Ruh Roh - COVID and masks close enough to be masking

[CoachKandSportsguy]

At CoachK's hospitals, the hospital staff COVID infection rate is borderline to the hospitals requiring staff and patients to be masked mandatorily.

Friends of mine are coming down sick testing positive. .

Just facts, no judgements, YMMV

Boston waste water upticking and its still summertime in the NorthEast!

[Byte1]

Once again, "the sky is falling!"

[Stu from NYC]

Covid is not finished with us.

[CoachKandSportsguy]

Once again, "the sky is falling!"

That's your judgement, i reported facts only. .
There was no judgment of the sky is falling in the factual post, and the facts suggest a change in hospital environment to minimize employee shortages. .

Not sure you would prefer employee shortages when you need hospital care, correct?

[Keefelane66]

Thanks for the heads up.

[fishon]

Thread of the year.
That’s some funny stuff right there!

[NotGolfer]

Forced close-downs. "They" said earlier that the face-diapers don't work. Think about it----hard!! Did y'all comply before by staying in as much as possible, did you wash your hands and social distance and do everything told to you before-----yet still got the infection?? Tis strange it seemed to almost "go away" and now is re-emerging.

[golfing eagles]

At CoachK's hospitals, the hospital staff COVID infection rate is borderline to the hospitals requiring staff and patients to be masked mandatorily.

Friends of mine are coming down sick testing positive. .

Just facts, no judgements, YMMV

Boston waste water upticking and its still summertime in the NorthEast!

Let’s just hope we learned from the last go around that paper face masks are useless for the person wearing it and closing down the economy is disastrous. Maybe not

[asianthree]

That's your judgement, i reported facts only. .
There was no judgment of the sky is falling in the factual post, and the facts suggest a change in hospital environment to minimize employee shortages. .

Not sure you would prefer employee shortages when you need hospital care, correct?

Please there has been hospital employee shortages for 10 years. Why go to nursing school when UPS will pay you 6 figures plus OT, and zero education debt

[Randall55]

Covid is not finished with us.
I guess I am on of the Lone Rangers. I still practice social distancing, won't even think about spending time in a large group setting like concerts, wash my hands regularly, and routinely disinfect my home . But, I have not gone back to wearing a mask. I have not had Covid and I try to keep it that way. Why invite trouble?

[Normal]

If you get sick, you should wear a mask so you don’t get others sick. I think 5 days after the first symptoms is way good enough though. Fortunately, COVID isn’t the death sentence for the few it used to be. In addition we have Paxlovid and other treatments. Just be courteous if you are sick and stay home a few days. Remember it spreads pneumatically so mask up if you are sick and need to get out. Masks don’t prevent a whole lot, but they can help prevent you from spreading it to others.

[Stu from NYC]

If you get sick, you should wear a mask so you don’t get others sick. I think 5 days after the first symptoms is way good enough though. Fortunately, COVID isn’t the death sentence for the few it used to be. In addition we have Paxlovid and other treatments. Just be courteous if you are sick and stay home a few days. Remember it spreads pneumatically so mask up if you are sick and need to get out. Masks don’t prevent a whole lot, but they can help prevent you from spreading it to others.

The problem is way to many people will travel amongst the rest of us with covid without wear ing a mask or even testing

[OrangeBlossomBaby]

The problem is way to many people will travel amongst the rest of us with covid without wear ing a mask or even testing

It's all about risk reduction. If ONE person who actually did test, tested positive, and has symptoms, wears a mask in public, then it'll be that much less risk of other people getting sick.

If TEN have symptoms, test positive, and wear masks, then it's that much less risk, times 10.

If that reduced risk prevents ONE person in this country from dying, then it's a successful effort as far as I'm concerned. Your right to live is more valuable to me than my right to not wear a mask. So for everyone else's sake - if I test positive and have symptoms, I'll try to stay in the house for a few days - and if I have to go out, I'll wear a mask.

[manaboutown]

Thank you (not) Wuhan, China.

[Dotneko]

I guess I am on of the Lone Rangers. I still practice social distancing, won't even think about spending time in a large group setting like concerts, wash my hands regularly, and routinely disinfect my home . But, I have not gone back to wearing a mask. I have not had Covid and I try to keep it that way. Why invite trouble?

How do you know you have not had Covid? My husband had NO, NADA, NONE symptoms. He tested because i was positive. Guess what? He was positive 2 days later. He never would have known.

[Normal]

Of course if you had it a week ago, then don’t wear a mask at all. It would be pointless.

[Maker]

If you do test positive, please don't go out, around others, while you are sick.
Even if you wear an N95 or better mask. That mask will saturate and fail. If you sneeze, it will blow covid around it. Masks are designed to block incoming air, not your exhaust that pushes it off your skin and allows covid to bypass the mask and infect people around you.

[Normal]

If you do test positive, please don't go out, around others, while you are sick.
Even if you wear an N95 or better mask. That mask will saturate and fail. If you sneeze, it will blow covid around it. Masks are designed to block incoming air, not your exhaust that pushes it off your skin and allows covid to bypass the mask and infect people around you.

Masks do little to protect. Even the m95 was proven ineffective. They don’t stop all germs from exiting your body either though as you pointed out. They just do “some” work, which amounts to better than none. The newest strand isn’t nearly as deadly, but hey no one wants to get others sick.

[threeonemiles@outlook.com]

Forced close-downs. "They" said earlier that the face-diapers don't work. Think about it----hard!! Did y'all comply before by staying in as much as possible, did you wash your hands and social distance and do everything told to you before-----yet still got the infection?? Tis strange it seemed to almost "go away" and now is re-emerging.
"You will own nothing and like it.'" Truth is now hate speech.

[Bill14564]

Masks do little to protect. Even the m95 was proven ineffective. They don’t stop all germs from exiting your body either though as you pointed out. They just do “some” work, which amounts to better than none. The newest strand isn’t nearly as deadly, but hey no one wants to get others sick.

There is a huge difference between "proven ineffective" and "don't stop all germs." I'll take 95% effective over nothing every day.

(I also don't believe N95 masks were proven ineffective)

[Whitley]

If you do test positive, please don't go out, around others, while you are sick.
Even if you wear an N95 or better mask. That mask will saturate and fail. If you sneeze, it will blow covid around it. Masks are designed to block incoming air, not your exhaust that pushes it off your skin and allows covid to bypass the mask and infect people around you.

So a mask will not stop a contagious person from breathing out the disease, but will block you from breathing it in? Is that correct?

[Whitley]

"You will own nothing and like it.'" Truth is now hate speech.

Your quote made me think. Most of us get on the younger generations case for not growing up, settling down, being responsible. Here is something to think about; The goal has always been 2.6:1. 2years 6months of salary to purchase a home. This is taking the mean income and mean price of a home. In 1980 for me it was 2.4. Today it is 9:1. The ratio of income to automobile is equally unbalanced (comparing 1980 to today). This makes it very hard to be able to "own" your own home (or car). You will own nothing and be thankful. I'm not even addressing the debt coming out of college (in one generation my college went from 9k to 48k a year). Young adults today really do have a bum deal. If you want to really see how bad it is, consider what social media has done to relationships. It is very concerning.

[Erider]

There is a huge difference between "proven ineffective" and "don't stop all germs." I'll take 95% effective over nothing every day.

(I also don't believe N95 masks were proven ineffective)

Cochrane Library (https://www.cochranelibrary.com/cdsr/doi/10.1002/14651858.CD006207.pub6/full)

The pooled results of RCTs did not show a clear reduction in respiratory viral infection with the use of medical/surgical masks. There were no clear differences between the use of medical/surgical masks compared with N95/P2 respirators in healthcare workers when used in routine care to reduce respiratory viral infection.

[Bill14564]

There is a huge difference between "proven ineffective" and "don't stop all germs." I'll take 95% effective over nothing every day.

(I also don't believe N95 masks were proven ineffective)

Cochrane Library (https://www.cochranelibrary.com/cdsr/doi/10.1002/14651858.CD006207.pub6/full)

The pooled results of RCTs did not show a clear reduction in respiratory viral infection with the use of medical/surgical masks. There were no clear differences between the use of medical/surgical masks compared with N95/P2 respirators in healthcare workers when used in routine care to reduce respiratory viral infection.

The report also contained these paragraphs:

The high risk of bias in the trials, variation in outcome measurement, and relatively low adherence with the interventions during the studies hampers drawing firm conclusions.

The observed lack of effect of mask wearing in interrupting the spread of influenza‐like illness (ILI) or influenza/COVID‐19 in our review has many potential reasons, including: poor study design; insufficiently powered studies arising from low viral circulation in some studies; lower adherence with mask wearing, especially amongst children; quality of the masks used; self‐contamination of the mask by hands; lack of protection from eye exposure from respiratory droplets (allowing a route of entry of respiratory viruses into the nose via the lacrimal duct); saturation of masks with saliva from extended use (promoting virus survival in proteinaceous material); and possible risk compensation behaviour leading to an exaggerated sense of security (Ammann 2022; Brosseau 2020; Byambasuren 2021; Canini 2010; Cassell 2006; Coroiu 2021; MacIntyre 2015; Rengasamy 2010; Zamora 2006).

So it isn't clear whether the N95 masks are ineffective or whether they were used in an ineffective manner.

If you want to argue that the overall (real-life) effectiveness is a combination of the effectiveness of the tool and the skill of those who wield the tool, I can accept that. In that case it appears that masking is not effective as normally practiced in real-world settings.

But that doesn't mean the masks are ineffective. There is no way I would be comfortable having surgery done where the doctors weren't wearing masks because a study showed they were ineffective. That isn't what the study looked at and it isn't what it showed.

The study also did not show the mask itself was ineffective. I don't believe there is no laboratory testing on these masks showing that they in fact did block 95% of particles.

The mask itself is effective. Every individual wearing the mask may or may not wear it properly and may or may not always wear it. Multiply the possibly mistakes made one individual by the hundreds or thousands of people in the community and the overall effectiveness quickly drops. This, I think, is what the study shows.

[Tvflguy]

Before I mask up again I will need a personal meeting with Fauci to explain the scientific facts to me in detail.

Been there done that. No more Doc.

[Normal]

Before I mask up again I will need a personal meeting with Fauci to explain the scientific facts to me in detail.

Been there done that. No more Doc.

Masks were a “something” type response with minimal actual effect. They did fulfill psychological needs though.

Hey, when it’s “All hands on deck”, masks are a small part and we will take what we can get approach. I think the move was pretty darn political. But bringing a bucket of water to a house fire is a “something” response, however we all would much rather a spigot supply and hose.

Fauci was a face to a politician’s farcical response.

[JMintzer]

There is a huge difference between "proven ineffective" and "don't stop all germs." I'll take 95% effective over nothing every day.

(I also don't believe N95 masks were proven ineffective)

Where did that 95% effective statistic come from?

[bcsnave]

There is a huge difference between "proven ineffective" and "don't stop all germs." I'll take 95% effective over nothing every day.

(I also don't believe N95 masks were proven ineffective)

Of course masks are effective...but maybe not quite efficient

[Bill14564]

Where did that 95% effective statistic come from?

Google is your friend

Manufacturer (https://www.honeywell.com/us/en/news/2020/03/n95-masks-explained)
FDA (https://www.fda.gov/medical-devices/personal-protective-equipment-infection-control/n95-respirators-surgical-masks-face-masks-and-barrier-face-coverings) and here (https://www.fda.gov/about-fda/domestic-mous/mou-225-18-006)
CDC (https://www.cdc.gov/niosh/npptl/pdfs/UnderstandDifferenceInfographic-508.pdf)
Wikipedia (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/N95_respirator)

Though I probably should have used the word "efficiency" rather than "effective."

[bcsnave]

Where did that 95% effective statistic come from?

Oh Gezus Jminter...now you went and did it now...asking to back up a statement with data..why would you ask anyone to back up what they said.

Perhaps I might say I just deposited $2,000,000 into your bank account. You should just belive me because I said so....GO HAVE FUN....Spend like a maniac

[JMintzer]

Google is your friend

Manufacturer (https://www.honeywell.com/us/en/news/2020/03/n95-masks-explained)
FDA (https://www.fda.gov/medical-devices/personal-protective-equipment-infection-control/n95-respirators-surgical-masks-face-masks-and-barrier-face-coverings) and here (https://www.fda.gov/about-fda/domestic-mous/mou-225-18-006)
CDC (https://www.cdc.gov/niosh/npptl/pdfs/UnderstandDifferenceInfographic-508.pdf)
Wikipedia (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/N95_respirator)

Though I probably should have used the word "efficiency" rather than "effective."

Unfortunately, viruses are much smaller than what those masks were designed to filter out...

[Bill14564]

Unfortunately, viruses are much smaller than what those masks were designed to filter out...

I'm sure you are right and will continue to toss out arguments until I get bored so I'll just stop here.

[bcsnave]

Unfortunately, viruses are much smaller than what those masks were designed to filter out...

That'a boy Jmintzer

Now come on did you find that on our friend "Google"...lol?

As anyone can look up the Covid particle size is a small as 0.1micron. Where as the N95 respirators that are worn correctly will filter out at least 95 percent of particles 0.3 micron in size.

But 95% is good right??? well let's look at 99%

[eyc234]

Once again, "the sky is falling!"

How is it sky is falling, only facts and verifiable. You can deny all you want but facts, figures and doctor reports is not lying. Oh but wait we forgot somehow, someone, somewhere has enough power, in all of the countries in the world, with a huge majority of doctors & nurses scared for their life and control to have come up with the biggest conspiracy ever known to mankind. If they are able to do that we need them to run a lot more things because they are obviously smarter and better able to get things done than all the rest of the people in the world.

[eyc234]

The report also contained these paragraphs:

The high risk of bias in the trials, variation in outcome measurement, and relatively low adherence with the interventions during the studies hampers drawing firm conclusions.

The observed lack of effect of mask wearing in interrupting the spread of influenza‐like illness (ILI) or influenza/COVID‐19 in our review has many potential reasons, including: poor study design; insufficiently powered studies arising from low viral circulation in some studies; lower adherence with mask wearing, especially amongst children; quality of the masks used; self‐contamination of the mask by hands; lack of protection from eye exposure from respiratory droplets (allowing a route of entry of respiratory viruses into the nose via the lacrimal duct); saturation of masks with saliva from extended use (promoting virus survival in proteinaceous material); and possible risk compensation behaviour leading to an exaggerated sense of security (Ammann 2022; Brosseau 2020; Byambasuren 2021; Canini 2010; Cassell 2006; Coroiu 2021; MacIntyre 2015; Rengasamy 2010; Zamora 2006).

So it isn't clear whether the N95 masks are ineffective or whether they were used in an ineffective manner.

If you want to argue that the overall (real-life) effectiveness is a combination of the effectiveness of the tool and the skill of those who wield the tool, I can accept that. In that case it appears that masking is not effective as normally practiced in real-world settings.

But that doesn't mean the masks are ineffective. There is no way I would be comfortable having surgery done where the doctors weren't wearing masks because a study showed they were ineffective. That isn't what the study looked at and it isn't what it showed.

The study also did not show the mask itself was ineffective. I don't believe there is no laboratory testing on these masks showing that they in fact did block 95% of particles.

The mask itself is effective. Every individual wearing the mask may or may not wear it properly and may or may not always wear it. Multiply the possibly mistakes made one individual by the hundreds or thousands of people in the community and the overall effectiveness quickly drops. This, I think, is what the study shows.


:boom: :BigApplause:

[Maker]

So a mask will not stop a contagious person from breathing out the disease, but will block you from breathing it in? Is that correct?

Partially correct. "Mask" is too generic to say what one can or cannot do.

Mask made from a t-shirt will do nothing. 100% useless against covid. The gaps (holes) between fibers are many millions of times larger then covid virus.

Those flat blue masks with elastic ear loops will do nothing. They are splatter shields.

An n95 mask is designed to block the wearer from breathing in particles of a certain size, and larger. It does that by a combination of the filter material, and that it seals completely to your face. Any facial hair, wrinkles, lotions, skin bumps, etc, compromises that seal and allows unfiltered air to bypass the mask for you to inhale. Bypass means you would get contaminated if near to the stuff you hoped to block.

When you breathe out, the mask is pushed outward and will allow air to slip out between the skin and mask. There are some n95 masks with a one way exhale port that allows all air to exit unfiltered. An n95 mask is not intended to protect others. Doctors mainly wear them to protect themselves. The exception is that very large water droplets could be caught. However, that it a statistically small insignificant amount, but a popular urban myth that it has any benefit.

Someone who is sick, and then coughs out a very large volume of air, all at once, contaminates the area around themselves. And fills the mask with covid to re-breathe.

People that wear n95 masks (for work) go through training which includes fit testing. That is where the trainer shows how to properly wear and seal the mask. They use a special nasty smelling smoke to see if any leaks by the seal. Then they go over how to properly remove the mask (that could be saturated with lots of bad stuff) without transferring anything it captured to your head and hands. Do you see anybody doing that?

Let's say you are trained how to properly wear the mask. Do you reuse it? I hope not. Do you change it out after a certain number of minutes? If not, things will seep through. Do you remove it somewhere you do not want contaminants scatter, or do you do remove it in the car or at home? There is research showing a contaminated mask will release that gunk when you breathe out - contaminating the area you are in. After every time you touch the mask, do you always disinfect your hands?

To test it for your self, find someone smoking. Put on your n95 mask. It should block the smoke smell. If yours does not, it's being worn wrong. Covid is a lot smaller than smoke.

You do know virus can spread through the air, via contact with your eyes. Are we wearing sealed goggles?

[Byte1]

How is it sky is falling, only facts and verifiable. You can deny all you want but facts, figures and doctor reports is not lying. Oh but wait we forgot somehow, someone, somewhere has enough power, in all of the countries in the world, with a huge majority of doctors & nurses scared for their life and control to have come up with the biggest conspiracy ever known to mankind. If they are able to do that we need them to run a lot more things because they are obviously smarter and better able to get things done than all the rest of the people in the world.

WHy? Why you ask?
Because every time someone mentions the dreaded COVID the thread turns into hysteria.
This time, I have no intention on listening to a bunch of Chicken Littles, that start getting hysterical about wearing masks (that IMO do little good the way they were being used), running amok to find a place to get booster upon booter, or carrying hand sanitizer everywhere they go. The worse part is when anyone that shrugs off the hysteria is then labeled a horrible "denier" and ostracized by the group of Chicken Littles. I'm no expert or medical professional but just about everyone in my family has had COVID and most of them had it before the vaccination was available. AND, most of them said that the symptoms was no worse than a cold, and no one said it was as bad as having the Flu. Just saying. I know some in my family that tested positive for COVID with NO symptoms and only got tested because someone they knew had it. So, I am sure there are many folks that go about their day, whether shopping or socializing that have no idea they have COVID. Do I worry about it? Nope. I use the handy sanitizer wipes on my shopping cart that stores have at the entrances, more for cleaning the germs off it from colds and pet germs than anything else. Plus, using them makes it easier to open those darn produce bags.
Will anyone ever believe the gov. when they warn us of pandemics again, after the fiasco we endured for COVID? C'mon, man!!

[mickey100]

Oh brother, another venue for the anti- maskers, and the "Covid is nothing to worry about" crowd. Enough already. There is an upside, though, - thinning of the herd...

[Eagle06]

It's time to treat COVID as another "Flu Variation". We will never be without it. If individuals feel the need to mask up, let them. Read the OSHA reports on the Cloth and Cheap Surgical Masks. They provide "No, None, Zero, Nunca, Nada" protection. The country will not tolerate another lockdown. We live in the Free State of Florida!

[bcsnave]

Oh brother, another venue for the anti- maskers, and the "Covid is nothing to worry about" crowd. Enough already. There is an upside, though, - thinning of the herd...

No Covid IS a thing, and yes it is to be taken serious.

Vaccines are nothing more than a treatment plan. Does not stop or prevent individuals from contracting Covid. The hypocracy is, in order to get FDA "Emergency Use" authorization there could be no other treat modaities.

But the mask....Vaccine...2nd vaccine....booster.... booster...booster..and people still contract Covid...C'mon Man

PLUS heart issues due to the Mrna vaccine are real - COVID Infection, Vaccination Linked to Heart Condition (https://www.cedars-sinai.org/newsroom/covid-infection-vaccination-linked-to-heart-condition/)

[oldtimes]

I can’t believe we are doing this again
:rolleyes:

[bcsnave]

It's time to treat COVID as another "Flu Variation". We will never be without it. If individuals feel the need to mask up, let them. Read the OSHA reports on the Cloth and Cheap Surgical Masks. They provide "No, None, Zero, Nunca, Nada" protection. The country will not tolerate another lockdown. We live in the Free State of Florida!

Eagle06

What??? You are telling me it doesn't work???

[paulat585]

What are CoachK hospitals?

[kp11364]

It's time to treat COVID as another "Flu Variation". We will never be without it. If individuals feel the need to mask up, let them. Read the OSHA reports on the Cloth and Cheap Surgical Masks. They provide "No, None, Zero, Nunca, Nada" protection. The country will not tolerate another lockdown. We live in the Free State of Florida!

New COVID outbreak is mild, and masks don't help (https://nypost.com/2023/08/23/new-covid-outbreak-is-mild-and-masks-dont-help/?&utm_campaign=coronavirus&utm_source=sailthru&utm_medium=email&utm_content=20230824&lctg=607d8830cd30447577ba4469&utm_term=NYP%20-%20Coronavirus%20Daily%20Update)

[eyc234]

WHy? Why you ask?
Because every time someone mentions the dreaded COVID the thread turns into hysteria.
This time, I have no intention on listening to a bunch of Chicken Littles, that start getting hysterical about wearing masks (that IMO do little good the way they were being used), running amok to find a place to get booster upon booter, or carrying hand sanitizer everywhere they go. The worse part is when anyone that shrugs off the hysteria is then labeled a horrible "denier" and ostracized by the group of Chicken Littles. I'm no expert or medical professional but just about everyone in my family has had COVID and most of them had it before the vaccination was available. AND, most of them said that the symptoms was no worse than a cold, and no one said it was as bad as having the Flu. Just saying. I know some in my family that tested positive for COVID with NO symptoms and only got tested because someone they knew had it. So, I am sure there are many folks that go about their day, whether shopping or socializing that have no idea they have COVID. Do I worry about it? Nope. I use the handy sanitizer wipes on my shopping cart that stores have at the entrances, more for cleaning the germs off it from colds and pet germs than anything else. Plus, using them makes it easier to open those darn produce bags.
Will anyone ever believe the gov. when they warn us of pandemics again, after the fiasco we endured for COVID? C'mon, man!!

Just more anecdotes and opinions, which everyone has and has a right to say just like everyone has an a------. It still does not make it fact. It is a opinion which you have every right to believe. Just as there are those "labeled horrible deniers and ostracized by the groups of Chicken Littles" there are those that do not respect, ostracize and physically confront those that have a differing opinion. It is definitely not a one way street. Facts, proof of those facts and science have driven human advancement and will continue to be what makes human kind move forward.

[eyc234]

Oh brother, another venue for the anti- maskers, and the "Covid is nothing to worry about" crowd. Enough already. There is an upside, though, - thinning of the herd...

:BigApplause: Luv thinning the herd except for those left behind and their lose and anguish.

[asianthree]

Oh brother, another venue for the anti- maskers, and the "Covid is nothing to worry about" crowd. Enough already. There is an upside, though, - thinning of the herd...

Tell that to the Thousands of medical workers who wore masks until they fell apart for 16 hour plus days 7 days a week, due to shortages.

We’re they anti maskers…yes they were, if you didn’t have them or they were on their 5 consecutive day, of the same mask.

Our herds were strong, and we had very little thinning.

[JMintzer]

That'a boy Jmintzer

Now come on did you find that on our friend "Google"...lol?

As anyone can look up the Covid particle size is a small as 0.1micron. Where as the N95 respirators that are worn correctly will filter out at least 95 percent of particles 0.3 micron in size.

But 95% is good right??? well let's look at 99%

I actually took classes in virology... And yes, I confirmed the actual virus particle size via Google...

[JMintzer]

I'm sure you are right and will continue to toss out arguments until I get bored so I'll just stop here.

Argument/Facts... Tomato/Potato...

[JMintzer]

Partially correct. "Mask" is too generic to say what one can or cannot do.

Mask made from a t-shirt will do nothing. 100% useless against covid. The gaps (holes) between fibers are many millions of times larger then covid virus.

Those flat blue masks with elastic ear loops will do nothing. They are splatter shields.

An n95 mask is designed to block the wearer from breathing in particles of a certain size, and larger. It does that by a combination of the filter material, and that it seals completely to your face. Any facial hair, wrinkles, lotions, skin bumps, etc, compromises that seal and allows unfiltered air to bypass the mask for you to inhale. Bypass means you would get contaminated if near to the stuff you hoped to block.

When you breathe out, the mask is pushed outward and will allow air to slip out between the skin and mask. There are some n95 masks with a one way exhale port that allows all air to exit unfiltered. An n95 mask is not intended to protect others. Doctors mainly wear them to protect themselves. The exception is that very large water droplets could be caught. However, that it a statistically small insignificant amount, but a popular urban myth that it has any benefit.

Someone who is sick, and then coughs out a very large volume of air, all at once, contaminates the area around themselves. And fills the mask with covid to re-breathe.

People that wear n95 masks (for work) go through training which includes fit testing. That is where the trainer shows how to properly wear and seal the mask. They use a special nasty smelling smoke to see if any leaks by the seal. Then they go over how to properly remove the mask (that could be saturated with lots of bad stuff) without transferring anything it captured to your head and hands. Do you see anybody doing that?

Let's say you are trained how to properly wear the mask. Do you reuse it? I hope not. Do you change it out after a certain number of minutes? If not, things will seep through. Do you remove it somewhere you do not want contaminants scatter, or do you do remove it in the car or at home? There is research showing a contaminated mask will release that gunk when you breathe out - contaminating the area you are in. After every time you touch the mask, do you always disinfect your hands?

To test it for your self, find someone smoking. Put on your n95 mask. It should block the smoke smell. If yours does not, it's being worn wrong. Covid is a lot smaller than smoke.

You do know virus can spread through the air, via contact with your eyes. Are we wearing sealed goggles?

https://media0.giphy.com/media/KVT0i8ls6Scp5X2255/giphy.gif

[Bill14564]

Partially correct. "Mask" is too generic to say what one can or cannot do.

Mask made from a t-shirt will do nothing. 100% useless against covid. The gaps (holes) between fibers are many millions of times larger then covid virus.

Those flat blue masks with elastic ear loops will do nothing. They are splatter shields.

An n95 mask is designed to block the wearer from breathing in particles of a certain size, and larger. It does that by a combination of the filter material, and that it seals completely to your face. Any facial hair, wrinkles, lotions, skin bumps, etc, compromises that seal and allows unfiltered air to bypass the mask for you to inhale. Bypass means you would get contaminated if near to the stuff you hoped to block.

When you breathe out, the mask is pushed outward and will allow air to slip out between the skin and mask. There are some n95 masks with a one way exhale port that allows all air to exit unfiltered. An n95 mask is not intended to protect others. Doctors mainly wear them to protect themselves. The exception is that very large water droplets could be caught. However, that it a statistically small insignificant amount, but a popular urban myth that it has any benefit.

Someone who is sick, and then coughs out a very large volume of air, all at once, contaminates the area around themselves. And fills the mask with covid to re-breathe.

People that wear n95 masks (for work) go through training which includes fit testing. That is where the trainer shows how to properly wear and seal the mask. They use a special nasty smelling smoke to see if any leaks by the seal. Then they go over how to properly remove the mask (that could be saturated with lots of bad stuff) without transferring anything it captured to your head and hands. Do you see anybody doing that?

Let's say you are trained how to properly wear the mask. Do you reuse it? I hope not. Do you change it out after a certain number of minutes? If not, things will seep through. Do you remove it somewhere you do not want contaminants scatter, or do you do remove it in the car or at home? There is research showing a contaminated mask will release that gunk when you breathe out - contaminating the area you are in. After every time you touch the mask, do you always disinfect your hands?

To test it for your self, find someone smoking. Put on your n95 mask. It should block the smoke smell. If yours does not, it's being worn wrong. Covid is a lot smaller than smoke.

You do know virus can spread through the air, via contact with your eyes. Are we wearing sealed goggles?

And of course, if 100% isn't possible then 0% is the only rational alternative.

[JMintzer]

I can’t believe we are doing this again
:rolleyes:

Unfortunately, I not only believe it, I expect it...

[I'm Popeye!]

At CoachK's hospitals, the hospital staff COVID infection rate is borderline to the hospitals requiring staff and patients to be masked mandatorily.

Friends of mine are coming down sick testing positive. .

Just facts, no judgements, YMMV

Boston waste water upticking and its still summertime in the NorthEast!

Some are not capable of comprehending this picture below...
. . . . . . . . . .WAKE UP!

[JMintzer]

And of course, if 100% isn't possible then 0% is the only rational alternative.

A classic example of "reductio ad absurdum"...

[Bill14564]

A classic example of "reductio ad absurdum"...

Did I miss the post that promoted mask wearing even though they might not be 100% effective?

I saw the post saying that the virus was smaller than 0.3micron. I assumed that implied that the masks were ineffective and not worth wearing.

I saw the post pointing out all the problems with wearing th N95 masks. I assumed that implied that the masks were ineffective and not worth wearing.

Was I wrong? Do you actually support wearing masks since something is better than nothing?

[JMintzer]

Did I miss the post that promoted mask wearing even though they might not be 100% effective?

I saw the post saying that the virus was smaller than 0.3micron. I assumed that implied that the masks were ineffective and not worth wearing.

I saw the post pointing out all the problems with wearing th N95 masks. I assumed that implied that the masks were ineffective and not worth wearing.

Was I wrong? Do you actually support wearing masks since something is better than nothing?

I wear a mask in my office, but not because of covid. One of the things I commonly do is debride thick mycotic (fungus) nails. I often use a dremel like grinder that produces copious amounts of "nail dust" which is full of fungal debris. A also use a vacuum device, but it fails to collect all of the dust.

I DO NOT want to inhale that and an N95 mask is perfect for that situation. But I typically have it hanging from one ear and only put it on if I know I'm going to do that procedure.

I haven't worn a mask in public since the mask mandates were lifted and I only did it then to comply with the venues I wanted to enter. I figured their place, their rules...

[Pairadocs]

Let’s just hope we learned from the last go around that paper face masks are useless for the person wearing it and closing down the economy is disastrous. Maybe not

So true ! Yes, covid was and is real, however, the "misinformation" (and that is being generous concerning the protection of a quilting cotton mask with your favorite sports team) about 6' being the magic distance (NOT 5 an NOT 10, but 6'), and the magic time, no covid if restaurants closed by 8, shots that keep you from killing your elderly relatives, and keep YOU safe from catching it, and so on... have done nothing, I fear, but breed total distrust of public "health" organizations and the government in general. It's really too bad. And all the people, myself included, wondering what I have done to my own health (in the long run) taking experimental "vaccines" which technically were not actual vaccines. Maybe just using common sense would/could have caused less devastation ? Guess no way to tell !

[margaretmattson]

https://media0.giphy.com/media/KVT0i8ls6Scp5X2255/giphy.gif Not doubting what you say, you seem well informed. The cotton masks I have seen come with a pocket to put in a filter. Are the filters completely useless as well? Or, do they block, at the very least, a little better than wearing the mask without the filter?

[Pairadocs]

WHy? Why you ask?
Because every time someone mentions the dreaded COVID the thread turns into hysteria.
This time, I have no intention on listening to a bunch of Chicken Littles, that start getting hysterical about wearing masks (that IMO do little good the way they were being used), running amok to find a place to get booster upon booter, or carrying hand sanitizer everywhere they go. The worse part is when anyone that shrugs off the hysteria is then labeled a horrible "denier" and ostracized by the group of Chicken Littles. I'm no expert or medical professional but just about everyone in my family has had COVID and most of them had it before the vaccination was available. AND, most of them said that the symptoms was no worse than a cold, and no one said it was as bad as having the Flu. Just saying. I know some in my family that tested positive for COVID with NO symptoms and only got tested because someone they knew had it. So, I am sure there are many folks that go about their day, whether shopping or socializing that have no idea they have COVID. Do I worry about it? Nope. I use the handy sanitizer wipes on my shopping cart that stores have at the entrances, more for cleaning the germs off it from colds and pet germs than anything else. Plus, using them makes it easier to open those darn produce bags.
Will anyone ever believe the gov. when they warn us of pandemics again, after the fiasco we endured for COVID? C'mon, man!!

Yes, there will always be "some", but the number who have lost confidence is probably a tremendous percentage, and that's a terrible thing we (or our government ?) have done. Now, there will always be a core of any population that just naturally runs on fear, in addition, almost all people are vulnerable to emotions, and death fear is one of the major fears for some. Personally, the hyper attention to basic cleanliness during the pandemic was a very positive step. I hate my recent observations of the hand sanitizer in every type of retail business disappearing, the plastic gloves now removed at most of the filling stations I frequent, people again emerging from restrooms that you can tell did not wash their hands, and so on. That heightened awareness of just basic things we "could" do to prevent a LOT of illnesses, rashes, various germs, etc. would have been a great measure to just preserve and make a routine. I've not even seen sani-wipes at Publix or Walmart for some time now. Noticed even the Dollar Tree has removed the hand sanitizer at the front door, etc.

[Sandy and Ed]

So a mask will not stop a contagious person from breathing out the disease, but will block you from breathing it in? Is that correct?
Sounds right (??!!). Sooo a mask is effective to keep YOU safe. So everyone should wear masks all the time (???). Heck, I’m just gonna stay in, watch tv, order delivery for everything, etc. Will save a lot of gas, no worry for melanoma from sun, etc.

[huge-pigeons]

Elections are coming up so will Covid restrictions. Facts about Covid? There were no valid facts over the last 3 years, or let’s say they didn’t want the public to know the real facts. You had states and medical institutions Over-exaggerate stats to gain money and use for power purposes, this has been proven. It’s been proven paper masks don’t work, on and on. Sure people got sick, some people died (happens everyday), but I had medical friends go in for a check up or for an ailment, the dr/hospital put down Covid related.

Just watch, you will start hearing more about Covid restrictions/mandates during this next year.

[Eg_cruz]

I guess I am on of the Lone Rangers. I still practice social distancing, won't even think about spending time in a large group setting like concerts, wash my hands regularly, and routinely disinfect my home . But, I have not gone back to wearing a mask. I have not had Covid and I try to keep it that way. Why invite trouble?
Why live in fear

[Cobullymom]

At CoachK's hospitals, the hospital staff COVID infection rate is borderline to the hospitals requiring staff and patients to be masked mandatorily.

Friends of mine are coming down sick testing positive. .

Just facts, no judgements, YMMV

Boston waste water upticking and its still summertime in the NorthEast!
And another one who believes this and masks...glad I live in the free state of Florida..Did you worry about the flu?

[Cobullymom]

elections are coming up so will covid restrictions. Facts about covid? There were no valid facts over the last 3 years, or let’s say they didn’t want the public to know the real facts. You had states and medical institutions over-exaggerate stats to gain money and use for power purposes, this has been proven. It’s been proven paper masks don’t work, on and on. Sure people got sick, some people died (happens everyday), but i had medical friends go in for a check up or for an ailment, the dr/hospital put down covid related.

Just watch, you will start hearing more about covid restrictions/mandates during this next year.
bingo!!

[Cobullymom]

I guess I am on of the Lone Rangers. I still practice social distancing, won't even think about spending time in a large group setting like concerts, wash my hands regularly, and routinely disinfect my home . But, I have not gone back to wearing a mask. I have not had Covid and I try to keep it that way. Why invite trouble?
And then you die, whatta way to spend you time on earth... unbelievable..

[mikeycereal]

Not sure why anyone doesn't know this by now, but coughing, sneezing, and even speaking generates droplets that can come in contact with others within a certain range. That's why the 6 feet "safe" radius. A number of tests were done, one on this short video below, showing those lovely droplets spreading out. So wearing the mask does help to a degree, and to be most effective it should be used by all around not just one wearer in a sea of non-wearers. It ain't gonna help much if you're the mask wearer and someone without one is talking or sneezing in the air close to you. That's pretty much how airborne diseases spread. So that's why all the mandate stuff.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DNeYfUTA11s&ab_channel=UNSW

[mikeycereal]

And then you die, whatta way to spend you time on earth... unbelievable..

The ranting and raving from the deliberately obtuse is both entertaining and fascinating. Education is a wonderful thing. :popcorn:

[Transplant]

I wear a mask in my office, but not because of covid. One of the things I commonly do is debride thick mycotic (fungus) nails. I often use a dremel like grinder that produces copious amounts of "nail dust" which is full of fungal debris. A also use a vacuum device, but it fails to collect all of the dust.

I DO NOT want to inhale that and an N95 mask is perfect for that situation. But I typically have it hanging from one ear and only put it on if I know I'm going to do that procedure.

I haven't worn a mask in public since the mask mandates were lifted and I only did it then to comply with the venues I wanted to enter. I figured their place, their rules...
Actually it was the government's rules

[mlmarr]

At CoachK's hospitals, the hospital staff COVID infection rate is borderline to the hospitals requiring staff and patients to be masked mandatorily.

Friends of mine are coming down sick testing positive. .

Just facts, no judgements, YMMV

Boston waste water upticking and its still summertime in the NorthEast!

still believing the nonsense and the stick from China for testing.. so sad a simple cold / flu bug will test postive with the chemical stick ..

[mlmarr]

Covid is not finished with us.

only in your mind and main stream media .. stop being brainwashed .. when your done your done..

[mlmarr]

How do you know you have not had Covid? My husband had NO, NADA, NONE symptoms. He tested because i was positive. Guess what? He was positive 2 days later. He never would have known.

self test kits from China .. how safe are these .. I would never use one../ a cold is a cold/ maintain your health.. I am clean and plan to stay this way ..

[Randall55]

And then you die, whatta way to spend you time on earth... unbelievable..
I lead a very active lifestyle but I am cautious at the same time. Why invite trouble? A few small changes are not a problem.

[Chitown]

I will NEVER wear a mask again.

[defrey12]

That's your judgement, i reported facts only. .
There was no judgment of the sky is falling in the factual post, and the facts suggest a change in hospital environment to minimize employee shortages. .

Not sure you would prefer employee shortages when you need hospital care, correct?

No, you reported what someone else said…MASKS ARE A JOKE! Always were and there is abundant research to support that view. IF you’ll listen to actual scientists and NOT the government.

[defrey12]

I guess I am on of the Lone Rangers. I still practice social distancing, won't even think about spending time in a large group setting like concerts, wash my hands regularly, and routinely disinfect my home . But, I have not gone back to wearing a mask. I have not had Covid and I try to keep it that way. Why invite trouble?

It’s a cold. Spend your life if fear. Go ahead. Is it fun?

[defrey12]

The problem is way to many people will travel amongst the rest of us with covid without wear ing a mask or even testing

Why test? Does it change treatment? NO…it’s a cold. Stay home if you’re sick. Pretty simple.

[Randall55]

For some it is a cold, for others it is a life threatening situation. A virus mutates and changes. If you want to gamble that a stronger string will not kill you, that is your choice. But, don't infect others in the process.

[Normal]

Why test? Does it change treatment? NO…it’s a cold. Stay home if you’re sick. Pretty simple.

That’s pretty much it.

[Marine1974]

It’s seems to me that those that post their anti-vax anti mask propaganda at us , sure change their tune when they are about to be put on a respirator due to Covid from their risky behavior . Who are they kidding?
And how many of them who were asymptomatic walked around , with no regard for others , and spread Covid through out our community causing some to die who got infected by the
ones who refuse to follow the CDC guidelines. These menaces to our community our kinda like the food preparers who changed their babies diapers and come to work without washing their hands mentality.

[G.R.I.T.S.]

Forced close-downs. "They" said earlier that the face-diapers don't work. Think about it----hard!! Did y'all comply before by staying in as much as possible, did you wash your hands and social distance and do everything told to you before-----yet still got the infection?? Tis strange it seemed to almost "go away" and now is re-emerging.

DUH! “Conspiracy theorists” predicted this shortly after the mid-terms. Gearing up.

[MidWestIA]

heard of some here getting here - back to 3-6 feet at least

[maistocars]

yup, it must be that time of season to rev this up again. Oh yes, 2024 is around the corner.

[RedChariot]

Why test? Does it change treatment? NO…it’s a cold. Stay home if you’re sick. Pretty simple.

A freaking cold???? Tell that to the over 3 million people who died worldwide from this virus.

[merrymini]

Covid is here to stay, get used to it. I am keeping my paper masks because I may run out of toilet paper, no other reason to keep them. I would not be surprised to see a “resurgence” before any upcoming political votes. Got to keep people scared and malleable. Works every time!

[OhioBuckeye]

Our president promised to have Covid under control after 6 months when he took office, it’s been almost 4 yrs.. Come on Man!

[Randall55]

DUH! “Conspiracy theorists” predicted this shortly after the mid-terms. Gearing up. I would like to know what politicians "bring up Covid" as a mechanism to win an election. None of them will get my vote! Profitting from illness and death is a low blow. But then again, it never happened right? Just the opposing party making up stories. I guess I should have my eyes checked. I thought I saw dead bodies lining the streets on nearly every news channel.

[haysus7]

What are CoachK hospitals?

Kentucky closed schools due to infections after 2 weeks of being open

[JMintzer]

Not doubting what you say, you seem well informed. The cotton masks I have seen come with a pocket to put in a filter. Are the filters completely useless as well? Or, do they block, at the very least, a little better than wearing the mask without the filter?

Since the cotton masks do not seal to your face, I would think that adding a "filter" (whatever that may be) is pretty much useless...

[JMintzer]

Sounds right (??!!). Sooo a mask is effective to keep YOU safe. So everyone should wear masks all the time (???). Heck, I’m just gonna stay in, watch tv, order delivery for everything, etc. Will save a lot of gas, no worry for melanoma from sun, etc.

A mask can keep YOU safe if they filter out the viruses. Unfortunately, the virus size is smaller than what the mask was designed to filter...

[Whitley]

For some it is a cold, for others it is a life threatening situation. A virus mutates and changes. If you want to gamble that a stronger string will not kill you, that is your choice. But, don't infect others in the process.

Probably best to stay home indoors. Keep others outside the house. Even that it is not 100% safe, but better than not.

[asianthree]

It’s seems to me that those that post their anti-vax anti mask propaganda at us , sure change their tune when they are about to be put on a respirator due to Covid from their risky behavior . Who are they kidding?
And how many of them who were asymptomatic walked around , with no regard for others , and spread Covid through out our community causing some to die who got infected by the
ones who refuse to follow the CDC guidelines. These menaces to our community our kinda like the food preparers who changed their babies diapers and come to work without washing their hands mentality.

Ahhh that’s special you think they have a clue or “ change their tune” when you intubate, and set the parameters for the vent. Nope that’s the families job, which may or may not be the wishes of the patient.

[Whitley]

It’s seems to me that those that post their anti-vax anti mask propaganda at us , sure change their tune when they are about to be put on a respirator due to Covid from their risky behavior . Who are they kidding?
And how many of them who were asymptomatic walked around , with no regard for others , and spread Covid through out our community causing some to die who got infected by the
ones who refuse to follow the CDC guidelines. These menaces to our community our kinda like the food preparers who changed their babies diapers and come to work without washing their hands mentality.

Not even 100% but unless you MUST go out (and if you do, mask even in the car alone) stay inside your home. Not sure if two masks are better in the car. I know when a car is under water, the water flows in from all over the place. Same can happen with covid. Gas stations too are horrible. You can die from pumping gas. How many people touch those handles. Remaining in the house really is the safest. Does anyone have any tips on how to get food without worrying that the bags and packaging have been touched by who knows who? Sarasota Herald reported during the beginning of this that the virus can travel through plumbing (ie water) pipes. I don't see what can be done there. Maybe boil water before drinking. A friend up North starting growing what she called cellar onions. Of course we do not have cellars so that doesn't help us.

[JMintzer]

Actually it was the government's rules

Not everywhere...

[Whitley]

yup, it must be that time of season to rev this up again. Oh yes, 2024 is around the corner.

I do not know why "some" (I have no up arrow) fight so aggressively against their own safety. The safest thing for the election is to place boxes outside town halls and pick them up weekly. Kind of like when we were kids and the teacher would put a decorated box with a slit on top for us to drop Valentine cards into. It worked then. Even using a pen can be fatal for some. And using money is very VERY dangerous. They should do away with that. Maybe have a digital currency like Canada is testing.

[Whitley]

A freaking cold???? Tell that to the over 3 million people who died worldwide from this virus.

Globally 1.7 million people die a year from the common cold.

That's nothing to sneeze at.

[JMintzer]

It’s seems to me that those that post their anti-vax anti mask propaganda at us , sure change their tune when they are about to be put on a respirator due to Covid from their risky behavior . Who are they kidding?
And how many of them who were asymptomatic walked around , with no regard for others , and spread Covid through out our community causing some to die who got infected by the
ones who refuse to follow the CDC guidelines. These menaces to our community our kinda like the food preparers who changed their babies diapers and come to work without washing their hands mentality.

https://assets.mycast.io/posters/menace-ii-society-fan-casting-poster-112819-large.jpg

[JMintzer]

A freaking cold???? Tell that to the over 3 million people who died worldwide WITH this virus.

Fixed it for you...

[TeresaE]

At CoachK's hospitals, the hospital staff COVID infection rate is borderline to the hospitals requiring staff and patients to be masked mandatorily.

Friends of mine are coming down sick testing positive. .

Just facts, no judgements, YMMV

Boston waste water upticking and its still summertime in the NorthEast!

Various covid viruses (aka colds) were here long before the strain we called covid-19. Various new covids will be around long after we are gone. The latest strain is as close to the original Covid-19 strain as dinosaurs are to birds. Between the natural immunity we’ve likely developed from contracting the original and its near cousins and the vaccines, we’re all likely going to be just fine. As for masks, they were just a political devise to make us feel good about going out in public. They made absolutely no difference.

[bcsnave]

I do not know why "some" (I have no up arrow) fight so aggressively against their own safety. The safest thing for the election is to place boxes outside town halls and pick them up weekly. Kind of like when we were kids and the teacher would put a decorated box with a slit on top for us to drop Valentine cards into. It worked then. Even using a pen can be fatal for some. And using money is very VERY dangerous. They should do away with that. Maybe have a digital currency like Canada is testing.

Can never be too safe:wave:

[Normal]

A freaking cold???? Tell that to the over 3 million people who died worldwide from this virus.

The virus circulating now isn’t the initial Corona virus. The flu is more lethal than the current Corona virus being discussed. Few wore masks for the flu before the pandemic that is now over according to the US government.

[TeresaE]

For some it is a cold, for others it is a life threatening situation. A virus mutates and changes. If you want to gamble that a stronger string will not kill you, that is your choice. But, don't infect others in the process.
First, strains typically get weaker not more virulent. Second, between natural immunity and the vaccines most of us carry enough antibodies to protect us from severe illness. Third, the correlation between finding viral mRNA or DNA in a municipal sewage samples and illness is suspect. Just ask yourself, does genetic material or pieces of genetic material amplified by PCR equal living organisms? Forth, masks made no difference in transmission or rates of infection. So go live your life and let the rest of us do the same without useless masking, distancing or pointless mandates.

[Bill14564]

The virus circulating now isn’t the initial Corona virus. The flu is more lethal than the current Corona virus being discussed. Few wore masks for the flu before the pandemic that is now over according to the US government.

I'll bet there's no study that shows that!

A study last year showed Covid was more deadly but that would be a different variant.

[blueash]

If you do test positive, please don't go out, around others, while you are sick.
Even if you wear an N95 or better mask. That mask will saturate and fail. If you sneeze, it will blow covid around it. Masks are designed to block incoming air, not your exhaust that pushes it off your skin and allows covid to bypass the mask and infect people around you.

Maker, then please explain to me... Why do surgeons wear "face diapers" ? Are they wearing it to not breathe in germs from the patient on the table? You just educated me that masks are only worn to block incoming air. Or are you just spouting nonsense because you can on this website?

I will eagerly await your well thought out reply.

[blueash]

First, strains typically get weaker not more virulent. Second, between natural immunity and the vaccines most of us carry enough antibodies to protect us from severe illness. Third, the correlation between finding viral mRNA or DNA in a municipal sewage samples and illness is suspect. Just ask yourself, does genetic material or pieces of genetic material amplified by PCR equal living organisms? Forth, masks made no difference in transmission or rates of infection. So go live your life and let the rest of us do the same without useless masking, distancing or pointless mandates.

Talk about sewage... It is 100% accurate to say that the finding of viral RNA in wastewater indicates circulating infectious virus in the community. There is nothing suspect about it except I suspect you don't know what you're talking about. You in your greater wisdom could perhaps explain to me how genetic material from Covid gets into the wastewater if there is no Covid in area.

Fourth, you are wrong that masks made no difference. The data, and there is lots of it if you want to do a GoogleScholar search, showed masks did work, just less well than hoped. The failure to find greater efficacy is because of people not wearing masks correctly, and human nature to not practice good hygiene, hand wash, social distance etc. even when mask wearing.

Lastly, you are correct that some viral strains tend to weaken over time, that is sadly not always the case. If it were then we would never have a more severe influenza season. We would never have seen SARS or MERS. Polio would have disappeared without a vaccine... and measles... and ebola... and etc. etc. etc.

[cjrjck]

I was required to be fitted for an N95 mask yearly. Our agency would board foreign vessels with the CDC and local county health officials in the case a crewman illnesses that rose to a certain level of suspicion. The masks had to be properly fitted by an expert. There were various sizes and even special order modifications. Once fitted, the wearer was covered by a hood and an aerosol was sprayed into the hood. If the wearer had any reaction to the mist, the fitting was improper. Once fitted, we were given several of the proper sized masks. I learned two things: it was not easy to get a proper fit, and the masks were one and done. Never used twice. That would introduce bacteria and other contaminants to the mask. Even then, they were not 100 percent effective. I can tell you that 99 percent of the masks worn for covid were worthless. Improper fit and construction. Worse even, they gave the wearer a false sense of security that could actually cause the wearer to be less cautious. Additionally, they were filthy if worn more than once. Anytime the wearer touched the mask it potentially contaminated it.

[blueash]

still believing the nonsense and the stick from China for testing.. so sad a simple cold / flu bug will test postive with the chemical stick ..

Still posting nonsense. So sad that a simple flu bug will absolutely not test positive on a covid antigen test. Ignorance to post such garbage here. You are being lied to by some source. And that same source is certainly lying to you about many other topics.

Google search suggestion... Does influenza produce a positive Covid test ... HERE
(https://www.google.com/search?q=Does+influenza+produce+a+positive+Covid+t est+...&oq=Does+influenza+produce+a+positive+Covid+test+.. .&aqs=edge..69i57.1745j0j9&sourceid=chrome&ie=UTF-8)
Are you up to date on the influenza data?

Now google search suggestion ... Does the common cold produce a positive Covid test.... HERE (https://www.google.com/search?q=Does+common+cold++produce+a+positive+Covi d+test&sca_esv=559959589&ei=0ePoZPntK_OYwbkP076VmAw&ved=0ahUKEwi5mvvxqfiAAxVzTDABHVNfBcMQ4dUDCA8&uact=5&oq=Does+common+cold++produce+a+positive+Covid+test&gs_lp=Egxnd3Mtd2l6LXNlcnAiL0RvZXMgY29tbW9uIGNvbGQg IHByb2R1Y2UgYSBwb3NpdGl2ZSBDb3ZpZCB0ZXN0SKptUNpRWP 9lcAJ4AJABAJgBuQGgAcoLqgEDMy45uAEDyAEA-AEBwgIKECEYoAEYwwQYCsICCBAhGKABGMME4gMEGAEgQYgGAQ&sclient=gws-wiz-serp)

See how easy that is to debunk what you wrote and disprove those bald faced lies.

[Byte1]

I'm prepared now. No more colds(aka COVID) for me.

[I'm Popeye!]

A freaking cold???? Tell that to the over 3 million people who died worldwide from this virus.

Can you tell us how many people died from the flu or cold that year, NO!, They were counted as dying from COVID...

[I'm Popeye!]

Maker, then please explain to me... Why do surgeons wear "face diapers" ? Are they wearing it to not breathe in germs from the patient on the table? You just educated me that masks are only worn to block incoming air. Or are you just spouting nonsense because you can on this website?

I will eagerly await your well thought out reply.

Could this be the reason why....

[Maker]

Maker, then please explain to me... Why do surgeons wear "face diapers" ? Are they wearing it to not breathe in germs from the patient on the table? You just educated me that masks are only worn to block incoming air. Or are you just spouting nonsense because you can on this website?
I will eagerly await your well thought out reply.

Surgeons do not wear "face diapers". I never said anything like that because it's a stupid statement. If that was your take-away, please re-read the post.

The primary purpose surgeons wear PPE to reduce the likelihood of getting biological contamination from the patient.

Masks are used to prevent transfer of airborne biological pathogens. That would be n95 or better. They wear face shields to prevent liquid splatters to their face where their mucous membranes are located, again to try to prevent contamination from blood and other infectious tissue.
They also wear gloves to prevent direct contact with infectious material and blood.

There are other higher levels of PPE worn when the risks demand better protection. Think of a patient with ebola, or who has an unknown toxic exposure. Also for researchers working on gain of function experiments with deadly toxic substances.

[eyc234]

Surgeons do not wear "face diapers". I never said anything like that because it's a stupid statement. If that was your take-away, please re-read the post.

The primary purpose surgeons wear PPE to reduce the likelihood of getting biological contamination from the patient.

Masks are used to prevent transfer of airborne biological pathogens. That would be n95 or better. They wear face shields to prevent liquid splatters to their face where their mucous membranes are located, again to try to prevent contamination from blood and other infectious tissue.
They also wear gloves to prevent direct contact with infectious material and blood.

There are other higher levels of PPE worn when the risks demand better protection. Think of a patient with ebola, or who has an unknown toxic exposure. Also for researchers working on gain of function experiments with deadly toxic substances.

But you said mask do not work, so how do they stop pathogens that are smaller than SAR's and as you can see from your photo it really is not fitted correctly.

[Bill14564]

Can you tell us how many people died from the flu or cold that year, NO!, They were counted as dying from COVID...

The flu numbers have been published and are non-zero.

[Escape Artist]

Boston waste water upticking and its still summertime in the NorthEast!

What does that indicate? Also, are your friends who are I’ll in need of hospitalization? In other words, is it severe?

[JMintzer]

But you said mask do not work, so how do they stop pathogens that are smaller than SAR's and as you can see from your photo it really is not fitted correctly.

Did you read the post you responded to? It said nothing about "pathogens that are smaller than SARs"...

[jimjamuser]

That's your judgement, i reported facts only. .
There was no judgment of the sky is falling in the factual post, and the facts suggest a change in hospital environment to minimize employee shortages. .

Not sure you would prefer employee shortages when you need hospital care, correct?
Most everyone in the US and especially Florida wants to put COVID "in the rearview mirror". And for some insane and low-cognitive reason, some people want to PRETEND that it never happened (pretending that all those deaths in the Midwest never happened). But, COVID disease itself has other ideas - it wants to mutate and spread.
........This summer in Fl. and elsewhere in the US, it is HOT and humid, especially in the large cities. If you take a general HEAT stress and you add in COVID, then you have a LETHAL cocktail of health problems.

[asianthree]

But you said mask do not work, so how do they stop pathogens that are smaller than SAR's and as you can see from your photo it really is not fitted correctly.

Are you using personal experience on this mask. As a procedure mask, it’s tied correctly, over nose, with no gap, and under chin, goggles are fitted over the mask, other than the blood on the outside, one can’t see the snot from the sneeze inside the mask. It much more entertaining when you sneeze wearing a clear mask:girlneener:

Wore same mask for 45 years, he is better than some I have seen

[JMintzer]

The flu numbers have been published and are non-zero.

According to the CDC, there were only 5K Flu Deaths in the 2020-2021 Flu Season.

That's less than 1/5 of a light year (25K deaths) and about 1/10 of a regular year (50K deaths)

[JMintzer]

Are you using personal experience on this mask. As a procedure mask, it’s tied correctly, over nose, with no gap, and under chin, other than the blood iron the outside, one can’t see the snot from the sneeze inside the mask. It much more entertaining when you sneeze wearing a clear mask:girlneener:

I always hated it when that happened!

[jimjamuser]

Thread of the year.
That’s some funny stuff right there!
I don't see the humor in the fact that COVID is still with us and is KILLING some Americans. And since The Villages is made up of OLDER citizens who are demographically the ones most affected, then it becomes even less humorous.

[asianthree]

I always hated it when that happened!

Me too, snot is so much worse than a blood soaked mask and gown.

[jimjamuser]

Forced close-downs. "They" said earlier that the face-diapers don't work. Think about it----hard!! Did y'all comply before by staying in as much as possible, did you wash your hands and social distance and do everything told to you before-----yet still got the infection?? Tis strange it seemed to almost "go away" and now is re-emerging.
A virologist might think that a disease mutating and re-emerging is common.

[JMintzer]

A virologist might think that a disease mutating and re-emerging is common.

It is. And most commonly, they mutate into a weaker strain... That way, they don't kill off all of the hosts...

[Bill14564]

The flu numbers have been published and are non-zero.

According to the CDC, there were only 5K Flu Deaths in the 2020-2021 Flu Season.

That's less than 1/5 of a light year (25K deaths) and about 1/10 of a regular year (50K deaths)

Thank you. Published and non-zero.

The CDC has another count on the Weekly Influenza Surveillance Report page (https://www.cdc.gov/flu/weekly/). It shows a significant drop in 2021 (the year, not the season) with a return to normal in 2022. It is interesting that the counts on this page are significantly less than on other CDC pages. Perhaps more detailed reporting?

[jimjamuser]

Let’s just hope we learned from the last go around that paper face masks are useless for the person wearing it and closing down the economy is disastrous. Maybe not
What I learned the last "go around" is that many ordinary people like to disregard advice by experts and scientists, while preferring advice from the dark web and conspiracy channels. (remember the ultra-violet light advice).

[Vermilion Villager]

Let’s just hope we learned from the last go around that paper face masks are useless for the person wearing it and closing down the economy is disastrous. Maybe not
Please tell us how wearing a K-95 or KN-95 is not effective?
Would you have open heart surgery if you knew the surgical team was operating on you without masks on?:ho:

[asianthree]

I don't see the humor in the fact that COVID is still with us and is KILLING some Americans. And since The Villages is made up of OLDER citizens who are demographically the ones most affected, then it becomes even less humorous.

Some of look at it, was Covid the factor, or just a long list of what was already a slow death for years. Stage 4 Mets, accident victims, abuse, death is the same, sometimes you just can’t save them, then you move on to the next

Medical people have a warped sense of humor, why, because death is a everyday occurrence, sometimes more than one, not just old people, that have lived a full life, but teens, and infants.

[jimjamuser]

I guess I am on of the Lone Rangers. I still practice social distancing, won't even think about spending time in a large group setting like concerts, wash my hands regularly, and routinely disinfect my home . But, I have not gone back to wearing a mask. I have not had Covid and I try to keep it that way. Why invite trouble?
I agree. I must be one of the TONTOS.

[asianthree]

Please tell us how wearing a K-95 or KN-95 is not effective?
Would you have open heart surgery if you knew the surgical team was operating on you without masks on?:ho:

Well they aren’t wearing a N-95. Plus by the time you are wheeled in, with little versed, and fentanyl, you won’t have a clue what they are wearing, right down to the bunny ears on their shoe covers.

[paulajr]

At CoachK's hospitals, the hospital staff COVID infection rate is borderline to the hospitals requiring staff and patients to be masked mandatorily.

Friends of mine are coming down sick testing positive. .

Just facts, no judgements, YMMV

Boston waste water upticking and its still summertime in the NorthEast!

Glad we moved out of Massachusetts 10 years ago…

[jimjamuser]

Your quote made me think. Most of us get on the younger generations case for not growing up, settling down, being responsible. Here is something to think about; The goal has always been 2.6:1. 2years 6months of salary to purchase a home. This is taking the mean income and mean price of a home. In 1980 for me it was 2.4. Today it is 9:1. The ratio of income to automobile is equally unbalanced (comparing 1980 to today). This makes it very hard to be able to "own" your own home (or car). You will own nothing and be thankful. I'm not even addressing the debt coming out of college (in one generation my college went from 9k to 48k a year). Young adults today really do have a bum deal. If you want to really see how bad it is, consider what social media has done to relationships. It is very concerning.
After 1980 the middle class began disappearing. Real average wages stayed constant with respect to inflation until about 2010 when some wage gain began. Look to the tax bracket changes to see that middle-class wealth went to the upper class.

[jimjamuser]

It's time to treat COVID as another "Flu Variation". We will never be without it. If individuals feel the need to mask up, let them. Read the OSHA reports on the Cloth and Cheap Surgical Masks. They provide "No, None, Zero, Nunca, Nada" protection. The country will not tolerate another lockdown. We live in the Free State of Florida!
Nationally, with respect to COVID death rates, Florida had the 2nd most age-adjusted death rates among the states. TX. and other southern tier states had higher rates than Fl. And NY and Ca. had lower rates.

[Byte1]

I guess you learn something new, no matter how old you get. I had assumed that the reason for doctors wearing masks in surgery is so that THEY do not transmit germs/illnesses to the patient. AND they (some) would additionally wear face shields to prevent contamination from the patient.
Personally, I have no intention of wearing a mask IF it is not mandated somewhere that I have to go. I may have unknowingly had or carried the virus in the past couple years, but I am not going to change my activities or attire on the presumption that I may or may not be infected or carrying the virus. I have no problem with others wearing protection such as mask and gloves where ever they travel, in or out of their cars and in or outside of public places. When I was in Japan, many folks in Tokyo wore masks in the city. I didn't, but I am not going to pressure anyone else as to how they should or should not protect themselves.
I prefer to be the glass half full type of person, not a "the sky is falling" hysterical type. I do agree with those that believe that staying locked in their homes will protect them from catching any communicable diseases. I also believe that if you do not drive, you have less chance of having an traffic accident. If you do not fly, you will not die in a plane crash. But, I like to live dangerously. I have been known to step on the cracks in sidewalks and have even traveled in the back seat of a car without using the seat belt on more than one occasion.

[jimjamuser]

I will NEVER wear a mask again.
Never say never. In the future, things change. There could be a NEW virus and people might have to wear a mask to get on a plane or enter a building. The world has global warming and warming causes more virus growth, not less.

[jimjamuser]

Covid is here to stay, get used to it. I am keeping my paper masks because I may run out of toilet paper, no other reason to keep them. I would not be surprised to see a “resurgence” before any upcoming political votes. Got to keep people scared and malleable. Works every time!
I wonder where the connection between voting and COVID came from. How about Russian troll farms - they have a vested interest in keeping US voting down.

[jimjamuser]

Kentucky closed schools due to infections after 2 weeks of being open
I heard that 2 school districts in Kentucky had to close because of RSV, COVID, and flu.

[jimjamuser]

Globally 1.7 million people die a year from the common cold.

That's nothing to sneeze at.
Now that is GOOD humor.

[jimjamuser]

Talk about sewage... It is 100% accurate to say that the finding of viral RNA in wastewater indicates circulating infectious virus in the community. There is nothing suspect about it except I suspect you don't know what you're talking about. You in your greater wisdom could perhaps explain to me how genetic material from Covid gets into the wastewater if there is no Covid in area.

Fourth, you are wrong that masks made no difference. The data, and there is lots of it if you want to do a GoogleScholar search, showed masks did work, just less well than hoped. The failure to find greater efficacy is because of people not wearing masks correctly, and human nature to not practice good hygiene, hand wash, social distance etc. even when mask wearing.

Lastly, you are correct that some viral strains tend to weaken over time, that is sadly not always the case. If it were then we would never have a more severe influenza season. We would never have seen SARS or MERS. Polio would have disappeared without a vaccine... and measles... and ebola... and etc. etc. etc.
Thank you for some BADLY NEEDED wisdom!!!!!!!

[Randall55]

I guess you learn something new, no matter how old you get. I had assumed that the reason for doctors wearing masks in surgery is so that THEY do not transmit germs/illnesses to the patient. AND they (some) would additionally wear face shields to prevent contamination from the patient.
Personally, I have no intention of wearing a mask IF it is not mandated somewhere that I have to go. I may have unknowingly had or carried the virus in the past couple years, but I am not going to change my activities or attire on the presumption that I may or may not be infected or carrying the virus. I have no problem with others wearing protection such as mask and gloves where ever they travel, in or out of their cars and in or outside of public places. When I was in Japan, many folks in Tokyo wore masks in the city. I didn't, but I am not going to pressure anyone else as to how they should or should not protect themselves.
I prefer to be the glass half full type of person, not a "the sky is falling" hysterical type. I do agree with those that believe that staying locked in their homes will protect them from catching any communicable diseases. I also believe that if you do not drive, you have less chance of having an traffic accident. If you do not fly, you will not die in a plane crash. But, I like to live dangerously. I have been known to step on the cracks in sidewalks and have even traveled in the back seat of a car without using the seat belt on more than one occasion. Please keep your living dangerously from infecting others who choose not to do so.

[Maker]

Would you have open heart surgery if you knew the surgical team was operating on you without masks on?

The context of the question is wearing N-95 masks...

Me: I am healthy. No indications of any colds, infections, coughs, diseases, etc. I would also isolate for days in advance to minimize my risk of catching something when I want my body healing from surgery, and not fighting some other new illness too.

I would be ok with your scenario because masks are not effective for containing a virus traveling from surgeon to me. And surgeon does not need to protect themselves from me. I would expect surgeon, and the team, to wear a simple procedure mask, some level of eye protection, and gloves - to protect contact from unexpected blood splatters.

You might also want to learn about how air in an OR is ventilated and cleaned.

[dhdallas]

At CoachK's hospitals, the hospital staff COVID infection rate is borderline to the hospitals requiring staff and patients to be masked mandatorily.

Friends of mine are coming down sick testing positive. .

Just facts, no judgements, YMMV

Boston waste water upticking and its still summertime in the NorthEast!

Fortunately we live in Florida where we are allowed to abstain from the herd mentality and mandates that do not work.

BTW, what is a CoachK hospital; is it s psychiatric hospital? Boston waste water is "upticking"? So are more people flushing their toilets there or what? Finally, there is no such word as "mandatorily" except for those who cheat at Scrabble.

[Happinow]

Forced close-downs. "They" said earlier that the face-diapers don't work. Think about it----hard!! Did y'all comply before by staying in as much as possible, did you wash your hands and social distance and do everything told to you before-----yet still got the infection?? Tis strange it seemed to almost "go away" and now is re-emerging.

Simply to see how far the sheep will follow. I, for one will have nothing more to do with masks. Didn’t wear them back then…never once got Covid. Won’t wear them now. Haven’t you all learned anything? The masks are a lie, the shots are a lie and anything that comes into a Dr. Office is coded Covid. Why??? They get big money for Covid diagnosis. It’s not about you and your health…it’s about the money!

[jimjamuser]

A virologist might think that a disease mutating and re-emerging is common.
As a matter of fact, right here in our backyard, tonight's high school football game for Lake Weir at St. Francis has been CANCELLED due to a COVID outbreak at St. Francis. If this is happening in a small town in Florida, it may be happening all over the US. Many Doctors and scientists have said that COVID will be with us for a long time.

[jimjamuser]

Simply to see how far the sheep will follow. I, for one will have nothing more to do with masks. Didn’t wear them back then…never once got Covid. Won’t wear them now. Haven’t you all learned anything? The masks are a lie, the shots are a lie and anything that comes into a Dr. Office is coded Covid. Why??? They get big money for Covid diagnosis. It’s not about you and your health…it’s about the money!
That was a rumor and a fallacy that made the rounds early in the Pandemic. Hospital coding professionals said that NO attempt was made to boost COVID diagnosis.

[Ragman]

COVID is now endemic and will circulate with other respiratory viruses in some form for years to come.

We are now at the point of a personal level of risk. If your health risk is high or toleration of risk is low, by all means mask, distance or do anything that you think necessary. If you fell otherwise , don't. Your physician is the best source of your personal health risk.

I know many more people who have contracted COVID in the past few months, but in almost all cases a relatively mild case (yes, some are more severe especially in older adults or those with comorbidities just like the flu or RSV) All these viruses will wax and wane to an extent.

Personally, I don't intend to mask on a regular basis, but carry a N-95 in case I'm in a doctor's office or other places where there may be a population of ill persons. I will get my annual flu shot, as well as a RSV and COVID booster when available this fall. I ask none of you to do more or less than I, but do wish you would stay home if you have any respiratory symptoms ( as I would have asked 10 years ago, before COVID was a passing thought).

All this debate is good grist for blogs and MSM articles, but would not be frighting to too many people if not for the internet and 24/7 news cycle.

[KJ1325]

COVID is just another word for politics and power. Never got a shot. Never got a booster. Hardly ever wore a mask. Never got a flu shot. Grew up on a 1000 acre farm milking 100 head of dairy cows. I think I've been exposed to most diseases and chemicals around. And I'm still here.

[Randall55]

Simply to see how far the sheep will follow. I, for one will have nothing more to do with masks. Didn’t wear them back then…never once got Covid. Won’t wear them now. Haven’t you all learned anything? The masks are a lie, the shots are a lie and anything that comes into a Dr. Office is coded Covid. Why??? They get big money for Covid diagnosis. It’s not about you and your health…it’s about the money! The morgues being full and dead bodies lining the streets were just mannequins?
Beds filled to capacity in hospitals were filled by actors? Conspiracy "just to make money" certainly cost them a lot of money. What would be the point?

[asianthree]

That was a rumor and a fallacy that made the rounds early in the Pandemic. Hospital coding professionals said that NO attempt was made to boost COVID diagnosis.

You are holding a Sheldon sign right. Have 3 personal experiences with stage 4, no outside contact except delivery of hospice meds, no outside help needed, died at home with spouse physicians, death certificates “complications from Covid.”

[Randall55]

You are holding a Sheldon sign right. Have 3 personal experiences with stage 4, no outside contact except delivery of hospice meds, no outside help needed, died at home with spouse physicians, death certificates “complications from Covid.” I find this hard to believe. Why would a doctor jeapordize his license by falsifying a death certificate? Perhaps the patient did have Covid and it helped to progress his/her death? My mother had cancer. Yet, her death certificate states anemia as cause of death. Because, anemia is what CAUSED her death. She could have lived a little longer with cancer.

[Kenswing]

It never ends. :1rotfl:

[JMintzer]

Thank you. Published and non-zero.

The CDC has another count on the Weekly Influenza Surveillance Report page (https://www.cdc.gov/flu/weekly/). It shows a significant drop in 2021 (the year, not the season) with a return to normal in 2022. It is interesting that the counts on this page are significantly less than on other CDC pages. Perhaps more detailed reporting?

5K is still ridiculously low... It seems it would make a curios person wonder why...

[JMintzer]

What I learned the last "go around" is that many ordinary people like to disregard advice by experts and scientists, while preferring advice from the dark web and conspiracy channels. (remember the ultra-violet light advice).

Of course I remember it. I brought it up and explained it's use to you at the time... UV light IS a method to "disinfect" the lungs...

Unfortunately, you didn't pay attention to what was clearly explained to you...

Here's some advice from some REAL scientists. I suggest you don't disregard it...

UVA Light Reduced Virus Loads in COVID-19 Patients (https://www.cedars-sinai.org/newsroom/reduced-viral-loads-seen-in-covid-19-patients-treated-with-uva-light/)

Endotracheal Application of Ultraviolet A Light in Critically Ill Patients with Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2: A First-in-Human Study - PubMed (https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34173969/)

[JMintzer]

Please tell us how wearing a K-95 or KN-95 is not effective?
Would you have open heart surgery if you knew the surgical team was operating on you without masks on?:ho:

Those surgical masks are to protect the patient against BACTERIA and to protect the surgeon against blood born pathogens, which are much, much larger in particle size than viruses...

Oh, and surgical teams don't wear N95 respirators...

[JMintzer]

Nationally, with respect to COVID death rates, Florida had the 2nd most age-adjusted death rates among the states. TX. and other southern tier states had higher rates than Fl. And NY and Ca. had lower rates.

Incorrect. FL was ranked at 31 in "age adjusted" deaths. NY was 17 and CA was 38...

States Ranked by Age-Adjusted COVID Deaths (https://www.bioinformaticscro.com/blog/states-ranked-by-age-adjusted-covid-deaths/)

[JMintzer]

I guess you learn something new, no matter how old you get. I had assumed that the reason for doctors wearing masks in surgery is so that THEY do not transmit germs/illnesses to the patient. AND they (some) would additionally wear face shields to prevent contamination from the patient.
Personally, I have no intention of wearing a mask IF it is not mandated somewhere that I have to go. I may have unknowingly had or carried the virus in the past couple years, but I am not going to change my activities or attire on the presumption that I may or may not be infected or carrying the virus. I have no problem with others wearing protection such as mask and gloves where ever they travel, in or out of their cars and in or outside of public places. When I was in Japan, many folks in Tokyo wore masks in the city. I didn't, but I am not going to pressure anyone else as to how they should or should not protect themselves.
I prefer to be the glass half full type of person, not a "the sky is falling" hysterical type. I do agree with those that believe that staying locked in their homes will protect them from catching any communicable diseases. I also believe that if you do not drive, you have less chance of having an traffic accident. If you do not fly, you will not die in a plane crash. But, I like to live dangerously. I have been known to step on the cracks in sidewalks and have even traveled in the back seat of a car without using the seat belt on more than one occasion.

That is PART of the reason, but not the ONLY reason.

You certainly don't want your surgeon coughing or sneezing into an open surgical site...

And don't get me started about dropping a "Junior Mint" in there!

[bcsnave]

That is PART of the reason, but not the ONLY reason.

You certainly don't want your surgeon coughing or sneezing into an open surgical site...

And don't get me started about dropping a "Junior Mint" in there!


what????

[JMintzer]

I find this hard to believe. Why would a doctor jeapordize his license by falsifying a death certificate? Perhaps the patient did have Covid and it helped to progress his/her death? My mother had cancer. Yet, her death certificate states anemia as cause of death. Because, anemia is what CAUSED her death. She could have lived a little longer with cancer.

Because people dying WITH Covid, but not FROM Covid still had Covid listed as a co-morbidity in the pt's death...

It was proven to be true and states re-adjusted their numbers because it came t light...

[asianthree]

I find this hard to believe. Why would a doctor jeapordize his license by falsifying a death certificate? Perhaps the patient did have Covid and it helped to progress his/her death? My mother had cancer. Yet, her death certificate states anemia as cause of death. Because, anemia is what CAUSED her death. She could have lived a little longer with cancer.

We both spent 40 plus years, in medical. During Covid, Death certificates were being reviewed after initial diagnosis. One of our own doctors whose wife certificate went to review, was changed to Comp from covid. For 5 months never left their home taking on the role of hospice, on 20 acres of woods.

Near the end on the way to their only trip outside of house was to their cabin he had to stop to do CPR in parking lot. Cancer won, she was taken to local hospital, initially cause of death complications from stage four mets to lung, liver, brain. No post, taken immediately to be cremated.

No knowledge, certificate went to review, and changed. He and the entire medical staff were shocked that certificate could go to review and changed, once there was an initial cause of death.

But fun things happen during that 2 years we worked, some explained, some we just had to not question and let it go.

[Randall55]

We both spent 40 plus years, in medical. During Covid, Death certificates were being reviewed after initial diagnosis. One of our own doctors whose wife certificate went to review, was changed to Comp from covid. For 5 months never left their home taking on the role of hospice, on 20 acres of woods.

Near the end on the way to their only trip outside of house was to their cabin he had to stop to do CPR in parking lot. Cancer won, she was taken to local hospital, initially cause of death complications from stage four mets to lung, liver, brain. No post, taken immediately to be cremated.

No knowledge, certificate went to review, and changed. He and the entire medical staff were shocked that certificate could go to review and changed, once there was an initial cause of death.

But fun things happen during that 2 years we worked, some explained, some we just had to not question and let it go. Wow!

[golfing eagles]

Surgeons do not wear "face diapers". I never said anything like that because it's a stupid statement. If that was your take-away, please re-read the post.

The primary purpose surgeons wear PPE to reduce the likelihood of getting biological contamination from the patient.

Masks are used to prevent transfer of airborne biological pathogens. That would be n95 or better. They wear face shields to prevent liquid splatters to their face where their mucous membranes are located, again to try to prevent contamination from blood and other infectious tissue.
They also wear gloves to prevent direct contact with infectious material and blood.

There are other higher levels of PPE worn when the risks demand better protection. Think of a patient with ebola, or who has an unknown toxic exposure. Also for researchers working on gain of function experiments with deadly toxic substances.

So wrong. We wear masks in surgery to protect the patients, not ourselves. Those paper masks do no more to protect the surgeon than it does to protect you in a grocery store. What it prevents is the surgeon drooling/spitting/coughing/sneezing into an open body cavity. Same with gloves, they protect the patient. Google the story of Semmelweis and you’ll understand

[golfing eagles]

Please tell us how wearing a K-95 or KN-95 is not effective?
Would you have open heart surgery if you knew the surgical team was operating on you without masks on?:ho:

You can read, correct? So you did read the phrase “PAPER face mask in my post, NOT N-95???

[golfing eagles]

Never say never. In the future, things change. There could be a NEW virus and people might have to wear a mask to get on a plane or enter a building. The world has global warming and warming causes more virus growth, not less.

Yep, global warming causes viral infections. That’s a new one 😂😂😂

[jimjamuser]

COVID is now endemic and will circulate with other respiratory viruses in some form for years to come.

We are now at the point of a personal level of risk. If your health risk is high or toleration of risk is low, by all means mask, distance or do anything that you think necessary. If you fell otherwise , don't. Your physician is the best source of your personal health risk.

I know many more people who have contracted COVID in the past few months, but in almost all cases a relatively mild case (yes, some are more severe especially in older adults or those with comorbidities just like the flu or RSV) All these viruses will wax and wane to an extent.

Personally, I don't intend to mask on a regular basis, but carry a N-95 in case I'm in a doctor's office or other places where there may be a population of ill persons. I will get my annual flu shot, as well as a RSV and COVID booster when available this fall. I ask none of you to do more or less than I, but do wish you would stay home if you have any respiratory symptoms ( as I would have asked 10 years ago, before COVID was a passing thought).

All this debate is good grist for blogs and MSM articles, but would not be frighting to too many people if not for the internet and 24/7 news cycle.
A good post. The last sentence was a little questionable.

[jimjamuser]

COVID is just another word for politics and power. Never got a shot. Never got a booster. Hardly ever wore a mask. Never got a flu shot. Grew up on a 1000 acre farm milking 100 head of dairy cows. I think I've been exposed to most diseases and chemicals around. And I'm still here.
Statistically, that is an N of one. To understand COVID you need to have a bigger group, like what is happening in the whole US.

[jimjamuser]

Yep, global warming causes viral infections. That’s a new one 😂😂😂
Global warming, excess population growth, greater airline travel - they are all related.

[jimjamuser]

Yep, global warming causes viral infections. That’s a new one ������������������
Global Warming does NOT cause infections to increase - that IS correct. But, it does cause HEAT conditions that ALLOW it to spread. Step outside in the afternoon today and do some yard work or play sports and people will be wringing WET - because your whole system is STRESSED by the HEAT. A heat-related highly stressed human (or any animal) is more prone to heart attack, heat stroke, muscle cramps, and respiratory infections.
........Basically, the HEAT has driven people indoors and COVID hospitalizations are up approximately 20% in Florida.

[golfing eagles]

Global Warming does NOT cause infections to increase - that IS correct. But, it does cause HEAT conditions that ALLOW it to spread. Step outside in the afternoon today and do some yard work or play sports and people will be wringing WET - because your whole system is STRESSED by the HEAT. A heat-related highly stressed human (or any animal) is more prone to heart attack, heat stroke, muscle cramps, and respiratory infections.
........Basically, the HEAT has driven people indoors and COVID hospitalizations are up approximately 20% in Florida.

By that reasoning the creation of the universe caused global warming (and cooling)

[Two Bills]

still believing the nonsense and the stick from China for testing.. so sad a simple cold / flu bug will test postive with the chemical stick ..

Nope. Family has had colds and tested. Never a positive.

[ohiosbestus]

10 days ago i was having some lung congestion and called the doctor at the Villages healthcare and they told me to come in. On the way there I got a call from villages healthcare that before i come into the building I had to tak a covid test . It was negative but they did say they had a spike of covid cases that resulted in lost of employees with covid.

[tophcfa]

10 days ago i was having some lung congestion and called the doctor at the Villages healthcare and they told me to come in. On the way there I got a call from villages healthcare that before i come into the building I had to tak a covid test . It was negative but they did say they had a spike of covid cases that resulted in lost of employees with covid.

It’s definitely making a resurgence, I know a couple people who recently got infected and just learned that the Red Sox had to put a player on the Covid list. We are keeping an eye out for when the new vaccine will be available that includes the newer omicron sub-variants.

[JMintzer]

Global Warming does NOT cause infections to increase - that IS correct. But, it does cause HEAT conditions that ALLOW it to spread. Step outside in the afternoon today and do some yard work or play sports and people will be wringing WET - because your whole system is STRESSED by the HEAT. A heat-related highly stressed human (or any animal) is more prone to heart attack, heat stroke, muscle cramps, and respiratory infections.
........Basically, the HEAT has driven people indoors and COVID hospitalizations are up approximately 20% in Florida.

Please explain how global warming cause the "Cold & Flu Season" in the WINTER...

[OrangeBlossomBaby]

We've had a few folks in a club I'm in here in the Villages who've been sick with COVID within the past month. One had to be hospitalized for a couple of days as a precaution but they're out now and slowly recovering. The others seem to have had some moderate symptoms and have already recovered.

I'll wear a mask if the CDC and my health insurance company and doctor recommends it, whether the state requires it or not. I don't give a flying fert what the state has to say about it. I care about MY health, and the health of my friends and family. The state can jump off a cliff for all I care. I have left over masks, and I'm happy to use them if it's recommended, or if any stores I shop at require them.

Unlike some people, I'm not afraid to wear a mask, I don't fear the loss of freedom and in fact I celebrate my freedom to do as I darned well please. Including - wearing a mask.

[Normal]

It’s definitely making a resurgence, I know a couple people who recently got infected and just learned that the Red Sox had to put a player on the Covid list. We are keeping an eye out for when the new vaccine will be available that includes the newer omicron sub-variants.

The newest version of Covid is less lethal than the common cold, so what does it matter?

[Bill14564]

The newest version of Covid is less lethal than the common cold, so what does it matter?

Where did you get that information from? (I didn't realize the common cold was lethal at all)

[margaretmattson]

The newest version of Covid is less lethal than the common cold, so what does it matter? For some it is less lethal than the common cold. Hospitals once again are seeing a surge in Covid patients. If someone needs to be hospitalized they are experiencing severe effects.

[asianthree]

For some it is less lethal than the common cold. Hospitals once again are seeing a surge in Covid patients. If someone needs to be hospitalized they are experiencing severe effects.

As opposed to just checking in for a little R&R.

[JMintzer]

We've had a few folks in a club I'm in here in the Villages who've been sick with COVID within the past month. One had to be hospitalized for a couple of days as a precaution but they're out now and slowly recovering. The others seem to have had some moderate symptoms and have already recovered.

I'll wear a mask if the CDC and my health insurance company and doctor recommends it, whether the state requires it or not. I don't give a flying fert what the state has to say about it. I care about MY health, and the health of my friends and family. The state can jump off a cliff for all I care. I have left over masks, and I'm happy to use them if it's recommended, or if any stores I shop at require them.

Unlike some people, I'm not afraid to wear a mask, I don't fear the loss of freedom and in fact I celebrate my freedom to do as I darned well please. Including - wearing a mask.

No one is "afraid" to wear a mask...

[JMintzer]

Where did you get that information from? (I didn't realize the common cold was lethal at all)

Any upper respiratory infection can be lethal the the right (or wrong) person...

[bcsnave]

On a serious note, take care of your own health. Your body...your choice

[Happinow]

Incorrect. FL was ranked at 31 in "age adjusted" deaths. NY was 17 and CA was 38...

States Ranked by Age-Adjusted COVID Deaths (https://www.bioinformaticscro.com/blog/states-ranked-by-age-adjusted-covid-deaths/)

And you believe those numbers? If someone went in for a broken arm, they coded it Covid! All numbers were hyper inflated. Don’t believe a word…..sheeple.

[bcsnave]

And you believe those numbers? If someone went in for a broken arm, they coded it Covid! All numbers were hyper inflated. Don’t believe a word…..sheeple.

My mother passed from Supranuclear palsy which is a rare degenerative neurological condition that caused issues with her balance, vision, speech and swallowing. Eventually leaving her bed ridden and her body shuting down. It was a matter of time but low and behold what was the cause when she passed in October 2020, surpise COVID.

PS. - Order your Anti Virus masks now https://www.talkofthevillages.com/forums/2250369-post179.html

[JMintzer]

And you believe those numbers? If someone went in for a broken arm, they coded it Covid! All numbers were hyper inflated. Don’t believe a word…..sheeple.

I was responding to the erroneous information posted by our resident Covid "Chicken Little"...

Your "sheeple" insult is misdirected...

[Vermilion Villager]

Cochrane Library (https://www.cochranelibrary.com/cdsr/doi/10.1002/14651858.CD006207.pub6/full)

The pooled results of RCTs did not show a clear reduction in respiratory viral infection with the use of medical/surgical masks. There were no clear differences between the use of medical/surgical masks compared with N95/P2 respirators in healthcare workers when used in routine care to reduce respiratory viral infection.

You forgot this little tidbit in the study you were quoting.....:posting:
Many studies were conducted during non‐epidemic influenza periods. Several were conducted during the 2009 H1N1 influenza pandemic, and others in epidemic influenza seasons up to 2016. Therefore, many studies were conducted in the context of lower respiratory viral circulation and transmission compared to COVID‐19.

[Bill14564]

Amazing how much better the feed looks after a.couple of clicks and a single add to the ignore list.

[I'm Popeye!]

We've had a few folks in a club I'm in here in the Villages who've been sick with COVID within the past month. One had to be hospitalized for a couple of days as a precaution but they're out now and slowly recovering. The others seem to have had some moderate symptoms and have already recovered.

I'll wear a mask if the CDC and my health insurance company and doctor recommends it, whether the state requires it or not. I don't give a flying fert what the state has to say about it. I care about MY health, and the health of my friends and family. The state can jump off a cliff for all I care. I have left over masks, and I'm happy to use them if it's recommended, or if any stores I shop at require them.

Unlike some people, I'm not afraid to wear a mask, I don't fear the loss of freedom and in fact I celebrate my freedom to do as I darned well please. Including - wearing a mask.
Shouldn't you be naming the Federal Government instead of the State?
The Fed is the one mandating while the State is giving you a choice, but we know your logic here, OrangeBlossomLady....

[OrangeBlossomBaby]

Shouldn't you be naming the Federal Government instead of the State?
The Fed is the one mandating while the State is giving you a choice, but we know your logic here, OrangeBlossomLady....

You seem to misremember the mandate that public schools were not ALLOWED to mandate masks, putting children at risk of illness, and their families at risk when little Susie came home with a cough.

Perhaps you don't remember when the Sheriff of Ocala refused to ALLOW anyone in his building wearing a mask - they were required to take them off if they wanted to come inside.

Even when the state reversed its school anti-mask mandate, they didn't offer accommodations for students who wanted to keep a social distance from other students whose parents chose not to make their kids wear masks. That's not giving kids or parents choices. That's a very decisive anti-mask agenda, and stripping freedoms from people.

And as I said, I don't care what the state says about it. I don't care what anti-whatever agenda the state chooses to mandate from one week to the next. I will continue exercising my Federally-mandated FREEDOM to wear my mask, or not, as I see fit or as is required by any private building that permits me to enter.

[Pugchief]

Even when the state reversed its school anti-mask mandate, they didn't offer accommodations for students who wanted to keep a social distance from other students whose parents chose not to make their kids wear masks. That's not giving kids or parents choices. That's a very decisive anti-mask agenda, and stripping freedoms from people.

And as I said, I don't care what the state says about it. I don't care what anti-whatever agenda the state chooses to mandate from one week to the next. I will continue exercising my Federally-mandated FREEDOM to wear my mask, or not, as I see fit or as is required by any private building that permits me to enter.

This makes no sense. If you think masks work against Covid, then why should it matter what other people do? Wear your mask and the kids who want to can mask up as well. Everybody does what is best for them and everyone is happy.

[I'm Popeye!]

You seem to misremember the mandate that public schools were not ALLOWED to mandate masks, putting children at risk of illness, and their families at risk when little Susie came home with a cough.

Perhaps you don't remember when the Sheriff of Ocala refused to ALLOW anyone in his building wearing a mask - they were required to take them off if they wanted to come inside.

Even when the state reversed its school anti-mask mandate, they didn't offer accommodations for students who wanted to keep a social distance from other students whose parents chose not to make their kids wear masks. That's not giving kids or parents choices. That's a very decisive anti-mask agenda, and stripping freedoms from people.

And as I said, I don't care what the state says about it. I don't care what anti-whatever agenda the state chooses to mandate from one week to the next. I will continue exercising my Federally-mandated FREEDOM to wear my mask, or not, as I see fit or as is required by any private building that permits me to enter.

Did you know, that now they are saying "Masks can cause cancer"? Most of the masks that are worn here in the United States come from China... You know, the same place where cancer-causing Drywall came from..
Maybe I'll get a "Like" from your Kissy Kissy "tophcfa" this time... :1rotfl::1rotfl::1rotfl:

[golfing eagles]

You seem to misremember the mandate that public schools were not ALLOWED to mandate masks, putting children at risk of illness, and their families at risk when little Susie came home with a cough.

Perhaps you don't remember when the Sheriff of Ocala refused to ALLOW anyone in his building wearing a mask - they were required to take them off if they wanted to come inside.

Even when the state reversed its school anti-mask mandate, they didn't offer accommodations for students who wanted to keep a social distance from other students whose parents chose not to make their kids wear masks. That's not giving kids or parents choices. That's a very decisive anti-mask agenda, and stripping freedoms from people.

And as I said, I don't care what the state says about it. I don't care what anti-whatever agenda the state chooses to mandate from one week to the next. I will continue exercising my Federally-mandated FREEDOM to wear my mask, or not, as I see fit or as is required by any private building that permits me to enter.

That’s fair, but just one question: When you exercise your freedom to wear your mask, just what do you think you are protecting yourself from? Certainly not a virus, maybe particulates from a nearby fire?

[I'm Popeye!]

Oh this uptick is horrible. I am getting prepared and taking precautions against the virus.

I am marking and selling anti virus masks. These are selling for $19.99 ...but wait If you act now I will include a second mask for only $3.99 and all you will pay is shipping and handling.

Please order now
This must be the funniest thing this person has ever done in their life....
Have posted it 3-to 4 times here already. Go to the sales section maybe you get someone to bite.

[OrangeBlossomBaby]

That’s fair, but just one question: When you exercise your freedom to wear your mask, just what do you think you are protecting yourself from? Certainly not a virus, maybe particulates from a nearby fire?

Why do you care? Maybe I'm not protecting myself from anything. Maybe I want to make a fashion statement. Maybe I like the idea that the Japanese typically wear masks when they leave the house, and I want to start a trend. Maybe I'm a Muslim Arab woman who feels that you don't deserve the privilege of seeing my face and masks are more comfortable than full-veil hijabs.