Use of masks during COVID-19 not always the answer, says epidemiologist

My understanding is that wearing a mask more protects others from us rather than the other way around.

If everyone wore masks, then, we would all be safer.

Thank you, and may God continue to richly bless you as well

Non-medical masks should be washed frequently

this is how chinese medical staff did not die of covid when treating patients.

I use UVC light. I can buy a 60 watt equivalent led for around $12 and screw it into a clamp on shop light with a reflector shield. It leaves a mess if you are trying to kill germs. UV light does prevent them from growing which does not leave a mess. Also we can put things out in the sun like they use to do in the old days. Even they would dry their clothing in the sun. The sun can destroy this virus by breaking down it's protein cover in as little as 90 seconds. Also I prefer Hydrogen Peroxide over bleach.

I feel like I've totally overdosed on everything about masks of late, and I've done a fair bit of reading on the subject. Here' the link to the article cited in the subject line:

https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/new-brunswick/nb-wearing-masks-1.5560578

One of the most distressing things about the whole mask debate for me is how it's having people turn on each other....those who don't wear masks calling those that do "sheep". Those who do wear them accusing those who don't as being selfish. I really wish it would stop.

Here's the thing, in many jurisdictions it is now required. In my Canadian province of Ontario many cities are now mandating face coverings including Toronto, Ottawa and Kingston. I want to leave the whole debate aside and just deal with facts, because it is such a contentious issue.

The linked article has an epidemiolgist and University of Toronto professor advocating that masks should be worn, especially in grocery stores where social distancing can be difficult. He makes some points though on using them safely however, and the biggest thing he cites is not to wear them for too long, for himself he limits use to 2 hours, and then he boils the mask before using it again. Why boiling? Because of research that warns that cloth can be an ideal breeding ground for bacteria, with a lot of bacteria now being drug resistant.

I don't know what research he is referencing, but I suspect it's the same research I read in the British Medical Journal (BMJ). As far as I am aware this is the only study ever done that looked at cloth masks specifically and the researchers reccomended against using cloth masks in medical settings because of the increased risk of infection. Personally, given the research, I don't fault those who aren't comfortable with cloth face coverings.

Here's the conluding statement from that research paper:

This study is the first RCT of cloth masks, and the results caution against the use of cloth masks. This is an important finding to inform occupational health and safety. Moisture retention, reuse of cloth masks and poor filtration may result in increased risk of infection. Further research is needed to inform the widespread use of cloth masks globally. However, as a precautionary measure, cloth masks should not be recommended for HCWs, particularly in high-risk situations, and guidelines need to be updated.

Here's the link: https://bmjopen.bmj.com/content/5/4/e006577

Be well and God bless all.

Masks are as only good if you wear the properly.
If they are of a quality of material that can filter out the problem.
If they came up with one that could filter out racism that would be sweet!
Only good if you handle them properly.
Do not really do much if your nose is sticking out.

Apparently pulling your shirt over you mouth qualifies as a mask these days.
Are very good for accusing your political rival of something horrible or uncaring.
No longer need to be certified at being able to do anything at all.
Come in very handy during protests, race riots, sporting events and other such group gatherings, much like t-shirts or hats.
Have you see the new MAGA mask? just kidding.
Everyone telling you they don't really do anything wears them everyday in there job and just thinks most are too dumb to put them on right. (see previous comment about nose sticking out)

"Give a person a mask and they will show you their true face"

I feel like I've totally overdosed on everything about masks of late, and I've done a fair bit of reading on the subject. Here' the link to the article cited in the subject line:

https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/new-brunswick/nb-wearing-masks-1.5560578

One of the most distressing things about the whole mask debate for me is how it's having people turn on each other....those who don't wear masks calling those that do "sheep". Those who do wear them accusing those who don't as being selfish. I really wish it would stop.

Here's the thing, in many jurisdictions it is now required. In my Canadian province of Ontario many cities are now mandating face coverings including Toronto, Ottawa and Kingston. I want to leave the whole debate aside and just deal with facts, because it is such a contentious issue.

The linked article has an epidemiolgist and University of Toronto professor advocating that masks should be worn, especially in grocery stores where social distancing can be difficult. He makes some points though on using them safely however, and the biggest thing he cites is not to wear them for too long, for himself he limits use to 2 hours, and then he boils the mask before using it again. Why boiling? Because of research that warns that cloth can be an ideal breeding ground for bacteria, with a lot of bacteria now being drug resistant.

I don't know what research he is referencing, but I suspect it's the same research I read in the British Medical Journal (BMJ). As far as I am aware this is the only study ever done that looked at cloth masks specifically and the researchers reccomended against using cloth masks in medical settings because of the increased risk of infection. Personally, given the research, I don't fault those who aren't comfortable with cloth face coverings.

Here's the conluding statement from that research paper:

This study is the first RCT of cloth masks, and the results caution against the use of cloth masks. This is an important finding to inform occupational health and safety. Moisture retention, reuse of cloth masks and poor filtration may result in increased risk of infection. Further research is needed to inform the widespread use of cloth masks globally. However, as a precautionary measure, cloth masks should not be recommended for HCWs, particularly in high-risk situations, and guidelines need to be updated.

Here's the link: https://bmjopen.bmj.com/content/5/4/e006577

Be well and God bless all.

There's a new phrase out now, mask shaming. And as you can guess, it pertains to attacks on people in public who aren't masked.
Weird. Remember when if you walked into a store with a mask on people looked at you funny? Now, it's the other way around.