CORONA From the, sort of, front lines...

WalknTrot

Veteran Member
The point from at least this mask skeptic is that unless you wear it properly, which is not at all comfortable, you make them one use only - which is almost impossible now and expensive in the best of times, and you use gloves to remove and dispose of properly without contaminating yourself, a mask is not likely to well protect from airborne virus. Yes, it may protect your nose and mouth from droplets, but droplets are still getting into your eyes, on your face, and in your hair. Whatcha doing about that?

And that's why PAPR units are what the Big Dogs wear.
 
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Hfcomms

EN66iq
Yes, it may protect your nose and mouth from droplets, but droplets are still getting into your eyes, on your face, and in your hair. Whatcha doing about that?

The respirator is only one layer of defense. Tyvek suits, booties and wrap around eye protection take care of the other issues. And if it gets bad and you decide or have to go out you really need all of that kit especially if your going into a known contaminated area.
 

lojoma

Veteran Member
I am non clinical staff at a flyover hospital too. Sadly not much movement toward allowing telecommuting for those who can. Talked to a manager who really did seem like a deer in headlights. Normalcy bias is strong.Restrictions on visitors have been implemented as of 2 days ago, masks being rationed with stern warnings not to take any PPE home. (Found that interesting.) There are waiting lists for every bed even in the best of times. A case has not yet been announced in our state, maybe when one is, probably soon, it will galvanize thought toward protecting staff with social distancing.
 

223shootersc

Veteran Member
Wrong about fit, most (probably all) hospitals do fit testing on n95 masks for each employee that will be issued them every time they change brands. Its required by OSHA.

Qualitative Fit Testing Protocol:
The Qualitative Fit Testing protocol consists of two parts: a Threshold Check and a Fit Test. The Threshold Check determines the subject’s ability to taste a weak solution of the challenge agent. The Fit Test uses the full strength solution to verify that the wearer can achieve an acceptable facial fit with the respirator. A medical evaluation to assess the ability to wear a respirator should be conducted prior to fit testing or respirator use.

Also wrong about filter, its not "paper crap":
The filters are made of fine strands of plastic blown onto a screen. This creates a complex netting. Manufacturers then take these filters of fine plastic fibers and form them into masks,.

The netting creates a physical barrier, catching particles as they try to fly through. The N95 and P100 respirators can catch particles as small as 0.3 microns wide — particles far too small for the eye to see.

Additionally, many of these masks also use static electricity. An electric charge from the fibers attracts the particles like magnets.

What Smith357 said in this post is almost text book correct. I have worked in the Health & Safety field for 42 years and this is correct on almost 100 %, everyone should read and adhere to these recommendations.
 

Melodi

Disaster Cat
You should probably do some reading on what health officials are saying publicly about the efficacy of N95 masks for protecting against Corona.
What is more important is what they say privately and in medical school classes - Nightwolf actually had to have certified training in using an N95 mask and yes they do help keep people from spreading the virus and he saw studies this morning that indicated that barriers (like masks and face shields) DO actually provide some limited protection for this virus.

They are not "paper crap" and they have their uses, which is why the "authorities" are telling the public they don't need them because they are running out and doctors/nurses/EMT's etc do, in fact, need them more (they get a much higher exposure rate).

Nightwolf also said that the majority of people won't wear them properly which is why they probably would be relatively useless, but worn properly they are ONE of the steps that can be taken to prevent transmission of the disease.

That isn't being paranoid or silly, it is simply the way the science is working (so far) - nothing is 100 percent protective and there are issues when the things are taken off if not done properly which can also lead to viral spread.
 

Faroe

Un-spun
This thread perplexes me, as most here would understand layers in home security, but are dissing masks.
You don't forgo a lock on the front door just because it can be picked, or kicked in altogether. Heavier screws and a steel frame for the door aren't dismissed just because a burgler might resort to smashing in a window instead.

A mask should improve one's chances, even if the fit could be better. Most people habitually and unconsciously touch their faces - might as well have a basic barrier. Glasses will help odds some, even if a full face shield would be better. Ditto, of course on all the additional layers of PPE.

The way some are arguing, Perfect is getting in the way of Good.
 

NoMoreLibs

Kill Commie's, Every Single One Of Them!
Well, that didn't take long. Got a hot one they're watching a few hours up the road (more of a major city). The dumbass left the country and came back with the junk. They'll be keeping them up the road, this one won't come our way, thankfully.
 

NoMoreLibs

Kill Commie's, Every Single One Of Them!
Ramping up, again. Now restricting children under 12 from any hospital campus, if they're not sick. So if Daddy's staying here, no kiddie visits under 12. And they're saying if you're over 12 and not feeling well....stay the phuck away (they put it a little nicer).

Reading between the lines from today's email - they know it's coming, just a matter of time. That sucks.
 

NoMoreLibs

Kill Commie's, Every Single One Of Them!
Latest:

(and keep in mind, we have zero cases or hunches here yet - what happens if it hits?)

- masks becoming rare, departments stealing from each other now, OR had to scramble for masks yesterday.
- masks are coming in, just not keeping up with demand.
- now OK'd to wear your mask ALL DAY. I'm not clinical....but that's f'n gross.
- casual conversation on where to get TP in the AO now. Today's rumor is the north side of town. Good grief.

Of course the attitude of this building is about 20 years behind so who knows what will really happen when/if it arrives.
 

Dozdoats

On TB every waking moment
There was a lot of emphasis on donning and doffing PPE in the CNA class I took a couple of years ago. PPE is a pain and I had rather not deal with it if it can be avoided.

That said, back in Jan when all this first came up I laid in a few boxes of gloves (XL are hard to find around here) and procedure masks (surgical masks) in the plague box.

DW got up with a sore throat yesterday- so I loaded her up with a couple of drops of P73 oregano oil sublingually and a gram of Vitamin C. She had an appointment to get the oil changed in her little truck, and she decided she ought to wear a mask to go out. So I got one out for her and showed her how to put it on.

It freaked people out so badly she took it off ….
 

Walrus Whisperer

Hope in chains...
Why the hell do women DO this crap to their detriment? I have given up ANY thought about offending others about how I look, I dress and do what and how I please. The rest of humanity can kiss my ass.
 

moldy

Veteran Member
Sigh...the nurses are not issued N95s fo disease protection. OSHA requires them for working with certain medications. I have to wear a mask If I am splitting certain pills, double gloves with others. Has nothing to do with infection control, at least not until last week.
 

Walrus Whisperer

Hope in chains...
I have been making me a few surgical type masks out of flannel and thin fleece, rubber stuff like for waistbands- but not as wide or heavy duty.
 
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