AnonymousBy an edhat reader
When I grocery shop, I try to buy as much as I can to store to limit the number of times I need to go out. I just went shopping yesterday and I’m still finding it difficult to appropriately distance myself from others. Even if I avoid aisles that have people, others will get in my space to get by or grab something off the shelf. The worst offenders seem to be the store’s employees.
Is anyone else finding this and do you have any tips?
If you weren’t confused before, you will be by the time you’ve read all these comments.
But health care workers are supposed to discard the N95 mask after every patient — the masks are not supposed to be multi-use, one doesn’t protect for more than that, although multiple uses are what’s happening given the shortage of them.
Sacjon, the virus has been said to be spread by droplets that linger in the air. If you walk by where someone else has sneezed or even talked, you could inhale virus. It is spread by inhalation (and exhalation). This information that i just mentioned is widely reported by researchers. Yes, some of the more politically inclined organizations downplay the usefulness of masks in keeping you from breathing in the virus. But some are now reversing their positions and others are strongly advocating mask use. If using a mask was only to remind you not to touch your face, it seems a rubber band on your wrist or any other memory jogging device would serve as well.
Just wear your N95 Mask. Bring plenty of disinfectant wipes. Be very aware, and knowledgeable of cross-contamination Try going to a store that’s limiting how many shoppers they let in, like Ralph’s , Trader Joe’s, Whole Foods, Costco …. those are the stores I’ve seen limit the number of shoppers. Make your list, go in, and quickly get your items, and leave.
Does the N95 mask protect you from catching it? I’ve heard so many different opinions on this. Seems that it would only prevent you from touching your face with dirty fingers. I would think just loading up on disinfectant before, during and after your shopping trip would keep you clean from getting it on your hands. Avoid people/keep distance to prevent it getting in your face.
Congrats. You’ve got it right. When healthy people start wearing masks, watch the panic level soar! There is some talk of how masks might *increase* risk of contagion, both ways, as fiddling with the mask, getting to the itch—all ways of getting surface deposited virus hand-into-your nose. Masks only work to protect healthy people in face-to-face situations, like health care workers. They can help sick people from spreading it, but that person should not be out of isolation in any event. Not proven to protect well people from catching it. (So says the US CDC, WHO, and CDC-equivalents around the world.) The only exception *might* be for healthy at-risk people, but they, again should not be out and about and in any event can practice distancing and hand sanitation—proven effective.
Congrats. You’ve got it right. When healthy people start wearing masks, watch the panic level soar! There is some talk of how masks might *increase* risk of contagion, both ways, as fiddling with the mask, getting to the itch—all ways of getting surface deposited virus hand-into-your nose. Masks only work to protect healthy people in face-to-face situations, like health care workers. They can help sick people from spreading it, but that person should not be out of isolation in any event. Not proven to protect well people from catching it. (So says the US CDC, WHO, and CDC-equivalents around the world.) The only exception *might* be for healthy at-risk people, but they, again should not be out and about and in any event can practice distancing and hand sanitation—proven effective.
EASTBEACH – I’ve heard the same. Also, when you touch your mask, you need to toss it or clean it immediately which I don’t think many people do. It is now a carrier of the virus if you had it on your fingers.
Come on, everyone. If it didn’t protect you from getting it, why would health care workers wear them. Let’s get real here.
Here’s some helpful info from the WHO website:
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. ————–https://www.who.int/emergencies/diseases/novel-coronavirus-2019/advice-for-public/when-and-how-to-use-masks
BENE – Politically inclined organizations? Like the CA Public Health Dept? “The state also does not recommend Californians use N-95 or surgical masks”——-https://www.edhat.com/comment/107868#comment-107868 ———- Just curious what organizations are “strongly advocating mask use?”