fatjay
Veteran Member
Sure you should, expressing your views and opinions in healthy debate is how knowledge is spread and things are figured out. Putting your fingers in your ears and screaming, not so much.okay, I shouldn't but... I never learn.
there is no doubt that the cases are down and the flu is pretty much non existent.
these are facts, yes.
many attribute that to mask wearing. so, there are multiple types of N95, some are vented some are not. so a virus could move out but be restricted on inhalation... or not.
the material is N95 not the mask.
now, lets talk about fit. When I used to wear a respirator -N95 cartridges - I was fitted every year. Not all over the counter N95s are sized and the paper ones I used to wear did not stop things as well as the cartridge types. More over, how many people wear them correctly. I have seen several that did not know how to fit the nose piece. many more that cut the straps so they did not fit the face correctly. even more that didn't try to form the mask to their faces at all.
In a clinical setting with trained users, yes they can be effective. in the real world... Not so much. Also, most people never wore N95 masks. (and I do argue this point with a clinition.)
I think there are some major errors in the study... just sayin'
Now, the government also shut down all the schools, restaurants, businesses, churches, ball games, much of the transportation systems and other things that kept people away from each other. Let's not forget the massive hygiene campaigns and mandates.
I remember years back there was a study in Iceland. it seemed they had very little flu type illnesses after tourist season was over and they became isolated again.
so, should people wear masks... doubt it hurts. Are masks the reason things are getting better... I doubt they hurt. Is it all of the above things that we did and a nation... most likely.
what we should learn but, I doubt we will: practice good hygiene and be courteous to all.
thanks. rant over.
I wasn't referring to n95's, just the cloth masks. Viruses are fairly light, a slight breeze, such as exhaling, will project the virus a good distance, where the cloth mask generally keeps your breath in your immediate area. It's not a filtration device, it's a keep your breath to yourself device, it was never meant to catch the virus. I have yet to see any evidence that contradicts that, and a lot of evidence that supports it, one of which is how the flu has not spread almost at all compared to previous years.
I'm certainly not in any position of authority to decide who or what should be shut down. However, had I done it, I probably would have not shut things down but would have risk scores. Obviously taking away people's livelihoods is not a long term solution and is not sustainable and would create an unreasonable burden on them. Restaurants shutting down is crippling people's business, I would have focused on a way to get them open while minimizing risk. Same with schools, businesses, churches, etc. Then, assign a risk score, so people would know that they're going into a higher risk situation, and allow people to evaluate things on their own. Give the people the information they need to make smart decisions for themselves. But instead they've created a bunch of deniers or refusers, as well as a bunch of people locked in their basement scared to go out. And neither are really helping the situation.