Tag Archive for mask

A Mask that Cheats You of Money and Protection

Health professionals, including the CDC, are warning us about masks with exhale valves ( a certain type of N-95 mask) being sold as more comfortable and cooler. Don’t buy them. They don’t meet requirements of the CDC or some areas, because it’s questionable about how effective they are in stopping the spread of COVID-19.

Here’s the thing. Most valves don’t have a filter. That means that when you exhale, everything — including droplets — are pushed out through the valve and into your surroundings. In other words, theses masks, like most others used properly, give you a little protection from other people, they do NOT protect your friends, loved ones, acquaintances, or strangers you get near to. So you may be spreading the virus. (Remember: you may be symptom-free or have been infected but not know it.)

And that’s the point of masks — to protect others while they’re protecting us.

Save your money and keep fighting this virus!

Read more: A Certain Type of N95 Mask May Do More Harm Than Good.

Coronavirus: What’s Better Protection than Masks?

Masks of any type are not that effective, because any part of a mask not tightly against our skin can let in germs. And none of us can keep, either consciously or unconsciously, from reaching up to adjust it so it’s more comfortable or we want to scratch under it. Besides, our eyes–touching them can bring infection into our bodies–are still out in the open.

The CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) says that the most effective guard against disease, including Coronavirus, is hand-washing. But not the way we often tend to do it. We should do it often, but especially under certain circumstances. See their article. The article also discusses hand sanitizers (always 60% alcohol!), their effectiveness, and how to use them. Here are their 5 steps the CDC says to take for effective hand-washing:

  1. Wet your hands with clean, running water (warm or cold), turn off the tap, and apply soap.
  2. Lather your hands by rubbing them together with the soap. Lather the backs of your hands, between your fingers, and under your nails.
  3. Scrub your hands for at least 20 seconds. Need a timer? Hum the “Happy Birthday” song from beginning to end twice.
  4. Rinse your hands well under clean, running water.
  5. Dry your hands using a clean towel or air dry them.

Who is that Masked Man?

Ever notice how many protesters have their faces covered?  This is true all over the world, including here in the U.S.  Yet we have freedom of speech.  If I’m expressing beliefs and opinions I truly believe in, why don’t I want people to see my face?  If I’m hiding my identity because I’m doing something illegal, like smashing the store windows of people not involved in what I’m protesting against, and if I think that’s the right and moral thing to do, I should stand up to be counted–and let everyone see my face.

I understand the cover-up in countries where the regime will arrest and execute me just for speaking out, but not here in America. Come on, protesters, let’s see your proud, righteous faces as you sling that brick or peacefully carry a sign.