Seriously people, you are not invincible.....

[kcrazorbackfan]

Wear a freaking mask!

Picture this - you're riding behind another cart or even approaching another cart when someone that has been exposed (you really can't tell this, can you?) sneezes and you drive through the sneeze droplets. Guess what? You could get infected and by the looks of most of the people I've seen driving a cart without a mask, if you get infected, YOU COULD POSSIBLY DIE.

Mine is own from the time I leave the house to go to work until the time I get home.

You are not invincible - WEAR A FREAKING MASK.

[npwalters]

That scenario is WAY low on my list of things to worry about. I'll just continue to ride my bike without a mask. Guessing I'm more likely to be hit by a car than get sneezed on from long distance.

[GoPacers]

Wear a freaking mask!

Picture this - you're riding behind another cart or even approaching another cart when someone that has been exposed (you really can't tell this, can you?) sneezes and you drive through the sneeze droplets. Guess what? You could get infected and by the looks of most of the people I've seen driving a cart without a mask, if you get infected, YOU COULD POSSIBLY DIE.

Mine is own from the time I leave the house to go to work until the time I get home.

You are not invincible - WEAR A FREAKING MASK.

Unless you somehow obtained an N95 mask, the mask is not intended to protect you. Furthermore, nobody is supposed to have an N95 mask other than medical personnel at this time.

The purpose of the mask is to protect others from you should you have the disease.

[EdFNJ]

That scenario is WAY low on my list of things to worry about. I'll just continue to ride my bike without a mask. Guessing I'm more likely to be hit by a car than get sneezed on from long distance.


;) MIT sneeze study: New research shows sneezes can travel up to 200 feet. (https://slate.com/human-interest/2014/04/mit-sneeze-study-new-research-shows-sneezes-can-travel-up-to-200-feet.html)

[Velvet]

The mask is not for you...but still it can protect you from an unanticipated nearby cough or sneeze. Not wearing a mask in public is also advertising, “I don’t give a sh... about you.” In Laredo Texas you’d get $1000 fine for stepping outside your house without one.
Those Texans... always ahead.

[kcrazorbackfan]

That scenario is WAY low on my list of things to worry about. I'll just continue to ride my bike without a mask. Guessing I'm more likely to be hit by a car than get sneezed on from long distance.

I guess you "bikers" would look funny wearing a mask along with your spandex.

To each, their own; I choose to try and protect myself as much as possible, you choose to play Russian roulette.

[EdFNJ]

The mask is not for you...but still it can protect you from an unanticipated nearby cough or sneeze. Not wearing a mask in public is also advertising, “I don’t give a sh... about you.” In Laredo Texas you’d get $1000 fine for stepping outside your house without one.
Those Texans... always ahead. For the most part they don't protect YOU from ME if you wear one they protect ME from YOU. Unfortunately, many people don't have access to masks or know how to sew. I guess we could wrap toilet paper around our faces, wait, not available. I guess a towel would work in a pinch and no we don't own a scarf. Maybe a Halloween mask except now they will be in short supply too. I guess I can always dress up as an orange panda if I can find animal masks at The Party Store.

[OrangeBlossomBaby]

That scenario is WAY low on my list of things to worry about. I'll just continue to ride my bike without a mask. Guessing I'm more likely to be hit by a car than get sneezed on from long distance.

The point is to keep YOUR germs off MY face, after you sneeze. If I'm behind you, I'm the one who ends up with the spray from your sneeze on my face.

If you aren't able to sneeze into your shoulder or elbow or a tissue, then wear a mask, and keep your germs away from everyone else.

[njbchbum]

kcrazorbackfan - Where are masks available to purchase? My friend has been to Sam's club pharmacy - was told they never sold them; CVS on Avenida Central - nope; grocery stores - nope; Home Depot - was told they were donated locally; Lowes - nope; Rural King - nope; Tractor Supply - nope. She doesn't sew and has no bandanas, hankerchiefs or scarves.

Where can she or her husband go to buy masks? Thanks

[billethkid]

If you are asymptomatic you don't know if you have it or are infected.

So ordering everybody to wear a mask takes care of those not knowing as well as the rest of us.

The "excuse" it is for those infected is not the point.

The point is, if you don't wear a mask as advised/ordered you may be contaminating your friend, your wife, your mother, grand daughter, the rest of us.

So knock off the I don't need to wear a mask bravado lip service and help the rest of us protect those around us....WEAR THE MASK!!!

[queasy27]

If there are no other options, people can try neck gaiters. Here are some (https://www.amazon.com/s?k=neck+gaiters&i=instant-video&ref=nb_sb_noss_1) on Amazon.

[coffeebean]

Unless you somehow obtained an N95 mask, the mask is not intended to protect you. Furthermore, nobody is supposed to have an N95 mask other than medical personnel at this time.

The purpose of the mask is to protect others from you should you have the disease.

I'm still scratching my head about why the wearer of the mask is not protected to some degree. Actually, I did read an article that does say the wearer does have some degree of protection. Sorry, no link as I've been reading LOTS about coronavirus and I don't bookmark everything I read.

From where I'm sitting, if a home made mask can prevent droplets from a sneeze or cough from escaping into the air, then it should be able to stop droplets from entering the mask from the other side of the mask.

[Two Bills]

In all honesty, has anyone been in a queue, and had a person cough or sneeze near them?
On our rare ventures to shop for food, we have never heard or seen anyone do either.

[coffeebean]

For the most part they don't protect YOU from ME if you wear one they protect ME from YOU. Unfortunately, many people don't have access to masks or know how to sew. I guess we could wrap toilet paper around our faces, wait, not available. I guess a towel would work in a pinch and no we don't own a scarf. Maybe a Halloween mask except now they will be in short supply too. I guess I can always dress up as an orange panda if I can find animal masks at The Party Store.

Paper towel, rubber bands and a stapler is all you need to make a face covering. It is better than nothing........

How to Make Improvised Paper Towel Mask - YouTube (https://youtu.be/cZGU2vWHKC8)

[Koapaka]

And yet I was branded with a HUGE Scarlet letter A when I recommended doing this more than 2 weeks EARLIER on this very forum?????! Oh well, maybe there IS something to this "thinning of the heard" theory so many proclaim.

[photo1902]

Unless you somehow obtained an N95 mask, the mask is not intended to protect you. Furthermore, nobody is supposed to have an N95 mask other than medical personnel at this time.

The purpose of the mask is to protect others from you should you have the disease.

There are plenty of people who have N95 masks, and have kept a supply on hand, for various jobs and tasks, long before this crisis.

[Rwirish]

Mask police.

[golfing eagles]

Mask police.

Lone Ranger???:1rotfl::1rotfl::1rotfl:

Now Tonto will have to wear one as well

[Skunky1]

How many people that live in the villages have died from this virus?? One person said one another person said Many!

[golfing eagles]

How many people that live in the villages have died from this virus?? One person said one another person said Many!

Experience (https://experience.arcgis.com/experience/96dd742462124fa0b38ddedb9b25e429)

[rlcooper70]

Riding through a cloud of virus in a golf cart? Really? If you encounter such a cloud without a N95 Mask ... the other masks do little or nothing to protect you. Get real people. Stop panicking.

A mask will stop your own sneeze from being projected. A mask is a reminder for you to avoid touching your face. Those are the primary reasons to wear the mask.

Being in an enclosed room with a sneezer is dangerous .. being outside is safe whether you have a mask or not.

[oneclickplus]

There are plenty of people who have N95 masks, and have kept a supply on hand, for various jobs and tasks, long before this crisis.

But, this whole fiasco is such BS.

I'm not wearing a mask and no one is going to make me (or shame me) into doing so. The people who insist that I wear a mask are the same ones that insist I get a vaccine (for the flu or anything else). I've never gotten the flu vaccine and don't get the flu. You want to protect yourself? You can:

1) Go find an N95 mask
2) Stay home

My right to breathe freely overrides your right to leave your house. Damn world is upside down.

[jeffy]

Sorry, but many people legitimately have N95 masks. I have four because I do a lot of home projects. Had them many months prior to the virus. I stained our cabinets, sanded drywall, etc. They were all used so unable to donate them to medical personnel. Like those medical people, I do reuse them. I put them in a microwave for 15 seconds to “clean”. Don’t automatically judge someone when you may not have all the facts.

[jmkeyzers]

I don’t believe your scenario is reality or fear beyond a reasonable doubt. But if you think that is possible you should just stay home. Your more likely to get killed by a truck at an intersection.

[Leadbone1]

It’s not your place to think for us. If you want to wear your mask, wear it! Those of us that don’t wear them are doing what we feel we need to do to be safe. I wear gloves when I go to the store or pump gas and that is my thing. This is still the United States of America and we are free to do what we feel is right for ourselves. I personally don’t feel the masks do any good. My choice, not yours.

[asianthree]

Wear a freaking mask!

Picture this - you're riding behind another cart or even approaching another cart when someone that has been exposed (you really can't tell this, can you?) sneezes and you drive through the sneeze droplets. Guess what? You could get infected and by the looks of most of the people I've seen driving a cart without a mask, if you get infected, YOU COULD POSSIBLY DIE.

Mine is own from the time I leave the house to go to work until the time I get home.

You are not invincible - WEAR A FREAKING MASK.

So far I haven’t noticed any spit on the windshield of the golf cart, but I will pay more attention next time.

[goldbers]

just take a T-shirt or a Suck and make one. For instructions check YouTube. It takes 10 seconds to make. Good luck.

[brendayarema]

You can easily make a mask with 2 layers of 100% cotton material accordion style folded and place a coffee filter in between the layers. Fold over each end over a rubber band. Simple but somewhat effective to go out. Masks help me remember not to put my hands near my nose or mouth so it is protection for me. Throw the coffee filter away and immediately wash (in machine) the material. Anything I can do is a plus in my book. Lots of good non-sew masks on the internet and the supplies are already in my home. Stay safe and healthy everyone.

[kcrazorbackfan]

kcrazorbackfan - Where are masks available to purchase? My friend has been to Sam's club pharmacy - was told they never sold them; CVS on Avenida Central - nope; grocery stores - nope; Home Depot - was told they were donated locally; Lowes - nope; Rural King - nope; Tractor Supply - nope. She doesn't sew and has no bandanas, hankerchiefs or scarves.

Where can she or her husband go to buy masks? Thanks

My wife got on you tube and there are numerous places to make masks that you don’t have to sew up o.

[chacruna]

Maybe it's time to just stay home. What's more important, your health, possibly your life or golf?

[riley2011]

That’s not true anymore. Try watching the news.

[Oregon47]

I’m all for wearing a mask. I do when in an environment that will bring me into contact with others. But there is a misconception by some for the purpose of the mask. It is to protect others from you. It limits the dispersal of droplets you create, talking, coughing or sneezing. Yes, by wearing one you might not inhale something, but that would be a bullseye. More likely you’ll drive through the cloud, get it on your clothes and eventually transfer the virus to your face the next time you touch you nose or rub you eye.

[kcrazorbackfan]

It’s not your place to think for us. If you want to wear your mask, wear it! Those of us that don’t wear them are doing what we feel we need to do to be safe. I wear gloves when I go to the store or pump gas and that is my thing. This is still the United States of America and we are free to do what we feel is right for ourselves. I personally don’t feel the masks do any good. My choice, not yours.

Oh, trust me that I wouldn’t dump my brain down enough to think like most of you people.

[spieka1912]

EBay has plenty of masks available.

[Mohawksin]

MIT = Massachusetts Institute of Tissues per the video in the 2014 article.

[GaryKoca]

The Daily Sun had a front page story about making a mask from a t-shirt. I took an old t-shirt and cup it up the way they said, and it seems to work just fine.

[dewilson58]

ebay has plenty of masks available.




be careful with ebay purchases.

[Meboko]

But, this whole fiasco is such BS.

I'm not wearing a mask and no one is going to make me (or shame me) into doing so. The people who insist that I wear a mask are the same ones that insist I get a vaccine (for the flu or anything else). I've never gotten the flu vaccine and don't get the flu. You want to protect yourself? You can:

1) Go find an N95 mask
2) Stay home

My right to breathe freely overrides your right to leave your house. Damn world is upside down.

I never had a flu shot either until I got the flu 4 years ago. If I wasn’t going to die, I sure felt like I was. I’m the first one in line for the flu shot now.

[MOMOH]

How on earth can anyone believe that a mask will protect medical personnel from getting the virus from the patients they treat, and yet they won't protect you and me from the same thing? Does their function magically change if you're a nurse or doctor? YES...they need them more than us...but one mask with an assortment of washable covers should do for most, as YOU'RE NOT SUPPOSED TO BE GOING OUT TO PLAY!

[miharris]

Do your research before you post. That link is to an article in Slate, and it is totally wrong. The study by Lydia Bouroiuba, a mathematician at MIT, shows that suspended particles can travel up to 2.5 meters before falling to the floor, in INDOOR conditions with no breeze and relatively low evaporation rates. Several prominent epidemiologists have stated that those particles found at the extreme of the range would be very unlikely to contain suffecient levels of a virus to cause an infection. Please, more science and less fear mongering.

[Plants]

You can make a mask out of a teeshirt GOOGLE it. No sewing or rubber bands

[Singerlady]

Google how to make a mask without sewing...there are ways...and they work!

[karostay]

I see all Monday morning arm chair Infectious disease experts are awake

[dennisgavin]

In all honesty, has anyone been in a queue, and had a person cough or sneeze near them?
On our rare ventures to shop for food, we have never heard or seen anyone do either.

I've thought about doing a fake one to scatter the line. Some are SOOOO Long! :icon_wink:

[La lamy]

I'm still scratching my head about why the wearer of the mask is not protected to some degree. Actually, I did read an article that does say the wearer does have some degree of protection. Sorry, no link as I've been reading LOTS about coronavirus and I don't bookmark everything I read.

From where I'm sitting, if a home made mask can prevent droplets from a sneeze or cough from escaping into the air, then it should be able to stop droplets from entering the mask from the other side of the mask.

Agreed!

[merrymini]

A great deal of evidence suggests that porous cotton, such as a tee shirt, is ineffective, and, as such, would be false confidence. There is so much information, I almost do not know what to believe because most of it contradicts some previous statement. If you want to wear a mask, do it, but leave everybody else alone because it is very difficult to get these masks and they are most important for the medical community first and foremost.

[La lamy]

In all honesty, has anyone been in a queue, and had a person cough or sneeze near them?
On our rare ventures to shop for food, we have never heard or seen anyone do either.

I was in Walmart 3 weeks ago and a woman in a scooter was coughing non-stop. I kept holding my breath and trying to get away from her, but we seemed to want the same things in the same aisles. So yes people who seem sick can be found in stores. And she was not trying to cover her mouth at all.:ohdear:

[gsovas]

Oh Please:
I am NOT going to wear a mask as I drive my golf cart in this beautiful weather. You have multiple choices in the way you live with the current situation. If you think you may get droplets from a sneeze from the golf cart in front of you doing 20mph you may 1. Insure your windshield is up, 2. Drop back a distance to insure no one sneezes in front of you or 3. Stay Home



Wear a freaking mask!

Picture this - you're riding behind another cart or even approaching another cart when someone that has been exposed (you really can't tell this, can you?) sneezes and you drive through the sneeze droplets. Guess what? You could get infected and by the looks of most of the people I've seen driving a cart without a mask, if you get infected, YOU COULD POSSIBLY DIE.

Mine is own from the time I leave the house to go to work until the time I get home.

You are not invincible - WEAR A FREAKING MASK.

[TomSwango]

That scenario is WAY low on my list of things to worry about. I'll just continue to ride my bike without a mask. Guessing I'm more likely to be hit by a car than get sneezed on from long distance.

I would suggest it is more about the rest of the world that you may contaminate without realizing it or caring.

[traceofscent]

im making masks

[chenault55]

I just ordered some from Amazon.

[willbush]

Unless you somehow obtained an N95 mask, the mask is not intended to protect you. Furthermore, nobody is supposed to have an N95 mask other than medical personnel at this time.

The purpose of the mask is to protect others from you should you have the disease.
I have 5 N95 masks which I purchased from Home Depot long before the virus crisis (use them when applying sprays on our yard) ;of course I can wear my own masks I purchase without being a Doctor

[DeanFL]

Heard on Radio news this AM, and confirmed. I am ALL FOR THIS. The sooner this thing is controlled (mitigated), the sooner we get back to a new normal. I wear one when going shopping - and would if mandated for ALL outside activities.>>>

Los Angeles mandates face coverings

April 7, 2020, 9:21 PM EDT
By David Douglas and Dennis Romero
LOS ANGELES — Residents of the city of Los Angeles will have to wear face coverings if they venture out to grocery stores, pharmacies or other essential businesses allowed to serve the public amid a statewide stay-at-home order.

"Every Angeleno will share this responsibility with employers: to keep workers and everybody else safe, which is why we are requiring customers to wear face coverings to enter those businesses," Mayor Eric Garcetti said Tuesday in issuing the facial covering mandate, which takes effect Friday.

Full coverage of the coronavirus outbreak

"If you're shopping for groceries, picking up a prescription or visiting any other essential business, and if you're not covering your face, by Friday morning an essential business can refuse you service," the mayor said.

He said workers at those businesses would also have to wear face coverings. The order is designed to prevent the person-to-person spread of the coronavirus.

"These critical places where we do come into contact with each other — those workers also must wear a facial covering," Garcetti said.

Garcetti recommended last week that residents wear face coverings. A day later, the enters for Disease Control and Prevention said the same for all Americans.

[bhemingway]

Does anyone on this thread understand how our rights are being taken from us? Yes I understand common sense, but how many of you worry about the flu? Do you wear a mask all "flu" season? How about H1N1 during Obama's time in office? Wear a mask then? Probably not. Fear is what is guiding most people thanks to the overly hyped press going on adnauseam. Be sensible and keep your distance from others. Don't let this take over your lives.

[Rzepecki]

If you have a t-shirt and scissors, you can make a mask. Check out the front page of yesterday’s newspaper.

[Ruggiero56]

kcrazorbackfan - Where are masks available to purchase? My friend has been to Sam's club pharmacy - was told they never sold them; CVS on Avenida Central - nope; grocery stores - nope; Home Depot - was told they were donated locally; Lowes - nope; Rural King - nope; Tractor Supply - nope. She doesn't sew and has no bandanas, hankerchiefs or scarves.

Where can she or her husband go to buy masks? Thanks
Face masks were available on Groupon as of yesterday. Check it out.

[SusanKD]

There are u tube videos showing how to sew or not sew mask making idea

[rockyhyder]

I am amazed at the number of people who think they can rant on social media and actually change behavior. First of all, once you’re 50+ years old experience has taught you (if you can learn) to make your own decisions by gathering information, weighing options and choosing the best option for your situation. Telling your neighbors to wear a mask only makes you look like some over-bearing, self-righteous, know-it-all. A discussion of facts ( including links to the source) may change behavior in this demographic but ranting never will.

[MegandSteve]

Check on the Next Door app, some of our neighbors are making them . Or if you sew, there are many sites that will tell you how to make one and Joann Fabrics sells a kit to make them .

[llmcdaniel]

Sue Lehota of the Village of Bonita is sewing them and selling them for $5 apiece. The money pays for material and elastic, and then she donates the rest to a charity she supports.

[theruizs]

The mask is to protect others from you, not you from them. I do agree though, if everyone wore masks when we are anywhere near other people it would go long way to slowing this down. So we wear masks for that reason, because it is the responsible thing to do, even according to the CDC now. This is because they have found out that the virus hangs in the air much longer than they thought, so it isn’t just through droplets or surfaces that you can get infected, and the six foot thing may actually not be enough UNLESS we are all wearing masks too.

[Love2Swim]

Does anyone on this thread understand how our rights are being taken from us? Yes I understand common sense, but how many of you worry about the flu? Do you wear a mask all "flu" season? How about H1N1 during Obama's time in office? Wear a mask then? Probably not. Fear is what is guiding most people thanks to the overly hyped press going on adnauseam. Be sensible and keep your distance from others. Don't let this take over your lives.

Obama? I suppose next we'll be getting a rehash of Hillary's emails. News flash - this isn't the time for politics. We get enough of that from the daily briefings. And clearly, there is a vaccine for flu, and not for Corona. If the health experts and scientists recommend face masks, then that's the way to go.

[CFrance]

For the most part they don't protect YOU from ME if you wear one they protect ME from YOU. Unfortunately, many people don't have access to masks or know how to sew. I guess we could wrap toilet paper around our faces, wait, not available. I guess a towel would work in a pinch and no we don't own a scarf. Maybe a Halloween mask except now they will be in short supply too. I guess I can always dress up as an orange panda if I can find animal masks at The Party Store.
You can wear a neck warmer or make a no-sew mask out of a bandana or a t-shirt. Today's online newspaper edition of The Guardian shows the t-shirt version.



The CDC has the bandana one. Coronavirus: CDC releases guide to making face masks if you can'''t sew - Business Insider (https://www.businessinsider.com/how-to-make-face-mask-at-home-no-sewing-coronavirus-2020-4)

[Mohawksin]

I’m all for wearing a mask. I do when in an environment that will bring me into contact with others. But there is a misconception by some for the purpose of the mask. It is to protect others from you. It limits the dispersal of droplets you create, talking, coughing or sneezing. Yes, by wearing one you might not inhale something, but that would be a bullseye. More likely you’ll drive through the cloud, get it on your clothes and eventually transfer the virus to your face the next time you touch you nose or rub you eye.

A improvised, cheap mask will keep you from touching your face. Wash your hands before touching the mask and removing it. Putt it in your pocket. When you are going to use your hands for any chore, put on your mask. Do the chore. Repeat as necessary.

[Daxdog]

You only need a mask to protect other people, if you are sick then you NEED to wear a mask, that is what the Doc said.

[Girlcopper]

kcrazorbackfan - Where are masks available to purchase? My friend has been to Sam's club pharmacy - was told they never sold them; CVS on Avenida Central - nope; grocery stores - nope; Home Depot - was told they were donated locally; Lowes - nope; Rural King - nope; Tractor Supply - nope. She doesn't sew and has no bandanas, hankerchiefs or scarves.

Where can she or her husband go to buy masks? Thanks
Does she have tshirts? Any material will do. But traveling store to store looking for a mask has just raised their chances of getting the virus. Kinda defeats the purpose

[bluedivergirl]

There are plenty of people who have N95 masks, and have kept a supply on hand, for various jobs and tasks, long before this crisis.


Yes. We have two of them, left over from a wood refinishing job. They do not have the vent, they are old and out of the package. Medical personnel would not want our two measly masks.

[cmj1210]

kcrazorbackfan - Where are masks available to purchase? My friend has been to Sam's club pharmacy - was told they never sold them; CVS on Avenida Central - nope; grocery stores - nope; Home Depot - was told they were donated locally; Lowes - nope; Rural King - nope; Tractor Supply - nope. She doesn't sew and has no bandanas, hankerchiefs or scarves.

Where can she or her husband go to buy masks? Thanks

I feel your pain. I am the most un crafty person there is. I did see one today to make out of a tee shirt. Easy Peasy. Just google face masks from tee shirt. This was a video. I am going to try this today. Wasn’t much too it. I also have no bandanas or scarves in the house or rubber bands for that matter.

[billethkid]

Hopefully we never get to the point where it is mandated that to be outside you will wear a mask.
Enforced by citation/fines/arrest.

Then the "I'm not gonna wear a mask" crowd can stay home.

[ladybugsmom]

Wow! Who made you the boss? If you’re wearing your face mask then you wouldn’t get the possible “sneeze droplets” from someone else who possibly has the corona virus, who possibly didn’t cover their mouth. We all know to sneeze into a cloth or our arm. Stay in your house if you are that worried. Don’t drive in your cart. Drive in your car. Wow.

[PugMom]

Sorry, but many people legitimately have N95 masks. I have four because I do a lot of home projects. Had them many months prior to the virus. I stained our cabinets, sanded drywall, etc. They were all used so unable to donate them to medical personnel. Like those medical people, I do reuse them. I put them in a microwave for 15 seconds to “clean”. Don’t automatically judge someone when you may not have all the facts.
a doctor told me he leaves his in the sun @ the end of the day, something about uv light that kills the germ. it's still very unknown territory, we've never had a flu that mutated & crossed species on such a grand scale

[kendi]

Wear a freaking mask!

Picture this - you're riding behind another cart or even approaching another cart when someone that has been exposed (you really can't tell this, can you?) sneezes and you drive through the sneeze droplets. Guess what? You could get infected and by the looks of most of the people I've seen driving a cart without a mask, if you get infected, YOU COULD POSSIBLY DIE.

Mine is own from the time I leave the house to go to work until the time I get home.

You are not invincible - WEAR A FREAKING MASK.
Whew! I felt that anger rush by me even 800 miles away. Best chill or your anger will affect your body’s ability to fight the virus.
Mask protects others, not you. The virus would still enter your body through your eyes. Can’t drive a golf cart with your eyes covered. Sounds like you need to stay home

[amexsbow]

When I was on the P.D. and we handled a case involving some "smart" guy who had just became deceased because of his foolish choice of action we would say he was "cleaning out the low end of the gene pool."

[kendi]

just take a T-shirt or a Suck and make one. For instructions check YouTube. It takes 10 seconds to make. Good luck.

Best to use 100% quilters cotton as recommended by the CDC. Knit fabrics don’t have a close enough weave to help much.

[kendi]

The mask is to protect others from you, not you from them. I do agree though, if everyone wore masks when we are anywhere near other people it would go long way to slowing this down. So we wear masks for that reason, because it is the responsible thing to do, even according to the CDC now. This is because they have found out that the virus hangs in the air much longer than they thought, so it isn’t just through droplets or surfaces that you can get infected, and the six foot thing may actually not be enough UNLESS we are all wearing masks too.

But they also said when it hangs in the air you have to be in an enclosed room for a long period of time for it to affect you.

[TedfromGA]

Are face masks effective?

Unless it is N95 and properly sealed around the mouth and nose, it will not stop virus infection. Also note the virus can enter your body via your eyes so to truly protect you need sealed goggles or a full face shield.

Some facts via google research - you draw your own conclusion:

N95 masks filter 95% of particles greater than 0.3 microns.

Perioperative Considerations for the 2019 Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) - Anesthesia Patient Safety Foundation (https://www.apsf.org/news-updates/perioperative-considerations-for-the-2019-novel-coronavirus-covid-19/)

Average diameter of covid 19 virus is 0.12 microns.

Coronavirus - Wikipedia (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Coronavirus)

Covid 19 virus is mainly spread during close contact and by small droplets produced when those infected cough, sneeze or talk. Small droplets typically have a diameter of 5.0 microns or larger.

Coronavirus disease 2019 - Wikipedia (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Coronavirus_disease_2019)

Surgical masks: “Does NOT provide the wearer with a reliable level of protection from inhaling smaller airborne particles and is not considered respiratory protection”.

https://www.cdc.gov/niosh/npptl/pdfs/UnderstandDifferenceInfographic-508.pdf


From CIDRAP (Center for Infectious Disease Research and Policy):

COMMENTARY: Masks-for-all for COVID-19 not based on sound data | CIDRAP (https://www.cidrap.umn.edu/news-perspective/2020/04/commentary-masks-all-covid-19-not-based-sound-data)

Worth while reading the full report which is about 3 pages which contains references. The short version about mask performance (efficiency) is quoted below: (um is shorthand for micron)

“...Mask, N95 respirator filtering performance

Following a recommendation that cloth masks be explored for use in healthcare settings during the next influenza pandemic. The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) conducted a study of the filter performance on clothing materials and articles, including commercial cloth masks marketed for air pollution and allergens, sweatshirts, t-shirts, and scarfs.

Filter efficiency was measured across a wide range of small particle sizes (0.02 to 1 µm) at 33 and 99 L/min. N95 respirators had efficiencies greater than 95% (as expected). For the entire range of particles tested, t-shirts had 10% efficiency, scarves 10% to 20%, cloth masks 10% to 30%, sweatshirts 20% to 40%, and towels 40%. All of the cloth masks and materials had near zero efficiency at 0.3 µm, a particle size that easily penetrates into the lungs.

Another study evaluated 44 masks, respirators, and other materials with similar methods and small aerosols (0.08 and 0.22 µm). N95 FFR filter efficiency was greater than 95%. Medical masks exhibited 55% efficiency, general masks 38% and handkerchiefs 2% (one layer) to 13% (four layers).

These studies demonstrate that cloth or homemade masks will have very low filter efficiency (2% to 38%).

Medical masks are made from a wide range of materials, and studies have found a wide range of filter efficiency (2% to 98%), with most exhibiting 30% to 50% efficiency…”


[/SIZE][/SIZE][/SIZE]

[Bowtorc]

What an idiot!

[jlo2012]

I have an N95 mask from my days working as an RN. I have been using it since the outbreak. And yes, it is to protect others as well as me. None of us really know if we are carriers or not.

[lindaelane]

It is a lie that "the mask protects others but not you". Are we supposed to believe in one-way masks? If you sneeze, your virus droplets do not go through, and you protect others. The same if they sneeze around you as you cross paths in the grocery store, etc. The mask is not perfect protection, nor is hand-washing, nor is anything, but the mask does protect you. There are scientific articles sharing this truth, it is not just me (a PhD in a science related field) saying this. I wish we heard it more often from the powers that be, but they feel so bad about initially telling us not to use masks. And of course - wash hands before putting mask on, touch only the earpieces of the mask, do not buy multiple masks since health care workers need them, and use a scarf if you do not have a mask.

[Bwolf1]

Because I couldn’t find any masks I was wearing a nylon stocking. However after my unpleasant experience at the bank on Friday I have decided to go maskless for the time being.

Wear a freaking mask!

Picture this - you're riding behind another cart or even approaching another cart when someone that has been exposed (you really can't tell this, can you?) sneezes and you drive through the sneeze droplets. Guess what? You could get infected and by the looks of most of the people I've seen driving a cart without a mask, if you get infected, YOU COULD POSSIBLY DIE.

Mine is own from the time I leave the house to go to work until the time I get home.

You are not invincible - WEAR A FREAKING MASK.

[kendi]

I'm still scratching my head about why the wearer of the mask is not protected to some degree. Actually, I did read an article that does say the wearer does have some degree of protection. Sorry, no link as I've been reading LOTS about coronavirus and I don't bookmark everything I read.

From where I'm sitting, if a home made mask can prevent droplets from a sneeze or cough from escaping into the air, then it should be able to stop droplets from entering the mask from the other side of the mask.

Mask doesn’t cover the eyes so it will not protect you from the virus.

[CTFORSBERG]

The masks are for two reasons not to spread the disease, and also as a reminder not to touch your face because that’s how the disease gets spread. So if you have pure Rall or alcohol pads rubber gloves or cloth gloves and a mask you have a very very good chance of not getting it. It’s like the flu we all will eventually get it we just need them to know how to deal with it My friend, who also like to bike, it was in perfect health he died yesterday from it, in Coral Gables Florida. So please be very very careful and listen to what they say because they’re saying that it’s coming our way the 21st of this month. And don’t forget about social distancing very important. God bless and let’s live a happy retirement.

[wisbad1]

Unless you somehow obtained an N95 mask, the mask is not intended to protect you. Furthermore, nobody is supposed to have an N95 mask other than medical personnel at this time.

The purpose of the mask is to protect others from you should you have the disease.
Why can’t you have a n95 mask? Are they outlawed?

[Cruisy]

N95 Mask shaming

[davem4616]

waiting for masks ordered on Amazon to arrive....yesterday I put an old Boy Scout neckerchief on like a western bank robber, sun glasses and baseball cap and went into Publix.....Ha, they would have called 911 on me a month ago

make do with what you have folks....this is not hard

[drrichard]

kcrazorbackfan - Where are masks available to purchase? My friend has been to Sam's club pharmacy - was told they never sold them; CVS on Avenida Central - nope; grocery stores - nope; Home Depot - was told they were donated locally; Lowes - nope; Rural King - nope; Tractor Supply - nope. She doesn't sew and has no bandanas, hankerchiefs or scarves.

Where can she or her husband go to buy masks? Thanks
A Villages high school student and her family are making them. Go to their Facebook page: Buffalo Masks Creators. Good Luck!

[Don5154]

Wear a freaking mask!

Picture this - you're riding behind another cart or even approaching another cart when someone that has been exposed (you really can't tell this, can you?) sneezes and you drive through the sneeze droplets. Guess what? You could get infected and by the looks of most of the people I've seen driving a cart without a mask, if you get infected, YOU COULD POSSIBLY DIE.

Mine is own from the time I leave the house to go to work until the time I get home.

You are not invincible - WEAR A FREAKING MASK.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has changed its policy and is now advising everyone, whether or not they have symptoms of COVID-19, to cover their face with a mask or cloth covering whenever social distancing is difficult to maintain. To be clear, the CDC is not saying you should wear a mask wherever you go, but rather in places where people congregate, including grocery stores and public transportation and ride-shares.

Read this story and many others in Tuesday's edition of the Daily Sun.

[patsyopnp]

I agree strongly that everyone should wear a mask. But to be clear, the regular surgical cloth masks or the homemade masks protect OTHERS from the wearer. If everyone wore these masks, we would all have good (not 100%) protection from Coronavirus-19. Only N95 masks protect the wearer from Coronavirus-19, and should only be worn by healthcare workers caring for patients with known or suspected Coronavirus-19.

[patsyopnp]

Amazon has masks.

[2heartsapart]

There are many available online on Etsy. They’re the suggested fabric, washable, reusable masks, some that have a “pocket” for a filter if you can find one and are in ALL price ranges. Might take a look there.

[MJY10101]

You can make you're own masks by folding a piece of fabric and using rubber bands or hair ties. No sewing at all. YouTube has many videos showing how.

[Fenster]

You are right on the money.
Several misinformed/foolish relies.
Love the spandex comment!

[Win1894]

You can easily make a mask with 2 layers of 100% cotton material accordion style folded and place a coffee filter in between the layers. Fold over each end over a rubber band. Simple but somewhat effective to go out. Masks help me remember not to put my hands near my nose or mouth so it is protection for me. Throw the coffee filter away and immediately wash (in machine) the material. Anything I can do is a plus in my book. Lots of good non-sew masks on the internet and the supplies are already in my home. Stay safe and healthy everyone.

You can easily make 2 face masks from a bra as follows:
1. Select bra cup size based on your face size.
2. Select bra based on protection level needed. Standard bra will give you N95 protection, padded bra takes you to N110, heavily padded bra takes you to N120
3. Make sure bra is empty.
4. Cut bra in half and trim straps.
5. Obtain some binders twine and cut appropriate lengths based on head size.
6. Attach twine straps to bra cup using duct tape.
7. Secure new bra-mask to face using the binders twine.
8. Hop into golf cart and drive with impunity.

[rmd2]

You can easily make a mask with 2 layers of 100% cotton material accordion style folded and place a coffee filter in between the layers. Fold over each end over a rubber band. Simple but somewhat effective to go out. Masks help me remember not to put my hands near my nose or mouth so it is protection for me. Throw the coffee filter away and immediately wash (in machine) the material. Anything I can do is a plus in my book. Lots of good non-sew masks on the internet and the supplies are already in my home. Stay safe and healthy everyone.

What keeps the ends from slipping out? Could you explain how the ends fold over the rubber bands to keep them secure??

[oleary1228@yahoo.com]

That scenario is WAY low on my list of things to worry about. I'll just continue to ride my bike without a mask. Guessing I'm more likely to be hit by a car than get sneezed on from long distance.
Guess it's only about you

[BevSparks]

If anyone has been sweing masks and would like to donate some, the employees at Publix, Wal-Mart and other local stores do not have masks and cannot find them to buy. Please donate to them.... I would but I do not own a sweing machine. Thanks.

[npwalters]

I guess you "bikers" would look funny wearing a mask along with your spandex.

To each, their own; I choose to try and protect myself as much as possible, you choose to play Russian roulette.

Fortunately for everyone I don't own any Spandex. I am able to look at the facts and make a decision that is free from mass hysteria and right for me. The odds of a sneeze from a cart traveling back to me, infecting me, and then me dying as a result are so low that I'm willing to just continue on with my life.

I can see wearing a mask in a place such as the grocery store - BTW.

If you and others want to wear a mask outdoors; by all means drive on. Just don't try to push you fear on to me.

[bluecenturian]

People are ridiculous. Please read up on that article and not just the headline, do some research on the topic. I have been involved with bio & chemical weapons response for some time now. The study refers to thermodynamics and air currents. And yes while in a lab with all kind of special technology that could happen it is extremely unlikely it would happen in the real world. If you are that concerned about droplets travel 200 feet I would think you would not go out or put on a tyvek suit and an apr with a canister filter for optimum protection. Please stop believing the worst case scenario and just do the basics, Keep 6 feet away, wash your hands and don’t touch your face.

[prntxpresn]

Unless you have an N95 mask, the mask is not intended to protect you. Nobody is supposed to have an N95 mask other than medical personnel at this time.

The purpose of the mask is to protect others from you should you have the disease.

[robinrodriguez]

kcrazorbackfan - Where are masks available to purchase? My friend has been to Sam's club pharmacy - was told they never sold them; CVS on Avenida Central - nope; grocery stores - nope; Home Depot - was told they were donated locally; Lowes - nope; Rural King - nope; Tractor Supply - nope. She doesn't sew and has no bandanas, hankerchiefs or scarves.

Where can she or her husband go to buy masks? Thanks
Coffee filter with rubber bands stapled to it or fold a napkin or papertowel like u are making a fan , staple rubber bands and spread over nose and mouth

[DianeM]

People are ridiculous. Please read up on that article and not just the headline, do some research on the topic. I have been involved with bio & chemical weapons response for some time now. The study refers to thermodynamics and air currents. And yes while in a lab with all kind of special technology that could happen it is extremely unlikely it would happen in the real world. If you are that concerned about droplets travel 200 feet I would think you would not go out or put on a tyvek suit and an apr with a canister filter for optimum protection. Please stop believing the worst case scenario and just do the basics, Keep 6 feet away, wash your hands and don’t touch your face.

Finally - a voice of reason. Thank you.

[Win1894]

Coffee filter with rubber bands stapled to it or fold a napkin or papertowel like u are making a fan , staple rubber bands and spread over nose and mouth

Works best if the coffee filter is unused.

[David Eoff]

How to make a mask from house hold items can be found on Youtube.

[NoMoSno]

Unless you have an N95 mask, the mask is not intended to protect you. Nobody is supposed to have an N95 mask other than medical personnel at this time.

The purpose of the mask is to protect others from you should you have the disease.
Why not? Should I throw out the ones I bought last year?

[Margterrymcg]

Wait, Laredo, Texas? What happened to six gun slinging, bull riding, whiskey from the bottle drinking, knocked back with Lone Star-there are no Country songs about wearing a face mask unless it’s to holdup the filling station-signed-an effete Eastern snob

[OrangeBlossomBaby]

Does anyone on this thread understand how our rights are being taken from us? Yes I understand common sense, but how many of you worry about the flu? Do you wear a mask all "flu" season? How about H1N1 during Obama's time in office? Wear a mask then? Probably not. Fear is what is guiding most people thanks to the overly hyped press going on adnauseam. Be sensible and keep your distance from others. Don't let this take over your lives.

I don't have to wear a mask during flu season. I get a vaccine every year. But if I wasn't able to vaccinate for medical reasons, and it was an especially deadly strain of flu, I would likely wear a mask when leaving the house.

[OrangeBlossomBaby]

Fortunately for everyone I don't own any Spandex. I am able to look at the facts and make a decision that is free from mass hysteria and right for me. The odds of a sneeze from a cart traveling back to me, infecting me, and then me dying as a result are so low that I'm willing to just continue on with my life.

I can see wearing a mask in a place such as the grocery store - BTW.

If you and others want to wear a mask outdoors; by all means drive on. Just don't try to push you fear on to me.

It's about YOU sneezing, and whoever is riding their bike behind you, or walking behind you, or in their golf cart behind you, or in a car with the window down behind you, or on a motorcycle behind you - getting your sneeze on their clothes/in their face.

Not saying that you "must" wear a facemask - but I am saying that your reason for refusing to wear a facemask is selfish and myopic.

If you had said "oh - I don't have allergies and don't really sneeze much but if I did, I'd sneeze into my elbow/shoulder" I think people would be more understanding of that explanation.

[rbrooks817]

So I guess over 12k people have been hit by a truck?

[mneumann02]

Are face masks effective?

Unless it is N95 and properly sealed around the mouth and nose, it will not stop virus infection. Also note the virus can enter your body via your eyes so to truly protect you need sealed goggles or a full face shield.

Some facts via google research - you draw your own conclusion:

N95 masks filter 95% of particles greater than 0.3 microns.

Perioperative Considerations for the 2019 Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) - Anesthesia Patient Safety Foundation (https://www.apsf.org/news-updates/perioperative-considerations-for-the-2019-novel-coronavirus-covid-19/)

Average diameter of covid 19 virus is 0.12 microns.

Coronavirus - Wikipedia (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Coronavirus)

Covid 19 virus is mainly spread during close contact and by small droplets produced when those infected cough, sneeze or talk. Small droplets typically have a diameter of 5.0 microns or larger.

Coronavirus disease 2019 - Wikipedia (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Coronavirus_disease_2019)

Surgical masks: “Does NOT provide the wearer with a reliable level of protection from inhaling smaller airborne particles and is not considered respiratory protection”.

https://www.cdc.gov/niosh/npptl/pdfs/UnderstandDifferenceInfographic-508.pdf


From CIDRAP (Center for Infectious Disease Research and Policy):

COMMENTARY: Masks-for-all for COVID-19 not based on sound data | CIDRAP (https://www.cidrap.umn.edu/news-perspective/2020/04/commentary-masks-all-covid-19-not-based-sound-data)

Worth while reading the full report which is about 3 pages which contains references. The short version about mask performance (efficiency) is quoted below: (um is shorthand for micron)

“...Mask, N95 respirator filtering performance

Following a recommendation that cloth masks be explored for use in healthcare settings during the next influenza pandemic. The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) conducted a study of the filter performance on clothing materials and articles, including commercial cloth masks marketed for air pollution and allergens, sweatshirts, t-shirts, and scarfs.

Filter efficiency was measured across a wide range of small particle sizes (0.02 to 1 µm) at 33 and 99 L/min. N95 respirators had efficiencies greater than 95% (as expected). For the entire range of particles tested, t-shirts had 10% efficiency, scarves 10% to 20%, cloth masks 10% to 30%, sweatshirts 20% to 40%, and towels 40%. All of the cloth masks and materials had near zero efficiency at 0.3 µm, a particle size that easily penetrates into the lungs.

Another study evaluated 44 masks, respirators, and other materials with similar methods and small aerosols (0.08 and 0.22 µm). N95 FFR filter efficiency was greater than 95%. Medical masks exhibited 55% efficiency, general masks 38% and handkerchiefs 2% (one layer) to 13% (four layers).

These studies demonstrate that cloth or homemade masks will have very low filter efficiency (2% to 38%).

Medical masks are made from a wide range of materials, and studies have found a wide range of filter efficiency (2% to 98%), with most exhibiting 30% to 50% efficiency…”


[/SIZE][/SIZE][/SIZE]

Finally, some science and facts to go along with all the rumors and hearsay. In case people missed it, masks do NOT absolutely protect you from the virus, especially homemade ones. The virus is simple too small. This is why until recently, public health officials have advised that wearing masks do not help.

But experts are changing their thinking, because masks can REDUCE the risk of transferring the virus by catching the larger particles the virus is attached to and reduce face touching. But please do not believe that wearing a mask means you do not have to abide by social distancing and stay at home advisories and orders. If you are wearing a mask and a carrier is wearing one too, if they sneeze or cough in your direction, you could be in trouble. That said, I am for taking the safer route and wearing a mask in public because they can reduce, not eliminate, the risk.

[npwalters]

It's about YOU sneezing, and whoever is riding their bike behind you, or walking behind you, or in their golf cart behind you, or in a car with the window down behind you, or on a motorcycle behind you - getting your sneeze on their clothes/in their face.

Not saying that you "must" wear a facemask - but I am saying that your reason for refusing to wear a facemask is selfish and myopic.

If you had said "oh - I don't have allergies and don't really sneeze much but if I did, I'd sneeze into my elbow/shoulder" I think people would be more understanding of that explanation.

Then selfish I shall be. I saw about 300 other selfish people walking and riding today while I was out. Probably less than 10% were the altruistic face mask wearers.

[npwalters]

Wait, Laredo, Texas? What happened to six gun slinging, bull riding, whiskey from the bottle drinking, knocked back with Lone Star-there are no Country songs about wearing a face mask unless it’s to holdup the filling station-signed-an effete Eastern snob

Yeah, that statement caught my attention as well. Having been a Texas resident for several years and passing through Lubbock a few times I just couldn't see it. People that live in Lubbock aren't sheep that can or would be intimidated easily. From the Lubbock News:

LUBBOCK, Texas — In a special city council meeting, the city manager and members of the Lubbock City Council gave assurances that police are not stopping people for nothing more than just being outside their homes.
Officials are checking businesses for compliance with social distancing and other aspects of an emergency declaration in Lubbock. But no one will be stopped simply for being outside of their home.
Officials said rumors to the contrary are not true. The city said more would come later in a press release.

[Lindab674]

I ordered two on etsy. They are made of cloth but we are not supposed to wear medical grade ones anyway.

[evenan]

In all honesty, has anyone been in a queue, and had a person cough or sneeze near them?
On our rare ventures to shop for food, we have never heard or seen anyone do either.
AS a matter of fact, YES I have. Not everyone seems to care about the people around them.

[Cher_561]

For those of you who won’t bother to wear a mask - take material or a scarf, fold over and under like when you made fans in first grade and tie a string at each end to secure it over ears or your head. If that’s too much trouble to potentially save the life of someone, maybe a young mother or child, I really wish you found someplace else to live. How lazy can you be?

[RockyMountainMan]

The mask is not for you...but still it can protect you from an unanticipated nearby cough or sneeze. Not wearing a mask in public is also advertising, “I don’t give a sh... about you.” In Laredo Texas you’d get $1000 fine for stepping outside your house without one.
Those Texans... always ahead.
Not quite sure I understand this. If the mask prevents YOU from getting the virus, which you seem to think, then what difference does it make if I'm wearing one? People are starting to become irrational about this thing. If I'm not wearing a mask, doesn't it say that "I don't give a s___t about myself?? You're protected because you're smarter than me and wear a mask! Here's a thought for all the people out there that think they know what's best for everyone else...the masks DO NOT prevent your from getting it OR me from giving it to you. Ponder that!!

[bluedivergirl]

Unless you have an N95 mask, the mask is not intended to protect you. Nobody is supposed to have an N95 mask other than medical personnel at this time.

The purpose of the mask is to protect others from you should you have the disease.

I wish people would stop with the misinformation. The powers-that-be don't want people buying new N-95 masks. I don't think you could; Amazon is limiting them to medical professionals.

As I posted earlier, I have 2 N-95 masks left from a project. Should I throw them out??

I worry posts like your could lead some nut-job to confront me if I do decide to wear it.

[golfing eagles]

Not quite sure I understand this. If the mask prevents YOU from getting the virus, which you seem to think, then what difference does it make if I'm wearing one? People are starting to become irrational about this thing. If I'm not wearing a mask, doesn't it say that "I don't give a s___t about myself?? You're protected because you're smarter than me and wear a mask! Here's a thought for all the people out there that think they know what's best for everyone else...the masks DO NOT prevent your from getting it OR me from giving it to you. Ponder that!!

Ponder this: While the paper masks do little to protect YOU, they ARE pretty effective at preventing YOU from spreading the virus. Why do you think I wore the same paper mask in the operating room when performing surgery?????

[Spike380]

Go on Next Door. A lot of people are making them.

[Velvet]

Not quite sure I understand this. If the mask prevents YOU from getting the virus, which you seem to think, then what difference does it make if I'm wearing one? People are starting to become irrational about this thing. If I'm not wearing a mask, doesn't it say that "I don't give a s___t about myself?? You're protected because you're smarter than me and wear a mask! Here's a thought for all the people out there that think they know what's best for everyone else...the masks DO NOT prevent your from getting it OR me from giving it to you. Ponder that!!

I must have not expressed myself well.

A non N95 mask, like the ones we might wear, mainly protects other people from the wearer, to my understanding. But, as I shop or walk when someone rides, walks, or carts by and sneezes or coughs or even talks too closely as they might be passing, the mask will protect me against their larger droplets. So even if the mask protects a little bit, over a large number of people wearing one, it becomes significant.

And, by me wearing a mask I am letting others know that if I should sneeze or cough, or sing or talk too closely, they are protected by the mask from me.

And, I can tell you I am NOT happy with anyone, not wearing one outside their house. People in a closed car no windows down are the exceptions. If you ride anything you can wear a full faced helmet.

[coffeebean]

It’s not your place to think for us. If you want to wear your mask, wear it! Those of us that don’t wear them are doing what we feel we need to do to be safe. I wear gloves when I go to the store or pump gas and that is my thing. This is still the United States of America and we are free to do what we feel is right for ourselves. I personally don’t feel the masks do any good. My choice, not yours.

Good thing you don't live in New Jersey. Governor has made it mandatory for everyone to wear face covering when going into the stores.

You say you are doing everything to be safe. But.......you are not doing anything to keep others around you safe. You could be a carrier and asymptomatic. That is what wearing a mask is all about.

[golfing eagles]

I must have not expressed myself well.

A non N95 mask, like the ones we might wear, mainly protects other people from the wearer, to my understanding. But, as I shop or walk when someone rides, walks, or carts by and sneezes or coughs or even talks too closely as they might be passing, the mask will protect me against their larger droplets. So even if the mask protects a little bit, over a large number of people wearing one, it becomes significant.

And, by me wearing a mask I am letting others know that if I should sneeze or cough, or sing or talk too closely, they are protected by the mask from me.

And, I can tell you I am NOT happy with anyone, not wearing one outside their house. People in a closed car no windows down are the exceptions.

I agree with you.

Unfortunately, as I look around, you're destined to have a lot of unhappiness

[coffeebean]

A great deal of evidence suggests that porous cotton, such as a tee shirt, is ineffective, and, as such, would be false confidence. There is so much information, I almost do not know what to believe because most of it contradicts some previous statement. If you want to wear a mask, do it, but leave everybody else alone because it is very difficult to get these masks and they are most important for the medical community first and foremost.

Two layers of T-shirt material with a filter between the layers is better than wearing nothing. Filter material can be a paper towel or a coffee filter just to name a couple of possibilities. Secure with rubber bands or hair ties on the ends.

[coffeebean]

I was in Walmart 3 weeks ago and a woman in a scooter was coughing non-stop. I kept holding my breath and trying to get away from her, but we seemed to want the same things in the same aisles. So yes people who seem sick can be found in stores. And she was not trying to cover her mouth at all.:ohdear:

I hear ya. I was in Target about three weeks ago and an elderly cashier was coughing up a storm, coughing into her gloved hand. I was next but got off of her line immediately. She looked at me like I was the bad guy as she was telling me it was just allergies.

[coffeebean]

Sue Lehota of the Village of Bonita is sewing them and selling them for $5 apiece. The money pays for material and elastic, and then she donates the rest to a charity she supports.

Do the masks that Sue is sewing have a pocket for a filter?

[Barborv]

The Government needs to make masks mandatory. You can make a mask out of any material, a stapler and 2 rubber bands. It definitely will lessen the chance of spread if EVERYONE is made to wear a mask. We are in NY and my 29 yr. old daughter didnt want to wear a mask to the supermarket when she went with my husband, so now she's not allowed to go out w/o one, if she wants to live in my house! Just like you can't smoke in public places b/c it's a health concern for others, this is the same thing. Not wearing a mask is a health concern to others!!!!

[Shimpy]

Yesterdays paper (Tues) front page told how to make a simple one from an old t shirt without sewing.

[Lindsyburnsy]

Wear a mask or other face cover. Everyone should. The point is we do not know who does or who doesn't have the virus. We have N95 masks (pack of 3) because we already had them in our garage from home projects a couple years ago. We didn't go out and buy them recently. As a matter of fact, we have saved 2 of the 3 masks for our retired nurse friend who has agreed to go back to work during the virus.

[Koapaka]

Agreed!

OK...since everyone that WANTS a mask cant get one, here is a very easy way to help protect yourself when out and about in general from droplets/sneezes/coughs.

These will be easy to find even, and you might even already have these items at home.

Perfect no, can you do this immediately, even wearing sunglasses, yes!

Easy Peasy!

Face Shield made from a page protector, easy to make! - YouTube (https://www.youtube.com/watch?reload=9&v=8RP0ORHbhEg)

[Swoop]

a doctor told me he leaves his in the sun @ the end of the day, something about uv light that kills the germ. it's still very unknown territory, we've never had a flu that mutated & crossed species on such a grand scale

H1N1 mutated & crossed species and infected over 60 million Americans. I would say that was a much grander scale...

[carhirsch]

what if we all wear masks...then nobody would get infected

[golfing eagles]

what if we all wear masks...then nobody would get infected

If only......

[anothersteve]

East peasy! Problem solved!

[queasy27]

Simplest mask (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=33WpUGOlEII) of all? Cut ear slits in antiseptic wipes.

I was searching whether it might be any help to spray disinfectant on the outside of homemade masks, or if breathing those fumes is bad for us.

Has anyone seen recommendations one way or the other?

[DianeM]

Simplest mask (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=33WpUGOlEII) of all? Cut ear slits in antiseptic wipes.

I was searching whether it might be any help to spray disinfectant on the outside of homemade masks, or if breathing those fumes is bad for us.

Has anyone seen recommendations one way or the other?

Ear slits in antiseptic wipes?
Why on earth would you want to breathe in chemicals?

[applecruiser]

Try online

[JoeinFL]

The point is to keep YOUR germs off MY face, after you sneeze. If I'm behind you, I'm the one who ends up with the spray from your sneeze on my face.

If you aren't able to sneeze into your shoulder or elbow or a tissue, then wear a mask, and keep your germs away from everyone else.


Perhaps stay a little farther away than the 6 feet requirements. If you’re in jeopardy of having a sneeze get infect you while following in a golf cart, maybe you’re A bit too close anyway.
Just a thought.
Stay safe. :)

[coffeebean]

Are face masks effective?

Unless it is N95 and properly sealed around the mouth and nose, it will not stop virus infection. Also note the virus can enter your body via your eyes so to truly protect you need sealed goggles or a full face shield.

Some facts via google research - you draw your own conclusion:

N95 masks filter 95% of particles greater than 0.3 microns.

Perioperative Considerations for the 2019 Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) - Anesthesia Patient Safety Foundation (https://www.apsf.org/news-updates/perioperative-considerations-for-the-2019-novel-coronavirus-covid-19/)

Average diameter of covid 19 virus is 0.12 microns.

Coronavirus - Wikipedia (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Coronavirus)

Covid 19 virus is mainly spread during close contact and by small droplets produced when those infected cough, sneeze or talk. Small droplets typically have a diameter of 5.0 microns or larger.

Coronavirus disease 2019 - Wikipedia (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Coronavirus_disease_2019)

Surgical masks: “Does NOT provide the wearer with a reliable level of protection from inhaling smaller airborne particles and is not considered respiratory protection”.

https://www.cdc.gov/niosh/npptl/pdfs/UnderstandDifferenceInfographic-508.pdf


From CIDRAP (Center for Infectious Disease Research and Policy):

COMMENTARY: Masks-for-all for COVID-19 not based on sound data | CIDRAP (https://www.cidrap.umn.edu/news-perspective/2020/04/commentary-masks-all-covid-19-not-based-sound-data)

Worth while reading the full report which is about 3 pages which contains references. The short version about mask performance (efficiency) is quoted below: (um is shorthand for micron)

“...Mask, N95 respirator filtering performance

Following a recommendation that cloth masks be explored for use in healthcare settings during the next influenza pandemic. The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) conducted a study of the filter performance on clothing materials and articles, including commercial cloth masks marketed for air pollution and allergens, sweatshirts, t-shirts, and scarfs.

Filter efficiency was measured across a wide range of small particle sizes (0.02 to 1 µm) at 33 and 99 L/min. N95 respirators had efficiencies greater than 95% (as expected). For the entire range of particles tested, t-shirts had 10% efficiency, scarves 10% to 20%, cloth masks 10% to 30%, sweatshirts 20% to 40%, and towels 40%. All of the cloth masks and materials had near zero efficiency at 0.3 µm, a particle size that easily penetrates into the lungs.

Another study evaluated 44 masks, respirators, and other materials with similar methods and small aerosols (0.08 and 0.22 µm). N95 FFR filter efficiency was greater than 95%. Medical masks exhibited 55% efficiency, general masks 38% and handkerchiefs 2% (one layer) to 13% (four layers).

These studies demonstrate that cloth or homemade masks will have very low filter efficiency (2% to 38%).

Medical masks are made from a wide range of materials, and studies have found a wide range of filter efficiency (2% to 98%), with most exhibiting 30% to 50% efficiency…”


[/SIZE][/SIZE][/SIZE]
I don't plan on being on the front lines in close contact with Covid-19 patients.

Did the studies assess double and triple thickness of all materials? How about adding a filter such as a paper towel or a coffee filter or a hepa filter vacuum filter bag? I would imagine that would add a bit more efficiency to the home made masks.

Something is better than nothing.

[Velvet]

I don't plan on being on the front lines in close contact with Covid-19 patients.

Did the studies assess double and triple thickness of all materials? How about adding a filter such as a paper towel or a coffee filter or a hepa filter vacuum filter bag? I would imagine that would add a bit more efficiency to the home made masks.

Something is better than nothing.

Yes, increasing thickness of certain materials helps a little and different materials such as tea towels are pretty good, pillow cases are not too bad - but you also have to consider breathability . You won’t wear something that is too difficult to breathe through.

[coffeebean]

What keeps the ends from slipping out? Could you explain how the ends fold over the rubber bands to keep them secure??

DIY No Sew Face Mask Easy and Quick for Anyone - YouTube (https://youtu.be/1r2C1zGUHbU)

[Rapscallion St Croix]

Just got home from Fresh Market. Great time to shop. Only counted fifteen shoppers. Unfortunately, only my wife and I plus two more were masked.

[Bowtorc]

Wow!

[bpascani]

My understanding is that, the homemade mask are certainly helpful for protecting EVERYONE, as are the commercial "non" N95 masks. Apparently adding a piece of paper towel on the inside is additionally helpful. SO, I guess if you are in a golf cart, and come across a biker, make sure you cover yourself well!! Particularly if they don't have on a mask!! STAY SAFE, STAY HOME, BE SMART! God bless us everyone..

[DianeM]

My understanding is that, the homemade mask are certainly helpful for protecting EVERYONE, as are the commercial "non" N95 masks. Apparently adding a piece of paper towel on the inside is additionally helpful. SO, I guess if you are in a golf cart, and come across a biker, make sure you cover yourself well!! Particularly if they don't have on a mask!! STAY SAFE, STAY HOME, BE SMART! God bless us everyone..

You are making bikers sound like lepers. Quite dreadful.

[Linnberg]

see next msg

[Linnberg]

Total Deaths in Lake, Sumter and Marion is 11.
7 in Sumter. I believe The Villages may be 5.
Total from all 3 counties (which is way more than just the Villages) with COVID-19
Positive 400+, Hospitalization 63
There may be way more positive as the total testing results for our area still shows as only a little over 1000.

[ALadysMom]

In all honesty, has anyone been in a queue, and had a person cough or sneeze near them?
On our rare ventures to shop for food, we have never heard or seen anyone do either.

You’ve never been near a person who has sneezed or coughed in public? You are living lucky. Maybe you should play the lottery.

This illness produces violent unexpected sneezes & coughs. Heck, my allergies can do it to me any time. I will wear a mask for the same reasons I clean things even though I can’t prove it does anything good...what if?

[Linnberg]

N95 masks protects the user as well as others. It has special material and filter. They are for HEALTH CARE WORKERs ONLY as not enough in the whole world for everyone and they need multiple as they only last once or twice. It is the only protection between them and their positive patients (along with protective gear, eye covering and gloves)
The rest of us only need masks to ensure if we are asymptomatic but could be positive, we will keep it from reaching others. Those masks (Not N95) will probably not protect you and you have to hope the rest of the people you meet in crowd situations ie; grocery stores care enough to protect you by also wearing a (NON N95) mask.

[ALadysMom]

N95 masks protects the user as well as others. It has special material and filter. They are for HEALTH CARE WORKERs ONLY as not enough in the whole world for everyone and they need multiple as they only last once or twice. It is the only protection between them and their positive patients (along with protective gear, eye covering and gloves)
The rest of us only need masks to ensure if we are asymptomatic but could be positive, we will keep it from reaching others. Those masks (Not N95) will probably not protect you and you have to hope the rest of the people you meet in crowd situations ie; grocery stores care enough to protect you by also wearing a (NON N95) mask.

I accept that there is a shortage of N95s and that medical personnel need them more than I do. Why did officials begin by telling us they wouldn’t help us? Why lie about it early & often? How did they immediately know there would be a shortage? There wasn’t a shortage during 2008-9 H1N1 Swine flu which was also a deadly widespread respiratory virus.

If non-medical masks are now officially advocated, why doesn’t our government supply them to us? We can’t even buy them. Aren’t there any private sector producers who could supply them?

I often watch NHK, Japanese “Public” tv. They commonly wear fancy personalized masks (or sometimes surgical masks) in public all the time. They have 94 deaths and 4667 confirmed. They only recently locked down. I was told that they do it out of respect for others. Interesting?

[Bowtorc]

JUST ANNOUNCED 225 cases in the villages.

[NancyLee]

kcrazorbackfan - Where are masks available to purchase? My friend has been to Sam's club pharmacy - was told they never sold them; CVS on Avenida Central - nope; grocery stores - nope; Home Depot - was told they were donated locally; Lowes - nope; Rural King - nope; Tractor Supply - nope. She doesn't sew and has no bandanas, hankerchiefs or scarves.

Where can she or her husband go to buy masks? Thanks

Well, that certainly is a lot of can'ts. Could you not find any scarves or bandannas to buy or borrow? Or use a tee shirt. Also, if she cannot sew, use safety pins to hold the mask together. Be safe.

[golfing eagles]

JUST ANNOUNCED 225 cases in the villages.

Just announced by WHOM????

I don't know where you got that number, but there are, according to the FDOH, 36 cases in zip code 32162, and 12 in 32163. That is the bulk of the villages. There are 298 cases in Sumter, Lake and Marion Counties combined

Please don't post unsubstantiated rumors

[eyc234]

Wear a freaking mask!

Picture this - you're riding behind another cart or even approaching another cart when someone that has been exposed (you really can't tell this, can you?) sneezes and you drive through the sneeze droplets. Guess what? You could get infected and by the looks of most of the people I've seen driving a cart without a mask, if you get infected, YOU COULD POSSIBLY DIE.

Mine is own from the time I leave the house to go to work until the time I get home.

You are not invincible - WEAR A FREAKING MASK.


So over the last few days with the wind that has been blowing you REALLY think that is a problem? Not to mention the wind vortices behind a golf cart. I will admit that it could happen but about as probable as getting hit by a meteor while sitting in a golf cart, watching a great movie in the Rambo series after the Rambo one. If the sneeze was the greatest sneeze, beyond all sneezes ever seen or heard in all the history of mankind, to never be repeated by any sneeze in history and could never be duplicated(see Princess Bride greatest kiss) you could be correct. If you are in your car that is only touched by you how could you possibly feel safe anywhere, even your home. To quote, "YOU COULD POSSIBLY DIE!" My question would be what part of "it is not for you it is for others who have it and it will probably not stop you from getting the virus if you do not follow other safety protocols" do you not understand.

Went out today to get necessary item after two weeks and I did wear a face covering, more for others than for me. Do not push the false narrative that there are studies that show a sneeze or talking spreads out some astronomical distance as those are done under optimal conditions not the real world. Even in your own home air does not stand still. It moves as does aerosol breath, if nothing else due to what Mr Newton discovered, gravity. If this was an air borne virus as science would define air borne, distancing and quarantine orders would be useless. We would all be infected. We must use logic and some common sense in this time of strife and not spread fear.

[JoMar]

It’s not your place to think for us. If you want to wear your mask, wear it! Those of us that don’t wear them are doing what we feel we need to do to be safe. I wear gloves when I go to the store or pump gas and that is my thing. This is still the United States of America and we are free to do what we feel is right for ourselves. I personally don’t feel the masks do any good. My choice, not yours.

Which is why the virus will hang around longer and more people will be infected. Ratio is one to thirty. Thanks for trying to think of others....oh wait, no it's all about you....how did I miss that.

[JoMar]

The mask is not for you...but still it can protect you from an unanticipated nearby cough or sneeze. Not wearing a mask in public is also advertising, “I don’t give a sh... about you.” In Laredo Texas you’d get $1000 fine for stepping outside your house without one.
Those Texans... always ahead.

Not totally true. The rule does not apply to people who are riding in “a personal vehicle,” who are alone in “a separate single space,” who are engaging in “permissible outside physical activity,” who are alone with their household members. What they are enforcing is when using public transportation, taxis, ride shares, pumping gas or when inside a building open to the public.

[ALadysMom]

Unless you have an N95 mask, the mask is not intended to protect you. Nobody is supposed to have an N95 mask other than medical personnel at this time.

The purpose of the mask is to protect others from you should you have the disease.

What? There’s no law against owning an N95 mask. I bought mine for dust and pollen allergies before this virus existed. They have my koodies so I don’t feel right about donating them to anyone. They probably have other germs.

I hope this is not a trend...

Police: Woman in Hilton store beaten, robbed for wearing mask in store | WHAM (https://13wham.com/news/local/police-woman-in-hilton-store-beaten-robbed-for-wearing-mask-in-store)

[Bowtorc]

Just announced by WHOM????

I don't know where you got that number, but there are, according to the FDOH, 36 cases in zip code 32162, and 12 in 32163. That is the bulk of the villages. There are 298 cases in Sumter, Lake and Marion Counties combined

Please don't post unsubstantiated rumors


I was mistaken 226 cases per orlando weekly. Thanks for the help

[Mumbles]

Oh Please:
I am NOT going to wear a mask as I drive my golf cart in this beautiful weather. You have multiple choices in the way you live with the current situation. If you think you may get droplets from a sneeze from the golf cart in front of you doing 20mph you may 1. Insure your windshield is up, 2. Drop back a distance to insure no one sneezes in front of you or 3. Stay Home

Really dislike the theory that we live in the United States and we have so many rights and privileges that Nobody is allowed to tell us what to do, even those who have the same rights.

When YOUR freedoms (choosing not to heed the stay-home requests, choosing not to wear a mask that will significantly protect others from you IF you don't know you have the virus already) STEPS on others' similar freedoms, and no one can say anything to you-- you are feeding the snake of anarchy. If you can say or do anything you want, and others can do the same, and we go about doing exactly that... we won't have much of a country left to live for or in.

I am ashamed to say that I live in an area with so many people who are willing to be anarchists in their country by not taking seriously the FACT that their actions and attitudes WILL hurt other people.

John Donne, an English poet, wrote the following:
No man is an island entire of itself;
every man is a piece of the continent, a part of the main;
if a clod be washed away by the sea, Europe is the less,
as well as if a promontory were,
as well as any manner of thy friends or of thine own were;
any man's death diminishes me,
because I am involved in mankind.
And therefore never send to know for whom the bell tolls;
it tolls for thee.

[Two Bills]

You’ve never been near a person who has sneezed or coughed in public? You are living lucky. Maybe you should play the lottery.

This illness produces violent unexpected sneezes & coughs. Heck, my allergies can do it to me any time. I will wear a mask for the same reasons I clean things even though I can’t prove it does anything good...what if?

The thread and comment was about the present situation.

[vette]

You can order Bandanas online or you can buy them locally at SPARR's Rt 44 in Wildwood..

[billethkid]

If you have a scarf or a t shirt or handkerchief or paper towel, et al you have a mask.

[npwalters]

So I went riding today (without any Spandex or butt padded pants - that will become relevant later) and decided to take precautions.

My wife fashioned a whole head mask out of a king size comforter we had and I put a pair of ski goggles over my eyes. I reinforced the mask with landscape cloth since if weeds cant get through it surely a virus can't.

Things were going great for awhile and I was getting a lot of looks of admiration and then it happened. I had just passed two selfish and ignorant ladies without a mask on and I accidentally passed a little gas. I know there is no clear science - yet -that says the COVID 19 virus can be transmitted this way but I looked back and one of the ladies was covering her nose and kind of gagging so now I'm concerned. Can a methane borne virus mutate and have immediate effect? Am I now responsible for yet another potential death?

I know there are several internet trained scientist on this site so I'm looking for some input. Thanks in advance.

[golfing eagles]

So I went riding today (without any Spandex or butt padded pants - that will become relevant later) and decided to take precautions.

My wife fashioned a whole head mask out of a king size comforter we had and I put a pair of ski goggles over my eyes. I reinforced the mask with landscape cloth since if weeds cant get through it surely a virus can't.

Things were going great for awhile and I was getting a lot of looks of admiration and then it happened. I had just passed two selfish and ignorant ladies without a mask on and I accidentally passed a little gas. I know there is no clear science - yet -that says the COVID 19 virus can be transmitted this way but I looked back and one of the ladies was covering her nose and kind of gagging so now I'm concerned. Can a methane borne virus mutate and have immediate effect? Am I now responsible for yet another potential death?

I know there are several internet trained scientist on this site so I'm looking for some input. Thanks in advance.

I'm pretty sure you already know the answer:1rotfl::1rotfl::1rotfl:

Wait a minute! You may have just given some people more to panic about. Better yet, record some farts, then play it in a grocery store----see how fast people run away

[PJackpot]

Yeah, that was a brilliant move. Problem is that stores ran out of masks weeks before, and has the city offered to provide them? Hell, no.

[DianeM]

Yeah, that was a brilliant move. Problem is that stores ran out of masks weeks before, and has the city offered to provide them? Hell, no.

Why should they? You are not a ward of the state. Figure out an alternative.

[coffeebean]

Well, that certainly is a lot of can'ts. Could you not find any scarves or bandannas to buy or borrow? Or use a tee shirt. Also, if she cannot sew, use safety pins to hold the mask together. Be safe.

No safety pin? How about rubber bands? Go to YouTube to see y easy no sew mask tutuorials. There is an abundance of videos showing you how to made easy peasy masks.

Something is better than nothing!

[queasy27]

It's the herd immunity factor again. If everyone wore paper or cloth masks in public to protect others, the chances of asymptomatic people spreading the virus is much reduced.

[JoMar]

I'm pretty sure you already know the answer:1rotfl::1rotfl::1rotfl:

Wait a minute! You may have just given some people more to panic about. Better yet, record some farts, then play it in a grocery store----see how fast people run away

Will that require another mask :)

[CFrance]

Best to use 100% quilters cotton as recommended by the CDC. Knit fabrics don’t have a close enough weave to help much.
you can fold the t-shirt material over and insert a coffee filter or piece of paper in between the two layers.

[pauld315]

From a doctor on the front lines

In Viral Video, Weill Cornell Physician Dispels Rumors and Provides Practical Tips for COVID-19 Pandemic | The Cornell Daily Sun (https://cornellsun.com/2020/04/01/in-viral-video-weill-cornell-physician-dispels-rumors-and-provides-practical-tips-for-covid-19-pandemic/)

And here is a link to the video if you prefer instead of the news summary above

Empowering Talk: Protecting Families During COVID-19 Pandemic - Dr. David Price -New York City - YouTube (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kcKTzefEJFM)