I still wear a mask when I’m in crowded places. I would wear one if I worked at a government office or university. I know I stand out when I wear a mask, and I feel the peer pressure to not wear one, which leads me to avoid some situations.
I have been able to avoid catching the flu or any colds.
I don’t wear a mask if the ventilation is good. (CO2 under 1000)
The ventilation is not good in a lot of institutions and office buildings. It’s terrible on buses. It isn’t great in many university dorms, classrooms or cafeterias. It’s really hard for college and university students to avoid bugs when they rip through campus.
One can test the ventilation of the space one is in with a CO2 monitor, which measures how much CO2 has been exhaled into the room.
Well-built modern buildings have air exchange, and open windows also help clear the air,. so one is less likely to be inhaling someone else’s respiratory bugs. Open kitchens in some restaurants have strong fans which help with the air exchange. I sat at the bar at Au Pied du Cochon in MTL in Oct, and the CO2 was a reasonable number because I was seated so close to the fans in the kitchen
After carrying a CO2 monitor around for 3 years, I know can guesstimate fairly accurately if a restaurant, office space or waiting room has good ventilation.
I have relaxed things quite a bit, in that I have returned to dining indoors at some restaurants that aren’t too crowded.
I realize it’s a you do you decision. It is how I have avoided catching bugs.
I also back away, or leave (and come back later), if someone is coughing and sneezing near me in a grocery store, bank, or line.
