Facemasks

[Vindicatrix]

Pogge, thanks for your info, all very confusing. Simple for me though. If you are saying categorically that there is absolutely, no positive benefits from wearing a mask, whatsoever, no if and or buts, a simple yes or no, would suffice for me personally, other people, will of course make up there own mind. Thanks again. Ron

[AnneHill]

Last summer we went out for a meal with 2 others and obviously had to remove masks after we were seated. The light coming through the window was at an angle that showed spit coming from my mouth. I was shocked and then realised that the others were the same.It was the same trick of light that shows a trail of smoke.

It didnt go as far as the other side of the table.

I decided that a mask would collect my breath and saliva and if others wore a mask we would be double protected.

I have to decide which places I can risk going to. We have sold tickets to a local venue because I darent risk sitting with an audience laughing at a comedian. We bought the tickets before covid and will probably be unable to go to concerts booked for this summer.

I am convinced that a mask will stop saliva being breathed in but social distancing is needed too. A lot of people indoors is risky especially if they are laughing and singing etc.

Anne uk

[AussieNeil Partner Administrator in reply to AnneHill]

Hi Anne,

I'm glad you could see how we all expell these fine droplets of spit that, when we are infected with a respiratory virus, include the virus we shed. It's then a simple matter of repeating the observation while wearing a mask to personally confirm that masks do block a great deal of virus shedding, reducing R0, transmissability. I've mentioned this phenomenon many times over the years on this forum, well before mask wearing became a contentious issue in this pandemic. Makes me wonder why some argue vehemently that masks can't work because a SARS-CoV-2 viron is smaller than a mask pore.

I think that the dramatic downturn of COVID-19 cases in July 2020 in Melbourne, Australia is our best proof that mask wearing helps keep us safe from infection.

healthunlocked.com/cllsuppo...

Bad luck that you may miss out on a good laugh.

Neil

[kitchengardener2 in reply to AussieNeil]

Hi Neil, I agree with all you say and we shall certainly continue to wear our masks whenever in groups or shops. Pre covid, I was regularly infected with colds after travelling on aeroplanes. Before one quite long flight, I asked my local pharmacy if there was anything to be gained from wearing face coverings whilst flying, this was pooh poohed as not of any value! I now am of the feeling that we shall certainly always wear a good quality mask if we ever dare to fly again.

[AnneHill in reply to AussieNeil]

Id forgotten we had booked these comedians and they had to be cancelled last year. We have some music and a wedding in May. Life is so boring and there are a lot of people in hospital. I do not want to risk it. We were trying to do more and fight the fatigue I am plagued with. I hope the summer will be better generally.

[Davidcara]

In order of protection, least to most protection: No mask, keeping your mouth shut, cloth mask, type of black ( Costco ) mask you see everywhere, surgical mask, KN95 mask, N95 mask, keeping your mouth shut and pinching you nostrils closed.

[Psmithuk in reply to Davidcara]

The last one really works - for ever!

[LeoPa]

Anybody saying that "there is absolutely, no positive benefits from wearing a mask, whatsoever, no if and or buts, a simple yes or no" is a danger to himself and others.

[Vindicatrix in reply to LeoPa]

What on earth is the danger, Leo Pa,?

With all due respect, the danger it seems to me, is in people not, acknowledging any benefits at all. Is there an agenda, of some kind, at play here? Regards Ron

[CguLLer in reply to Vindicatrix]

Ron your posts don’t seem to make much sense. Are you saying that wearing mask are a good thing or a bad thing? Who is Pogge? I don’t get your rather aggressive reply to Leopa.

[Vindicatrix in reply to CguLLer]

Hi Cguller, firstly can I say, that what some people see as agression, is, holding a view they don't agree with, and which is being expressed politely, but firmly

I know that many of us on this site, are vulnerable and very sensitive, and I do really appreciate that, but surely there is room, for robust challenge, without anyone taking offence.

As to the 'Wearing of Masks' I aoplogise if I did not articulate it well, but I do absolutely think, all of us 'Should' wear masks, as in the guidance. At the moment there is no way of us knowing if we are standing next to someone unmasked, who is a real risk to us. I have mentioned my thoughts on this particular issue in recent Posts'.

It was certainly not my intent to offend you, or anyone else.Leo Pa. However, I'm afraid I will robustly challenge, any issue, which I think, is being ' Wrongly' expressed.. I wish you well, Regards Ron

[CguLLer in reply to Vindicatrix]

Thank you for your reply. I was certainly not offended just confused. Your first post seems to advocate not wearing a mask. In later posts you appear to be saying that we should be wearing masks. Leopa posted something that supported the latter view and yet you replied in the way you did. Maybe if we knew who Pogge was and what information they had given you everything would be clearer.

[Vindicatrix in reply to CguLLer]

Sorry for any confusion I may have caused, can I just finalise this by saying. Categorically, 'I approve of mask wearing', and am very concerned about people who do not wear them, for no other reason, than they don't want to.

They are putting people at great risk, for this right of choice, which they do have. I happen to think, this is wrong. My personal view.

Of course, I absolutely respect the rights of others who differ. or for whom I have confused!. I do hope that this clarifys my position on this subject. All the best Ron

[LeoPa in reply to Vindicatrix]

Yes,the danger is in people not acknowledging benefits of N95 and N99 masks. They are susceptible to infection and likely to infect others,who think like them. There definitely is an agenda at play. It is the effort to slow the spread so that hospitals don't get overwhelmed and people retain access to healthcare. Thank you for helping to further this worthwhile agenda.

[Vindicatrix in reply to LeoPa]

As you will probaly know, Leo Pa, that was not the agenda I was referring to. The agenda to which you refer, I do, wholeheartedly agree with and support. Hope that clears things up for you. Regards Ron

[wizzard166]

Hey Vindicatrix

I didnt see the post that said wearing masks were of no value in preventing COVID; however, I'm glad I didnt read it. No sense wasting time, since time is precious, and reading anything from someone who has trouble thinking logically is a waste of that precious asset. It would also piss me off, and that is no good for my health.

Simply put and all knowledge of science left behind, any covering has to improve the safety of catching a virus expelled in breath and saliva. Any fool who was raised by a parent with common sense was told by that parent to cover your nose and mouth when you sneeze. Excuse me, was one of us not told that simple idea. So obviously any covering, even those with microscopic spaces in the fabric through which a virus might get through, is going to reduce the total amount of virus that gets through. The less concentration of virus in the air space immediately outside the face of a person with covid, results in less chance of a high enough concentration of that virus to infect someone standing a few feet from them.

When I walk outside I do not wear a mask. I know that the concentration of virus particles in fresh air, especially if I am not stopped and standing face to face with a person, is safe to me. But anyone who wants to fool themselves (and others), who thinks that masks in closed spaces don't help protect the other people around them, is simply delusional.

I don't like masks; in fact, I hate them. Mainly its because I don't breathe as well as without them. I can't stand the way my glasses fog up with the mask on. I put it on when I walk into a doctor's office, and I rip it off the second I'm outside the office. I do the same in stores. I hate masks, but I'm not stupid enough or uncaring enough to fail to wear them when necessary.

Carl

[Vindicatrix in reply to wizzard166]

Well articulated wizzard166, but I fear there will always be someone from the 'Awkward Squad' who feel the need to spout out, this type of illogical reasoning.

I doubt very much if they are condidering the danger,( literally, in some cases) to life by their ill advised thoughts.

It is taking the 'Rights of free speech', which I am passionate, about, to the absolute limit. My own personal view of course, but one, that I think, needs to be stressed continuously,, during 'Covid' particularly, and the effects it has on, CLL sufferers.

[Sandywhatsit in reply to wizzard166]

Your comments in para 2 remind me that "coughs and sneezes spread diseases, trap them in a handkerchief". The fact that I remember this so clearly after 50 odd years speaks to its effectiveness.

[wizzard166 in reply to Sandywhatsit]

Yes Sandy. Anyone who can't figure out that any covering over your nose and mouth when infected is a good thing, is someone you don't want advice from about running out into a street full of fast-moving traffic.

Carl

[Big_Dee]

Hello Vindicatrix

If masks were viewed as something most people are familiar with like furnace or air conditioning filter, It would be easier to understand. The covid micron size is indeed much smaller than the openings in N95 masks. When people cough or sneeze, they do not just expel single virus or bacteria cells, but rather a combination of different virus, bacteria, dust, water droplets. The masks will become coated with this combination of contaminates which actually improves the effectiveness of the mask. I am sure everyone who has worn a mask for any length of time will notice a build up of moisture inside their mask. Having said all that, the masks do work but are not 100% effective.

The biggest issue is berating and persecuting people for not wearing a mask when it is unknown if they are expelling covid viruses. Unfortunately the mask is the only visible item that people can rail against. Passing one size fits all mask mandates is over bearing and ineffective.

As for me, I will continue to wear my masks where needed to protect my self and would ask those who are coughing or sneezing to do the same.

[Vindicatrix in reply to Big_Dee]

I agree, I understand the sensitivity, surrounding the 'Not wearing' masks scenario. There is no way of finding out if they have a bona fide reason for not wearing one, it's their right, not to waer one, if they wish to do so.

I have delicately, and politely asked, a young man, why he was not wearing one, whilst standing very near me, in a small confined, public area,. I was told, nonchalantly, that he didn't know ,or care.

The problem for me is, do I not have a right to know if I am at risk, or not, and if I do, is my only option,? to either stay and do and say nothing, or remove myself from, somewhere, where it may be essential, for me to be, or impossible, at that very moment, to leave, As in, on a bus or tube?

Human rights, are not always in favour of the Right' I'm afraid. In my humble opinion, of course. stay safe, all, regards Ron.

[Moma64]

My mask will be staying on, not just to avoid Covid, but I certainly haven't missed the smell of bad breath or body odour over the last two years. While not totally eliminating it, the combination of social distancing and mask wearing certainly muffles it. LOL

[Motorman]

I wear a mask to the FP95 standard, they are CE marked and I have had confirmation that they comply with the CE regulations. Be aware that there are masks for sale that are simply fakes, scams and fraudulent. Ask the supplier for a copy of the testing paperwork. No mask will stop all virus particles, but a mask to FP95 standard will stop a lot a droplets that may contain virus. They are also useful when I do a bit of grinding or sanding