I see a lot of people still believing that wearing a mask is ineffective for prevention. So, I’ll be sharing the information I am getting in China since I have been stuck here since the outbreak. A mask when worn correctly, can be very effective for prevention, and it’s really not hard to learn how to put one on. As people don’t just disperse droplets into the air via sneezing and coughing, it can also be emitted via talking. Remember, the incubation period for this virus is very long and people are contagious and shedding the virus even when they’re not presenting symptoms. If someone was sick and did not know, they can unwittingly spread it to you just by talking to you. So if someone asymptomatic is in a one meter space and having a conversation with you, you could be at risk for infection as well. This could easily be prevented if both parties are wearing a mask. There has been cases like this already documented in China, that’s why mask-wearing is in public is pretty strictly enforced. The mask also acts as a reminder for people not to touch their faces, as an average person touches their face for an average of 3.6x per hour. In between touching your face, you will also come into contacts with fomites like elevator buttons, door handles, tabletops, other people, and all kinds of common surfaces. So, when you pick your nose, rub your eye, or scratch your face either consciously or subconsciously, you could be transferring the virus directly to yourself.
I know it’s hard to come by some masks right now especially the really good ones like the n95, or kn95 masks, but it’s always good to have some than not to, even if they’re just surgical ones. I think it’s very important to not hoard masks as they are essential for those in the front line, but it’d be useful even if you have a few at home for those times you may have to be in crowds. In the mean time, practice really good sanitation habits for yourself and your home (CANNOT STRESS THIS ENOUGH: WASH YOUR HANDS FREQUENTLY), and adopt some social distancing. When in a public place, try to keep yourself at a meter and a half distance from one another for safe measure if you can. These measures can be very useful for protecting yourself and your family. I know times are tough so, please stay safe everyone!
Ludi_Midill on March 3rd, 2020 at 09:57 UTC »
It's perhaps to keep enouth stock of mask for infected people and emergency people. I hope it's for that....
alieo on March 3rd, 2020 at 10:24 UTC »
I see a lot of people still believing that wearing a mask is ineffective for prevention. So, I’ll be sharing the information I am getting in China since I have been stuck here since the outbreak. A mask when worn correctly, can be very effective for prevention, and it’s really not hard to learn how to put one on. As people don’t just disperse droplets into the air via sneezing and coughing, it can also be emitted via talking. Remember, the incubation period for this virus is very long and people are contagious and shedding the virus even when they’re not presenting symptoms. If someone was sick and did not know, they can unwittingly spread it to you just by talking to you. So if someone asymptomatic is in a one meter space and having a conversation with you, you could be at risk for infection as well. This could easily be prevented if both parties are wearing a mask. There has been cases like this already documented in China, that’s why mask-wearing is in public is pretty strictly enforced. The mask also acts as a reminder for people not to touch their faces, as an average person touches their face for an average of 3.6x per hour. In between touching your face, you will also come into contacts with fomites like elevator buttons, door handles, tabletops, other people, and all kinds of common surfaces. So, when you pick your nose, rub your eye, or scratch your face either consciously or subconsciously, you could be transferring the virus directly to yourself.
I know it’s hard to come by some masks right now especially the really good ones like the n95, or kn95 masks, but it’s always good to have some than not to, even if they’re just surgical ones. I think it’s very important to not hoard masks as they are essential for those in the front line, but it’d be useful even if you have a few at home for those times you may have to be in crowds. In the mean time, practice really good sanitation habits for yourself and your home (CANNOT STRESS THIS ENOUGH: WASH YOUR HANDS FREQUENTLY), and adopt some social distancing. When in a public place, try to keep yourself at a meter and a half distance from one another for safe measure if you can. These measures can be very useful for protecting yourself and your family. I know times are tough so, please stay safe everyone!
Hyperflip on March 3rd, 2020 at 12:45 UTC »
This info about masks is provided by the WHO: (https://www.who.int/emergencies/diseases/novel-coronavirus-2019/advice-for-public/when-and-how-to-use-masks)
„If you are healthy, you only need to wear a mask if you are taking care of a person with suspected 2019-nCoV infection.
Wear a mask if you are coughing or sneezing.
Masks are effective only when used in combination with frequent hand-cleaning with alcohol-based hand rub or soap and water.
If you wear a mask, then you must know how to use it and dispose of it properly.“
So I don‘t see how that sign is that far off. Most important thing is to wash your hands regularly.
EDIT: Oh my, this blew up. Thanks for all the awards and stay safe!