Covid 19

[JackieOnLine]

I searched and didn't see a thread just for the virus - we have one for misinformation, but not actual information!

this is an opinion piece but it's really informative: I'd never heard of the different sizes of droplets and why it matters.

Doctor Malcom Butler: Why You Should Wear a Mask


Fresh Air interview on assessing your risk as things re-open

although you can read the interview, I find listening is really better, not sure why. maybe that's just me but I seem to get more out of it when I hear the expert speaking rather than just reading the words.

please share things that might help - it's a brand new virus and we already know more than we did months ago but I assume there will be lots more new info coming out.

 

[hilary1617]

My favorite COVID tools, though very pricey:

(1) Philips Fresh Air (Blaise) Mask https://www.shopmask.com/respirator-philips-mask.html It's essentially an N95 with a fan that blows out moist exhaled breath, keeping our faces cool and dry. Still a mask, but by far the most comfortable and best protection of the best of 12 we've purchased. Battery lasts 4.5 hours on a 1.5 hour charge.

(2) UVC wand https://www.amazon.com/Sanitizer-Po...ords=59S+sanitizer+wand&qid=1594172513&sr=8-3 Makes sanitizing easy, even on the go. Eliminates disinfectant / wipe hassle. Need to be careful to not expose light or skin to the UVC light.

 

[JackieOnLine]

I see the mask with the fan is sold out.

 

[DianaCox]

A mask that is vented obviates the “I protect you” part of the equation.

 

[hilary1617]

A mask that is vented obviates the “I protect you” part of the equation.

No, it does provide some protection to others.
(1) The wearer is lower risk than someone who is unmasked as by wearing the mask to protect themselves, they are less likely to be infected. Their exhalation is less likely to carry virus particles to spread in the first instance.
(2) The vent readily can be filtered, particularly on models with a fan. See little blue disks in image below for example.
(3) I would posit that, even without a filter covering the vent, some particles will be caught on the inside mask surface. Exposure will be lessened somewhat, moreso for vents absent a fan.

I would FAR rather be in a public space with someone wearing a vented mask than no mask at all.

 

[hilary1617]

I see the mask with the fan is sold out.

Happens frequently. You have to keep checking back on the site (but not signing up for email as that doesn't notify when they are in stock).

 

[DianaCox]

Oh, I didn’t know there were filters for the vents. I assume they have to be changed frequently, especially for the ones with a fan. But I guess you have to trust that the person using it is following the instructions and hasn’t removed the filter.

“There’s a certain kind of N95 mask that’s actually bad to wear for public health during the COVID-19 pandemic.

San Francisco’s health officer warns that N95 masks with a vent on them allow a person’s germs to spread, rather than containing them close to the wearer’s face.

The warning is in the San Francisco health order, which says that any mask with a one-way valve — designed to facilitate easy exhaling — “allows droplets to be released from the mask, putting others nearby at risk.”

“As a result, these masks are not a face covering under this order and must not be used to comply with this order’s requirements,” said the health order,signed by Dr. Tomás Aragón, the health officer for San Francisco.“

This kind of mask can actually spread the coronavirus. Here's how to fix it

Exhalation vents in masks can reduce moisture buildup but also potentially spread infectious droplets. But the fix is easy. Grab some tape.

www.latimes.com

 

[JackieOnLine]

well, so far I have all the paper/disposable ones I could need. but it's obviously going to be a fluid situation for awhile, unfortunately.

 

[JackieOnLine]

I shared this on facebook and think everyone should read it. I didn't want to pay to subscribe to The Atlantic (although I think it is an excellent read; I saw tons of other articles there I would like to read) so I read it through an incognito window. so, even if you have to go around the paywall, it's worth reading.

We Need To Talk About Ventilation


How is it that six months into a respiratory pandemic, we still have so little guidance about this all-important variable, the very air we breathe?