Doctors: Everyone should be wearing masks anytime they leave the house

You have to sign up at Medscape to read the article, but it is well worth it (just to read the comments, 99% of them are from doctors). This really make a person understand why TWO METERS away from each other is a must.

From the article: "It is widely agreed that face masks (even surgical masks and non-fit-tested respirators) are an effective barrier against COVID-19, as its primary mode of transmission is through respiratory droplets. Contrary to common belief, however, respiratory droplets are released not only when sneezing or coughing, but also when talking."

A comment by a doctor: "Dr. Victor G Ettinger| Endocrinology: Ignorance is bliss and risky. So at this point in time, GET A MASK OR MAKE A MASK but when out of your home WEAR A MASK!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!"

https://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/927723

There is a law in Virginia against wearing a mask in public. It was first adopted as an anti-KKK measure. Apparently the prosecutors must prove you were wearing the mask to conceal a criminal purpose. During the big gun rally in Richmond a while back one woman was arrested for wearing a mask, but the charges were later dropped. I’m pretty sure that the police will not be enforcing the mask ban now.

https://www.whsv.com/content/news/prosecutors-drop-mask-wearing-charge-filed-after-gun-rally-567837711.html

I don't know - I can see them. An odd forum behavior. Maybe log out / log in?

Tomson - sometimes folks don’t post signatures when chatting. Also, a Quick Reply automatically adds the signature whereas a formal Reply requires a checkbox to add signature.

I do not see a signature in Buddy’s first post but it is in his second post.

It's not about wearing a mask if you leave your house, it's about wearing a mask when you encounter other people.

I am an avid runner and see no need to wear a mask when doing so since I don't interact with others at that time. Plus, I am in Montana. I get on a trail a few 100 yards from my home and rarely see another person.

Surgical masks can/might be "strengthened" by saturating with salt water. First keep adding salt to a very hot bowl of water, and keep adding, and stirring, until salt doesn't dissolve and starts settling to bottom of bowl. Soak mask, then allow to dry. The salt helps fills the "gaps" in the surgical mask fabric to help block the virus.

Tomson said...
An ICU doc from Weill Cornell in NYC has convinced me that the greatest benefit from wearing a mask of any type in public is that it keeps you from touching your face. He believes that the most common route of COVID-19 transmission by far includes hand to face contact--you get a bit of virus on your hand and you touch your face. The virus enters your body via eye, nose, or mouth. If you can keep your hands off your face anytime they could possibly carry virus, you are very unlikely to acquire the virus. Stay safe out there!

For this reason I've worn a mask on infrequent trips to the grocery store ever since Washington State had the first coronavirus case. Also, when it comes to 6-feet social distancing there are lots of folks who don't understand math. We also wipe down our groceries with a disinfectant cloth.

CDC is now saying if you have a mask, or can make one, it would benefit yourself and others to wear it. I wonder how WHO can say masks don't protect non-medical persons, but are essential for medical providers? Do they think us ordinary citizens can be that ignorant?

island time said...
When people get scared enough, they’ll do or believe anything.

Every time I see a mask it makes me wonder if they have the virus.

Maybe this is why the cdc seems to be changing their tune about masks. They’re seeing people are gonna wear them anyway so it’s their way of trying to calm the hysteria. Lol

Stay safe guys.

.

##########
LOL

https://www.cnn.com/2020/03/30/politics/trump-masks-coronavirus-recommendation/index.html

LOL

https://www.washingtonpost.com/health/cdc-considering-recommending-general-public-wear-face-coverings-in-public/2020/03/30/6a3e495c-7280-11ea-87da-77a8136c1a6d_story.html

There seems to be a consensus that surgical masks (not talking about N95 respirators) do a poor job of protecting the wearer against catching a virus but do a halfway decent job of protecting others from massive germ dumps when you sneeze, cough, shout and just plain exhale.

Those who don't favor encouraging people to wear masks appear to worry about two main things: (1) hoarding that creates shortages which prevent people who really need to wear surgical masks from getting them, and (2) creating a false sense of security such that people become lax about the most effective precautions -- social distancing, hand washing, and limiting excursions outside the home. "I've got a mask on, so it's ok." Skeptics point out that people don't wear the masks properly which makes them even less effective, and wear the same disposable mask over and over for a week (because masks are in short supply) so that they become breeding grounds for germs.

On balance, I favor encouraging people to wear masks. My impression is that the people who regularly wear masks are the most strict about social distancing and taking other precautions. It sends a much-appreciated social signal that you're taking this crisis seriously and it models good behavior. The act of putting a mask on before going into a store reminds me to act responsibly in other ways too when I'm in public.

Saipan Paradise said...
The act of putting a mask on before going into a store reminds me to act responsibly in other ways too when I'm in public.

island time said...
This is a family forum.

(I’m sorry for the giggle lol. Oops...dab blame it. Totally uncalled for! forgive me Saipan?)

I’m all for masks. Masks for everyone! 😊

Island, you caught me. Unfortunately, it's the only protection I need these days.

In October, my big brother’s wife of 35 year was on life support. After 7 days, we had to pull the plug and watch her die. (It was ugly). 8 weeks later (10 days before Christmas) my step-father (and my best friend) of 26 years entered the ER with pneumonia. He was immediately put on a respirator. He died 5 days later. Last Monday his wife (my mom) died in her sleep. We buried her Thursday.

We all live within a 10 mile radius of one another. (We have most of my adult life). I had helped with my mom for 5 years, right up to the moment of her death (at home). I’ll save her last words, they’re only for me.

I apologize if this virus does not scare me sufficiently. I guess after burying 3 family members in 5 months has made me immune.

Carry on men. You’ve got your hands full with it. And God only knows how many of your loved ones coved 19 has already taken.

Hang in there guys. We’ll all make it. (And even if we do not, I’ve been taught, life goes on)

Be cool.

D

island time said...
In October, my big brother’s wife of 35 year was on life support. After 7 days, we had to pull the plug and watch her die. (It was ugly). 8 weeks later (10 days before Christmas) my step-father (and my best friend) of 26 years entered the ER with pneumonia. He was immediately put on a respirator. He died 5 days later. Last Monday his wife (my mom) died in her sleep. We buried her Thursday.

We all live within a 10 mile radius of one another. (We have most of my adult life). I had helped with my mom for 5 years, right up to the moment of her death (at home). I’ll save her last words, they’re only for me.

I apologize if this virus does not scare me sufficiently. I guess after burying 3 family members in 5 months has made me immune.

Carry on men. You’ve got your hands full with it. And God only knows how many of your loved ones coved 19 has already taken.

Hang in there guys. We’ll all make it. (And even if we do not, I’ve been taught, life goes on)

Be cool.

D

Island Time--Losing 3 family members in a very short time is tough. May the many memories you have of them help sustain you in your grief.