5 ms·

If there are tons of studies showing that homemade masks prevent virus spread, almost no evidence to the contrary, and they tell people not to wear even homemad

by drcode 7y ago

If there are tons of studies showing that homemade masks prevent virus spread, almost no evidence to the contrary, and they tell people not to wear even homemade masks, I don't know what else to call it but "lying". How about I meet you half way and call it an "incompetent noble lie". https://docs.google.com/document/d/1HLrm0pqBN_5bdyysOeoOBX4pt4oFDBhsC_jpblXpNtQ/mobilebasic?fbclid=IwAR2McCdT07fPQfCwnSWkv1cw3zIlndMiAsU45iOmBv9fZ75L7fuhdoxlFnc https://docs.google.com/document/d/1HLrm0pqBN_5bdyysOeoOBX4p...

nxc18 7y ago
Can you please point to where WHO is saying people shouldn’t use homemade masks? I’ve never seen that claim, but if it’s true it indeed doesn’t make sense. I’ve only seen CDC dissuade people from using surgical and N95 masks. Perhaps there’s concern that if CDC or others advise people to use homemade masks, people who actually do need N95 masks (e.g. severely immunocompromised) will think that works for them? Edit: there’s also the moral hazard aspect to consider: if people think wearing homemade masks is enough to protect them, they’re probably a lot more likely to ignore quarantine or social distancing. If the masks aren’t 100% effective and are used wrong, that could be worse than just staying in and social distancing.
- drcode 7y ago
  "You should only wear a mask if a healthcare professional recommends it." A blanket statement against all types of masks without qualification. https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/faq.html https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/faq.html
  - collinmanderson 7y ago
    Right, the CDC FAQ seems to say don't wear masks. However the CDC also says if you "think you might have COVID-19", you should "wear a facemask" "to help protect other people in your home and community." "You may need to improvise a facemask using a scarf or bandana." https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/if-you-are-sick/steps-when-sick.html https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/if-you-are-sick/st... Seems to me we should all assume we "might have COVID-19" and therefore follow CDC's advice: wear a facemask of some kind to protect other people.
    - drcode 7y ago
      BTW, that bit about the "bandana" was just added in the last week because people like me keep complaining about their guidance.

by drcode 7y ago

nxc18 7y ago

Can you please point to where WHO is saying people shouldn’t use homemade masks? I’ve never seen that claim, but if it’s true it indeed doesn’t make sense. I’ve only seen CDC dissuade people from using surgical and N95 masks. Perhaps there’s concern that if CDC or others advise people to use homemade masks, people who actually do need N95 masks (e.g. severely immunocompromised) will think that works for them? Edit: there’s also the moral hazard aspect to consider: if people think wearing homemade masks is enough to protect them, they’re probably a lot more likely to ignore quarantine or social distancing. If the masks aren’t 100% effective and are used wrong, that could be worse than just staying in and social distancing.

drcode 7y ago
"You should only wear a mask if a healthcare professional recommends it." A blanket statement against all types of masks without qualification. https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/faq.html https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/faq.html
- collinmanderson 7y ago
  Right, the CDC FAQ seems to say don't wear masks. However the CDC also says if you "think you might have COVID-19", you should "wear a facemask" "to help protect other people in your home and community." "You may need to improvise a facemask using a scarf or bandana." https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/if-you-are-sick/steps-when-sick.html https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/if-you-are-sick/st... Seems to me we should all assume we "might have COVID-19" and therefore follow CDC's advice: wear a facemask of some kind to protect other people.
  - drcode 7y ago
    BTW, that bit about the "bandana" was just added in the last week because people like me keep complaining about their guidance.