3 ms·

>Isn't the main reason for the success of this measure precisely to make any infected people retain droplets (big or small) inside the mask? The one thing that

>Isn't the main reason for the success of this measure precisely to make any infected people retain droplets (big or small) inside the mask? The one thing that people don't seem to think about is even if it's only effective at keeping droplets from infected people from spreading, how are all of the asymptomatic supposed to know they should wear a mask? The obvious solution is that everyone should wear a mask. I think people keep discouraging mask use due to the shortage, but if people are misinforming the public due to a shortage that's still not cool

libertine 7y ago
Oh most definitely - agreed 100%! Communication wise isn't straight forward, but in this case I think the masses should know it bluntly. "You could be a source of spread, so use a mask in public." Because on one side I understand that "use masks" might give a sense of false security, and stresses supply chains... but there are other ways of doing it - promote community production, even if it is rudimentary. Some countries are using prisons. I mean, there are ways around it.
dragonwriter 7y ago
> I think people keep discouraging mask use due to the shortage, but if people are misinforming the public due to a shortage that's still not cool I haven't seen ant misinformation discouraging mask use. I have seen people point out: (1) it is most critical that healthcare workers have masks, (2) masks are not particularly effective for protecting the wearer, but they are very helpful for protecting others from the wearer. #2 is enough to discourage use from the selfish who are unconcerned with social consequences, #1 tends to discourage those who are concerned with social consequences, given the supply shortage.
- freepor 7y ago
  But it's bullshit, because non-N95 masks are effective at protecting the wearer, about half as effective as N95 masks, and if "selfish" people wear masks to protect themselves they will also protect others from themselves. The authorities are feeding the public bullshit to protect mask supply, and the public isn't stupid enough to believe it, but social norms will have to change in the US quite a bit before wearing masks everywhere all time time (even with no pandemic, as is common in many parts of Asia) will become socially acceptable.

libertine 7y ago

Oh most definitely - agreed 100%! Communication wise isn't straight forward, but in this case I think the masses should know it bluntly. "You could be a source of spread, so use a mask in public." Because on one side I understand that "use masks" might give a sense of false security, and stresses supply chains... but there are other ways of doing it - promote community production, even if it is rudimentary. Some countries are using prisons. I mean, there are ways around it.

dragonwriter 7y ago

> I think people keep discouraging mask use due to the shortage, but if people are misinforming the public due to a shortage that's still not cool I haven't seen ant misinformation discouraging mask use. I have seen people point out: (1) it is most critical that healthcare workers have masks, (2) masks are not particularly effective for protecting the wearer, but they are very helpful for protecting others from the wearer. #2 is enough to discourage use from the selfish who are unconcerned with social consequences, #1 tends to discourage those who are concerned with social consequences, given the supply shortage.

freepor 7y ago
But it's bullshit, because non-N95 masks are effective at protecting the wearer, about half as effective as N95 masks, and if "selfish" people wear masks to protect themselves they will also protect others from themselves. The authorities are feeding the public bullshit to protect mask supply, and the public isn't stupid enough to believe it, but social norms will have to change in the US quite a bit before wearing masks everywhere all time time (even with no pandemic, as is common in many parts of Asia) will become socially acceptable.