[Schneil]

Wearing a mask protects me too!! I have worn one for 20 years!! So many people used to stop and thank me for wearing a mask so they did not get sick. I had to explain, I'm wearing the mask so I don't get sick from you when you're in my space!!

[jimjamuser]

Originally Posted by OhioBuckeye

Well it’s their right not to wear a mask but please don’t breath on me. If they have a medical condition that probably means their immune system is probably weak too & they’re more likely to catch something more so than a healthy person so I hope to god they’ve been in quarantine since Feb. if they can’t wear a mask. At least I’m breathing my own breath inside my mask & not casting my breath out several ft.

Healthy people can get CV, even without having underlying condition. Also children and baby. --it happens!
"Walk softly and wear a big MASK."

[Schneil]

Best post I have seen! This virus is unlike anything scientists have seen before. There continue to be so many unknowns. Every county is affected, every country wants a new "leader". The bottom line, BMW: Back up, Mask up, Wash up (with soap and water - the soap breaks the outer envelop of this virus so that it can be killed).

[jimjamuser]

Originally Posted by OrangeBlossomBaby

I eat plenty of foods and I'm not nutritionally deficient in anything. I get my nutrition panel done every year along with a full thyroid panel and my CBCs. I don't even have high cholesterol, even though that's a pretty common issue for post-menopausal women over 55.

I have cloth masks, given to me by my employer. Two different styles. Both uncomfortable because the fibers tickle my nostrils, they fill up with sweat, and are usually dripping wet after 2 hours of wearing them - thus making them heavier, wetter, and even MORE clingy to my nostrils and mouth than when they were dry.

I keep them on hand for the second half of my shift, after my break. I also wear those when I'm doing my own shopping, because I know I won't be sweating in them for hours on end.

But for most of my workday, I find that the traditional disposable exam masks are the most comfortable. It seems that most of our fellow employees are discovering the same thing - when they are assigned to the same tasks I do for my shifts, they usually wear the disposable ones. When they're assigned to be the cashier for the day, they usually wear the cloth ones.

Thanks, that is interesting! i have ordered a cloth mask (ad was on this site) for $6 that is supposed to have 3 layers with the innermost one being moisture dissipating. Also, it has adjustable ear loops. It could be comfortable?

[Indydealmaker]

Originally Posted by coffeebean

For those of you who claim you are not able to wear a mask because of a medical condition. I just read about an excellent alternative. Wear a face shield. The shields do not inhibit your ability to breath and are not uncomfortable yet will block virus laden droplets from being propelled forward into some else's air space. Win Win.

THERE ARE NO EXCUSES FOR NOT WEARING A MASK!!!!

I purchased a bunch of these for my daughter's salon. Went over well.

[Altavia]

Originally Posted by ts12755

Im 65 and had Covid in May and didnt even know it. 80% of us will have mild or no symtoms. Let that 80% of the population get covid-19 so we get herd immunity and this pandemic dies off. If you're fat or sick stay home while the rest of us get it.

Latest findings indicate mild infections may not provide immunity, good luck!

[jimjamuser]

Originally Posted by markhollis

Just last night, I learned that a study in Norway demonstrates that a very large percentage of those infected, both those who were hospitalized and those who had mild symptoms, have been living with more serious medical issues for months afterwards. Obviously that could be for years, but no one will know until a year or more has passed.

Also children have been found to be infected at the rate of 30% of those tested. And they are assumed to have been responsible for infecting their families and peers. A group of teenagers came back from a beach trip and are responsible for an outbreak in their community in Austin, which has been brought to its knees.

I heard something about that issue. There was a segment on national TV about people that have been discharged from the hospital, but have lingering bad effects like trouble sleeping and other effects. CV is called a novel virus. It is more DEADLY and there are more unknowns with it than other diseases.

[Byte1]

Originally Posted by Bonnevie

"Like I have said before, the Sumter Co portion of the Villages has had a total of 8 or 9 deaths attributed to COVID19, and even those might have been from other factors. Out of the thousands tested, that is a pretty low ratio. Out of all those tested positive in the same area, that is really a low ratio."

I would suggest that our low death rate has more to do with the fact most of us do not work and with the shutdowns by the rec. dept., we have very little to do outside the home. also, as seniors, we understand the threat to our health and have followed advice to stay in as much as possible and when we go out we follow guidelines and mask policies.

Visual evidence conflicts with that suggestion. People are moving about almost as if nothing is going on. Half the people do not wear masks and many of them are playing cards (in my neighborhood) or Mahjong, golf and pickleball. And according to many on here, they all should be dead by now. Sorry, if I still think there is more to this than what we know right now. Half the seniors in The Villages should be dead by now, but it's not even close. More on the outside where it is less crowded are dropping.
Like I said before, I wonder what makes the difference. It certainly is not JUST masks or half of us would be dead.

[sooziesoul]

So when will it be normal?? What will it take for us not to wear masks???? Or is wearing masks a forever thing???

[kathy1516]

Originally Posted by Byte1

The placebo effect of masks seems to be really working well. I wear a mask because it makes my spouse feel better about it, not because I care one way or another. I believe that there are really two reasons I have not become infected, and neither because of the mask. I believe I have not been in close contact with anyone that is infected. Or, I have the same basic immunity I have to the FLU and the common cold. The chances of being infected in the Villages is so low that most folks will never be in the same vicinity as an infected person, and even if they are may not even receive virus spores on them, AND if they do the virus may die off before entering their system. I do not care about the individuals that say, well you have more protection if you wear a mask or use the stupid example of wearing long pants and peeing. That example leaves out one additional factor. It suggests that if you are wearing long pants and someone pees, then you stand a chance of not getting your leg wet. But, it hardly reflects the more important part where is the person that pees is wearing a pair of long pants, you will not get wet. Not that I care because I dont' get close enough for anyone to pee on me anyway. SO, the moral of the story is keep your distance and you won't have to worry about whether or not they are wearing a mask. If you wish to wear a mask, then go for it. Feel secure. Shoot, wear a bio-hazard suit and be sure that you are safe.
If you can't wear a mask for some reason, then if you feel threatened don't go out. For those that worry about what other folks are doing, if you don't like it that others are not wearing a mask when you are, then don't go out.
I am getting tired of hearing whiners crying about how the gov should mandate the wearing of masks. I get tired of whiners crying about how businesses "need to" mandate masks wearing by the customers. If you don't like it, then stay home. It's your right to stay home, but it is NOT your right to demand others conform to YOUR standards.
Personally, I like to see folks wearing masks when they are in a store because many are too lazy or too inconsiderate to put their hand over their mouths when they cough, and sometimes I have to get near them to pass them when shopping. BUT, I do not insist they wear a mask, and won't even suggest that they cover their mouths with their hand when coughing. It's not worth my time.
Yes, I wear a mask right now, but I don't do it because I think that it does any good. But, I do use the wipes at the door of some stores to wipe the cart and my hands. But, I did that before all this because of the flu and colds. But, when this is over I am not going to wear a mask during FLU season.
Like I have said before, the Sumter Co portion of the Villages has had a total of 8 or 9 deaths attributed to COVID19, and even those might have been from other factors. Out of the thousands tested, that is a pretty low ratio. Out of all those tested positive in the same area, that is really a low ratio.
Golf cart deaths are higher here than anywhere else in the U.S. right? Why? Could it be that we have more golf carts being used here than anywhere else in the U.S.?
I wonder what the numbers are for heart related deaths are in The Villages compared to elsewhere. How about the amount of deaths attributed to cancer? Why, because we have a lot of seniors here. More in one place than anywhere else, right?
SO, if we have more deaths caused by other issues in The Villages than anywhere else, because we have more seniors here, then why not from COVID19? Does anyone else wonder about that? Because it sure isn't because everyone is wearing masks, because they are not. If so, then there would not be this discussion.
Like I said, wear the mask and continue the positive attitude that a good placebo causes. You say it works to lower the infection rate. I say, maybe you are right and maybe not. Who cares? Sorry, I should have said, "why should I care?" I am not a doctor and am not responsible for keeping others alive. Don't blame others for your catching the virus, if you insist on exposing yourself to the possibility of exposure when you did not need to. And do not blame others for scaring you if they do not wear a mask and they are not infected.
What's the population of the Sumter co. portion of The Villages, about 54,000? And 8 or 9 deaths? Hmmm, that makes a pretty low ratio and chance of dying. Maybe the chance of being infected is higher, but being infected with a cold is high also, isn't it?
Not very scientific, but it does make one wonder what everyone is doing here that they are not doing elsewhere, to have such a low mortality rate with this virus.

Yea! Somebody gets it!!! I’ve been posting many times that the homemade cloth masks and the cheap paper masks do nothing to protect oneself or others from the virus. It’s the placebo effect. The experts know these do nothing but they need to quell the panic and are trying to keep the economy going. The only mask that stops it is the N95 and you aint gonna find those at Walmart, CVS or elsewhere. Transmission here is low which is why many think it’s the masks that are protecting them. The only sure fire method is to keep your distance from others and good hygiene. Don’t be fooled that these masks do anything other than the placebo effect.

[beelilly]

Amen!!!! Preach it!!!!

[coffeebean]

Originally Posted by theruizs

The main reason you should wear a mask is to protect others. It is so-so at keeping the virus out, but it is very good at keeping the virus from being expelled into the air. Since a large number of people who get it never show symptoms, or it takes 2-5 days or so for symptoms to show, it is important for everyone to wear a mask. Some say it is their right not to, but that’s not true. You do NOT have a right to put others at risk. You have a right to own a gun, but you do NOT have a right to shoot it indiscriminately in public. It’s too bad our leaders do not have the foresight to require them, and enforce it, across the board. If you are not wearing a mask, then don’t complain about the backtracking on opening up and getting back to normal, because it’s mostly your fault!

So very true. Opening up our economy is suffering because we, Americans, can not get a handle on this pandemic. If we all did out part by social distancing, keeping our hands away from our faces and wearing masks, our economy will not have to suffer. As it is now, there are big cities that have stopped their reopening process. Some have actually gone backwards and have had closures of businesses which had opened after the lock downs. Right here in The Villages, our fitness centers will be closing again in a couple of days. Who knows when they will open again. This is just a very sad state of affairs.

People who refuse to adhere to the guidelines and do their part to mitigate this virus are the reason our economy will not get back any kind of normal any time soon.

[coffeebean]

Originally Posted by jbrown132

Is you believe that wearing a mask will personally help you then by all means you should wear one. In public stores and places I certainly do. However, the latest science coming out, even by the CDC, is saying that masks on are at best rarely effective. As one doctor put it “it’s like putting up a chain link fence to stop a mosquito”. They are saying the most effective way to prevent the spread is constant hand and face washing, and keeping your hands away from your face. Also, if you do wear a mask, if they do offer any protection at all, paper masks would be more effective than cloth. New information every day what’s to believe.

Really? The virus is encased in droplets which are certainly large enough to be trapped by cloth and paper masks. There are thousands of microscopic viruses in one average size droplet when someone speaks. Droplets are smaller when a person breathes but still contain thousands of viruses. 10,000 microscopic virus particles can fit on the head of a pin. How in the world can this doctor make that silly claim when the virus is not transmitted without being encased in droplets?

Watch an infrared experiment on YouTube and you will see when a person speaks in a normal tone or just breathes, a minute amount of the droplets and aerosols escape a mask. Without the mask, the surrounding air is BOMBARDED with droplets and aerosols. The masks that are tested are NOT the N95 masks either. These are the cloth and paper masks that most everyone in the general public is wearing.

As for the most effective way to not become infected is to NOT TOUCH YOUR FACE. Hand washing is important but even if you have active virus on your hands, if you do not touch your face, you will not contract the virus. Problem is there are people out there who mindlessly touch their faces many times each day. Personally, I have trained myself from every early on in this pandemic NOT TO TOUCH MY FACE. In fact, I never touch my face with bare hands even if I just freshly washed my hands. I always use the INSIDE of my shirt to scratch an itch anywhere on my face. It is easy to train yourself to do that. If you can't, just wash your hands so often that your skin falls off. It is your choice.

Bottom line......I do not believe that doctor knows what he is talking about.

There is a video on YouTube which demonstrates how a mask blocks droplets. It is not scientific at all but certainly drives home the point of why cloth masks are effective in containing droplets from escaping into the air. I haven't posted this video in at least a month but I'll post it again here.........

How a mask blocks droplets - YouTube

[coffeebean]

Originally Posted by ts12755

Im 65 and had Covid in May and didnt even know it. 80% of us will have mild or no symtoms. Let that 80% of the population get covid-19 so we get herd immunity and this pandemic dies off. If you're fat or sick stay home while the rest of us get it.

I wish it were that simple. I really do. Problem is no one is guaranteed to have no or minimal symptoms from Covid. There are young people with no underlying conditions who have died. I'm not willing to take that chance and I'm not young.

[MandoMan]

Originally Posted by OrangeBlossomBaby

I had some anxiety attacks when we first were required to wear masks at work. I'm somewhat claustrophobic and it felt like I was suffocating, even though I really wasn't. It's just REALLY uncomfortable to wear them for hours on end, often in a supermarket vestibule with no air-conditioning.

I had to take half a low dose of Xanax at first (it's prescribed, I only take a half dose once in awhile, a month's worth lasts me around half a year) before work, so I was relaxed enough to "ease into" wearing the mask for the whole shift.

Now I've become accustomed to wearing it and know that I'm in control of it. If I need to breathe fresh air, I can pull the mask away from my nose and take a few deep breaths, before letting it fall back to my nose again. I also learned that physical work that makes you breathe heavier than when you're relaxed really does make a HUGE difference. It actually helps. A LOT.

That seems to be the biggest "trick" to wearing a mask for several hours in a row: inhale more deeply than usual.

Imagine if your surgeon was sort of claustrophobic wearing a mask, so he decided to do the surgery without a mask, and he breathed onto your total hip incision for a couple hours. This is a surgery where sterile procedure is even more important than in most surgeries. You might well end up with an infection that kept the new hip from working.

Of course, I’m not sure I would want my surgeon on Zanax, either (laughing). I once scrubbed with an assisting doctor with a lot of hip pain. Her patients loved her but didn’t realize that she should not be allowed into an operating room. During the surgery, the anesthesiologist had to hike up her surgical gown and give her a shot of morphine in her backside. Wow! I don’t want a doctor high on morphine doing surgery on me! That was the last time I saw her in the OR.