CoVid-19 Part IX - 785 cases ROI (3 deaths) 108 in NI (1 death) (20 March) *Read OP*

BKtje wrote: »

The vast majority of people are healthy and it is they who my post is aimed at. There are lots of people here in Switzerland wearing face masks where the general message is the same as elsewhere. You do not need to wear a mask unless you are at risk in which case you should stay isolated as much as possible. If you do need to go outside protect yourself as needed. It is not at these at risk people who the no need for a face mask is aimed at. It's at the generally healthy populace who are using face masks and may one day force a front line worker or a person at risk to go without.


Surface contamination is not protected by a mask any better than a towel covering your face and regular washing of your hands. It is impossible to eliminate risk in our world, even before this pandemic.


Who am I to tell people what to do. I'm no one in the grand scheme of things. People were wondering why face masks weren't recommended when medical professionals use them and I attempted to explain. What people decide to do now is up to them. I just hope that in Ireland, Switzerland and any other country that there won't be a severe shortage of face masks. I think it's unlikely but I'm not an expert on their manufacture nor logistical supply.

What does worry me is people are overconfident when wearing a mask or using them incorrectly. Most are a single use item and would then need to be binned. I don't know how many people that wear them actually do that? They must have an enormous supply of them.

A quick google on the subject gives this or here. Front line staff are ALREADY reusing them and thus risking themselves and their patients. Those links are for the US but I guess it's a similar situation in many countries.



What would really help front line staff is to do all that and not unnecessarily wear masks. It's not an either or situation. We should try to do everything that we are told until this is beaten and then we can return to doing whatever we want.

I don't know what it is like in Ireland but Switzerland social distancing is being practiced by most though there are always plenty of idiots. That doesn't mean staying inside but just keeping a 2m gap between you and others who you don't live with. Unless of course your sick or at risk in which case into full isolation/quarantine with you.

I don't see the big problem with bulk buying per se. It reassures people that they are prepared. Certainly less of an issue than wearing face masks without a good reason in my opinion. The shelves are being restocked and once everyone has finished stocking up well then life goes on. It's an inconvenience more than anything.

My goal with these posts are not to give out to people who wear masks but rather to hopefully make them think, "Am i really at risk", "Do I need to wear this" or should this be saved for someone who really needs it. Each person will have to decide this for themselves.

Stay safe out there everyone and once more I'm no expert!