new 'unknown' then, we decided that visitors should not be inside our house, and sleeping in the spare bedroom, to reduce the possibility of infection, but that they would still be welcome to sleep in their tents. They all had their own tents, but for the third guy I had already erected our 3-person tent in our garden for him, to save him the bother of putting his own up.
We provided meals, and ate with them outside on our terrace, although we did maintain the 'social distance' aspect. We did allow them inside to have a shower, our bathroom is just one door from the terrace. We would still host in this way, and wouldn't ask to see evidence of 'Covid vaccination' ("Yours papers! Where are your papers!!"). I find the whole agenda of the government getting you to suspect others of being 'unclean' to be insidious and quite evil.
It's not a bad idea to be cautious but, having spent over a year following this 'Covid nonsense', I think it's pretty obvious there's much more behind this so-called pandemic. Censorship in the media is rife, and raises my suspicions. I may be wrong, but I take comfort in the fact that there are others who question what's really going on.
My wife and I are considered high risk because of our age. We both have had the innoculations, though that only means the symptoms are not as severe and the contagiousness is less.
We were always hosting, just the what we had to offer was pretty pathetic. We had a few takers. Now, though, we will host only if vaccinated. I'm not worried that I'll contract it, but more that I could unknowningly pass it on.
I look forward to hosting.
Gregg
My wife and I are considered high risk because of our age. We both have had the innoculations, though that only means the symptoms are not as severe and the contagiousness is less.
We were always hosting, just the what we had to offer was pretty pathetic. We had a few takers. Now, though, we will host only if vaccinated. I'm not worried that I'll contract it, but more that I could unknowningly pass it on.
I look forward to hosting.
Gregg
My wife and I are considered high risk because of our age. We both have had the innoculations, though that only means the symptoms are not as severe and the contagiousness is less.
We were always hosting, just the what we had to offer was pretty pathetic. We had a few takers. Now, though, we will host only if vaccinated. I'm not worried that I'll contract it, but more that I could unknowningly pass it on.
I look forward to hosting.
Gregg
In CA the statewide COVID shelter orders are no more as of today 6/15 and we also hosted our first WarmShowers guest since the pandemic started. Turned out to be a fellow climate rider too, great guest! And fully vaccinated! Yay!
please if you come to my place, don't show a coronapass or anything like this, I would feel offended. But please wear a clean facial mask and wash your hands if you feel sick or if you have met infected (or probably infected) people recently. Remember that this virus can be dangereous (like some other viruses...), but also that PCR-tests are so sensitive that more than half of positive-tested persons are in fact neither sick nor contagious (ref.: https://academic.oup.com/cid/article/72/11/e921/5912603 )
Alas because of what I do in the Medical field and the numbers that we are seeing, we no longer are hosting. This is something that we will be missing. We have met some great individuals in the past from all over the world. Hopefully soon we can start hosting again.
Steve and Sue
We both miss having guests but our facilities are not conducive to a safe environment. Looking forward to a time when we can reopen.
Pages