Tag: Cloth Masks

The COVID Pandemic Is Getting Worse

by inmanb17cedcb09, posted in Current Events, Science

11-14-20
   Cold weather is arriving in the Northern Hemisphere, and with it is a rising tide of COVID cases, especially in the United States. To anyone paying attention to what has been going on, this should come as no surprise.
   Other viruses such as the common cold and flu often seem worse in terms of numbers during colder weather as compared to warmer weather. There are a variety of possible causes for this phenomenon that we won’t delve into here.
   Now, consider how the United States as a whole has done a terrible job in trying to deal with the COVID pandemic. The Trump Administration has grossly mishandled the crisis with confusion, incompetence, false information, and a lack of coordination coming from the White House. States have in many ways been left to their own devices in battling the pandemic far more than they should have been. Their tactics have varied with some being more effective than others. The result has been a kind of ad hoc, patchwork approach instead of a coordinated national strategy. On top of this is the fact many Americans (including Donald Trump) are not taking this pandemic seriously and frequently disregard social distancing and mask wearing guidelines.
   As a result of this confused quagmire of a response, it is no surprise that we are now seeing record numbers of cases throughout the country, and tragically, it will get worse. Many more people are going to die.
   Since Trump is president until Biden’s inauguration on January 20th, we cannot expect much, or any, new help from the federal government for the next couple of months. It will primarily be up to local and state governments to do what they can in addition to every day people.
   Each and every one of us has a responsibility to do our part in combating COVID.
   Practice social distancing and mask wearing whenever you are in public. Educate yourself in what you need to do in fighting the pandemic. Avoid big crowds, especially when indoors. Don’t have big holiday gatherings with people coming from all around because doing so would spread the virus.
   Remember since people can carry the virus without even knowing it, this is more than keeping yourself safe. It’s about keeping everyone you come in contact with safe as well.
   By working together, we can get through this.
   It’s up to all of us!

https://coronavirus.jhu.edu/

When In Doubt, Wear A Damn Mask!

by inmanb17cedcb09, posted in Current Events, Science

5-22-20
   The CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) currently estimates that 35% of people with active COVID 19 infections are asymptomatic, meaning they show no clinical signs. And the thing is, these asymptomatic cases can still be shedding the virus, particularly when they cough, sneeze, breath heavily, and even talk loudly.
   That is why it is vitally important for everyone to wear a mask in public when adequate social distancing is not possible! As people get out more (with states reopening economies), this is even more essential! Because this pandemic is far from over folks! It will probably be next year before an effective vaccine is available for everyone. Future waves of infection are coming, and if people don’t wear masks, these waves will come sooner and be much worse than they would have been otherwise.
   Wearing a mask helps decrease the chances of you spreading the virus to other people. An individual can be feeling great but still be shedding the virus without even knowing it.
   So please, be responsible!
   Wear a mask in public when social distancing is not possible.
   When in doubt, wear a damn mask!
   It really is that important!

https://hub.jhu.edu/2020/05/12/gigi-gronvall-asymptomatic-spread-covid-19-immunity-passports/

https://www.cnn.com/2020/05/22/health/cdc-coronavirus-estimates-symptoms-deaths/index.html

Material Used Vitally Important For Cloth Masks! Multi-layered Quilting Fabric Better Than Most

by inmanb17cedcb09, posted in Current Events, Science

4-8-20
   Cloth masks are all the rage!
   And for good reason! When outside the home, it’s important to wear a face mask when adequate social distancing isn’t possible. Like when going to the grocery store, drugstore, gas station, to pick up take out food, and so on.
   Now, the really good N95 masks and surgical masks are rightfully being reserved for medical personnel and first responders since there is such a severe shortage.
   This is where cloth masks come in.
   But it’s very important to remember that not all cloth masks are equal. Some are more effective than others. A few are downright abysmal.
   I have included a New York Times article link that goes into more detail on the effectiveness of various materials. Input from several scientists were included in the piece.
   An interesting note is that multi-layered quilting fabric ranked better than most!
   I strongly recommend reading the article to help you make a more informed decision on what kind of mask works better for you!
   Hang in there and stay safe!

https://www.nytimes.com/article/coronavirus-homemade-mask-material-DIY-face-mask-ppe.html