just when you thought you knew what stupid was

[Citydude]

Thanks for the kind note. I find your comment funny because I don't actually characterize myself as a very patient individual. Quite the opposite.

I've had conversations multiple times with colleagues about these exact types of discussions.

The research is very clear, but not always accesible to the average person, that masks make a significant difference in preventing the spread of the virus. They usually aren't reading the peer-reviewed articles, attending the seminars/webinars, participating in funding discussion at grant agencies, etc.

If we want to make a difference in this pandemic, sitting in our ivory towers while doing more research that confirms what we already know isn't they way to go about doing it.

Instead, the approach that is likely to have a more positive impact (more compliance) is to engage with individuals and try to explain why masks actually do make a difference.

This approach can work. Initially, almost all states hesitated in implementing mask mandates, and slowly but surely, virtually every one has now reversed that decision.

It does, at times, feel like you're talking to a wall though. You can't convince everyone, but if you can convince a few, that has a chance of making a difference and saving a few lives.

I appreciate your input. One question that I have is I heard that if you can smell ground coffee through your mask, it does no good to stop a virus. Is this valid?

 

[deezler]

Cloth Masks Are Useless Against COVID-19 | Infection Control Today

FROM YOUR OWN LINK: "at the end of the day, cloth masks in my opinion don稚 work in any form. They aren稚 very good at source control, except for maybe very large particles. And they should not be used in healthcare settings for a number of reasons. Surgical masks, I decided, based on the literature, might have a role as source control for people who have symptoms.

This pathetic article/interview is just the opinion of one grumpy lady. Who readily admits that MASKS WORK as source control for infected persons (her statement of persons with "symptoms" is completely unscientific garbage). THAT IS THE ENTIRE POINT. We don't know who has covid, because you could be pre-symptomatic or asymptomatic. Wear the mask in public spaces, or you are just being selfish.

 

[deezler]

Thanks RSR and all the other intelligent folks chiming in to help continue to remind our fellow citizens about the importance of following scientific guidance on this novel virus. Wearing a mask is easy and simple, just like wearing clothes in public and fastening your seatbelt in your car.

I'm sure the denialists will call this fake news and stay firmly in their confirmation bias bubble, but I actually found this article somewhat relevant:
Pandemic denial: Why some people can't accept Covid-19's realities - CNN

Persistent denial of such simple truth is basically a form of mental illness that requires calm and steady responses.

 

[deezler]

I appreciate your input. One question that I have is I heard that if you can smell ground coffee through your mask, it does no good to stop a virus. Is this valid?

Not one bit. Gas molecules that you smell from coffee, farts, etc, are TINY and easily flow through a mask. Droplets that you exhale that carry the virus are much, much larger, and are thus easily caught by a mask that you could still smell things through.

 

[Citydude]

Not one bit. Gas molecules that you smell from coffee, farts, etc, are TINY and easily flow through a mask. Droplets that you exhale that carry the virus are much, much larger, and are thus easily caught by a mask that you could still smell things through.

Actually I was asking the question to RSR. But thanks.

 

[MossRoad]

Some people have iny confused with outy.

 

[Citydude]

To further the iny and outy confusion, can the virus be air born on its own or does it have to be on a moisture molecule?

 

[MossRoad]

To further the iny and outy confusion, can the virus be air born on its own or does it have to be on a moisture molecule?

That's a good question.

 

[k0ua]

Here's the same argument applied to you....

If you're going to spout that you live in Texas but won't post your real name and address, you have lost all credibility.

James Baxter
105 Shary Creek Ln.
Branson, Mo. 65616

How is that for cred?

 

[k0ua]

That's a good question.

I don't think anyone has the answer to that for sure at the moment.
Next good question. does having Covid-19 make antibodies in your body. and if so, for how long
Next good question. are there multiple strains of Covid-19?.. If you have antibodies for one, are they effective on another if it exists? And for how long?

I have not seen any definitive answers on any of this.