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Japanese airline removes passenger refusing to wear face mask

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masks are to Covid-19 what condoms are to HIV.

Condoms don't have an inhibitive affect on breathing.

if you don't like don't fly!!!

What next? "If you don't like masks, don't go shopping", "If you don't like social distancing, don't visit loved ones" "If you don't like vaccines, don't leave the house" (etc...)

Nah. I'll stand up for my freedom and basic liberties thanks, if it's all the same to you.

1 ( +1 / -0 )

I heard a scientist on the radio explain it very simply; in my own words, masks are to Covid-19 what condoms are to HIV.

Easy to understand.

-2 ( +0 / -2 )

Mask Facism?? that's idiotic! It's a well known rule on all flights now. If it helps even a little it's worth it and not that big of a deal...if you don't like don't fly!!!

-2 ( +0 / -2 )

This man didn't break any law, so I think it was unfair of him to be bullied into complying. It's an air-conditioned plane and there's no social distancing, so I can't see that wearing a mask makes much difference. People take them off to eat and drink anyway. Whether you agree with his stance, or not, he was brave in taking a stand against mask fascism. Fair play to him.

2 ( +3 / -1 )

Sounds like an entitled can't!

-2 ( +0 / -2 )

Wearing a mask concentrates the exhaled viruses in the nasal passages.

If viruses are still in nasal passages, they aren't exhaled yet

And to prevent concentration of viruses in nasal passages, just wear the mask over the nose and mouth, don't stuff it inside your nostrils.

-4 ( +0 / -4 )

Even my DOG knows by now that he need his mask before going out in public for a walk.

-4 ( +0 / -4 )

Masks may increase your risk of infection, mostly because they are worn inappropriately, and also because mask-wearers fiddle with them, frequently touching their face. There is no scientific evidence that shows that cloth masks will help reduce the spread of COVID-19.

Wearing a mask concentrates the exhaled viruses in the nasal passages. Our bodies have several effective detoxification's pathways. One of the ways we rid ourselves of a viral infection is by exhaling. If you are sick with COVID-19 or any other viral infection, the last thing you want to do is impede your ability to breathe

0 ( +2 / -2 )

Oh you brave, send-sacrificing, anonymous people. Let me take of my velvet gloves and applaud your stance on face coverings

1 ( +4 / -3 )

Science. Science literacy. Which seems to be lacking among the general population, especially those of European descent. Ignorance of the mechanics of viral infections is evident. Masks assist in preventing viral infections.

Viruses are not a political ideology nor under the command of any personal opinion.

Measurement can be effected as to a mask preventing the spread of SARSCoV-2. Research proves masks are effective in containing the ongoing contagion.

Masks are not a plot by nefarious politicians to personally inconvenience you. SARSCoV-2, is very real and it kills, on the average, a person every fifteen seconds.

Some assert that is due to comorbidity. Which is a factor. But, death is the result of a viral infection aka SARSCoV-2. Read the many peer reviewed research papers in scientific journals that are not the whining opinions of illiterates - it indicates that the virus kills and will continue doing so until a vaccine is created or time, years pass and the virus burns itself out. Which presupposes variance instead of mutation.

Anti-maskers have absolutely no factual basis for any assertion to refuse wearing a mask when in the company of others. Anti-vaxxers espouse every manner of bogus evidence and discredited research - their assertions are akin to anti-makers, in that the science disproves their assertions.

Airlines indicate masks are required on flights for the reason of health & safety. If so informed, that an individual cannot wear a masks, reasonable accommodations are offered by the airlines. There are a variety of masks and shields available to offset any 'allergic reaction'. The simple assertion, 'I do not like wearing a mask or it is annoying,' are bogus and display a very odd arrogance and inability to realize 'the greater good'. Airlines though regulated are a private enterprise and can deny you boarding for whatever reason they deem allowable and within the purview of the law. Health and safety of all passengers and crew being paramount.

2 ( +3 / -1 )

Holy cow! There's some crazy comments here, especially some crazy bush. No wonder Corona is never going to go away.

-3 ( +0 / -3 )

Perhaps the anti-maskers could create their own airline that bans masks.

0 ( +4 / -4 )

If someone doesn't want to wear a mask on an airplane, they can always try walking, instead.

-1 ( +2 / -3 )

From your link;

The results show a majority of respondents, or 51.2 percent, said they “usually” wear masks amid the pandemic, followed by 31.4 percent who said they “sometimes” wear them. Only 17.4 percent said they do “not at all” wear masks.

Looks like roughly half the people do not feel the need to wear a mask in all situations. Hardly the conspiracy-theory-they're-out-to-get-our-freedoms scenario you're trying to paint.

When you go out in public, do you always bow to peer pressure and wear clothes, or do your own thang in your undies? Walk instead of skipping down the street? Use a loo when you feel the call, rather than squatting by the side of the road? These 'freedoms' you (I imagine) willingly forego, and expect others to forego as well.

Wearing a mask in public to make others feel more comfortable is the same thing.

Should we wear masks in love hotels? Asking for a friend.

Depends, I suppose. If it's just the two of you, and you're both OK with nekked mouths, then throw caution to the wind and the masks in the same direction.

If it's a group er... gathering, probably better to check what you're supposed to be doing there in the first place.

-1 ( +4 / -5 )

Its no big deal.”

In theory, no. Just the lengths to which proponents will rabidly defend them.

And as we see from this article, it’s about peer pressure for Japanese.

http://www.asahi.com/sp/ajw/articles/13655141

It will take years. A properly tested vaccine...etc

0 ( +3 / -3 )

It seems insults are indeed being permitted.

It wasn't an insult, just a statement of fact.

There are much, much more important things going on in the world for you to get upset about. If being asked to wear a mask is the greatest problem you face in your life at the moment, then you are incredibly lucky.

All of Japan is now masked up, because everyone is doing it. It will take years to reverse this trend.

Japan has always had lots of folk wearing masks, probably the reason there is so little resistance. Once the coronavirus is sent packing, most of the masks will come off, because there will be no need for them.

I hate wearing a mask.

I do not wear a mask when I am riding my bike. (Natural social distancing)

I do not wear a mask when I'm walking the dogs (People tend not to get too close when you have a Dobermann with you).

I do not wear a mask when I'm working on the allotment - it's my little piece of heaven, if people see me digging/planting/weeding/watering and not wearing a mask and they still approach, then it's on them.

Otherwise in shops, in banks, in the post office, in meetings, on a plane, in a lift, anywhere I might breathe on people or they might breathe on me, I put on the mask.

Its no big deal.

-1 ( +5 / -6 )

the farmers are much more stubborn (maybe even a bit on the macho side) when it comes to putting on a mask.

in other words an A H E?

The man who was ejected from Saturday's flight said, "I was worried because of what happened on Peach (Aviation), but I didn't think I would be kicked off."

The key term here is DIDN'T THINK.

The male passenger, however, said after the incident that he often develops a rash or feels suffocated when he wears a mask, adding he did not want to talk about his condition in front of other passengers.

Then Come talk to me when I'm on a respirator for the third time in my life, because of stubborn fools such as yourself. I'll have plenty of time to listen to your issues when I'm unconscious. We can do it privately one on one if that will make you feel better.

0 ( +3 / -3 )

“No, people who continue to stamp their little feet and pout their little mouths when asked to comply with a very simple and temporary measure for the sake of the health of the rest of the population, are idiots.”

Temporary? All of Japan is now masked up, because everyone is doing it. It will take years to reverse this trend.

2 ( +5 / -3 )

”They might look silly but they might just save us one day.”

Don’t hold your breath

6 ( +7 / -1 )

Wanting to breathe in more oxygen is not ‘being precious’.

More oxygen? You still get more than enough with your mask on. Enough is enough. You don't need more.

Wanting to maintain a life where we can see each other’s faces and live without fear is not ‘being precious’.

What makes you think people want to see your face?

As for the What about when drinks are served? folk - as far as I know the LLCs at least have stopped all in-flight meal/drinks service.

So people who have a different view are in effect, idiots.

No, people who continue to stamp their little feet and pout their little mouths when asked to comply with a very simple and temporary measure for the sake of the health of the rest of the population, are idiots.

It's no big deal. Wear the mask in public, take it off when there's no one around and put your tinfoil hat on instead. (to combat the conspiracy theories)

As for the plonker on the plane (or to be more accurate, not on the plane) - he sure stood up for his freedumbs, didn't he. Free to stay in Okushiri while the plane flew to Hakodate.

Invalid CSRF

-1 ( +7 / -8 )

Remember when the people stuck on the cruiseship were repatriated? Do you think they were they not taking precautions in terms of wearing a mask? I presume they did and it didn't seem effective at that time though there was a large amount of high risk customers on the same flight. Not sure what has changed since then.

Of course I am not saying don't be considerate of others and just go ahead and do what ever you want.

2 ( +2 / -0 )

@Serrano

Yeah, there's no way the virus can find its way over, under or around those (plastic face shields)!

The same with face masks. But what we're trying to do is limit the viral transmission as much as possible so I'd rather share a plane with somebody with a plastic face shield rather than without one.

I just shake my head when I see those.

The same argument could be said about motorcycle helmets by some people (especially by those living in countries where they're not compulsory. ) It all comes down to our perception of things. They might look silly but they might just save us one day.

-2 ( +2 / -4 )

"Of course thats assuming they understand the reason for wearing masks."

In Japan's case, because everyone else is doing it.

For that reason alone, I don one occasionally with reluctance

-1 ( +4 / -5 )

"Research how viral loads work. It will enlighten you, and reduce the stress from the confusion in not understanding why they've made those choices."

So you're saying that during in-flight beverage service the virus will leave people alone???

0 ( +6 / -6 )

Good on them. While the government apparently refuses to make and enforce any kind of laws, private companies can make and enforce rules. I don't like wearing masks, and I often forget to (and companies should provide them in such cases, for a fee), and I do not believe they are a panacea for everything and can in fact cause further spread if not worn properly, they do help prevent spread from an infected person to others. This guy is now utterly embarrassed for his actions, and rightly so.

-2 ( +5 / -7 )

*Those that walk around without a mask are living freely, completely without (fear) *regard to other people.

There fixed it.

The reason people wear masks is to prevent spreading the virus in case one has it.

So people who don't wear masks do so because they don't care.

Of course thats assuming they understand the reason for wearing masks.

Usually the reason they don't wear one is because they're too stupid to understand.

1 ( +7 / -6 )

And on top of that, even the CDC themselves have recently came out and conceded that only 6% of the registered COVID deaths actually had COVID as the cause of death..

Nope. That right-wing talking point had been debunked immediately after some nutter pulled it out of his butt.

-3 ( +4 / -7 )

More and more people around the world are waking up to the fact this has been a giant con for god-knows-what nefarious purposes. 

More and more people are not waking up at all.

-2 ( +4 / -6 )

People, you do realize that you’re in a cramped, air tight, air conditioned compartment, with no ‘social distancing’, breathing in each other’s exhalations, right? You DO know that... right?

That's why you have to keep a mask on as much as possible.

2 ( +7 / -5 )

 For such persons perhaps a plastic face shield is another option.

Yeah, there's no way the virus can find its way over, under or around those!

I just shake my head when I see those.

@kyushubill LOL

-3 ( +3 / -6 )

daito_hakToday 11:01 am JST

Asymptomatic transmission is not new at all. Not only it is observed among the four common human coronaviruses which cause 15-30% of common colds but it is observed for basically all sort of virus (including flu actually). We always transport all sort of germs that do not trigger any disease or even can be beneficial. See here an article about bacteriophages: https://www.sciencemag.org/news/2017/11/does-sea-viruses-inside-our-body-help-keep-us-healthy.

This asymptomatic transmission thing is overly used recently with the COVID-19 without properly putting it into perspectives as nature is very complicated.

The lingering effects are not so far scientifically established because the number of people affected by this is so low and statiscally not relevant. Again nature is complicated, there are always special cases among such a large amount of people out there. That does not mean that such rare cases are the norm. They aren't so far.

The death rate is actually rather low. This is because there are so much asymptomatic people that have never been tested. In May, the CDC placed the number of asymptomatic cases between 20%-50%, with a "best estimate" of 35%. The range of estimates put the fatality rate for those showing symptoms between 0.2%-1%, with a "best estimate" of 0.4%. By combining the two estimates, the estimated overall fatality rate of those infected with the virus – with and without symptoms – would be 0.26%. More recently, it said that the current estimates of between 0.2 to 1% are better and that 0.65% is the current best estimate. Still not a high death rate in any shape or form.

Great points. And on top of that, even the CDC themselves have recently came out and conceded that only 6% of the registered COVID deaths actually had COVID as the cause of death..

But of course we won't be able to go back to "normal" until after they inject the entire population with a wonder vaccine.

1 ( +5 / -4 )

El RataToday 08:04 am JST

Paranoia is out of control, I honestly do not understand the irrational fear this virus causes, there are other viruses and illnesses way more dangerous and people don't care about them.

Power of the media. All the continuous relentless fearmongering has worked a charm!

5 ( +9 / -4 )

Those that walk around without a mask are living freely, completely without fear.

You can say the same about those who jump off cliffs.

Do it alone don't drag others with you!!

0 ( +7 / -7 )

High infection rate + asymptomatic transmission + lingering effects for months (or years potentially) + high death rate.

Asymptomatic transmission is not new at all. Not only it is observed among the four common human coronaviruses which cause 15-30% of common colds but it is observed for basically all sort of virus (including flu actually). We always transport all sort of germs that do not trigger any disease or even can be beneficial. See here an article about bacteriophages: https://www.sciencemag.org/news/2017/11/does-sea-viruses-inside-our-body-help-keep-us-healthy.

This asymptomatic transmission thing is overly used recently with the COVID-19 without properly putting it into perspectives as nature is very complicated.

The lingering effects are not so far scientifically established because the number of people affected by this is so low and statiscally not relevant. Again nature is complicated, there are always special cases among such a large amount of people out there. That does not mean that such rare cases are the norm. They aren't so far.

The death rate is actually rather low. This is because there are so much asymptomatic people that have never been tested. In May, the CDC  placed the number of asymptomatic cases between 20%-50%, with a "best estimate" of 35%. The range of estimates put the fatality rate for those showing symptoms between 0.2%-1%, with a "best estimate" of 0.4%. By combining the two estimates, the estimated overall fatality rate of those infected with the virus – with and without symptoms – would be 0.26%. More recently, it said that the current estimates of between 0.2 to 1% are better and that 0.65% is the current best estimate. Still not a high death rate in any shape or form.

3 ( +8 / -5 )

Many people get parano about this virus and mask wearing. Many do not know that the air system in most planes is very good, much better than trains or offices, and that the transmission risk is very low. Just seeing someone with no mask make them scary. As long as the person do not talk or cough, there is absolutely no risk.

I see many people wearing their masks in the street, feeling the do their duty, but take it off once in a crowded izakaya. It makes no sense.

4 ( +6 / -2 )

Threaten to ban them for life from flying like many US carriers are doing.

They'll wear a mask.

1 ( +7 / -6 )

Sometimes the hypocrisy of mask-wearers borders on comical.

The idiocy of the anti-mask brigade borders on criminal, every time.

Don't want to wear a mask, sit at home!!

2 ( +11 / -9 )

If the Covidiots are so concerned about wearing masks, then they should not travel.

Sit at home and hopefully you idiocy doesn't spread too much!!

-3 ( +9 / -12 )

These people remind me of the anti-seatbelt brigade back in the day. ‘I don’t like it’, ‘it’s too uncomfortable’, ‘it’s tight around my chest’, ‘what’s the point? If I crash at 80mph this won’t save me’ etc.

Just wear a blinking mask and stop being so precious. YOU might not want to, or like it, but take into consideration all the other people around you.

7 ( +14 / -7 )

Sometimes the hypocrisy of mask-wearers borders on comical.

People, you do realize that you’re in a cramped, air tight, air conditioned compartment, with no ‘social distancing’, breathing in each other’s exhalations, right? You DO know that... right?

Passenger: ”I’m not taking my mask of for anything. I don’t want no asymptomatic disease. How dare these maskless ghouls endanger my life.

Flight staff : “In flight meal, sir?

Passenger : “Ooh! Don’t mind if I do! Can I have a coffee please, too?

6 ( +18 / -12 )

Don’t like masks?

Don’t fly!

Don’t like people living without fear?

Don’t fly!

1 ( +13 / -12 )

As stupid as he is the passenger should realize now that being irrational and stupid can work in internet forums but likely won't on planes.

Even if one is too stupid to grasp the simple significance of masks, not understanding it does not exempt one from wearing a mask.

4 ( +8 / -4 )

When all the masks were sold out and none could be found the only ones I could find online have "I love China" on them. I bought 300 of them.

Now I love walking around in my masks, on airplanes, on public tranport, in stores, and in government offices.

Lol haha.

They should give that out on the plane to passengers who don't have own masks

2 ( +4 / -2 )

 "If there was an explanation, we would have made adjustments for him to take the flight without a mask, such as reserving other seats for him."

The male passenger, however, said after the incident that he often develops a rash or feels suffocated when he wears a mask, adding he did not want to talk about his condition in front of other passengers.

Situation could have been so easily resolved.

1 ( +4 / -3 )

When all the masks were sold out and none could be found the only ones I could find online have "I love China" on them. I bought 300 of them.

Now I love walking around in my masks, on airplanes, on public tranport, in stores, and in government offices.

1 ( +6 / -5 )

I hear that eventually everyone who is going to get this virus will have gotten it, the vast majority will have recovered and we can finally stop wearing masks and reopen everything that hasn't closed permanently. It could happen as early as 2021.

-7 ( +3 / -10 )

As they didn't indicate that the passenger was a foreigner, I guess we can all assume he is Japanese.

4 ( +6 / -2 )

Is this math really hard? You have one man not wearing a mask all the time vs. a hundred or more people not wearing their mask part of the time. Factor in what everyone is touching. Factor in the odds of one guy even having corona vs. someone in the hundred or more other people. This one guy becomes insignificant.

If anyone's fear is such that they support this guy getting thrown off the plane, rather than just moved to another seat, why the hell are they even on an airplane?

-6 ( +9 / -15 )

"What's up with passengers from Hokkaido?"

Maybe they're farmers. I live between an urban area and a rural area and it looks like the farmers are much more stubborn (maybe even a bit on the macho side) when it comes to putting on a mask.

-2 ( +4 / -6 )

I honestly do not understand the irrational fear this virus causes, there are other viruses and illnesses way more dangerous and people don't care about them.

High infection rate + asymptomatic transmission + lingering effects for months (or years potentially) + high death rate.

7 ( +16 / -9 )

Paranoia is out of control, I honestly do not understand the irrational fear this virus causes, there are other viruses and illnesses way more dangerous and people don't care about them.

That said, I despise masks with all my heart, I refuse to wear them, therefore I avoid places where the mask thing is more than a mere 'onegai', that includes airplanes, that guy could've just driven to his destination and avoided the hassle, although I admire his courage to stand against this nonsense, airlines are private businesses and can set up any rules they want, so if you really want/need to fly just suck it up and comply.

1 ( +15 / -14 )

Every single sip of coffee and bite of ice cream you take increases the viral load of everybody sitting on that airplane.

Yes. What is the conclusion that you're drawing from that?

9 ( +12 / -3 )

And they damn well could have altered seating arrangements for him even without an explanation.

Make a precedent like that, and half the flight will rip off their masks and start whining like babies.

-4 ( +3 / -7 )

Every single sip of coffee and bite of ice cream you take increases the viral load of everybody sitting on that airplane.

More than not wearing a mask for the remainder of the time? I honestly never knew that.

12 ( +17 / -5 )

Every single sip of coffee and bite of ice cream you take increases the viral load of everybody sitting on that airplane.

Please explain how you justify the luxury of coffee and ice cream when you know it increases the risk to everybody else.

Coffee and ice cream, eh? What about tea and cake?

-11 ( +5 / -16 )

There better be a hefty fine for this, otherwise incident like these are gonna keep happening. Unless they feel the pain in their wallet, people are not gonna learn.

11 ( +19 / -8 )

"If there was an explanation, we would have made adjustments for him to take the flight without a mask, such as reserving other seats for him."

Nice attempt at a lie. Or does this airline possess a time machine? He was asked why on the flight not when he made a reservation. Was he asked if he would wear a mask during the reservation process? I doubt it.

And they damn well could have altered seating arrangements for him even without an explanation.

Taking the above into consideration, I would bet that if he had given his explanation they would have refused to accept it.

All we are getting here are lies. The masks are mandatory. Its a covert rule and they are lying by claiming it isn't.

-21 ( +8 / -29 )

What's up with passengers from Hokkaido?

0 ( +7 / -7 )

Don’t like masks?

Don’t fly!

22 ( +33 / -11 )

“just put up with them when in a public place to avoid being singled out and being a bother to others. “

On trains, buses and at work I endure the damned things, only for this reason

-3 ( +13 / -16 )

But then it’s ok to take them off during drinks and meals. The virus understands.

Hence why I don’t see the point of them on flights

Research how viral loads work. It will enlighten you, and reduce the stress from the confusion in not understanding why they've made those choices.

16 ( +28 / -12 )

But then it’s ok to take them off during drinks and meals. The virus understands.

Hence why I don’t see the point of them on flights

-6 ( +26 / -32 )

The man who was ejected from Saturday's flight said, "I was worried because of what happened on Peach (Aviation), but I didn't think I would be kicked off."\

Alright, while I understand the views of the anti-mask faction, just put up with them when in a public place to avoid being singled out and being a bother to others. After wearing masks for several months outside the house, I still feel like being waterboarded whenever I have to wear a mask but you gotta do what you gotta do.

12 ( +25 / -13 )

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