Agree. I saw several studies from serious sources that it helps a lot. And you need to agree that normal life goes on in S. Korea with people all wearing masks, cleaning hands, avoid larges social gatherings, tests, and tracking the sick and the people they come across. I think this will be the way for the coming winter, when the virus reappears again. Nobody will want quarantine the whole country again!
3 Likes
The toilet paper curve has flattened out in Houston. There is no problem getting it.
1 Like
great news
Very difficult in the UK. Current government advice does not include mask wearing but we’ve got a couple of washable ones on the assumption that the advice will change in due course. Mrs H has also ordered a pack of disposable ones but they do seem to be taking some time coming - not so long as to think we’ve been ripped off. I feel sure masks are going to become an important part of any relaxation of the lockdown, along with continued distancing - maybe not a requirement to wear them them all the time but just when in busier surroundings like buses and shops.
As of 8 PM last night (Friday the 17th) all New Yorkers, under orders from Governor Cuomo, are REQUIRED to wear a mask if they are in public and unable to practice social distancing:
https://gothamist.com/news/new-yorks-new-mask-rule-takes-effect-friday-night
Mr Rat and I have been wearing bandanas. I went to a bodega earlier tonight and this was the first time I’d seen a sign on the door saying that nobody could enter without a face mask. BTW I find it really hard to breathe with the bandana on if I wear it for more than about 20 minutes. Then I get panicky because I feel like I’m developing corona breathing problems, except it’s really just bandana breathing problems.
5 Likes
Compliance with advice and guidance is poor among Americans. I think that’s why orders and regulations are increasing. The carrot didn’t work so out comes the stick. In my state of Maryland we have mandated masks in essential stores (all that is open) and public transit. I’m wearing a dust mask with a bandana over it. It’s what I have.
2 Likes
For any and all HOs who need them, after donating almost 1000 masks to our local essential workers, my wife’s store is now selling them online. I wish I could say she is making some money doing it, but she’s giving any proceeds to her cadre of starving artists and donating the rest to HABCore.
8 Likes
There are many fake sites… unfortunately, I did a search yesterday on disponibles ones in case I need to go to clinics or hospitals in May, I checked with Google the reputation of those sites. Most of them are registered last month.
For day to day usage, home made masks with a filter (paper towel or vacuum cleaner bags) seems fine.
I think the more reliable way is to ask foreign friends (especially in Asia) to help to buy and send you. It’s the only reliable way. BTW, don’t mark “masks” on the parcel, many thefts.
1 Like
Very nice to hear your wife is helping the needy. Here there are so many people excluded. I prefer the US or German system that everybody gets the financial aid quickly, without verification. France Covid finanacial help is very complicated, the long termed salary people with temporary jobless status is the best protected, will get at least 85% of their normal salary, and the other categories, the government is still looking at each application case by case approval, many restaurant owners have the status of “auto entrepreneurs”, they have waited applied weeks already, and still didn’t receive anything. I don’t think it’s right way, one should help first and verify later, you can always fine those who cheat eventually. Unfortunately, I think many small restaurants will go bust in France.
1 Like
Yesterday was the first time I was able to keep my mask on the entire time I was out (about 3 hours). Until now, I’ve had to take it off every so often - outside, far away from anyone else - so as to not feel like I’m dying. And I get a headache either from breathing in my own CO2 or from the elastic around my head.
6 Likes
Perhaps as an “American”, I can’t help but bristle at the thought that all “Americans” can be lumped together. But (I bristle ) only briefly.
1 Like
I’m American also. I can still observe–I hope–objectively.
Here is a new thing to stock up on but only for those of us chromosonally disadvantaged who choose to sport facial air. When scuba diving I have found that chap stick worked into my mustache helps my dive mask seal against my face. I’m finding the same with masks that are supposed to be close fitting.
Getting it out again is a different matter.
I was in a pharmacy that also doubles as a small grocery store yesterday. While I was there picking up my prescription I thought I’d pick up some essentials . . . milk, batteries, coffee, tuna, ice cream, 1/2 off Easter candy. Right near the tuna was the blue box mac & cheese. Yep, I threw a box into my basket.
And yes, I was wearing my mask. PA’s governor recently mandated mask wearing in public. Fortunately (?) I was in the ER 2 days ago and received a medical-grade mask. The nurse explained how to wash/dry it properly for reuse . . . a procedure with which they have unfortunately become very familiar. Prior to that I was using a scarf, but I imagine that would become extremely uncomfortable as we move into May.
1 Like
I suspect the scarf answer might be one of the light “fashion accessory” types, rather than the ones to keep you warm in winter.
1 Like
I function very well in the cold, but I am very heat-averse. I do have a drawer full of fashion scarves, but they have to wrap around the neck to effectively cover the mouth (Though now that I think about it, I could probably tie one like a bandanna 
I’m hoping I can keep the medical mask going until masks are more commercially available.
1 Like
Understood about the heat-averse.
Mrs H also has a drawer full, whihc is what prompted me to mention them. I suspect I’m going to end up looking very fetching wearing one of them.
3 Likes
Some are holiday-specific (Halloween, Christmas, etc). But I imagine my rose-themed scarf would really work for you.
Sorry about your need to go to the ER, but like you, we have to look at the silver linings of things. Kind of the way I came to feel when on the IV antibiotics. I scored some masks, hand sanitizers and some really small but extremely potent disinfecting wipes (for sterilizing components of the line). So, in a way I was already fixed up, pre-pandemic, @gaffk. H is at pharmacy now picking up some Rx’s, who knows, he might come home with a bag of Cheetos! 
1 Like
Lol 
