Face masks, what's the truth?

[flashbac]

Just that really. Many other countries are encouraging wearing of face masks but our government is not. Should we trust them on this?

My personal view is that ppl will stockpile and start acting stupid and complacent when wearing them but that they will help if used sensibly.
I don't think people will make their own.

The advice about masks in this country is purely down to the lack of PPE for frontline staff. Of course we would all be safer if we wore one, and took appropriate measures when wearing/ removing. It's not rocket science. Belgium is even undertaking supplying ALL residents with 'at least' one reusable mask as they reduce their lockdown measures.

The problem here is that there isn't enough for the NHS/social care etc to do their jobs. If the government suggest we all should be wearing them there's even more of a risk to supplies for the key workers.

So basically we all lose out because the government have failed health and social care.

@flashbac

There was a lot of furore about people stockpiling and about Brits being terrible for doing this. I watched a documentary about China though and they had the same problem there. I think people much the same around the world. In other countries they have tackled the problem by making their own.

asymptomatic and presymptomatic spread are both features of covid.

Has that been established for this virus?

Is there also a risk that some people with mild symptoms who right now are staying home may think, "well they've said a mask stops me spreading it, and I really need to go to the shop, and I probably don't have it but even if I do I've got my mask" and therefore may increase the number of people with mild symptoms thinking they don't need to isolate?

I'm just speculating and it may be that that wouldn't happen of course. But there may be unintended consequences of people being told to wear masks because they help stop the spread, as PPs have already mentioned with complacency around social distancing.

What I learned from MN is as soon as you look at a mask and touch it to put it on you must treat it as hazardous material and burn it immediately or you will catch c19.

Meanwhile in the real world I've made some washable cotton masks for family & friends. With non woven inner membrane. I don't wear one on a bike ride or walk outside. I wear one at the supermarket.

So confused.

If its so easily spread......why are the estimating such a small amount for the population have had it?

Medical shortages have occurred in other countries...

I am mostly of the mind the British government has badly mishandled this affair.

^ this

Summerofloaf Yes asymptomatic and presymptomatic spread are well reported and researched.

www.npr.org/sections/goatsandsoda/2020/04/13/831883560/can-a-coronavirus-patient-who-isnt-showing-symptoms-infect-others

www.sciencealert.com/here-s-what-we-know-so-far-about-those-who-can-pass-corona-without-symptoms

www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-8210401/Iceland-finds-half-population-asymptomatic-infected-Covid-19.html

The advice about masks in this country is purely down to the lack of PPE for frontline staff. Belgium is even undertaking supplying ALL residents with 'at least' one reusable mask as they reduce their lockdown measures.

Why didn't Belgium supply masks to all its residents weeks ago? Their death rate per capita is not good at all.

This was only reported 2 days ago;

"Brussels minister-president Rudi Vervoort has proposed that the region buy a stock of cloth masks to distribute to the public."We consider it our responsibility to make [them] available to the whole population," he told RTBF on Thursday."

Stockpiling is actually very unusual behavior. The media jumped on the low stock levels in supermarkets and yelled about "selfish stockpilers"---in fact, very few people actually stockpiled. Most people just bought a little more than usual because a) they wanted a bit laid by in the house incase everyone got sick and they could not get out to shop and b) eating three meals at day at home with no poet a manger sandwiches or school meals to help out, means that you just have to buy more groceries. The vast majority of people have behaved responsibility regarding the lockdown too. There is no reason to suspect that people would stockpile masks.

I don't think there's much wrong with Brits as a nationality... lots of people volunteered to help the NHS or make scrubs...

It really is not rocket science ...www.parestrano.it/questo-schema-sullefficacia-delle-mascherine-e-accurato-per-il-covid-19/

It maybe in Italian but look at the pictures !...We were just like the UK yes / no are they needed / are they just stupid?

You don't have a mask do you have a cotton scarf you can wear cowboy style? We are still waiting for our free masks that our region is providing but they are so simple to make. Elastic ran out ages ago but a 60dernier pop sock is perfect and actually softer on the ears. I have downgraded an old pillow case and for my neighbours young son we have used an old t shirt so it is soft on his face and then put a superman badge on the front !
When I walk the dog it sits under my chin then when I see people I put it up using the side and not touching my face When I do a supermarket shop after it comes off and goes straight in the wash. Mine is double and I put in filters for extra protection.

I am dreading however the hot weather and will need more I expect ..

I don't think there's much wrong with Brits as a nationality... lots of people volunteered to help the NHS...

And have not heard much more...

They could make masks if they want to help... even sell them for 50p a pop...

And have not heard much more

The reason that people haven't heard much more is because actually the british public has really stepped up the plate and are looking after the people around them without it needing to be through a Gov scheme.

When I walk the dog it sits under my chin then when I see people I put it up using the side and not touching my face

A perfect example of how NOT to wear a mask and why telling people to wear a mask may be counterproductive.

Why Aesop ?
Rosa is not stopping to look after Covid patients whilst walking the dog. Her mask is to stop her spreading droplets to other people.

If you can't make a mask, how about wearing a scarf or bandana...

PestymcPestFace and this is why wearing masks isn't going to be the amazing thing everybody thinks it is.

Because its basic mask hygiene to not do that.

Basic hand washing hygiene is to wash up to your elbows and to rinse for 20 seconds the public are not asked to do these bits.

Medical setting mask hygiene is stricter than that required for public fabric face covering.

Different masks, different jobs, simplified rules, there is even research saying that a mask just covering the mouth is quite effective.

@clavinova
*
Why didn't Belgium supply masks to all its residents weeks ago? Their death rate per capita is not good at all.*

Belgium are declaring all deaths that are suspected as being COVID related, care homes, community etc. A far more honest approach than here IMO

DH is a Health &Safety inspector who feels strongly about home-made masks being futile!

A home-made face mask may prevent a reasonable proportion of aerosolised saliva droplets containing possibly millions of individual virus particles from spraying from your nose and mouth into the air and possibly then being inhaled by someone within 2m.

However, some virus-laden saliva droplets will still escape around the sides of the mask if it is not properly face-fitted (no gaps between mask and face, enough to leave a pressure mark and be uncomfortable) and/or you have facial hair (beard or stubble).

This means some saliva containing virus could land on the outside of a nearby person's home-made face mask and wait there until they remove the mask. Unless removal is done correctly according to clinical practice, they are very likely to contaminate themselves.

Alternatively virus will simply be breathed in by a person with an ill-fitting mask.

Also the material used for the home-made mask may be completely inadequate at stopping hardly any aerosolised particles from passing through. The more light that can pass through the material, the more likely it is to be ineffective.

Mask wearing can lead to becoming complacent and ignoring 2m social distancing, which is much more important and effective, along with
thorough, frequent hand washing.

So overall there is virtually no benefit in wearing a home made mask as it is not face-fitted and people don't know how to safely remove them!

Of course masks work....if you use the correct one and are mindful to use the properly.

The only reason they haven't advised widespread use is because this Government is a shitshow and its to hide the fact they woefully miscalculated the ppe

virus will simply be breathed in by a person with an ill-fitting mask.
And what if that person had no mask? Surely they would get to breath in even more virus. Also a homemade mask is not meant to protect you, it is to protect others.

However, some virus-laden saliva droplets will still escape around the sides of the mask Oh no that is terrible much worse than millions of individual virus particles from spraying from your nose and mouth into the air and possibly then being inhaled by someone within 2m . The secret here may be to stay 2m or more apart.

Maybe your DH can tell the 50+ Governments who recommended fabric face coverings how wrong they are.