Read on Twitter
1/ So we are making headway (maskway?) here in the US w/ more consensus that masks are key; collectively, we can drive transmission down big time.
But- if we accept that the average person (talking about myself here) can’t wear a mask 24/7...
a thread: https://www.npr.org/2020/07/03/886905055/widespread-use-of-face-masks-could-save-tens-of-thousands-of-lives-models-projec?utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=npr&utm_source=facebook.com&utm_term=nprnews
But- if we accept that the average person (talking about myself here) can’t wear a mask 24/7...
a thread: https://www.npr.org/2020/07/03/886905055/widespread-use-of-face-masks-could-save-tens-of-thousands-of-lives-models-projec?utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=npr&utm_source=facebook.com&utm_term=nprnews
2/ Masks are key bc they both block transmission to others & protect the wearer; they don’t do either perfectly (the better the mask, the better it works), but perfect is the enemy of the good-enough-to-keep-R0 below 1
So, masks > no masks. The most important point.
So, masks > no masks. The most important point.
3/ We would greatly benefit from better masks. Folded up t shirts work- but the better the mask, the less transmission.
ESP for essential workers + those at high risk of bad disease, higher filtration masks are key. https://hbr.org/2020/06/we-need-better-masks
ESP for essential workers + those at high risk of bad disease, higher filtration masks are key. https://hbr.org/2020/06/we-need-better-masks
4/ How do we get better masks?
This will have to happen either through the federal government (no words left for these ppl...) or through the private sector (every single company/business should be racing toward making these- huge market for this)
This will have to happen either through the federal government (no words left for these ppl...) or through the private sector (every single company/business should be racing toward making these- huge market for this)
5/ Masks are not just to stop COVID19 cases + hospitalizations + deaths...
They are also our ticket toward actually reopening safely, getting back to work, & doing things that we love to do. Without a vaccine, masks are our next most pragmatic step. https://hbr.org/amp/2020/05/a-plan-to-safely-reopen-the-u-s-despite-inadequate-testing
They are also our ticket toward actually reopening safely, getting back to work, & doing things that we love to do. Without a vaccine, masks are our next most pragmatic step. https://hbr.org/amp/2020/05/a-plan-to-safely-reopen-the-u-s-despite-inadequate-testing
6/ Masking is not an all/nothing behavior either. I keep seeing people running outside alone w/ masks on, yet not masking indoors while socializing w/ friends/ family.
When you mask is key. And if people only can mask for X number of hours, I prefer they do it when highest risk.
When you mask is key. And if people only can mask for X number of hours, I prefer they do it when highest risk.
7/ This means masking indoors.
This may very well mean masking around family or relatives as well, especially if they are high risk and you live in a high-transmission area where you are out in the community often.
Would also add during public transport, and at work.
This may very well mean masking around family or relatives as well, especially if they are high risk and you live in a high-transmission area where you are out in the community often.
Would also add during public transport, and at work.
8/ Masking while alone in your car or masking when you are on a walk by yourself or masking for the millisecond you pass by someone on the street— personally, I care less about these instances.
Your mask here likely won’t do too much- your risk of transmission is very low
Your mask here likely won’t do too much- your risk of transmission is very low
9/ So in short: masks work; better masks work better; masking during high risk transmission setups matters more than masking during low risk tx setups.
Lastly, don’t shame those not wearing a mask. It won’t work. A genuine conversation may go further (keep your mask on though
Lastly, don’t shame those not wearing a mask. It won’t work. A genuine conversation may go further (keep your mask on though