Masks: to wear or not to wear

[Bannockburn]

The "experts" seem to be all over the shop with this one. On the one hand we have the WHO,CDC and the NHS saying don't wear. They are a health hazard and are only useful for health workers.

On the other hand we have the Thai government (not only Mr Anutin) threatening to fine anyone outside not wearing a mask. What is the definitive answer?

[anchadian]

Masks are useless unless you have symptoms yourself or someone is sneezing or coughing close to you.

 

The coronavirus doesn't fly around in the air.

 

Wear disposable gloves is always a better protection.

 

Just my thoughts.

[LennyW]

I have looked at people in our workplace who wear masks.....they touch their face about 200 times a day adjusting and moving their masks....not a good idea and adds to the risk of infection, and many of them seem to insist on having them hanging around their chin when they are talking!!

[timendres]

At this point in time, wearing a mask is mostly to comfort the people cr@pp1ng their drawers around you. It is simply a courtesy, and might spare you a little animosity.

[NCC1701A]

oh dear god please don't ask this question on this forum.

 

"Look, they still think you should not wear a mask on TV forum."

 

[Eindhoven]

6 minutes ago, anchadian said:

Masks are useless unless you have symptoms yourself or someone is sneezing or coughing close to you.

 

The coronavirus doesn't fly around in the air.

 

Wear disposable gloves is always a better protection.

 

Just my thoughts.

 

So how do you control someone sneezing or coughing in your general vicinity, since it can happen at ANY time?

 

Furthermore;

 

Quote

But according to research by scientists at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, it's not just the person next to us we should worry about: coughing spreads droplets as far as six metres, and sneezing as much as eight metres. These droplets stay suspended in the air for up to 10 minutes.

 

 

https://www.sciencefocus.com/the-human-body/how-far-do-coughs-and-sneezes-travel/

 

This is just rudimentary science.

 

Of course, TV has the most knowledgeable people of our time, all huddled together. So no need to use intelligence at all. 

[grumbleweed]

And there was I thinking they were simply fashion accessories.

 

Without eye protection as well, it's like locking the door and leaving the window wide open. However, the natives are not renown for pushing the envelope where critical thinking is concerned.

[Just Weird]

31 minutes ago, Bannockburn said:

On the other hand we have the Thai government (not only Mr Anutin) threatening to fine anyone outside not wearing a mask.

Where and when has that been announced?

[Chazar]

33 minutes ago, Bannockburn said:

On the other hand we have the Thai government (not only Mr Anutin) threatening to fine anyone outside not wearing a mask. What is the definitive answer?

which one of your choices would  you have more  trust in?

[Eindhoven]

Just now, grumbleweed said:

And there was I thinking they were simply fashion accessories.

 

Without eye protection as well, it's like locking the door and leaving the window wide open. However, the natives are not renown for pushing the envelope where critical thinking is concerned.

 

Another super smart TV member denigrating the locals.

There are always going to be windows left open. But with less opportunity to get a grip, there will be less opportunity for transmission.

 

That is what we are trying to do. Cut down on transmission.

[Chazar]

14 minutes ago, NCC1701A said:

oh dear god please don't ask this question on this forum.

 

"Look, they still think you should not wear a mask on TV forum."

 

FRONTLINE  STAFF BIG DIFFERENCE

[Chazar]

3 minutes ago, Eindhoven said:

 

Another super smart TV member denigrating the locals.

There are always going to be windows left open. But with less opportunity to get a grip, there will be less opportunity for transmission.

 

That is what we are trying to do. Cut down on transmission.

Thats right because when someone coughs  in your  face the aerosol thai  particles  will totally  miss  your eyes........... Thai aerosol particles  different, you  no understand.......sorry "we" no understand

Edited March 24, 2020 by Chazar

[Chazar]

14 minutes ago, Eindhoven said:

So how do you control someone sneezing or coughing in your general vicinity, since it can happen at ANY time?

its  obvious , all the Thais  know  not to go  out if they are coughing and sneezing right?

Then there  will be the shortage of  masks for the people  who REALLY  NEED  THEM, the ones in the hospital trying to save "we"

Edited March 24, 2020 by Chazar

[GeorgeCross]

gloves, goggles and an N100 mask - don't leave home without them ????????

 

[edwardandtubs]

Masks offer some protection if they are sealed to the face and the person wearing it actually knows how to use it properly. This is why healthcare professionals are using them. However, for laymen who do ridiculous things like touching the outside of the mask and then rubbing their eyes, they probably do more harm than good.

[androokery]

You wear the mask to protect others, not yourself. That's pretty consistent with how the masks have been used in Asia for quite some time. Does it help? Maybe a little bit, but at least it's polite. Part of the lubricant that oils the wheels of society:)  

[GeorgeCross]

Just now, androokery said:

You wear the mask to protect others, not yourself. That's pretty consistent with how the masks have been used in Asia for quite some time. Does it help? Maybe a little bit, but at least it's polite. Part of the lubricant that oils the wheels of society:)  

thats not why doctors wear them - its so they don't get sick and can carry on treating patients

 

[edwardandtubs]

2 minutes ago, androokery said:

You wear the mask to protect others, not yourself. That's pretty consistent with how the masks have been used in Asia for quite some time. Does it help? Maybe a little bit, but at least it's polite. Part of the lubricant that oils the wheels of society:)  

Politeness and lubricant in the same post?

[Eindhoven]

Does any of the hyper intelligent naysayers here think that hospitals source their product from the local pharmacy?

 

How exactly does an individual purchasing a face mask from a pharmacy, impact the wearing of a face mask by a hospital worker.

 

Their statements are becoming increasingly idiotic.

 

 

[grumbleweed]

6 minutes ago, Eindhoven said:

 

Another super smart TV member denigrating the locals.

There are always going to be windows left open. But with less opportunity to get a grip, there will be less opportunity for transmission.

 

That is what we are trying to do. Cut down on transmission.

Smart enough to know that in most cases masks are more likely to promote the spread of the disease rather than prevent it. However: my opinions and knowledge of viruses are only based on the study of health science at university, unlike anyone who is recommending the said use of.

If you know nothing, better to keep your mouth shut...

[Chazar]

1 minute ago, Eindhoven said:

Does any of the hyper intelligent naysayers here think that hospitals source their product from the local pharmacy?

 

How exactly does an individual purchasing a face mask from a pharmacy, impact the wearing of a face mask by a hospital worker.

 

Their statements are becoming increasingly idiotic.

 

 

Duh  I thought they bought them all in the market off  that  bloke from the govt...............stoopid me

[stouricks]

40 minutes ago, anchadian said:

Wear disposable gloves is always a better protection

And the virus on the gloves will just disappear before you dispose of them, yeh?

[grumbleweed]

3 minutes ago, GeorgeCross said:

thats not why doctors wear them - its so they don't get sick and can carry on treating patients

 

Absolute bs. They wear them to protect the patient

 

[sirineou]

42 minutes ago, Bannockburn said:

The "experts" seem to be all over the shop with this one. On the one hand we have the WHO,CDC and the NHS saying don't wear. They are a health hazard and are only useful for health workers.

On the other hand we have the Thai government (not only Mr Anutin) threatening to fine anyone outside not wearing a mask. What is the definitive answer?

Who said wearing a mask is a health hazard?

First there are different types of masks, N95 masks will protect you from inhaling the  virus other masks might offer only minimal  protection but I don't see how they will hurt other than offering a false sense of security inducing people to engage in risky behaviour. 

Wearing  any mask inhibits the transmission of the virus from coughing if one is infected and wears one, because it contains the cough . so as such if everyone wore a mask it could be helpfull

Also I  won't have to look at your ugly faces LOL.   

[Tropicalevo]

2 minutes ago, grumbleweed said:

Smart enough to know that in most cases masks are more likely to promote the spread of the disease rather than prevent it. However: my opinions and knowledge of viruses are only based on the study of health science at university, unlike anyone who is recommending the said use of.

If you know nothing, better to keep your mouth shut...

I tried explaining the mask thing to my Thai staff.

I explained about the virus being minute (lek mak mak) droplets of water and maybe being in the air or on surfaces.

I then asked them to touch a door handle and then to have a drink.

Hand to handle

hand to face to lower mask

hand to glass

glass to lips

then hand to face re-fitting the mask.

Since then, they have stopped wearing masks (their decision, not mine) but they wash their hands at least 20 times a day singing happy birthday two times.

[Crossy]

A flame post has been removed. Let's play nicely and refrain from the insults.

 

Meanwhile, our office, still open but I expect to be reduced to essential staff only very soon, has instructed that masks are to be worn at all times in the lifts and in meetings.

 

I keep one in my pocket and a couple in the car, if somewhere wants me to wear one I will, otherwise nope.

 

[scubascuba3]

Come on you know the answer, WHO,CDC and the NHS  vs Anutin

[Chazar]

7 minutes ago, Tropicalevo said:

I tried explaining the mask thing to my Thai staff.

I explained about the virus being minute (lek mak mak) droplets of water and maybe being in the air or on surfaces.

I then asked them to touch a door handle and then to have a drink.

Hand to handle

hand to face to lower mask

hand to glass

glass to lips

then hand to face re-fitting the mask.

Since then, they have stopped wearing masks (their decision, not mine) but they wash their hands at least 20 times a day singing happy birthday two times.

Nice to see that they understood  it

[bkk6060]

As opposed to what some have said, I have seen most Thais wearing them in the city and outside.

90% I think.  Some hotshot young dudes maybe not.

 

I have mixed feelings, but I think most Thais believe it does help and is necessary and would appreciate if you did.

Out of some respect and I believe some protection, I am wearing one.

If you don't care, it is up to you.

[Eindhoven]

6 minutes ago, grumbleweed said:

Absolute bs. They wear them to protect the patient

 

 

Quote

The FDA states that when properly worn, surgical masks are “meant to help block large-particle droplets, splashes, sprays, or splatter that may contain germs (viruses and bacteria), keeping it from reaching your mouth and nose.”

The FDA added, however, that a surgical mask “by design, does not filter or block very small particles in the air that may be transmitted by coughs, sneezes, or certain medical procedures.”

 

I know that you like to make yours appear the definitive answer, but it works both ways.

 

N95 and loose fitting surgical masks are quite different products.

 

N95 masks should be kept for critical situations. We aren't referring to N95 masks in general. The idea is to block larger particles from sneezing, coughing, speaking etc from entering the nostrils and mouth. Eye covering offer a bit more protection. None of this is infallible. But these are sensible steps to take.

 

You'll note that advice differs slightly and that is because N95 masks are a scarce resource. So advice differs accordingly. If there was a glut, the advice would be different.