Face Masks

[fiction-factory]

I'm not sure why Naomi's thread on Face Masks has been closed but I was going to add that I agree with Naomi that there is a case for wearing one in supermarkets (and of course on trains, in taxis and even when passing someone on a narrow pavement), especially as some have said the 2m figure is not necessarily sufficient (eg if someone sneezes) and perhaps should be up to 8m. ) But although it can help it's certainly not guaranteed to protect you- it should really be supplemented by eye protection and complete face/head covering and gloves- and the masks need to be changed fairly frequently

[naomi24]

Has it? Oo-er!

[Theland]

A new site rule?

[tiggerblue10]

Also, if you're walking outside and its windy, I'm sure the wind will blow sneeze droplets around as well.

[teacake44]

I see some have joined the worriers, well that's what I was called,( a worrier) back at the beginning of February. after showing my concern at that time.

[webbo3]

2 metres is the rule in my hospital.

[Bertrum]

You may wish to check out
https://www.virustaticshield.com/

[ToraToraTora]

99% of them don't work, the holes are bigger than the micron/10 viruses. The proper HAZMAT etc ones do but most of us don't have those.

[Zacs-Master]

They work for about 10 mins until they become wet with your own breath. That’s why the NHS need all the supplies they can get.

[THECORBYLOON]

The N95 mask in NAOMI's thread is often mentioned in Trump's briefings as being sent to hospitals.

[woofgang]

hmmm.....much blurb and no research references or information about how it works.....also if they are so good why aren't the NHS buying them up?

[THECORBYLOON]

They might want to get their supplies from reliable sources as opposed to Joe Blogger on Amazon or Ebay.

[naomi24]

The Ed has now re-opened my thread. If anyone is interested in the recommendations suggested, it's here:

https://www.theanswerbank.co.uk/How-it-Works/Question1701345-2.html#answer-12365960

[Old_Geezer]

The official view is that face masks don't do a lot. Apparently more useful for signalling how thoughtful you are to the rest of society than actually achieving much. If worried on pavements and supermarket aisles then look away as you pass. Sneezing is, as I understand it, not a common symptom of coronavirus. One can understand medical staff keen to try them given the proximity of the infected during the whole of their working day, but even then they should be regularly replaced. As for the rest of us, it seems over the top to me.

[NickorWan]

This from The Times Coronavirus update this morning:

'The western consensus against wearing face masks in public appears to be crumbling. Scientists have criticised the British government for still maintaining a stance that claims masks serve little purpose for the general public and should be reserved mainly for healthcare workers.'

[fiction-factory]

I thought it was the WHO who had said masks serve little purpose for the general public

[Old_Geezer]

Correct. They are to check again, but the list of things you have to do if using them to achieve anything looks to me to rule out many getting even it right, even if it changes it's mind https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-52126735

[ChillDoubt]

May be of assistance:

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-52126735

[ChillDoubt]

Ha! OG beat me to it!

[NickorWan]

Masks are recommended not just for protection of the person wearing it, but also for prevention of spread from the person wearing it. It seems a lot of people spread the disease when they don’t know they are infected.

[fiction-factory]

Yes, provided the mask wearers follow the correct procedures for fitting them, handling them and changing them regularly, and to supplement the social distancing