Face Masks and other strategies to help slow Covid-19 spread

[missy]

Masks help stop the spread of coronavirus – the science is simple and I’m one of 100 experts urging governors to require public mask-wearing

Recommendations around mask usage are confusing. The science isn’t. Evidence shows that masks are extremely effective to slow the coronavirus and may be the best tool available right now to fight it.

theconversation.com

"
There are numerous studies that suggest if 80% of people wear a mask in public, then COVID-19 transmission could be halted. Until a vaccine or a cure for COVID-19 is discovered, cloth face masks might be the most important tool we currently have to fight the pandemic.

Given all of the laboratory and epidemiological evidence, the low cost of wearing masks – which can be made at home with no tools – and the potential to slow COVID-19 transmission with widescale use, policymakers should ensure that everyone wears a mask in public."





"While all models have limitations and are only as good as their assumptions, this one is “a very thorough model and well done,” said William Schaffner,an infectious disease specialist at Vanderbilt University, who reviewed the De Kai team’s paper. “It supports a notion that I advocate along with most other infectious disease experts: that masks are very, very important.” Jeremy Howard, founding researcher at fast.ai and a distinguished research scientist at the University of San Francisco, also assessed the paper.

 

[marcy]

The CDC now says that touching surfaces or objects is not likely to spread the virus.

https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/prevent-getting-sick/how-covid-spreads.html

 

[missy]

Coronavirus (COVID-19) Overview

COVID-19 is a new type of coronavirus that causes mild to severe cases. Here’s a quick guide on how to spot symptoms, risk factors, prevent spread of the disease, and find out what to do if you think you have it.

www.webmd.com

 

[kenny]

Missy, thanks for posting that.
It's a VERY important read!
I wish everyone would read this.

New information, and several well-said points that had not occurred to me.
IMO it's important to stay hungry and alert for new information from many sources.

 

[House Cat]

Official Sonovia Store - Reusable, Sustainable With Active Protection

Sonovia's patented fabric neutralizes over 99% of viruses and bacteria

sonoviatech.com

S2 - Silicone Mask & lab tested FFP3 - N99 Filters

Reusable | Home Steralizable | FDA Approved Silicone | Lab tested FFP3 / N99 Filter Standards | Check out 'S2 - Silicone Mask & lab tested FFP3 - N99 Filters' on Indiegogo.

www.indiegogo.com

I have purchased masks from both of these companies. The sonovia masks have already arrived. They are very comfortable to wear. The other mask is part of a crowd sourcing campaign. I purchased 100 of the n99 filters along with those masks.

 

[dk168]

I bought some face masks from Amazon recently before the requirement to wear them on public transport for England was announced.

I bought them as I expected I would need to wear one as one of the conditions for my hair salon to re-open in July, as confirmed by the owner when she made my appointment towards the end of that month.

I am still avoiding going to places where social distancing is not practical or possible.

DK

 

[missy]

FYI: how to make a mask as good as an N95.

An ex-Apple engineer is helping combat the N95 mask shortage with a simple solution that anyone can make at home with rubber bands

A former Apple engineer created a brace for ASTM surgical face masks that gives them a tighter fit, making them an alternative to N95 masks.

www.businessinsider.com

 

[missy]

Coronavirus (COVID-19) Overview

COVID-19 is a new type of coronavirus that causes mild to severe cases. Here’s a quick guide on how to spot symptoms, risk factors, prevent spread of the disease, and find out what to do if you think you have it.

www.webmd.com

“The study found that if people wear masks whenever they are in public it is twice as effective at reducing the R value than if masks are only worn after symptoms appear,” Reuters said.”

 

[Tekate]

 

[missy]

FYI:

https://www.washingtonpost.com/business/2020/06/17/masks-salons-missouri/

“A hair stylist in Missouri was diagnosed with covid-19 in late May, and she ended up directly exposing 84 customers who had sat just inches from her face for up to 30 minutes each. She had symptoms, but wore a face mask; salons were one of the few places where people were required to wear them. Because of that, health officials say, none of her customers was infected. The result appears to be one of the clearest real-world examples of the ability of masks to slow the spread of the coronavirus.”

 

[missy]

Countries are taking a stricter approach to requiring face masks.

U.K. Government Set to Tighten Rules on Wearing Facemasks

Boris Johnson is set to tell Parliament next week it will be compulsory for Britons to wear face coverings in shops, according to news reports, soon after telling the country that it was only optional do so.

www.bloomberg.com

"

Taking a harder line on masks

Leaving home without a mask can be an expensive business these days. Almost four months after the pandemic peaked in Germany, Berlin’s transport authorities were this week given permission to slap a 50-euro ($56) fine on passengers who don’t cover their faces. That’s just 10 euros less than the penalty for traveling without a ticket. Other European cities are charging miscreants even more. Since the end of June, unmasked travelers on the London Underground are threatened with a 100-pound ($125) penalty, while getting caught on the Paris Metro costs 135 euros. Like other countries, Germany is trying to reduce the chances of a second wave of infections later in the year. And when it comes to taking trains, buses and trams, an official recommendation may well go unheeded — despite the health risks to other passengers. As a result, cities across Europe have been forced to take a harder line. In the French capital, for example, transport workers initially barred anyone who wasn’t protected from stations, a tactic that appears to have paid off. The Swiss have generally been less willing to play ball, judging from the government’s decision to tighten its rules on protective clothing earlier this month after infections accelerated. Even before the outbreak, face coverings were relatively common in Asian countries such as Japan, China and Hong Kong. Since the start of March, more than 50 nations around the world — from Vietnam to Venezuela — have made masks mandatory in at least some public areas. A notable exception is the U.S., where the government merely recommends that individuals wear face coverings, although some states have stricter face-covering measures. Wearing a mask “isn’t always a pleasure,” German Health Minister Jens Spahn has acknowledged, but he says it could make the difference in the battle to contain the virus. Paul Ziemiak, the secretary general of Angela Merkel’s party, is trying to increase its appeal. “Wearing a mask is sexy,” he tweeted last week. — Andrew Blackman "

Masks are key to reopening Australia's Victoria.

Masks Key to Reopening Australia’s Victoria, Officials Say

Mask-wearing will be critical to reopening Australia’s second-most populous state as it seeks to curb coronavirus infections, Victoria’s Premier Daniel Andrews said.

www.bloomberg.com

"
Mask-wearing will be critical to reopening Australia’s second-most populous state as it seeks to curb coronavirus infections, Victoria’s Premier Daniel Andrews said.





Two million masks will be ordered and distributed to “priority groups,” he said in a press conference Saturday. The state recorded 216 new coronavirus cases and one death in the past 24 hours, and he urged Victorians to stay home this weekend as much as possible.



“This is not an ordinary weekend,” Andrews said. “It is the simple stuff, the common sense, just doing the right thing, the smart thing. That’s how we will get to the other side of this.”

The state’s Chief Health Officer Brett Sutton on Friday called on Melbourne residents to wear masks where social distancing was difficult amid an outbreak that’s led to a six-week lockdown. Victoria’s request for mask-wearing is a departure from the health advice issued so far in Australia’s Covid-19 crisis.



Advice around masks hasn’t changed for the rest of the country, Australia’s Deputy Chief Medical Officer Nick Coatsworth said in a separate press conference Saturday. He added that a vaccine may not be available for between 18 and 24 months and the nation must be able to keep the virus under control at low levels.

“We need to prepare for a world without a vaccine,” he said.

"

 

[Matata]

Don't know if this has already been posted. Effective of different types of masks.

 

[missy]

Don't know if this has already been posted. Effective of different types of masks.

Loved this video. And the music on point. Thanks for sharing. It drives home the importance of wearing a mask. It does make a difference.

Has this been shared here yet?

Coronavirus Disease 2019

CDC provides credible COVID-19 health information to the U.S.

www.cdc.gov

"
CDC calls on Americans to wear masks to prevent COVID-19 spread
JAMA editorial reviews latest science, while case study shows masks prevented COVID spread
Press Release
For Immediate Release: Tuesday, July 14, 2020

Americans are increasingly adopting the use of cloth face masks to slow the spread of COVID-19, and the latest science may convince even more to do so.
In an editorial published today in the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA), CDC reviewed the latest science and affirms that cloth face coverings are a critical tool in the fight against COVID-19 that could reduce the spread of the disease, particularly when used universally within communities. There is increasing evidence that cloth face coverings help prevent people who have COVID-19 from spreading the virus to others.

“We are not defenseless against COVID-19,” said CDC Director Dr. Robert R. Redfield. “Cloth face coverings are one of the most powerful weapons we have to slow and stop the spread of the virus – particularly when used universally within a community setting. All Americans have a responsibility to protect themselves, their families, and their communities.”

This review included two case studies out today, one from JAMA, showing that adherence to universal masking policies reduced SARS-CoV-2 transmission within a Boston hospital system, and one from CDC’s Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report (MMWR), showing that wearing a mask prevented the spread of infection from two hair stylists to their customers in Missouri.

Additional data in today’s MMWR showed that immediately after the White House Coronavirus Task Force and CDC advised Americans to wear cloth face coverings when leaving home, the proportion of U.S. adults who chose to do so increased, with 3 in 4 reporting they had adopted the recommendation in a national internet survey.

The results of the Missouri case study provide further evidence on the benefits of wearing a cloth face covering. The investigation focused on two hair stylists — infected with and having symptoms of COVID-19 — whose salon policy followed a local ordinance requiring cloth face coverings for all employees and patrons. The investigators found that none of the stylists’ 139 clients or secondary contacts became ill, and all 67 clients who volunteered to be tested showed no sign of infection.

The finding adds to a growing body of evidence that cloth face coverings provide source control – that is, they help prevent the person wearing the mask from spreading COVID-19 to others. The main protection individuals gain from masking occurs when others in their communities also wear face coverings.

COVID-19 prevention in a Missouri hair salon
When two stylists at a Missouri hair salon tested positive for the virus that causes COVID-19, researchers from CoxHealth hospitals, Washington University, the University of Kansas, and the Springfield-Greene County Health Department worked together to trace contacts, investigate the cases, and publish their findings in the MMWR.

One of the stylists developed respiratory symptoms but continued to see clients for eight days. The other, who apparently became infected from her co-worker, also developed respiratory symptoms and continued to see clients for four days.
The salon in which they worked had a policy requiring both stylists and their clients to wear face coverings, consistent with the local government ordinance. Both stylists wore double-layered cloth face coverings or surgical masks when seeing clients. The median appointment time was 15 minutes and ranged from 15 to 45 minutes. More than 98% of clients wore a face covering—47% wore cloth face coverings, 46% wore surgical masks, and about 5% wore N-95 respirators.

When customers were asked whether they had been ill with any respiratory symptoms in the 90 days preceding their appointment, 87 (84%) reported that they had not. None of the interviewed customers developed symptoms of illness. Among 67 (48%) customers who volunteered to be tested, all 67 tested negative for the virus that causes COVID-19. Several family members of one of the stylist’s subsequently developed symptoms and received a diagnosis of COVID-19.

Survey: Acceptance of face-mask guidance increased
CDC analyzed data from an internet survey of a national sample of 503 adults during April 7–9 and found that about 62% said they would follow the newly announced recommendations to wear a face mask when outside the home. A repeat survey during May 11-13 showed that the percentage of adults endorsing face mask wearing increased to more than 76%.
The increase was driven largely by a significant jump in approval by white, non-Hispanic adults, from 54% to 75%. Approval among Black, non-Hispanic adults went up from 74% to 82%, and remained stable among Hispanic/Latino adults at 76% and 77%.
There was also a large increase in face-mask approval among respondents in the Midwest, from 44% to 74%. Approval was greatest in the Northeast, going from 77% to 87%.
"

 

[dk168]

From next Friday 24 July 2020, face covering will be mandatory in England in shops.

I bought some fabric ones that are reusable and washable, as my supply of disposable ones are limited and not very comfortable to wear.

I shall continue to avoid the crowded places where social distancing is not practical or possible, and perform my own due diligence as to what is safe and not safe for me.

DK

 

[autumngems]

Excuse my mess....lol

Over the last week I've made about 156 masks for various organizations. A box of 50 went to Japan for the marines there. (they had nothing) Send another 45 to Navajo nation, but they need many many more. Sent another 30 to nursing home, and gave some to neighbors (hey if they're protected so am I)

I have 65 that have been cut and are being worked on today. (they're in various states of done). Then I'll be back to the mostly plain military ones. I think I may do some butterfly ones next to break it up.





These ones are straight OLSEN masks that I've added a deeper curve to make it fit nicely under the chin, so I don't have to worry about trying to put in a pleat. Filter pocket goes edge to edge on these which is why they're so loved in healthcare. Easy to sew if you can make your own shortcuts.

I've only cut myself a few times and put a needle through tip of a nail...lol! But I haven't broken any needles *knock on wood*.

I love your masks, I have some materials I will send to you if you could make me one? How large of a piece of material does it take to make one? I bought some material scraps and can send to you.

 

[autumngems]

Excuse my mess....lol

Over the last week I've made about 156 masks for various organizations. A box of 50 went to Japan for the marines there. (they had nothing) Send another 45 to Navajo nation, but they need many many more. Sent another 30 to nursing home, and gave some to neighbors (hey if they're protected so am I)

I have 65 that have been cut and are being worked on today. (they're in various states of done). Then I'll be back to the mostly plain military ones. I think I may do some butterfly ones next to break it up.





These ones are straight OLSEN masks that I've added a deeper curve to make it fit nicely under the chin, so I don't have to worry about trying to put in a pleat. Filter pocket goes edge to edge on these which is why they're so loved in healthcare. Easy to sew if you can make your own shortcuts.

I've only cut myself a few times and put a needle through tip of a nail...lol! But I haven't broken any needles *knock on wood*.

Thank you for sending them to our Marines!

 

[autumngems]

An alternative to the elastic, you can try t-shirt yarn. It's very soft and quick to make. Next time I make it I will use thinner strands. There are several tutorials in YouTube. It's just cut and pull. No fray, no fuss and cat approved.

I like the Olsen mask and also like the 3-D masks. I made this one. I love the nose room. Very comfortable.

Love the cork mask!

 

[missy]

From Medscape:

"
Face Masks Reduce Wearer's COVID Infection Risk by 65%
Ralph Ellis

July 10, 2020

Wearing a facial covering not only curbs the spread of the coronavirus but reduces a mask wearer's risk of catching the virus by 65%, said Dean Blumberg, MD, chief of pediatric infectious diseases at UC Davis Children's Hospital.
Blumberg, speaking on a college livestream about the coronavirus, said that a "standard rectangular surgical mask ... will decrease the risk of infection to the person wearing the mask by about 65%" and that homemade masks also "should work quite well."
N95 masks are the most effective but should be reserved for medical personnel, he added.

The masks mainly provide a physical barrier to respiratory droplets that are about one-third the size of a human hair, he said. Those drops are one of the major ways the virus is transmitted.
"People who say 'I don't believe masks work' are ignoring scientific evidence," Blumberg said. "It's not a belief system. It's like saying, 'I don't believe in gravity.'"
"You're being an irresponsible member of the community if you're not wearing a mask. It's like double-dipping in the guacamole. You're not being nice to others."
But even surgical masks are not airtight enough to create an effective barrier against much smaller aerosol particles, which are about 1/100th the size of a human hair, he said. The best defense against aerosol particles is social distancing and interacting with people outdoors.



"Studies in laboratory conditions now show the virus stays alive in aerosol form with a half-life on the scale of hours. It persists in the air," said William Ristenpart, PhD, a professor of chemical engineering at UC Davis. "That's why you want to be outdoors for any social situations if possible."
Enclosed places like bars are especially troublesome, he said, because "The louder you speak, the more expiratory aerosols you put out."
Blumberg said scientists' opinions about the effectiveness of masks have evolved since the pandemic began months ago.
Although more states and cities are issuing mask mandates as cases continue to surge in the U.S., the issue remains controversial. Wearing them was not universally recommended during the early days of the pandemic, partly to ensure health care workers had enough protective gear while shortages existed.


"

 

[Demon]

Thankfully our governor issued a statewide mask mandate for indoors. Not that everyone will comply, but hopefully most. In conjunction with King Soopers, Wallmart, etc requiring them it should help. I do have to say though that most people in my area, at least, have already been wearing them in stores.

 

[violet3]

I really think this mask wearing is going to last a lot longer than anyone would like, which I totally understand. None of mine are very comfortable or breathable, honestly and I get a little claustrophobic when I can't breathe well.

If you are purchasing masks online currently, what are your favorite places/types for breathability? @missy Do you think this would be better as a new/separate thread?

Coincidentally, my friend shared this video on surgical masks on social media today, and it was really interesting!

https://www.facebook.com/video.php?v=10159835671544746

 

[Demon]

That's a good video. I've found 3 layer cloth masks to be easier to breathe in than the surgical type.Especially long term, or when its really hot.

 

[missy]

I really think this mask wearing is going to last a lot longer than anyone would like, which I totally understand. None of mine are very comfortable or breathable, honestly and I get a little claustrophobic when I can't breathe well.

If you are purchasing masks online currently, what are your favorite places/types for breathability? @missy Do you think this would be better as a new/separate thread?

Coincidentally, my friend shared this video on surgical masks on social media today, and it was really interesting!

https://www.facebook.com/video.php?v=10159835671544746

Feel free to post/share any mask info here. I think it is helpful to share any and all info you might have. I agree many are wearing their masks incorrectly and it is critical to make sure it is being worn right and it fits right or else it isn't as protective.

The surgical mask is breathable but not as protective as masks with more layers like the KN95 or N95.

I agree with you @violet3 I think mask wearing is here to stay at least through the year and into next year as long as Covid 19 remains.

I also have trouble breathing in my more protective masks and it can be challenging. I just tell myself to breathe easy and calmly and I take slow breaths. I do PT in my mask and it has been challenging. I end up being drenched after the session and the mask gets discarded because once it is wet I don't trust its efficacy anymore.

 

[mom2dolls]

My work has been selling masks - disposable and cloth to survive this pandemic. In normal times we are a promotional products company.

I have tried disposable, 3-ply, 2-ply, you name it. I have the least issue with the disposable masks. The 3-ply masks are hard to breathe through. I always get a headache when wearing them. 2-ply is a bit better because it is cinched at the top and bottom. Fits my face better.

I started working from home again this week so I didn't have to wear a mask at the office anymore.

 

[violet3]

That's a good video. I've found 3 layer cloth masks to be easier to breathe in than the surgical type.Especially long term, or when its really hot.

I agree with you! I tried the surgical ones and they got wet and disgusting and I felt claustrophobic. Of course, I wasn't wearing it like that video showed either, so I'll try that next time!

Feel free to post/share any mask info here. I think it is helpful to share any and all info you might have. I agree many are wearing their masks incorrectly and it is critical to make sure it is being worn right and it fits right or else it isn't as protective.

The surgical mask is breathable but not as protective as masks with more layers like the KN95 or N95.

I agree with you @violet3 I think mask wearing is here to stay at least through the year and into next year as long as Covid 19 remains.

I also have trouble breathing in my more protective masks and it can be challenging. I just tell myself to breathe easy and calmly and I take slow breaths. I do PT in my mask and it has been challenging. I end up being drenched after the session and the mask gets discarded because once it is wet I don't trust its efficacy anymore.

Thanks Missy! I can't imagine doing PT in that - I struggle just at the grocery store. I do slow deep breathing too, and I listen to meditative music while I have to be out in public. Other than that, I just stay in.

I have several that are basically like wearing a t-shirt over your face (jersey fabric). In my opinion these are the WORST for breathability because of the lack of structure - they just get sucked up your nose and into your mouth. I had a rough time at the grocery in one of these yesterday.

I bought three masks yesterday from a local store - two were Vera Bradley ($8 ), and one was called "puppie love" ($10, but donates 10% to animal shelters and rescue). They are not bad! They all have pockets for filters and are decent for breathing. The puppie love one has a wire for the nose, which is helpful, but the others do not. I'll attach a picture here - top pastel camo is puppie love, and the bottom two are Vera Bradley.

I started a FB thread for this, and got 150 replies - people definitely have opinions on this! A person could go broke trying to find a mask that works.

.

I also ordered a cool lanyard to "hold" the mask around my neck - I lost two masks, and still don't know how/where I did it. It was on Amazon and was $8 for two: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B08BNFQXS1/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o00_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

 

[MaisOuiMadame]

New masking requirements for France : mandatory now indoors in public places.
135€ fine nationwide.

It has been strongly recommended by the government before and was mandatory in public transport and restaurants. Most shops required them as well.

Where I live people seem to have already been wearing masks pretty consistently, but this might not have been the case everywhere. At least it's a very clear signal towards the people doubting efficiency.