Why Wearing a Face Mask Is Encouraged in Asia, but Shunned in the U.S.

[mia]

It's safe to assume that many of us, most likely, have already been exposed to the COVID-19 virus. While not sick, or even knowing we have been been in contact with another carrier, we may still be able to pass the virus on to others. It's up to each of us to minimize infecting others.

Why are Americans reluctant to wear face masks in public?

Cheryl Man is usually the only one wearing a face mask on her New York City subway train. She notices this, but other people on the train notice, too. Usually she just gets odd stares from other commuters. But on Tuesday morning, when she was walking to school, a group of teens jeered at her and coughed in her direction.

“I felt very humiliated and misunderstood,” says Man, a 20-year-old student and research assistant who is ethnically Chinese.

Man also feels the stigma at her workplace, where she keeps her mask on. None of her colleagues wear a face mask, and some of them have asked her if she is sick.

“Why do they think it’s about me? It’s a civic duty,” she says. “If I have a mask on, and if—touch wood—I’m infected, I could cut the chain off where I am. That could save a lot of people.”Cheryl Man is usually the only one wearing a face mask on her New York City subway train. She notices this, but other people on the train notice, too. Usually she just gets odd stares from other commuters. But on Tuesday morning, when she was walking to school, a group of teens jeered at her and coughed in her direction....

https://time.com/5799964/coronavirus-face-mask-asia-us/

[LisaL]

1. We don't have enough masks.

For everybody to buy and wear. Masks are disposable, so they need to be changed all the time. So it's not like you buy one and you are set. Which I suspect is the real reason we are told they are not effective.

[Rorey]

2. I'd like to know if it would make sense to make our own reusable masks

I'm thinking about dragging out my sewing machine.

The real reason we're not supposed to buy masks is so that they'll be available for medical personnel, AFAIK. Making our own wouldn't hurt anything.

[LisaL]

3. Virus particles are very small.

Homemade mask isn't going to stop those particles. You need N95 or N99 respirator. That said, if you make you own masks that you can wash, they probably wouldn't hurt you?

[Rorey]

5. Maybe the fear factor would make people keep their distance

I just think that there's got to be a better answer, and something that we can do ourselves.

[LisaL]

6. Per that article, homemade masks should be considered as a last resort, but are better than

no protection. So I would start sawing if I could.

[mia]

16. Here's a quick idea that requires no sewing.

Perhaps fabric would be better....

https://giphy.com/gifs/coronavirus-dWHlF0xirrRAPoxo2q

[Rorey]

17. I think making some masks will be a good diversion for me

I have a ton of things to do, of course, but it's always distracting to get involved in a new project.

[Bernardo de La Paz]

8. No. It is a CONTACT virus. Aerosol is generated by medical procedures like intubation.

Avoid coughers and stand six feet (two metres) away from people when talking to avoid spittle.

Wash with SOAP and DON'T TOUCH YOUR FACE.

[LisaL]

12. Kind of hard to stay six feet away from everyone when in public.

[Bernardo de La Paz]

13. Sure some risk, but it is not aerosol. I emphasized "when talking" re heightened risk from spittle.

[mrs_p]

4. I can't even get a surgical face mask for

my work right now, which is actually needed in some of my cases.

[Bernardo de La Paz]

7. Face masks are useless for most of public. It is a CONTACT virus, not aerosol.

Avoid spittle when talking by maintaining two metres (six feet) distance when talking, and avoid coughers, but don't worry about aerosol hardly at all. Maybe wear one on a plane if you must fly, but driving is safer.

It is mostly transmitted by contact via not washing hands with SOAP (hand cleaner less effective) and NOT TOUCHING FACE.

[Rorey]

9. Yeah, I really need to start tying my hair back when I go out

I try so hard to remember not to touch my face, and of course when I went to the store yesterday morning (when I hoped it wouldn't be busy), I got a hair in my mouth. Ugh. Probably gonna die now.

[Bernardo de La Paz]

11. Very good point about hair. . . . nt

[mia]

10. Simple mask ideas to help prevent the spread of OUR germs to others

We could wear scarves or large bandana that could be pulled up.

This idea requires two elastic bands, paper or fabric, and staples.
https://giphy.com/gifs/coronavirus-dWHlF0xirrRAPoxo2q

[Rorey]

15. Clever and quick, but maybe would be better with something less porous

I also saw this, which would take more time.

[link:https://www.cottontimemagazine.com/page/10|

[mia]

18. Thanks for this link.

Another idea to work with.

[Grammy23]

14. But watch. Once larger numbers of people get sick and the deaths rise,

all those who thought masks are overkill or over reacting would pay a king’s ransom for a mask. This crisis is still in the early stages in the U.S. so they are still in denial as a coping mechanism. Fox News and tRump have not helped by minimizing the situation and even suggesting it is not real. Large numbers of sick people and dead victims are harder to deny. Eventually they will know someone with the virus or a famous person will die and suddenly it will be real to them. At that point, no price will be too much for a mask or anything purported to help reduce their chances of getting it.

As for the young who mocked her or jeered and coughed towards her, young people frequently meet a scary situation by mocking the whole thing. Or acting falsely brave. They may inaccurately hold to the fantasy that they will live forever. They have not experienced enough life to know that all of us die — eventually. Some much sooner than we expected. I can forgive them much easier than the easily duped older ones because it is their youth and lack of experience that leads them down a primrose path. Like their older counterparts, once the numbers rise of sick and dying people, they will realize their mistake and be among the most ardent trying to get someone to “do something”. Others may even decide to make their life’s work about combating things like this pandemic.

[mia]

20. I agree.

Perhaps this fashion trend could help the youth get onboard.

[Rorey]

23. I just ordered some similar products

Thanks for the idea.

[Rorey]

21. The ridicule my son faced

My son started stocking up over a month ago. People at his office laughed up until yesterday. We just had the first confirmed case in our county, and now they're not laughing.

I'm annoyed and yet amused at the folks who call those of us who have been preparing "stupid". But I've got tp and they don't. So there's that.

[japple]

19. I have started wearing gloves when I go out in public--just as a reminder to myself

not to touch my face. With allergy season in full swing, it's hard to remember not to rub my itchy nose. I have several pairs of those cheap white cotton gloves that are used in archives and antiques businesses to handle fragile items. Available at drugstores, they are easily laundered and though they probably wouldn't protect me from anything, they do remind me not to touch my nose, eyes, or mouth.

[Rorey]

22. I think that's a great idea

Whatever works.

[tavernier]

24. If things get bad I will wear a mask in public places,

but only to remind myself not to touch my face.

I’m 73 and don’t really give a shit if teens make fun of me.
I did order some funny mouth and nose masks from Wish with vampire teeth and smiles and zippers and mustache art on them.