Masks

The value of wearing masks has to considered in the context of supply. There is not enough to go around. They are undoubtedly most needed by frontline healthcare workers - i don't think anyone argues differently on that. They are also most effective when worn by people who are trained in how to use them properly. I assume that frontline workers receive this training. Most of the rest of us don't. Some on here indicate that they do know how to use them properly - and I accept that is probably so. But equally most of the public have little or no clue as to how to use them safely and effectively but just assume they do - put it on when going out and take it off when get home. They are just like a hat, aren't they?

Are there any possible downsides - apart from using up scarce supply needed by others? There would probably be a concern about risk compenation. This is where we change our behaviour to adjust to the perceived levell of risk. For example, the decision on the Titantic not to undertake avoidance when advised of icebergs in the area because the ship was considered "unsinkable". Would people at population level be more inclined to venture out if they perceived themselves to be safe, or at least safer, with a mask? Again, we would all probably say that this wouldn't apply to ourselves - the same as most people would say that they personally are not manipulated by advertising even though the evidence is that advertising has a considerable effect at population level.
Looking at it from the reverse viewpoint. There was concern in Sweden that accidents would increase following on from the swap from left side driving to right side driving in 1967. Instead accidents significantly decreased for the first couple of months. People took a lot more care because the perceived risk was high. We are at that stage now with Coronavirus. But would people take more risks if they felt better proptected by masks? At population level would the level of social distancing, self-isolation and/or hand hygiene decline? Given that these are considered more beneficial to prevention than masks there must be a reasonably strong possibility that this would happen. Particularly so, as the very prominence of masks (uncomfortable, highly visible, etc) makes them more likely to impinge on behaviour (unlike, for example, smoke detectors in the house which quickly slip out of consciousness and do not lead to more risky behaviour).

fryup wrote: »

is a scarf around the face sufficient or would the virus penetrate it?

It's not "sufficient" but it would make some difference. if someone were to spray an aerosol can into your face, would you inhale more of it if your face was uncovered or covered with a scarf.

Did you read my post in the main thread about the choir?

barrymanilow wrote: »

I have 6 disposable N95 fpp3 respirator masks. I , havent used one yet , when I absolutely have to go to tescos ill wear one and swat up.on how to put it on and take it off properly first . I hope to disinfect it in a uv lightbox after for all the good that will do.

Something I wonder about is protecting the eyes. The reason id wear the mask is in case I came around a corner and someone sneezed on me etc but if im going to that trouble I should wear goggles too ?

There was a guide from I think John hopkins about how to disinfect masks. UV sounds good to me. I think spraying a nebulized mist of water on the outside of the mask and then microwaving it (if there are no metal bits) untill you see steam coming off, would probably do the trick. Spraying a nebulized mist of saturated saline solution on the outside of a mask and letting it dry might also be a good idea: https://www.ctvnews.ca/health/a-salt-coated-mask-that-kills-viruses-alberta-researchers-working-on-it-1.4798138

I am.covering up - not sure if my masking is effective but I did look like I was holding up the bank earlier today.

I have a few packs of the disposable dust masks and two bigger ones with the little respirator things (I think for protection against fumes) but at the moment I'm just wearing an anti pollution motorbike mask - I only go out once a week for necessary things and I put mask and items of clothes (jumpers etc) straight in for a 60 degree wash on my return. I wear disposable gloves for pumping petrol or pin numbers and wash hands etc before and after removal.

I don't believe there's is a huge efficacy to masks but they make people avoid you, and even if it lessens the chance of catching covid by a small.percentage, I'll do it.

Pretzill wrote: »

I am.covering up - not sure if my masking is effective but I did look like I was holding up the bank earlier today.

I have a few packs of the disposable dust masks and two bigger ones with the little respirator things (I think for protection against fumes) but at the moment I'm just wearing an anti pollution motorbike mask - I only go out once a week for necessary things and I put mask and items of clothes (jumpers etc) straight in for a 60 degree wash on my return. I wear disposable gloves for pumping petrol or pin numbers and wash hands etc before and after removal.

I don't believe there's is a huge efficacy to masks but they make people avoid you, and even if it lessens the chance of catching covid by a small.percentage, I'll do it.

I'd call a 70% reduction in chance of infection a pretty decent efficacy. It's actually better than washing hands.

McGiver wrote: »

Untrue.

Whenever epidemic or pandemic happens, Asians (Japanese, Koreans, Chinese) start using masks, on their own, nobody tells them
They're the craic. Europeans don't, nobody has any experience with this.

Czechia, Slovakia and Poland I believe mandated face masks in the public. For everyone. This is a simple, effective measure that should be taken if the people are not responsible / smart enough to do it on their own (e.g. In the Ireland).

Cloth mask is reasonably effective at stopping droplets. It doesn't stop all virus particles but certainly reduces them. The main purpose is to physically reduce contaminated droplets staying in the air and droplets containing virus staying in surfaces. Some virus goes through but this is way better than open sneezing, coughing etc. Now the purpose is to protect others rather than yourself. Have to be be washed once our twice a week.

Surgical grade FFP2 (or FFP3) masks are for personal protection as well as protection of others. These are required only if you plan to stay in the close contact with suspected case or infected person(s) or if you want to protect yourself in the case you are high risk croup (compromised immune system, morbidity, age). These must be disposed properly after usage, if not disposed of or used properly they may increase the risk of infection.

it wasn't masks I was talking about, it was the likely effectiveness of scarves.

Compulsory wearing masks every time when going outside in China is being decribed as one of the reasons how they manage to get ahead of the virus.

"But masks do not help" argument is pretty old. They do. They make you concious of what you do and are a great tool how to stop people touching their mouth and pick their nose - when you are out shopping for example you may touch something which can be contaminated.