Different spin on the wearing of masks.

[mrlynn]

rgG wrote:
Since we know that a basic cloth mask or scarf doesn’t do much to keep you from getting infected, do you think maybe we are being encouraged to wear masks to help keep asymptomatic people from spreading the C19 virus?
They have always said to wear a mask if you have the virus, so maybe now they are assuming that since some people show no symptoms it would be better to have everyone wear a mask to help prevent them from spreading the virus.
Just my tin foil hat theory for today.

Not 'tin foil hat' at all. That's exactly the reason the CDC decided to recommend wearing masks—to keep virus carriers, whether symptomatic or asymptomatic, from spreading it to others. It was discussed at the President's Task Force press conference Friday.

Makes sense in urban areas and stores. Requiring masks for solitary hikes in unpopulated areas is ridiculous.

Here's a post listing the efficacy of different materials:

http://joannenova.com.au/2020/03/masks-c...make-them/

/Mr Lynn

[d4]

What is laughable is that the CDC has come to this revelation now.

NYC is the frontline. Stepping out of the house in NYC is just as dangerous as ANY hospital, clinic, ER. A few weeks ago NYers were packed into subway cars. Buses. Streets during rush hour. Restaurants at lunch. Just keeping calm and washing their hands.

I mean, I get it. I don't fault the CDC for lying to the American people for a month to protect the supply of masks for healthcare workers. I understand. There are hoarders. Stockpilers. Price gougers. The US is a huge vast country with a lot of people. There was not enough masks to go around. I see why the CDC had to lie to protect the supply. And now that the masks are more readily available the CDC is changing their stance and aligning their recommendations with,,, ohhh I don't know, the rest of the world.

[deckeda]

d4, you’d benefit from reading a bit more about prior to posting. Your attitude about the CDC shows you’ve been lied to.

[Sam3]

Masks for all is not based on sound data, say these two experts on respiratory protection.

https://www.cidrap.umn.edu/news-perspect...sound-data

[rgG]

Sam3 wrote:
Masks for all is not based on sound data, say these two experts on respiratory protection.

https://www.cidrap.umn.edu/news-perspect...sound-data

Sounds like best idea is to not bother with a mask and try and stay the 6' away from everyone when out, also to try to go out into a store type environment as little as possible.

[PeterB]

rgG wrote:
[quote=Sam3]
Masks for all is not based on sound data, say these two experts on respiratory protection.

https://www.cidrap.umn.edu/news-perspect...sound-data

Sounds like best idea is to not bother with a mask and try and stay the 6' away from everyone when out, also to try to go out into a store type environment as little as possible.
Yep. Think of it this way: if you go out, you will always have some exposure, even with a mask. Masks would be great if they really for sure brought down the rates of infection, but this hasn't been proven. The CIDRAP folks make a few really good points:

1) Cloth masks didn't apparently help prevent spread of influenza during the 1918 outbreak. (The study that's referenced in the CIDRAP report makes the point that, in order for a cloth mask to be effective, you would have had so many layers that it would be nearly impossible to breathe through!)

2) Cloth / surgical masks didn't apparently help prevent spread of COVID in Hubei. If it had, we wouldn't be where we are right now.

3) Masks could potentially even increase rates of infection, through improper use and/or a false sense of protection.

If a mask prevents you from touching your face, great. But encouraging everyone to wear them, thinking that this will prevent transmission or acquisition, seems simply misguided and not based on solid science. THE most important thing right now is for everyone to self-isolate.

[RAMd®d]

http://forums.macresource.com/list.php?1


Sounds like best idea is to not bother with a mask and try and stay the 6' away from everyone when out, also to try to go out into a store type environment as little as possible.


From Sam3's link above:

Data lacking to recommend broad mask use
We do not recommend requiring the general public who do not have symptoms of COVID-19-like illness to routinely wear cloth or surgical masks because: [emphasis mine]

• There is no scientific evidence they are effective in reducing the risk of SARS-CoV-2 transmission
• Their use may result in those wearing the masks to relax other distancing efforts because they have a sense of protection [emphasis mine]
• We need to preserve the supply of surgical masks for at-risk healthcare workers.

The article goes on to offer more information in substantiation of their position on FFR for all.

I don't know if points 1 and 3 are still accurate, and if not, could change the validity of said position.

Point 2 though, seems to me to be a very real threat even if Point 1 is found to be in accurate to even the smallest degree.


As it happens I have a box of 20 N95 masks/respirators bought back in June for a more utilitarian project.

I'm not sure if these rise to the level of any efficacy, as they're described as protection against 'inhaling small particulates like sawdust, metal shavings, pollen, allergens and more' and only functional down to 0.3mic, no more.

I've already been and will continue to adhere to rg's above summation with the exception of donning a mask, with the understanding it's merely to ease any potential anxiety on my part.

I'll remove and quarantine each mask after each use in order to reuse them.

How effective is this practice, I have no idea. Any C19 contaminant the mask filters is on clothing as well, including shoes, hair, and one's face as well . I honestly don't see myself doing a quarantine/laundry regimen, though a hand-wash and shower are likely.

I'll try a Costco run this week, though my heart isn't in it.

[rgG]

I'll try a Costco run this week, though my heart isn't in it.

Right there with you.
I need/want to get some stuff that I only get at Costco, but this has taken all the fun out of going to any store.
I may try to go either tomorrow or Tuesday, but I think I will avoid the old people hours. My neighbor said she thought it was more crowded during the oldies hours.

[Ken Sp.]

rgG wrote:
I'll try a Costco run this week, though my heart isn't in it.

Right there with you.
I need/want to get some stuff that I only get at Costco, but this has taken all the fun out of going to any store.
I may try to go either tomorrow or Tuesday, but I think I will avoid the old people hours. My neighbor said she thought it was more crowded during the oldies hours.

I have used the Costco delivery service-it is fine.