As I see it, masks are like helmets

[Alien]

Masks are a lot like helmets.  I choose to wear a mask in public, however, I do not care if you wear one or not.  What I do care about is that you give me my personal space (I've always been like that) and that you COVER YOUR DAMN MOUTH if you cough or sneeze.  Your mom should have taught you that.  Seriously, some basic manners would go a long way.

Ride Safe,

Alien

[3fan4life]

The difference is that a helmet provides protection for the wearer, a mask does not.

[Alien]

The difference is that a helmet provides protection for the wearer, a mask does not.

And there are those who would say that helmets make certain injuries worse.  I still wear mine.  You're basically right about the masks but the benefit they do provide is containing the spew from people who are sneezing and coughing and were never taught to cover their mouths. 

[Willow]

The difference is that a helmet provides protection for the wearer, a mask does not.

And there are those who would say that helmets make certain injuries worse.  I still wear mine.  You're basically right about the masks but the benefit they do provide is containing the spew from people who are sneezing and coughing and were never taught to cover their mouths.  

As for the protection the mask provides to others it only does so if the wearer is actually carrying the virus.  The odds of that are less than 6 in a thousand.

We are being encouraged or tricked into doing really stupid things.  Masks are among those.

Someone wise once said, "You can't fix stupid," but it seems you can certainly utilize it.  

[Valkorado]

Some carriers are asymptomatic.  One could assume that as the cases continue to surge, the number of asymptomatic folks wandering around spreading the virus will continue to grow.  Whether they are as contagious as symptomatic folks is debatable.  But according to most experts they are absolutely capable of spreading the virus.

Considering there is mounting evidence of aerosol transmission, masks just might be helpful reducing spread in certain crowded situations.

https://www.webmd.com/lung/news/20200713/u-s-faces-very-serious-problem-with-covid-19

[cookiedough]

I wonder what Costco and Walmart now and other stores mandating mask wearing would do if I just came in with my motorcycle helmet being in the down position?  Or even now my work area since if we ever get back to work in next 1-3 months (am hoping NEVER back in that office work from home forever) they are mandated us all to wear their provided surgical type like masks.   I think my cycle helmet would be more protecting right?

[3fan4life]

I believe that the main reason we are being told to wear masks is to make it look like we're doing something.

The biggest problem with masks among the general public is the false sense of security provided to the wearer.

It's not much different from the guy going 80mph wearing a novelty helmet.

I see people daily wearing masks and doing really stupid things.

Mainly, constantly touching their face.

Then after they touch their face or wipe their nose they touch other things.

Things that other people touch and then touch their face.


Yesterday, I changed lines at Walmart after I watched the cashier cough onto her hand and then continue checking out the customer without washing her hands or using some hand sanitizer.

It is much more important that people keep their distance and wash their hands than to simply wear a mask.

If they really want to mitigate this disease the government should be emphasizing these things and educating the general public in basic infection control practices.

It's much easier to tell everyone to wear a mask and make them think that their safe.

[3fan4life]

I wonder what Costco and Walmart now and other stores mandating mask wearing would do if I just came in with my motorcycle helmet being in the down position?  Or even now my work area since if we ever get back to work in next 1-3 months (am hoping NEVER back in that office work from home forever) they are mandated us all to wear their provided surgical type like masks.   I think my cycle helmet would be more protecting right?

Went to Walmart yesterday (first time since they supposedly started requiring masks) a security guard and the door asked me if I had a mask, I gave him a very curt NO and was told to have a nice day.

[Valkorado]

I believe that the main reason we are being told to wear masks is to make it look like we're doing something.

The biggest problem with masks among the general public is the false sense of security provided to the wearer.

It's not much different from the guy going 80mph wearing a novelty helmet.

I see people daily wearing masks and doing really stupid things.

Mainly, constantly touching their face.

Then after they touch their face or wipe their nose they touch other things.

Things that other people touch and then touch their face.


Yesterday, I changed lines at Walmart after I watched the cashier cough onto her hand and then continue checking out the customer without washing her hands or using some hand sanitizer.

It is much more important that people keep their distance and wash their hands than to simply wear a mask.

If they really want to mitigate this disease the government should be emphasizing these things and educating the general public in basic infection control practices.

It's much easier to tell everyone to wear a mask and make them think that their safe.

I agree with this, but still think we should distinguish between an n95 type mask and the medical masks and bandanas.  I hesitate to say this as they are still struggling to meet demand and are currently extremely overpriced.  I was lucky enough to have a small number of them.  I've used one maybe a total of a half hour combined, if that.  It has been painless.

[Valkorado]

I wonder what Costco and Walmart now and other stores mandating mask wearing would do if I just came in with my motorcycle helmet being in the down position?  Or even now my work area since if we ever get back to work in next 1-3 months (am hoping NEVER back in that office work from home forever) they are mandated us all to wear their provided surgical type like masks.   I think my cycle helmet would be more protecting right?

Went to Walmart yesterday (first time since they supposedly started requiring masks) a security guard and the door asked me if I had a mask, I gave him a very curt NO and was told to have a nice day.

To have a nice day and come on in, or to go away and have a nice day?  It's probably not a fun job to have, but he's most likely doing it to earn a paycheck and not maliciously trying to take away our constitutional rights.

[hubcapsc]

I used a mask some at InZane... often I'd forget to bring one downstairs, but
I had one sometimes... I also had one in my motorcycle britches back pocket
and wore it a few times when I went in places... I guess it is so that it is good
for others for you to wear a mask if you have the virus... all I know is I don't
have any symptoms... any of us might have it without knowing it... I have a
box of the little blue paper ones, so I actually used a NEW one some of
the time  ...

-Mike

[old2soon]

        I've stated this in another post and I'll repeat it here. My already labored breathing gits much worse with a mask then throw in the heat and humidity I'm now enjoying  in Southern Missouri REALLY REALLY adds to the degree of difficulty. Far as the coughing and sneezing goes-far too many were NEVER taught properly on How to mitigate it. RIDE SAFE.

[3fan4life]

I wonder what Costco and Walmart now and other stores mandating mask wearing would do if I just came in with my motorcycle helmet being in the down position?  Or even now my work area since if we ever get back to work in next 1-3 months (am hoping NEVER back in that office work from home forever) they are mandated us all to wear their provided surgical type like masks.   I think my cycle helmet would be more protecting right?

Went to Walmart yesterday (first time since they supposedly started requiring masks) a security guard and the door asked me if I had a mask, I gave him a very curt NO and was told to have a nice day.

To have a nice day and come on in, or to go away and have a nice day?  It's probably not a fun job to have, but he's most likely doing it to earn a paycheck and not maliciously trying to take away our constitutional rights.

He made no effort to prevent me from entering the store.

[3fan4life]

I believe that the main reason we are being told to wear masks is to make it look like we're doing something.

The biggest problem with masks among the general public is the false sense of security provided to the wearer.

It's not much different from the guy going 80mph wearing a novelty helmet.

I see people daily wearing masks and doing really stupid things.

Mainly, constantly touching their face.

Then after they touch their face or wipe their nose they touch other things.

Things that other people touch and then touch their face.


Yesterday, I changed lines at Walmart after I watched the cashier cough onto her hand and then continue checking out the customer without washing her hands or using some hand sanitizer.

It is much more important that people keep their distance and wash their hands than to simply wear a mask.

If they really want to mitigate this disease the government should be emphasizing these things and educating the general public in basic infection control practices.

It's much easier to tell everyone to wear a mask and make them think that their safe.

I agree with this, but still think we should distinguish between an n95 type mask and the medical masks and bandanas.  I hesitate to say this as they are still struggling to meet demand and are currently extremely overpriced.  I was lucky enough to have a small number of them.  I've used one maybe a total of a half hour combined, if that.  It has been painless.

As a medical mask the N95 only properly protects the wearer if they have been fit tested and are wearing the proper size.

It can only do its job if properly fitted and worn.

[Valkorado]

As a medical mask the N95 only properly protects the wearer if they have been fit tested and are wearing the proper size.

It can only do its job if properly fitted and worn.

Mine fit perfectly!  Both my full face motorcycle helmet and my n95s.  Thankfully I tested both for size and fit before purchase.  It really wasn't rocket science.

[f6john]

I don’t disagree with Alien. But this is all a CYA. My wife was in Walmart a few weeks ago and observed a lady wearing a mask, she momentarily pulled her mask down to sneeze and then promptly put the mask back in place. We are in such a politically correct environment that anything is possible as a remedy.
And just to reinforce my position, it doesn’t appear that Wal-Mart or any of the other retail centers who have bought into the mask mandate care what you do once you are inside as many patrons just pull them down while shopping.

Just count me an old goat in a sea full of sheep.

[3fan4life]

As a medical mask the N95 only properly protects the wearer if they have been fit tested and are wearing the proper size.

It can only do its job if properly fitted and worn.

Mine fit perfectly!  Both my full face motorcycle helmet and my n95s.  Thankfully I tested both for size and fit before purchase.  It really wasn't rocket science.

Possibly.

But unless you went through this:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xl4qX6qEYXU

There isn't a guarantee that it's working.

[Willow]

Some carriers are asymptomatic.  One could assume that as the cases continue to surge, the number of asymptomatic folks wandering around spreading the virus will continue to grow.  Whether they are as contagious as symptomatic folks is debatable.  But according to most experts they are absolutely capable of spreading the virus.
...

Again the 6 in a thousand number includes those asymptomatic.  It also includes those who are sick and bedridden or hospitalized so the 6 per thousand number is higher than reality.

Some carriers are asymptomatic.  ...  But according to most experts they are absolutely capable of spreading the virus.
...

You should check your collection of "most experts".  The W.H.O. (yes, I know) has declared that asymptomatic transmission is very rare.  There is disagreement among "experts".  I put "experts" in quotes because all the claimed experts tell us that is so new that we've seen nothing like this before (??).     I see a lot of guessing about what may and what may not apply transitioned into unsure advice.

[Valkorado]

As a medical mask the N95 only properly protects the wearer if they have been fit tested and are wearing the proper size.

It can only do its job if properly fitted and worn.

Mine fit perfectly!  Both my full face motorcycle helmet and my n95s.  Thankfully I tested both for size and fit before purchase.  It really wasn't rocket science.

Possibly.

But unless you went through this:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xl4qX6qEYXU

There isn't a guarantee that it's working.

Not too worried about it.  I haven't worn one in over a month.  I didn't wear one when seven riders came up from Utah, handshakes all around!  Same with Whooray's group from Idaho of about the same size.

I'll wear one in large crowds, where it's mandated in the state.  Seriously, no skin off my arse.

[Willow]

...  Seriously, no skin off my arse.

LOL!  Just to take some stress out of some folks' lives, ass is not on the prohibited list.   

[Valkorado]

Some carriers are asymptomatic.  One could assume that as the cases continue to surge, the number of asymptomatic folks wandering around spreading the virus will continue to grow.  Whether they are as contagious as symptomatic folks is debatable.  But according to most experts they are absolutely capable of spreading the virus.
...

Again the 6 in a thousand number includes those asymptomatic.  It also includes those who are sick and bedridden or hospitalized so the 6 per thousand number is higher than reality.

Some carriers are asymptomatic.  ...  But according to most experts they are absolutely capable of spreading the virus.
...

You should check your collection of "most experts".  The W.H.O. (yes, I know) has declared that asymptomatic transmission is very rare.  There is disagreement among "experts".  I put "experts" in quotes because all the claimed experts tell us that is so new that we've seen nothing like this before (??).    I see a lot of guessing about what may and what may not apply transitioned into unsure advice.

It is "new".  It's a corona, but other than that it has little in common with ones that cause our common colds.  It's more similar to SARS and MERS, but very different in significant ways.  Our race has been familiar with "flu" for over a thousand years.  C-19, less than one.  Ya the "expert" advice has been all over.  Some stances with reason, some admittedly questionable.  When it comes to masks, Fauci (yes, I know) and Surgeon General Jerome Adams have as much as admitted they were initially recommending against masks because of concern with having enough supply for medical professionals.

Regardless, when it comes to science I generally lean toward the most recent information being the best.  I remember writing in the megathread at the beginning of all this that if I ever had to get it I'd rather get it in, "eight months from now" than then.  If I have to get it I'd still rather get it eight months from now than tomorrow.  That's because they're learning all the time...

[Valkorado]

...  Seriously, no skin off my arse.

LOL!  Just to take some stress out of some folks' lives, ass is not on the prohibited list.   

   Good, I sure wouldn't want to rile up the bigwigs 'round here!

[Willow]

It is "new".  It's a corona, but other than that it has little in common with ones that cause our common colds.  It's more similar to SARS and MERS, but very different in significant ways.  Our race has been familiar with "flu" for over a thousand years.  C-19, less than one.  ...

Regardless, when it comes to science I generally lean toward the most recent information being the best.  ...

My point was there are no "experts" with experience upon which to depend.

As to science, my definition of science is something that can be tested, reproduced, and consistently predicted.  Much of what passes today for science is replete with speculation based upon more speculation.

It's nice to encounter someone who knows the difference between then and than. 

[Valkorado]

It's nice to encounter someone who knows the difference between then and than.  

Thanks.  I'm impressed with your linguistic syntax and grammar as well!  

[Willow]

Thanks.  I'm impressed with your linguistic syntax and grammar as well!   

LOL!  I'm a high school dropout.  You may want to raise your standards some.   

[Valkorado]

Thanks.  I'm impressed with your linguistic syntax and grammar as well!   

LOL!  I'm a high school dropout.  You may want to raise your standards some.   

Don't be humble, just take the compliment before it expires.   

[Alberta Patriot]

All one can do is crack a six pack of Corona and ponder how so many people are so cursed weak and compliant when it comes to this democrat perpetual lock down/forced muzzles/contact spying on your cell phone/closed bars and beaches...everything these marxist cockroaches do is sucking the fun out of life. What person in their right mind would consciously vote for this??
BTW...for crying out loud, stop watching CNN etc...etc. They are part of hammering home this crap every day.

[Valkorado]

Speaking for myself our current President will get my vote, again.  It won't be because I think he's a great virologist.  

[hubcapsc]

when it comes to science I generally lean toward the most recent information being the best.

I was reading an article in the Wall Street Journal:

... Earlier this month, a report by Elisabeth Bik, an image-analysis expert and former researcher at the Stanford School of Medicine, found that six global journals had published 121 scientific papers that appeared to reuse identical sets of images, despite covering different topics over a four-year period...

... The cache of 121 papers—all of which shared at least one image with another—appears to be the work of the same company, or “paper mill,” that sells ready-made papers to scholars, said Dr. Bik...

Science is golden, but scientists are people.

-Mike "you can't have nothin' nice..."