4 ms·

This thing spreads whether there is “rational decision making” or not. In Nevada we have had a mask mandate since the summer, and our numbers are worse than mo

This thing spreads whether there is “rational decision making” or not. In Nevada we have had a mask mandate since the summer, and our numbers are worse than most states, even those that are far less restrictive. When I go out in public, I see near-100% compliance with the mandate, so “rational decision making” isn’t the issue. Perhaps it’s that masks, unless combined with highly impractical protocols that nobody would follow even if imposed (not touching/using their cell phone after touching other things, wearing disposable gloves, etc), simply aren’t that effective.

gpapilion 6y ago
I think it’s masks without social distancing makes the mask less effective. Unfortunately early on it was viewed as masks or social distance, with both competing for the top spot in the prevention hierarchy. The truth is masks help, but no where near as much as social distancing. I also think this was a misfire of harm reduction vs prevention. Stay home, and if you have to go out wear a mask was probably the right messaging. Along with masks are not fool proof and you can still get sick, so really minimize interactions.
mancerayder 6y ago
Most of the spread are private gatherings of family and friends and in places where people neither wear a mask nor socially distance. I think a mask is meaningless walking outside on the sidewalk; if virus particles survive past six feet and through wind then we have bigger problems ; no, the mask mandate makes sense in stores, workplace hallways and bathrooms, hair salons and stuff like that. It's complex to tell people to wear a mask in specific situations so the authorities say to wear it all the time, which feels oppressive. It's complex to tell people not to hoard things so we lied and told the public masks weren't recommended until June. Now the gloves thing is a mystery to me. Do people not have control over their hands? The virus doesn't enter the hands, it enters the face-holes, but the hands have to be close to the face-holes to enter, where they bind to receptors in the airways. The virus-facehole transit route exists even if you wear gloves. A few months back I saw someone sitting outside, on a park bench, mask on chin while they ate a sandwich -- with their gloves. Yeah, it can be the case that people are dumb-dumbs AND our institutions are awful at messaging strategy.

gpapilion 6y ago

I think it’s masks without social distancing makes the mask less effective. Unfortunately early on it was viewed as masks or social distance, with both competing for the top spot in the prevention hierarchy. The truth is masks help, but no where near as much as social distancing. I also think this was a misfire of harm reduction vs prevention. Stay home, and if you have to go out wear a mask was probably the right messaging. Along with masks are not fool proof and you can still get sick, so really minimize interactions.

mancerayder 6y ago

Most of the spread are private gatherings of family and friends and in places where people neither wear a mask nor socially distance. I think a mask is meaningless walking outside on the sidewalk; if virus particles survive past six feet and through wind then we have bigger problems ; no, the mask mandate makes sense in stores, workplace hallways and bathrooms, hair salons and stuff like that. It's complex to tell people to wear a mask in specific situations so the authorities say to wear it all the time, which feels oppressive. It's complex to tell people not to hoard things so we lied and told the public masks weren't recommended until June. Now the gloves thing is a mystery to me. Do people not have control over their hands? The virus doesn't enter the hands, it enters the face-holes, but the hands have to be close to the face-holes to enter, where they bind to receptors in the airways. The virus-facehole transit route exists even if you wear gloves. A few months back I saw someone sitting outside, on a park bench, mask on chin while they ate a sandwich -- with their gloves. Yeah, it can be the case that people are dumb-dumbs AND our institutions are awful at messaging strategy.