Should We Go, or Should We Stay?

[Lax1724]

"I think masks are just plain dumb and avoid them at all costs."

I respectfully disagree. I agree that they're probably don't do much good outdoors (except maybe in a large packed crowd outside), but I do think they can work inside. It's true that the virus particles are smaller than the openings in the mask, so a mask won't prevent individual airborne particles from getting through, but they do prevent - or greatly diminish - small particles of saliva that we all expel when talking. From my limited understanding, the dose of virus is important, so a single airborne virus probably isn't sufficient to infect someone. However, those spit particles can be full of virus, so that's where I think masks can help prevent transmission - especially from the person wearing the mask.

Here's the first paragraph of the conclusion from a peer-reviewed article titled 'An evidence review of face masks against COVID-19' (Proceedings from the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America):

"Our review of the literature offers evidence in favor of widespread mask use as source control to reduce community transmission: Nonmedical masks use materials that obstruct particles of the necessary size; people are most infectious in the initial period postinfection, where it is common to have few or no symptoms (45, 46, 141); nonmedical masks have been effective in reducing transmission of respiratory viruses; and places and time periods where mask usage is required or widespread have shown substantially lower community transmission."

I 100% respect your disagreement with my opinion. I struggle with all of the conflicting information that is out there about masks. So, I look to our leaders to see what they do. Countless numbers of them continue to get caught disregarding the mask rules that they put in place.

[JDd]

always remember,...
knowledge is power.
hAPPY NEW year!

thanks ROB

[wrtiii]

I look to our leaders to see what they do. Countless numbers of them continue to get caught disregarding the mask rules that they put in place.

Hah! Our "leaders" apparently learn early on to think that the rules they help make don't apply to them! Look how many of them get charged with DUI, with solicitation, with fraud and theft, with insider trading, etc., etc.

[Rob]

Hah! Our "leaders" apparently learn early on to think that the rules they help make don't apply to them! Look how many of them get charged with DUI, with solicitation, with fraud and theft, with insider trading, etc., etc.

Lol.... good one....