BristolUK

I masked up for taxi and inside the big pharmacy/grocery store today.

Around 20 other customers and only two others were masked. Distancing was well observed though.

I was a bit surprised more weren't masked considering only about two weeks ago it was announced mandatory for public places inside. They did actually backtrack about the mandatory aspect a day later but it seemed to me that had less publicity so I thought fewer may not know.

It's likely coming so why not get used to it - and get a supply - so you're ready?

Danny B

https://aip.scitation.org/doi/10.1063/5.0016018

TLDR: Buy a decent mask, not some crappy loose fitting bandanna.

The use of face masks in public settings has been widely recommended by public health officials during the current COVID-19 pandemic. The masks help mitigate the risk of cross-infection via respiratory droplets; however, there are no specific guidelines on mask materials and designs that are most effective in minimizing droplet dispersal. While there have been prior studies on the performance of medical-grade masks, there are insufficient data on cloth-based coverings, which are being used by a vast majority of the general public.
We use qualitative visualizations of emulated coughs and sneezes to examine how material- and design-choices impact the extent to which droplet-laden respiratory jets are blocked.

Loosely folded face masks and bandana-style coverings provide minimal stopping-capability for the smallest aerosolized respiratory droplets. Well-fitted homemade masks with multiple layers of quilting fabric, and off-the-shelf cone style masks, proved to be the most effective in reducing droplet dispersal. These masks were able to curtail the speed and range of the respiratory jets significantly, albeit with some leakage through the mask material and from small gaps along the edges.

Importantly, uncovered emulated coughs were able to travel notably farther than the currently recommended 6-ft distancing guideline. We outline the procedure for setting up simple visualization experiments using easily available materials, which may help healthcare professionals, medical researchers, and manufacturers in assessing the effectiveness of face masks and other personal protective equipment qualitatively.

scrubbedexpat091

So all these thin cloth style masks companies and makers have made that are thin fabric without layers don't seem particularly useful?

Haven't seen any cone style masks in store, but cheap blue thin surgical masks are dime a dozen at Canadian Tire, but at average cost per mask $1, seems the cost would add up pretty quickly, and not sure if reusing that type of mask is suitable.

The Canadian Tire disposable masks are too small for my face, as are all the cloth ones I bough, but the custom made one my wife's friend made fits, but relatively thin fabric and not layered, was done in a rush due to the thought at the time I was flying in a few days.

Maybe I'll just put a water bottle over my head.

https://dailyhive.com/seattle/water-...rus-washington

Danny B

I get some really weird looks when I wear mine

Almost Canadian

Do those that wear masks continue to wear them while at home? If not, why not? Is transmission to family members deemed acceptable?

Former Lancastrian

Does that include pets as well Oh the advantages of just having a cat to live with.

scrubbedexpat091

Went to Wal Mart 2 times today and Super Store once today.

I decided to do a survey of people while there.

WM- 56 people counted of which 11 had masks.
WM- 62 people counted of which 18 had masks.
Super- 37 people counted of which 5 had masks.

No employees encountered had masks on on.

BristolUK

Danny B

I think it's pretty much a given that if I have it, my Wife has it and vice versa. We are in a healthy relationship

Atlantic Xpat

Your signature line has never been so apt for the post you just made.

Danny B

Skip to 1m 27 s and that's why we social distance.

BristolUK

BristolUK

My Walmart 3rd party masks turned up after all. Only took about 10 weeks

scrubbedexpat091

But look how far they had to go, I assume they went from China/Asia somewhere to Atlantic Canada via least expensive option so may have sat on a ship, the lack of flights are seeing more of the lower postage/lower priority mail being sent by sea, limited cargo capacity and such still.

10 weeks may not actually be all that bad...

scrubbedexpat091

Maybe this virus is mutating to a zombie virus that hates masks....

But its leading to some interesting entertainment these days.