View Full Version : on the subject of masks
It has always made sense to me that masks of any sort filter out bad stuff. Even if it's just 10%, it's still something. And yet we were all told at the beginning of this that masks did not help at all so don't bother. I am thinking about making some with materials I have here at home. If nothing else, it makes me feel a little more protected going to the grocery. Thoughts?
It has always made sense to me that masks of any sort filter out bad stuff. Even if it's just 10%, it's still something. And yet we were all told at the beginning of this that masks did not help at all so don't bother. I am thinking about making some with materials I have here at home. If nothing else, it makes me feel a little more protected going to the grocery. Thoughts?
This is what a doctor in China has to say on the subject:
Q: What mistakes are other countries making?
A: The big mistake in the U.S. and Europe, in my opinion, is that people aren’t wearing masks. This virus is transmitted by droplets and close contact. Droplets play a very important role—you’ve got to wear a mask, because when you speak, there are always droplets coming out of your mouth. Many people have asymptomatic or presymptomatic infections. If they are wearing face masks, it can prevent droplets that carry the virus from escaping and infecting others.
https://www.sciencemag.org/news/2020
They are another tool in the arsenal. There's a reason health care professionals wear surgical and N95 masks.
iris lilies
3-30-20, 3:08pm
My opinion: Masks dont really hurt anything when used by average citizens who are practicing social isolation techniques. If nothing else, a mask on our face reminds us about touching eyes, nose, mouth as no-nos.
mschrisgo2
3-30-20, 3:16pm
I suspect we in the US have been discouraged from wearing masks because of the intense hoarding of supplies, and wanting them to be available to healthcare professionals and others on the front lines. But they already got all bought up, but I guess it is probably reducing the likelihood of a huge black market of overpriced masks.
ApatheticNoMore
3-30-20, 3:37pm
actual masks maybe, but you can't get any now, so it's largely a moot point.
I think people overestimate the value of many masks. Masks have to be fit correctly and taken off carefully or much of the protection they provide is lost. Masks also are not intended to be permanent; ideally if I go to the store wearing a mask, I should either dispose of it or launder it when I get home. It's not something to keep by the back door next to the car keys. And I wonder how many people think they're truly protected by fitting something to their face, and, therefore, start making more trips or being a little more careless about physical distancing because they think the mask covers the other behaviors.
I'm not saying a mask can't be at least a little helpful. I just don't believe the way most people will use a mask will protect them (or others) as much as they hope.
Tammy on the frontlines expressed it well. It prevents spray spreading when coming out of all mouths, ill or well, if we use them and so it helps to protect others from us. That is the perfect reason use them. Loving our neighbours as ourselves.
I met a neighbour today when out walking my dog who advised that she and four other women are making masks using the cricut pattern https://jennifermaker.com/face-mask-patterns-cricut/. They had made some of the rectangular masks but were advised by the healthcare workers that the rectangular design did not provide enough protection for them to use them. She also advised that they were having a very hard time finding 1/4" elastic. They had made and donated 120 already. I must go downstairs and check my supply of elastic and suitable fabric. I did read somewhere that it would be great if one side was a dark colour and the other light for ease of determining inside and outside.
Yes, we discouraged masks at first because there wasn’t enough for the healthcare system, and that’s where we needed to keep them. But now that people are making their own out of cloth, it’s certainly another step in the whole process of keeping people safe. And yes, it protects others, not yourself.
They had made some of the rectangular masks but were advised by the healthcare workers that the rectangular design did not provide enough protection for them to use them.
False. Standard surgical masks are rectangular. Been wearing them for 39 years. There is 1 surgical mask called a duckbill. The N95 mask must be test fitted each year and it seals to the face the entire periphery.
At the assisted living facility where I work, we were today given masks to use, but only one each, to be used daily. The residents in such places in NJ are now not permitted to eat together in dining rooms; instead, we deliver meals to their own rooms. We are told we are protecting the residents from our germs, but so many have health issues and colds/intestinal problems. I think they're more of a benefit to us right now.
We are having problems getting supples as well. We have the blue stiff shaped masks to use. They're uncomfortable and make it difficult to breathe normally, worse if you wear glasses, which fog up. We all have to work with what we have and do what we can in these times.
The topic seems to be gaining some steam. Today's Politico had and article presenting the sides of the argument. I have some masks in the garage from a home project that I may wear for my once every week or two shopping adventure. I visited my PCP a couple of weeks ago and actually would have been more comfortable if he and his nurse were wearing masks, but it could be there just have not been enough to go around. https://www.politico.com/news/2020/03/30/coronavirus-masks-trump-administration-156327
I have a friend who works in a walk in clinic and she said she gets one N95 mask for the day and somehow disinfects it at the end of the day for re-use. It seems silly to suggest the general population wear masks when there are not even enough for medical staff. I could see the same panic shopping we had for TP.
There's no reason home sewers (sewists?) can't make serviceable fabric masks with various inserts to make them more effective. At least one fabric store up here is partnering with Evergreen Hospital to facilitate mask-making by a platoon of volunteers. More and more medical people are weighing in on the side of mask wearing.
I downloaded a pattern, used cotton pillowcases and two layers of interfacing for the filter and will sew up a couple today for our grocery shopping forays. One can even insert a twistee across the bridge of the nose to close it up a bit. I always wondered why Asian ladies at the grocery wore masks.
I downloaded a pattern, used cotton pillowcases and two layers of interfacing for the filter and will sew up a couple today for our grocery shopping forays. One can even insert a twistee across the bridge of the nose to close it up a bit. I always wondered why Asian ladies at the grocery wore masks.
I've seen lots of helpful articles on the subject. Someone suggested cutting a strip of aluminum from a food container to sew into nose area of the mask. You could also use pipe cleaners, etc. I've also heard that the tie-on version is more comfortable than the elastic over the ears version for extended wear.
For us non sewers who are on the stay at home routine and only go out for necessaries, I suppose there's the option of folding a bandanna in half at the corners.
ApatheticNoMore
3-31-20, 11:21am
For us non sewers who are on the stay at home routine and only go out for necessaries, I suppose there's the option of folding a bandanna in half at the corners.
well there is probably the option of just buying a mask, what you can't get is the N95 and maybe other medical masks etc. But cloth masks, I don't think they are impossible to find, don't know how effective they would be but.
I ordered black fabric dust masks and HEPA vacuum bags to cut up and line them with. Don't know if I'll venture out enough to need them, but if so, they'll match my stylish black nitrile gloves. :cool:
Simplemind
3-31-20, 5:02pm
A friend of mine is sewing them like mad. She has me looking for organizations to take them. She gave me six today so that DH could make a run into Target to get meds for his mom that they won't deliver. He said nobody in the store was wearing masks except the people in the pharmacy. They loved his and asked where he got it. Score!! I've always questioned not wearing them. As soon as he came home he stripped and threw clothes and mask in the wash.
I was at Walmart today and an elderly man was wearing a paper surgical mask. The only thing is that he just had it covering his mouth, not his nose.
an elderly man was wearing a paper surgical mask. The only thing is that he just had it covering his mouth, not his nose.
That guy probably thinks he's protected. He isn't. None of us are protected from him, either. So even if everyone in the country had a pile of masks right at hand, without proper instruction and some way to correct the misapplications, is wearing one any more than another act in Security Theater? Not saying we should all go maskless; just that a rush to have everyone wear masks seems unlikely to result in the desired level of protection and could very well lull people (on both sides of the mask) into thinking they're protected when they're not.
That guy probably thinks he's protected. He isn't. None of us are protected from him, either. So even if everyone in the country had a pile of masks right at hand, without proper instruction and some way to correct the misapplications, is wearing one any more than another act in Security Theater? Not saying we should all go maskless; just that a rush to have everyone wear masks seems unlikely to result in the desired level of protection and could very well lull people (on both sides of the mask) into thinking they're protected when they're not.
Exactly. 1 of the first things we're taught in healthcare is how to properly don/doff PPE. It is a big deal!
I am making cloth masks upon request. I educate on don/doff to laypeople and ask them to wear only once and then launder and remind NEVER touch the outside of the facemask portion. Always assume it is filthy.
So, on this subject, and also on the subject of what's going on in New Jersey, my DH and my DS have been discussing having BIL come up here. (I'm covering my ears-I can hear y'all across cyberspace). He is very unhappy and depressed, feeling like a failure since his San Diego experiment didn't work out; he decided to come back to NJ at the worst possible time because of this virus--the job he thought he had has evaporated. He's by himself in a Red Roof Inn and my son feels his mental health is in jeopardy.
My son who is young and with a heart of gold, but not very practical, feels we need to bring him up here. DH is guilted into agreeing (his mother wielding influence from the grave). My position is that, even if I were to be utterly selfless and let him live here in our small house for a month, there is no way I am comfortable until I am certain of his exposure to the virus, and his ability to self-quarantine.
If we were to take all reasonable precautions yet still bring him into the fold, what are those reasonable precautions? DS said that he could stay in his apartment in Burlington, since DS is staying with us. He could self-quarantine there, but he would be there for probably a month without even seeing us because DH doesn't want him to come from Burlington to Grand Isle because of the possibility of exposure. Yet, DH is willing to take the risk of BIL driving directly to GI and staying with us. I am very concerned because DH has many of the risk factors--age, smoker, at least two serious comorbid conditions.
Can BIL get tested? Does he have to be symptomatic to get tested? What is the actual risk of his exposure since he's been holed up in a hotel for two weeks now? What if we all wear masks?
Or should I simply say no. I feel terrible for the guy, but I am up against DH and two sons who wants BIL up here. My oldest son agrees with me that he needs to self-quarantine first. But to be honest, DH doesn't trust BIL to self-quarantine properly and I tend to agree.
So this is a risk assessment question, basically.
Teacher Terry
4-1-20, 8:40pm
It makes sense financially for him to move into your son’s apartment since your son is gone. But what happens when your son needs to move back in? I am so sorry that you have to worry about this. You can’t live in that small a house with him. He will never leave. But sometimes you just need to be tough. My middle son has been homeless off and on for years due to drug abuse. He is now 43 and sick in KC. Although I have bought him numerous phones they always disappear so I don’t know if he is alive or dead until someone lets him borrow a phone. We have helped him countless times but gave up about 4 years ago. Sending a hug:))
It makes sense financially for him to move into your son’s apartment since your son is gone. But what happens when your son needs to move back in? I am so sorry that you have to worry about this. You can’t live in that small a house with him. He will never leave. But sometimes you just need to be tough. My middle son has been homeless off and on for years due to drug abuse. He is now 43 and sick in KC. Although I have bought him numerous phones they always disappear so I don’t know if he is alive or dead until someone lets him borrow a phone. We have helped him countless times but gave up about 4 years ago. Sending a hug:))
Thanks, TT... Hugs to you, too. We have a lot of addiction in my family so I know what you have gone through and how heartbreaking it is. You are very courageous and you are absolutely right. You can't help people until they are ready to be helped.
You should simply say no. I doubt he would drive straight anywhere without stopping for gas, bathroom breaks, snacks, etc.
The risk assessment is SO much bigger than Covid right now. Your health, your DH's health and your, dear Cath, your future financially, mentally and emotionally is at stake.
No one is going to rescue you unless you take care of yourself. BIL is not your problem. If it is determined that he is able to make informed financial decisions, he is not your problem. If he is not mentally capable, there are options elsewhere to be chosen at his expense. Your sons who want you to take care of him due to his mental health issues have no idea of the financial toll and mental health issues that you will have if he comes to your little cottage. It is not their decision, not now and never has been. BIL is a leech who will suck you dry, financially, emotionally and especially mentally.
Protect your self first. Your DH will eventually have to choose between his brother and you at some point. Sorry to say this, dear gentle heart, but that is what is coming to a head in the risk BIL poses to you. That is my assessment of the risk.
No. The risk assessment is beyond the immediate members of your family, and they haven't consented to take on that risk.
People need to stay the heck home for some weeks.
Everyone has a reason they are special - they aren't. Have him stay home.
Send him money to stay where he safely is now if you have to, and Amazon Prime him an iPad so you can Skype all day long, but serious, no non-essential travel.
Please.
I can't see this ending well. I cannot envison BiL traveling that distance without significant exposure and then where does he go? Even without COVID-19 as a factor, bringing him up to your place should be a non-starter. catherine, you've given him pretty much every break he could get from someone. He needs to figure this out for himself. You and DH can consult and maybe contribute a little financially, but you cannot continue to carry him.
No. You need to say no. Unless people have already been living in the same home, distance is imperative for mitigation. He has traveled far and been exposed to who knows how many people and have his behaviors been compliant? You and hubby are over 60 so high risk. If there is a single health problem for either of you, you double the risk.
BIL is not your responsibility. You have done enough. Time to stand firm on Tough Love.
Catherine, I am so sorry this has happened with BIL. Is there any possible way he could find a job there in NJ--there are some places hiring, from what I have heard, but I have no idea if that is a possibility--supposedly some places are hiring stockers, etc.
That would seem a better interim idea than him coming up there.
Teacher Terry
4-1-20, 10:50pm
My son is finishing day 5 of his 14 day quarantine. I left the house to pick up takeout and my husband thought I stopped to see him. I told him no way until the 14 days is past and he moves in. So grateful to my oldest son and his wife for letting him quarantine in their extra bedroom/bathroom. It’s been 18 months so will be good to eventually see him.
No, he can not have contact with you. Unless you decide you don’t care and are willing to accept whatever may happen, even death.
It's not just about your family. It's about mine and others too. My brother is likely to stop at the same little grocery stores that your family shops at on his way to his considered essential job. That area is just not equipped to deal with that level of medical need. You can accept a certain risk for your own family perhaps, except with this virus you are putting everyone else at risk as well and that is not cool.
Edited to add: your county currently has 0 cases. It would be good if it could stay that way. :)
iris lilies
4-2-20, 7:28am
catherine, is certainly too bad about your brother-in-law but you knew this crisis was coming regardless of virus pandemic. In fact, in his mental world is probably the least changed among us all. Those with limited coping skills and limited resources are having a hard time and will have an increasingly hard time.
Beware of others spending your resources.And by resources I mean not only financial resources but health resources. So you have two sons who want to put you and your DH at risk? To what end? So UNC won’t be unhappy? You know very well he will be unhappy no matter what you do.
Put on your own oxygen mask first.
The way I see it, you can control yourself and your house. So if my son wanted to offer his uncle his house, I guess I could not control that, but I could ask that he not involve me--i.e., he could go quarantine with the uncle in his apartment, and not see you guys, if you do not want to be exposed to the bil's potential germs.
I guess part of this is to figure out what you have control over and what you do not.
It is your house; you do not want bil there and he should not come to you and visit or stay with you, because you do not want him to. End of story.
If an adult child wants to bail him out, then that is beyond your control. But they should not be asking you to do something you do not want to do, and it seems you have figured out that this is a bad idea for you and for your husband, and should not happen.
iris lilies
4-2-20, 8:11am
The way I see it, you can control yourself and your house. So if my son wanted to offer his uncle his house, I guess I could not control that, but I could ask that he not involve me--i.e., he could go quarantine with the uncle in his apartment, and not see you guys, if you do not want to be exposed to the bil's potential germs.
I guess part of this is to figure out what you have control over and what you do not.
It is your house; you do not want bil there and he should not come to you and visit or stay with you, because you do not want him to. End of story.
If an adult child wants to bail him out, then that is beyond your control. But they should not be asking you to do something you do not want to do, and it seems you have figured out that this is a bad idea for you and for your husband, and should not happen.
Yes, this.
catherine, why can’t BIL stay in your NJ house with the son who is renting it from you?
(I know the answer to this but I wanna hear you say it)
Thanks, everyone..
In answer to the immediate question, IL, the reason BIL can't stay with my son in NJ is the same reason I don't want him in my house. He would not be appropriately "social distanced" from my son, DIL, and two grandsons. And my son has not invited him, and it's not up to me to offer it to BIL. It's funny--DH YELLED at BIL the other day because BIL went to the NJ house and knocked on the door to ask if they had any of his mail. DH said "You CAN"T knock on their door!!!!" Yet, he's willing to put himself, and me, and my VT son (and local people like herbgeek's brother) at risk.
I don't understand him sometimes. I'll talk to him today. Meanwhile, the island is actively tracking cars with out-of-state license plates, and eventually they may be stopping cars to ask what their intention is and to tell them of self-quarantine rules.
I have to say underlying this is a lot of emotional baggage from years ago that I don't want to dredge up related to my family vs his family dynamics. His irrational protection of his brother at my expense is definitely going to bring that angry wolf out of hiding. I should have maybe addressed it years ago but at this point I just want to let sleeping wolves lie.
iris lilies
4-2-20, 9:49am
Thanks, everyone..
In answer to the immediate question, IL, the reason BIL can't stay with my son in NJ is the same reason I don't want him in my house. He would not be appropriately "social distanced" from my son, DIL, and two grandsons. And my son has not invited him, and it's not up to me to offer it to BIL. It's funny--DH YELLED at BIL the other day because BIL went to the NJ house and knocked on the door to ask if they had any of his mail. DH said "You CAN"T knock on their door!!!!" Yet, he's willing to put himself, and me, and my VT son (and local people like herbgeek's brother) at risk.
I don't understand him sometimes. I'll talk to him today. Meanwhile, the island is actively tracking cars with out-of-state license plates, and eventually they may be stopping cars to ask what their intention is and to tell them of self-quarantine rules.
I have to say underlying this is a lot of emotional baggage from years ago that I don't want to dredge up related to my family vs his family dynamics. His irrational protection of his brother at my expense is definitely going to bring that angry wolf out of hiding. I should have maybe addressed it years ago but at this point I just want to let sleeping wolves lie.
of course. Your NJ son “ has not invited him.” There are some boundaries being displayed there.
it doesn’t matter how your BIL reacts. He will not change, he has shown you again and again who he is.
Right now the person who has standing in your dilemma to share resources is your DH. Not your Burlington son. Not the other son. Not any children. You have to make this decision along with your DH. Tune out the rest, they have no standing. But I don’t know how to do that and I know that’s what you’re facing up against. Even a strict division of your financial resources, legally, would probably mean you’re paying some kind of maintenance to DH, and I don’t mean divorce I just mean legally separating resources.
My DH and I are on the same page about social isolation. I got there about a week before he did. But he finally caught up with me.
Oh God no. Takers gonna take, but you should draw the line at their possibly taking your--or your husband's--life.
Maybe this is the perfect opportunity to resolve this forever; your BIL's never-ending neediness is making me weary way up here.
OK, enough about BIL. Thanks again for listening and offering wise advice.
BUT back to the OP: is there any way to construct a SAFE mask by using a scarf? As I think I mentioned somewhere I used to have a sewing machine but no longer have it, and DD offered me one of hers but I'm not traveling to Burlington these days. But I do have a couple of nice scarves--notably a Gucci scarf that DH "won" in a silent auction and which I've NEVER worn but hated to give away. It's not my style (my style is first set of athletic wear my hand touches in the morning), but it might come in handy these days.
I'm sure it's silk and it's a large square. Can I be the most fashionable masked person on the island? Is there a market opportunity for runway-ready COVID-19 masks?
All kidding aside, I'm interested in knowing about ways to use existing accessories to construct a reasonably effective mask.
ApatheticNoMore
4-2-20, 12:49pm
local authorities are now straight out recommending people wear cloth masks, seemingly unconcerned that they might not be applied right, or might cause people to go out more, like seatbelts and air bags encourage people to drive more recklessly one might say. I mean there will always always be reckless people that do reckless things, go on the trail that's closed due to people regularly falling off the mountain top etc.. And they are always a small part of any given population.
The rest of our "false sense of safety" is like instead of a glass of wine or a valium or etc. after the supermarket. Ha and I really don't think a glass of wine or any other substance of choice actually provides ANY extra protection. And a mask does.
Here's a no-sew mask that uses a scarf and hair ties: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EAj12GKuAEk
Here's a no-sew mask that uses a scarf and hair ties: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EAj12GKuAEk
Wow! That's awesome! I'll have to try it. I need a couple of hair ties, but I'm sure I can get them.
The problem I see with the Gucci scarf mask is that silk is not going to hold up too well to being washed in hot water after use, plus there is that risk of looking like Big Edie in Grey Gardens.
I am thinking of using linen instead, kind of an homage to the 1918 Flu.
The problem I see with the Gucci scarf mask is that silk is not going to hold up too well to being washed in hot water after use, plus there is that risk of looking like Big Edie in Grey Gardens.
I am thinking of using linen instead, kind of an homage to the 1918 Flu.
haha!! I love it! Big Edie! Yeah, not a look I aspire to. I still like the no-sew/hair tie thing.. If I can get my hands on a tight weave cotton, I'll stick to that. I see a lot of my quilter friends are getting quite creative, but I'm looking for function overall.
If I can get my hands on a tight weave cotton,
Bandanas work really well for this.
Bandanas work really well for this.
Had to laugh at the thought of me looking like a bandit with my bandana over my face. Seriously though, that should work as well as any other.
Just curious if people are seeing people wearing mask out in the general public. I've been shopping once a couple of weeks ago, but go past grocery stores, gas stations, and other open businesses on my neighborhood bicycle rides. I'm not seeing it around here so far.
Drive through food places seem to be doing a bristling business.
Yes, I have seen masks for 2 weeks now at grocery stores, 1 week at gas stations and people taking walks.
I would say about a third of the people I saw at the grocery had on masks - for whatever reasons, mostly younger people. I think we may look back someday and realize it would have helped to use them early on.
I sure hope the masks don't become mandatory in time for summer. People will get heat exhaustion. I get that every life is valuable, but I also see the concerns about totally disrupting life and plunging 99% of the world into a great depression for a virus with a 1% mortality rate. Utilitarianism anyone?
As of today our governor is saying all people should wear a non-medical mask when they leave the home. He referenced specifically grocery shopping. I assume this is just a strong recommendation rather than anything enforceable. although I certainly support it. He said it doesn't have to be anything fancy and that just cutting up an old t-shirt or using a scarf would be fine. I have been bicycling for mental and physical health but avoid the unusually busy walking paths and can mostly stay on bike lanes on the streets. There might be some clarification, but I have tried the cloth mask while cycling and it was less than optimal for comfort.
Teacher Terry
4-3-20, 6:29pm
Masks give people a false sense of security. Unfortunately we have to fill our prescriptions at Walmart. My husband needed his medication so I went to pick it up. I stood a distance from the person in front of me. A young guy with a mask got between us. I had to tell him I was in line and to get back. I was really annoyed and he could probably tell by my voice and look on my face. They shutdown all the entrances but one which is stupid. We now have enough medication for 3 months and I told my husband he is grounded from that store:))
I suppose that depends on the person. I consider masks another layer of protection--as I suppose medical personnel do.
3151
You may find this helpful when trying to decide about wearing masks:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jZtEX2-n2Hc
It is followed by a video from a statistician and then by the simple no-sew mask directions.
We wore masks to the grocery store yesterday, and we both felt a little bit safer. We agreed that it made us way more aware at all times and removed the temptation to touch our faces.
There have been endless articles about "sterilizing" your groceries but it is my sense that wearing masks of any sort are for more beneficial than scrubbing your bananas. It seems like exposure to large amounts of the virus through breathing, talking, sneezing etc are far more apt to take than tiny amounts on grocery items and surfaces.
I've always thought masks were useful in times of contagion, but it's really moot in my case, as I have no plans to venture out in the public. I can go to the PO weekly or less, on weekends when only the lobby is open.
There have been endless articles about "sterilizing" your groceries but it is my sense that wearing masks of any sort are for more beneficial than scrubbing your bananas. It seems like exposure to large amounts of the virus through breathing, talking, sneezing etc are far more apt to take than tiny amounts on grocery items and surfaces.
Yeah, DH yelled at me today for buying deli meat from the deli as opposed to buying pre-packaged meat. We are using Lysol wipes to swipe the groceries brought in, but I'm doing it half-heartedly. I really don't think that groceries brought into the house pose a serious risk, but someone tell me I'm wrong. I have a good friend up here who is sterilizing her house twice a day. I'm thinking, that's quite obsessive.
Teacher Terry
4-4-20, 1:49pm
I know people excessively cleaning and their groceries. We are not. Between the 2 of us we have only been in stores about 3x’s in the past 5 weeks.
Yesterday was the first time we did a half-hearted wipe of our groceries. I'm having trouble reconciling the critical importance of "WASH YOUR HANDS!" with the assurance that the virus is unlikely to be transmitted by surfaces, and that mail and packages arriving at the house should be safe. However, I would hate to think that we are taking so many precautions, and omitting one last critical precaution. We also do have the time to do it, so we did.
I also understand why they fibbed to us about masks not being useful for the general public. Hell, I definitely want the real deal PPE to go to Tammy and my sister first and foremost, but it did create a lack of trust for me regarding the information I'm receiving.
Yes that is unfortunate the way the govt communicated those things. Remember that a cloth mask will prevent you from spreading it (it catches large droplets when you cough sneeze or talk) but that it doesn’t protect you so much from others who are not masked.
I’m not clear on groceries, mail, and packages ... we are not wiping those down. There’s only so much we can do. At some point it becomes the serenity prayer - doing what I can but accepting that I can’t control a lot of things. Buddhist non-attachment and mindfulness helps me a lot in this pandemic.
Teacher Terry
4-4-20, 11:09pm
If a nurse is not wiping down groceries neither am I.
If a nurse is not wiping down groceries neither am I.
I also do not wipe down groceries. I am cautious at the store. I am cautious with handling. Anything not requiring cooling, sits in the trunk for 24 hours. Any box goes on the floor for unpacking-but I've always done that. Anything with an outside packaging gets unpacked, outer wrapping immediately to outside garbage can and hands washed before more handling. I can't really explain well, the practice of OR Nursing on how we handle items.....it's just 2nd nature to me.
When I did our Costco run this week, I positioned everything in my cart with barcode up. Nothing was handled by the checker. He was really happy about that.
When I did our Costco run this week, I positioned everything in my cart with barcode up. Nothing was handled by the checker. He was really happy about that.
What a thoughtful thing to do. I'll keep that in mind.
I’m not clear on groceries, mail, and packages ... we are not wiping those down. There’s only so much we can do.
When I went on my last grocery run, it was a figurative search-and-destroy mission. Get in, get what's on the list (that was available), get out. I picked produce from the back of the box/display, even if it was packaged, on the theory that it was less subject to handling or people picking it up and changing their minds or even coughing/sneezing on it. Ditto for shelf displays; I took items from the back of the box. I read the labels on the meat without picking up the package to help make sure I was getting as much as I needed. I used a disinfectant wipe to touch surfaces like freezer case handles. I tried to use Apple Pay at the checkout so I didn't have to touch the keypad or stylus. Minimal handling.
I did wash unbagged produce when I got home and wiped the meat and plastic wrappings with a soapy paper towel and then a wet one. Handwashing before the store, disinfectant wipe on the steering wheel and door handle before the drive home, handwashing after I bring the groceries in, handwashing after I cleaned and stored the groceries. How much more can one do?
Mail sits in the box for a day or two and when it gets into the house it's opened quickly and the outsides recycled or tossed. Packages, too. We're not wiping down packages; we just open them quickly and carefully and wash our hands. I have to wonder -- at least a little -- about the exposure to so much disinfectant, too.
dado potato
4-5-20, 1:00pm
I’m not clear on groceries, mail, and packages ... we are not wiping those down.
I keep mail and packages in the garage 4 days after they arrive. Since mail arrives daily, I find it useful to use a large box with dividers. Each day I move the stored mail one division to the left, and place the new mail in the division of the box on the far-right.
As to grocery store items, I commend Gardnr's comment 4-4-20 11:09pm!
whisperingpines
4-6-20, 6:51am
Tammy on the frontlines expressed it well. It prevents spray spreading when coming out of all mouths, ill or well, if we use them and so it helps to protect others from us. That is the perfect reason use them. Loving our neighbours as ourselves.
I met a neighbour today when out walking my dog who advised that she and four other women are making masks using the cricut pattern https://jennifermaker.com/face-mask-patterns-cricut/. They had made some of the rectangular masks but were advised by the healthcare workers that the rectangular design did not provide enough protection for them to use them. She also advised that they were having a very hard time finding 1/4" elastic. They had made and donated 120 already. I must go downstairs and check my supply of elastic and suitable fabric. I did read somewhere that it would be great if one side was a dark colour and the other light for ease of determining inside and outside.
I wish I could sew. I could use these.
I am delivering meals to the elderly in my town. We are the epi center in CT. (Fairfield County). We have to wear masks now. I had some, but used them. I am going to try to make one with elastic bands, ( you fold a kierchief and then put elastic bands around your ears). Hopefully this will be alright.
Stay safe everyone,
Lisa
Lisa, thank you so much for delivering meals to the elderly. You are in a tough space there in Fairfield County! Thank you!
Lisa, thank you so much for delivering meals to the elderly. You are in a tough space there in Fairfield County! Thank you!
Yes, thank you, Lisa! You are in my old stomping grounds--I grew up in Milford and all my relatives live in Bridgeport/Fairfield/Easton/Monroe.
whisperingpines
4-6-20, 6:45pm
Yes, thank you, Lisa! You are in my old stomping grounds--I grew up in Milford and all my relatives live in Bridgeport/Fairfield/Easton/Monroe.
Thanks Catherine,
You live were I have always dreamed of living......Vermont.
whisperingpines
4-6-20, 6:47pm
Lisa, thank you so much for delivering meals to the elderly. You are in a tough space there in Fairfield County! Thank you!
Thanks Tybee,
Just curious if people are seeing people wearing mask out in the general public. I've been shopping once a couple of weeks ago, but go past grocery stores, gas stations, and other open businesses on my neighborhood bicycle rides. I'm not seeing it around here so far.
Drive through food places seem to be doing a bristling business.
Has that changed over the past week? Here i’d guess that somewhere between 2/3 and 3/4 of people are wearing masks.
rosarugosa
4-10-20, 6:17pm
At the grocery store yesterday almost everyone was wearing a mask.
I am seeing more masks, maybe 1/3 to 1/2 of people. .002% of the people in my city have been diagnosed with the disease. 23% of those diagnosed have recovered so far. I do not consider my area a hot spot.
Grand rounds today. Dropped off our N95 masks; most everyone I saw at the collection site was working alone so few people were wearing masks. I didn't have to get near them, so, I didn't wear mine either for here. I figured once I put it on I was not taking it off until I got home. Fueled up the car; cashier was the only person in the store and she was wearing a mask. Post office to ship something; everyone was wearing a mask. At the grocery store, about 2/3 of those there were wearing masks. Or, well, something over their nose and mouth. The cashier had a mask but it was under her chin. She was behind a long polycarbonate barrier so I couldn't say how much protection anyone had.
There was a surprising amount of traffic out there. But this is the farthest I've ranged from home in maybe three weeks, so maybe my gauge is off.
Steve, I am amazed that you were able to do all these chores. Things are closed here; no groceries or drop off or post office. Gas pumps will be operating but little else.
SteveinMN
4-10-20, 10:47pm
"Essential" businesses here include grocery stores, liquor stores (!), hardware/home-improvement stores, auto repair shops, post offices (that's true throughout the U.S.), and stores like Target, Walmart, Costco, and Sam's Club (because they sell groceries, hardware, and auto parts). There is a push, however, to make the big stores empty out or rope off the non-essential parts of the store (like clothing, housewares, and electronics) because some people are shopping recreationally, which kind of defeats the purpose of staying at home.
rosarugosa
4-11-20, 6:47am
"Essential" businesses here include grocery stores, liquor stores (!), hardware/home-improvement stores, auto repair shops, post offices (that's true throughout the U.S.), and stores like Target, Walmart, Costco, and Sam's Club (because they sell groceries, hardware, and auto parts). There is a push, however, to make the big stores empty out or rope off the non-essential parts of the store (like clothing, housewares, and electronics) because some people are shopping recreationally, which kind of defeats the purpose of staying at home.
We have found it so stressful to go grocery shopping lately, that it blows my mind to think of anyone shopping recreationally in the current environment.
My governor issued an advisory yesterday to wear face coverings in public. It is cold today, with frost all over the car windshield as I write, so I will try wearing a winter scarf. Trying to see prices and read labels if my glasses fog up is going to be a real issue though.
I’ve been wearing a mask at work for 3 weeks now. Glasses fog when I first put it on, then they warm up to the temperature of my breath and don’t fog for rest of the time the mask is on. It only lasts about one minute then it’s over.
SteveinMN
4-11-20, 10:01am
We have found it so stressful to go grocery shopping lately, that it blows my mind to think of anyone shopping recreationally in the current environment.
I can tell that, on the days I've gone out (two of them, so far), it's about all I want to do for the day. Then again, I'm not quite understanding all the articles I see entitled "Bored? Here are things to do in <location>"; boredom is not a problem I've had since I was a kid.
I think I've mentioned that I'm helping an elderly couple move to senior housing. One of the couple has found it worthwhile to go to the grocery store most days, to get takeout for meals, to drop off items at various friends' and relatives' houses, to go to Costco to buy a TV (for the move, and after a recon trip to narrow down her options) ... I understand very well that she wants to get out of the house and, fortunately (afaik) neither one of the couple has factors affecting COVID-19 severity beyond their ages. But I've told my friend that her traveling schedule and resultant potential exposures has reduced how much I will help them. If I'm not seeing my grandchildren in consideration of exposure (on both sides), I'm not going to break quarantine because my friend cannot sit tight at home for activities which (I believe) could wait.
I can tell that, on the days I've gone out (two of them, so far), it's about all I want to do for the day. Then again, I'm not quite understanding all the articles I see entitled "Bored? Here are things to do in <location>"; boredom is not a problem I've had since I was a kid.
I think I've mentioned that I'm helping an elderly couple move to senior housing. One of the couple has found it worthwhile to go to the grocery store most days, to get takeout for meals, to drop off items at various friends' and relatives' houses, to go to Costco to buy a TV (for the move, and after a recon trip to narrow down her options) ... I understand very well that she wants to get out of the house and, fortunately (afaik) neither one of the couple has factors affecting COVID-19 severity beyond their ages. But I've told my friend that her traveling schedule and resultant potential exposures has reduced how much I will help them. If I'm not seeing my grandchildren in consideration of exposure (on both sides), I'm not going to break quarantine because my friend cannot sit tight at home for activities which (I believe) could wait.
That is such a tough call to make, Steve, when you are trying to do right for family and friends. Protect yourself first. The lifeguard can only offer support but not sacrifice one's self or one's family.
catherine
4-11-20, 11:06am
If I'm not seeing my grandchildren in consideration of exposure (on both sides), I'm not going to break quarantine because my friend cannot sit tight at home for activities which (I believe) could wait.
Exactly. That's my yardstick as well. If I haven't seen my DD and her fiancé, DS and DDIL and DGSs since I got back to VT, there's no way I'm making any plans to break social distancing with anyone else.
ApatheticNoMore
4-11-20, 11:25am
Well some of those people who are recreationaly shopping at Walmart or Target would just do so online if that wasn't available. It would help community spread if they did for sure so it's better overall for widespread spread, but spread among say Amazon warehouse workers or something dealing with an overwhelming volume maybe not so much (comprehensive testing and maybe).
Sure going to the grocery wears me out, working at home in highly unusual circumstances with the world falling apart wears me out. Tons of extra time and energy, not so much so (maybe some time, but certainly not energy). I sleep as well as I ever have with this schedule etc. but still I'm beat.
Reading prices on groceries, certainly not happening, stuff just gets thrown in the cart, and the bill comes to whatever it comes to, checking ingredients, no I just don't buy anything that might have unknown ingredients unless I've bought it before. I do need to be able to tell if I'm putting an onion or an apple in the cart but my eyes aren't that bad, but I do tend to wear glasses (just so I can see what I need as fast as possible) and a mask and some fog up happens.
Not sure where to post this but I just saw this really interesting social distancing scoreboard:
https://www.unacast.com/covid19/social-distancing-scoreboard
My county is rating a B-, which is okay. But I did notice that the next county over was an A-, but most people there do all their shopping in my county, so not sure how accurate that is.
You can check by state or county.
Not sure where to post this but I just saw this really interesting social distancing scoreboard:
https://www.unacast.com/covid19/social-distancing-scoreboard
My county is rating a B-, which is okay. But I did notice that the next county over was an A-, but most people there do all their shopping in my county, so not sure how accurate that is.
You can check by state or county.
We're a B- as a county, but as a state, #2. From a county perspective, I'm not surprised. Some people here are "it won't happen to us--we're not city folk" and others are "we want to stay protected." As for me, as soon as my son reported that 1/3 were wearing masks in the little local supermarket, I started wearing mine.
Cool website
ApatheticNoMore
4-11-20, 1:31pm
I looked down on mask wearing when the authorities were telling us it doesn't do any good and maybe harm. Of course it turned out they were just lying to us.
It's not that I'm always trustful, I expect a degree of corruption, it's just I thought they wouldn't be giving fake public health advice in a time of crisis. It was a low I for some reason put past them. So much for that.
Teacher Terry
4-11-20, 1:36pm
Steve, I have a 74 year old friend that’s doing the same thing. She has a pacemaker, COPD
cancer in remission and many other things. She won’t listen.
I think cloth masks are a feel good measure.
mschrisgo2
4-11-20, 2:04pm
I think cloth masks are a feel good measure.
Yes, and there is value in that. My grandson, 21, say, “my grandma made these masks for me. I feel her love when I wear them.” We know that feeling loved and connected boosts the immune system
Yes, and there is value in that. My grandson, 21, say, “my grandma made these masks for me. I feel her love when I wear them.” We know that feeling loved and connected boosts the immune system
I also think it's a case of "something is better than nothing"--one layer of a loose weave isn't great--two layers of a tight weave is better than nothing. Let's do better than nothing. As mschrisgo said, the effect may be psychological, but also may actually keep some of those darned droplets from getting through.
mscrhisgo: I love what your grandson said.
She has a pacemaker, COPD cancer in remission and many other things. She won’t listen.
She may not be listening, but I believe she's telling you something. :help: It's not good, though, that she is exposing others in the process.
I believe I know why my friend is so willing to leave the house but that is a temporary escape from a situation that is only getting worse. She needs to make some more difficult decisions before the situation becomes her entire life and then some.
Many of the DIY tutorials I have seen are four layers, with a filter pocket and a nose adjuster, so IMO they can be made nearly as effective as commercial masks, depending on the filter. One of them, by a doctor, shows him testing his by attempting to smell bacon. It passed.
iris lilies
4-11-20, 3:29pm
Our neighbors across the street in Herman are cool. They’re a family with four girls ranging from young high school to early college. Herman just got broadband Internet which is a godsend for that household because all of them are home doing schoolwork streaming. Their parents are architects so they consume large files of graphics.
One of the girls has a heart condition and another one has had a stroke so they are very careful about what they’re doing. They took social distancing seriously from the get-go. Right now one of the teenage girls is talking to her friend from 10 feet away out in their front yard.
ApatheticNoMore
4-11-20, 3:54pm
I don't think their is any value in authorities (not so much grandma maybe) continue lying to us about what we should do "don't wear masks", "wear masks" etc. etc.. It's incredibly depressing really.
I don't think their is any value in authorities (not so much grandma maybe) continue lying to us about what we should do "don't wear masks", "wear masks" etc. etc.. It's incredibly depressing really.
I trust Dr Birx and Dr Fauci. Public Health is the long-time career for our 2 experts. The rest are paid loyalists IMO.
I tried a scarf today and did not tie it tightly enough so it kept falling down. It was also hot.
I made five different mask models and finally hit one I can wear without complete outright panic.
I think my ears are set too high because when I have the mask go around my ears, I cover my eyes.
I made five different mask models and finally hit one I can wear without complete outright panic.
I think my ears are set too high because when I have the mask go around my ears, I cover my eyes.
My father was an artist and he told me that when I was drawing a portrait, to always align the top of the ear (where it meets the head) to the corner of the eye in order to get the correct positioning of the ear:eye. So, your ears aren't too high! Maybe the elastic is too tight.
My father was an artist and he told me that when I was drawing a portrait, to always align the top of the ear (where it meets the head) to the corner of the eye in order to get the correct positioning of the ear:eye. So, your ears aren't too high! Maybe the elastic is too tight.
Thank you, that makes me feel better!! I did do better with the one that did not use the hair ties around the ears.
Teacher Terry
4-12-20, 11:26am
My friend makes masks and puts a filter in them.
ToomuchStuff
4-12-20, 2:27pm
My friend makes masks and puts a filter in them.
Is she in Germany, did she make her husband a mask that looks like a facehugger?
https://laughingsquid.com/alien-facehugger-protective-face-mask/
Is she in Germany, did she make her husband a mask that looks like a facehugger?
https://laughingsquid.com/alien-facehugger-protective-face-mask/
That would help to cheer people up.:D
Teacher Terry
4-12-20, 8:19pm
That’s funny!
happystuff
4-13-20, 6:55am
LOL
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