3 ms·
Even the most basic face masks would have some obvious consequences: - preventing infected from spreading the virus via droplets - preventing touching mouth a
by _ph_ 7y ago
Even the most basic face masks would have some obvious consequences:
- preventing infected from spreading the virus via droplets
- preventing touching mouth and nose with your hands
For that to be effective, for a while anyone would need to wear a mask, as the virus is usually spread by people who don't feel sick yet. Wearing masks would add another barrier to spreading the virus, especially everywhere where you can't quite keep 2 meters of distance, e.g. shops, public transport and could be vital for reopening factories.
- seanmcdirmid 7y agoDepending on the mask, eg any N95 I’ve ever tried, you’ll touch your face a lot more to constantly readjust it because of skin irritation. Surgical masks are much more comfortable since they don’t form a seal.
- _ph_ 7y agoI think, if we are talking about "masks for everyone" it can only be surgical masks, which are relatively cheap and comfortable. Or homemade replacements made from cloth, which can be washed and reused. Some German clothing companies already have started producing cloth masks too.
- seanmcdirmid 7y agoYes, but the effectiveness goes way down. If we are talking about air pollution (why I had to wear them when I did), surgical masks are useless. I guess in the pandemic context, they prevent some moisture from your mouth from reaching other people.
- James_Henry 7y agoIt may be ideal to have the most at risk wear n95 masks (and ideally get them as much training on wearing them and only adjusting them with freshly cleaned hands) while the rest of the population wears surgical masks and makeshift masks of cloth or paper towels.