topic Re: Mask Observation (cont. subject) in Community Chat

Mask Observation (cont. subject)

on the bay — Thu, 02 Apr 2020 20:23:35 GMT

An alarming thing I noticed today when they showed the deaths of this horrid virus was that China, the original horrifying amount of deaths was not below the US-#1, Italy, and Spain.

They were ordered to wear masks in public!

So we probably should have too, only there wasn't really enough.

I may rethink wearing one when if and when I go out to the store again and don't care if people think I am sick or just trying not to get sick! Most people at my Walmart last week were not wearing masks.

I believe a lot of us followed the surgeon general's plea not to wear them because of shortage for health care workers and also saying it wouldn't protect the well but only keep the sick from spreading germs.

Maybe another way we went wrong since we are number 1 in deaths now-sobering!

But also because some are not following stay at home at all.

I know we've all been over this many times, it just came as a sad realization to me today.That maybe we could have prevented so many more.

And I don't care if this gets deleted or not!! As most of them do anyway.

Re: Mask Observation (cont. subject)

Lucky Dog — Thu, 02 Apr 2020 20:26:25 GMT

Not sure if some countries are reporting accurate numbers, but I could be wrong.

Re: Mask Observation (cont. subject)

1Snickers — Thu, 02 Apr 2020 20:36:16 GMT

Months ago I searched everywhere for masks. There were none in stores. I found the better ones online and begged my son to order some. He wouldn't and the price went up daily.
Today I really needed groceries and all the seniors had them on. I wore a yard mask.

News today said the virus can be spread just from breath and talking. So now we are supposed to wear a mask. The homemade ones will let the virus in. My yard mask that I found 2 of in my garage disintegrated, so I wore my one to the store. I could smell lilies through it.

Re: Mask Observation (cont. subject)

on the bay — Thu, 02 Apr 2020 20:40:39 GMT

It totally makes sense to wear one if the virus is spread even by breathing or talking.

I wish we could redo a lot of things but from now on, lets try to find a mask if we have to go out!

Re: Mask Observation (cont. subject)

suzyQ3 — Thu, 02 Apr 2020 20:45:41 GMT

I was using my Buff headgear but found out that polyester is not a good fabric for protection. I just ordered a triple-layered cotton mask from etsy. It's not medical grade but it will do.

Re: Mask Observation (cont. subject)

haddon9 — Thu, 02 Apr 2020 20:46:07 GMT

I don't believe the numbers that China is reporting.

Re: Mask Observation (cont. subject)

happycat — Thu, 02 Apr 2020 20:47:07 GMT

There are no masks for sale to be found where I live. I found 2 of the ones they were recommending in my husbands shop. One was dirty on the outside, so I washed it. He took one to work and wore it yesterday. However, there are over 2000 people who work there, only a few with masks and 2 people have tested positive who work there, that we know of.

I am worried sick and very disappointed in the leadership at his company. I cannot express just how disappointed I am feeling, actually.

My son and daughter are both working also. They also have no masks.

I feel like this country was so ill prepared for this its just hard to comprehend or believe.

Re: Mask Observation (cont. subject)

Lipstickdiva — Fri, 03 Apr 2020 16:01:42 GMT

We need to put things in perspective as well. Yes there are a lot of deaths in the US. But look at our population compared to that of Spain, Italy, etc. This was bound to happen. It's really not a fair comparison.

People in China often wear masks everyday because there is so much pollution.

Re: Mask Observation (cont. subject)

pitdakota — Thu, 02 Apr 2020 20:50:30 GMT

I don't think the recommendations have actually changed due to the research that is out there.

They may be doing studies that will change previous research, but currently surgical masks are not considered appropriate to filter a virus via respiratory droplet or one that is aerosolized. That is why when you see pictures of our nurses and doctors working directly with patients they have a face shield on.

The face shield is another layer to protect inhaled air for the person before it gets to the surgical mask. It isn't just to protect their eyes. If you see a health care worker with a N95 mask on, they typically will have goggles on because they don't really require the face shield with the N95 respirators in many situations.

What the masks will do is cut down on community transmission when someone is asymptomatic out in the public area. If they talk, laugh, or happen to cough or sneeze they are containing their respiratory droplets within their own mask & not dispersing them into the air. You are keeping your own germs to yourself. And that is never a bad thing, by the way.

And that is why China mandated everyone to wear a mask when out in public. It is to prevent someone with the virus from spreading it from others.

So if you want to wear a mask you can make a fabric mask or even purchase those. I will caution though of many years teaching nursing students surgical asepsis that the tendency is to reach up and adjust the mask. If you wear a mask, it doesn't matter if is slips or you think it needs to be adjusted, you can't touch it until you use hand sanitizer on your hands.

So while they are considering recommending that people wear masks, right now it is because they want to cut down on the people that have the virus and don't know it, getting out in public and spreading with just talking, laughing, or maybe even exhaling after a deep sigh. That is the biggest risk to people out in public right now. And you can't blame the person because they don't have a clue they might have the virus and be shedding it all over the place. So if everyone is wearing a mask, that protects others.

Re: Mask Observation (cont. subject)

Happiness Is Inside JOB — Thu, 02 Apr 2020 21:07:13 GMT

I did not take action as "fast" as I should have. When the virus was taking "HOLD" in China I should have taken action. I just did not realize, accept that iwth constant travel it would be 'HERE" before you know it.

SO I did not even think to order masks and gloves. I just ordered last week from a medical supply store. They have not arried yet.

I also ordered a second set of masks that won't arrive until May but I figured better be on the list to receive then be running around in may. I think I might order a second set of gloves for when I'm on the train going to work.

Re: Mask Observation (cont. subject)

occasionalrain — Thu, 02 Apr 2020 21:49:00 GMT

I was at Aldi yesterday, saw no one wearing a mask. I'm not wearing a mask. Since the beginning of this pandemic, I have seen only one man wearing a mask and one man using a bandanna as a mask. My county has had zero Carona deaths and not many confirmed cases.

Re: Mask Observation (cont. subject)

suzyQ3 — Thu, 02 Apr 2020 21:55:08 GMT

@occasionalrain wrote:
I was at Aldi yesterday, saw no one wearing a mask. I'm not wearing a mask. Since the beginning of this pandemic, I have seen only one man wearing a mask and one man using a bandanna as a mask. My county has had zero Carona deaths and not many confirmed cases.

@occasionalrain, in my locale, masks are becoming more and more popular -- mostly at the market but now even when walking or running for exercise.

Re: Mask Observation (cont. subject)

september — Thu, 02 Apr 2020 22:00:42 GMT

I know I can't buy a mask, but have been looking up instructions for how to make one at home. I could use a hepa vacuum cleaner bag, or a scarf. Not sure which way to go,with this.

Re: Mask Observation (cont. subject)

suzyQ3 — Thu, 02 Apr 2020 22:03:30 GMT

@september wrote:
I know I can't buy a mask, but have been looking up instructions for how to make one at home. I could use a hepa vacuum cleaner bag, or a scarf. Not sure which way to go,with this.

@september, just out of curiosity, if you are considering a scarf, why not buy a cotton mask online?

Re: Mask Observation (cont. subject)

Deree — Fri, 03 Apr 2020 13:05:16 GMT

If a virus is spread by coughing and sneezing (and who knows if it is even airborne yet) then it stands to reason all people should be covering their noses and mouths. And eyes BTW. Covering with anything is better than nothing. I also wear a mask during flu season if I can't avoid going into a crowded environment.

Look. Everyone was told at the start that masks wouldn't be of any use to a healthy person. BS. Again the healthy person is protecting themself from an infected person. If we are also coming in close contact with an asymptomatic carrier that's another reason to wear a mask. We have to all protect ourselves from each other until this is over. Do not assume you are safe.

And another thing. A cough or sneeze travels much farther than 6 feet so you had better be well out of the way if a person coughs or sneezes into the air. Yet another reason Everyone should be covering their noses and mouths with a covering.

Re: Mask Observation (cont. subject)

suzyQ3 — Thu, 02 Apr 2020 23:01:04 GMT

@Deree wrote:
If a virus is spread by coughing and sneezing (and who knows if it is even airborne yet) then it stands to reason all people should be covering their noses and mouths. Covering with anything is better than nothing. I also wear a mask during flu season if I can't avoid going into a crowded environment.

Look. Everyone was told at the start that masks wouldn't be of any use to a healthy person. BS. Again the healthy person is protecting themself from an infected person. If we are also coming in close contact with an asymptomatic carrier that's another reason to wear a mask. We have to all protect ourselves from each other until this is over. Do not assume you are safe.

And another thing. A cough or sneeze travels much farther than 6 feet so you had better be well out of the way if a person coughs or sneezes into the air.

@Deree, the experts state that the best reason to wear a mask is to protect others because you may have the virus before realize it or you are asymptomatic.

The masks that most us are wearing (including me) will not be very protective for us. But I wear one anyway. For one thing, it keeps me from touching my face; I do have to remember not to touch or readjust my mask, though.

Re: Mask Observation (cont. subject)

september — Thu, 02 Apr 2020 23:05:16 GMT

@suzyQ3 I did just order online, from Etsy. But since it may be a week before I receive this order, I'll do something else until then.

trying to stay ahead of all the conflicting info.

Re: Mask Observation (cont. subject)

Deree — Thu, 02 Apr 2020 23:10:23 GMT

@suzyQ3 wrote:
@Deree wrote:
If a virus is spread by coughing and sneezing (and who knows if it is even airborne yet) then it stands to reason all people should be covering their noses and mouths. Covering with anything is better than nothing. I also wear a mask during flu season if I can't avoid going into a crowded environment.

Look. Everyone was told at the start that masks wouldn't be of any use to a healthy person. BS. Again the healthy person is protecting themself from an infected person. If we are also coming in close contact with an asymptomatic carrier that's another reason to wear a mask. We have to all protect ourselves from each other until this is over. Do not assume you are safe.

And another thing. A cough or sneeze travels much farther than 6 feet so you had better be well out of the way if a person coughs or sneezes into the air.

@Deree, the experts state that the best reason to wear a mask is to protect others because you may have the virus before realize it or you are asymptomatic.

The masks that most us are wearing (including me) will not be very protective for us. But I wear one anyway. For one thing, it keeps me from touching my face; I do have to remember not to touch or readjust my mask, though.

Well yes. However masks are a 2-way street and actually double the protection if you will. Bottom line is it's a physical barrier and 2 physical barriers on both people are better than one. Just common sense.

Re: Mask Observation (cont. subject)

suzyQ3 — Thu, 02 Apr 2020 23:11:49 GMT

@september wrote:
@suzyQ3 I did just order online, from Etsy. But since it may be a week before I receive this order, I'll do something else until then.

trying to stay ahead of all the conflicting info.

Ah, good @september. Yes, until mine arrives, I will stick with my cotton bandana. I was using a polyester Buff thingie, which was more comfortable, but apparently cotton is much better than polyester.

Re: Mask Observation (cont. subject)

suzyQ3 — Thu, 02 Apr 2020 23:14:06 GMT

@Deree wrote:
@suzyQ3 wrote:
@Deree wrote:
If a virus is spread by coughing and sneezing (and who knows if it is even airborne yet) then it stands to reason all people should be covering their noses and mouths. Covering with anything is better than nothing. I also wear a mask during flu season if I can't avoid going into a crowded environment.

Look. Everyone was told at the start that masks wouldn't be of any use to a healthy person. BS. Again the healthy person is protecting themself from an infected person. If we are also coming in close contact with an asymptomatic carrier that's another reason to wear a mask. We have to all protect ourselves from each other until this is over. Do not assume you are safe.

And another thing. A cough or sneeze travels much farther than 6 feet so you had better be well out of the way if a person coughs or sneezes into the air.

@Deree, the experts state that the best reason to wear a mask is to protect others because you may have the virus before realize it or you are asymptomatic.

The masks that most us are wearing (including me) will not be very protective for us. But I wear one anyway. For one thing, it keeps me from touching my face; I do have to remember not to touch or readjust my mask, though.
Well yes. However masks are a 2-way street and actually double the protection if you will. Bottom line is it's a physical barrier and 2 physical barriers on both people are better than one. Just common sense.

That would be great, wouldn't it? @Deree. I guess one good admonition would be not to become compacent about distancing just because we're wearing a mask.