My son has to use the same N95 mask and then put it in a bag for 5 days???

[OhioChick]

Both my kids are ER physicians.

One is being pulled out of the ER and has to report to the ICU.

He'll be given ONE N-95 mask in which he'll have to use that SAME mask for 5 days, putting it in a bag with his name on it.

He's in a red zone.

As a mother, I'm terrified.

[FarPoint]

1. My heart goes out to you...

We know this is below standard...

[OhioChick]

37. It's far below standard, unfortunately.

Thank you for your kindness.

[emmaverybo]

2. This is not right. It is criminal. I am so sorry you have this worry. They are hero's but should not

be put in jeopardy in a first world country. I hope he and others at risk can demand that they get better safety gear.

[OhioChick]

36. Thank you for your thoughts

We seem to be turning into a 3rd world country.

My kids and their colleagues have demanded proper safety gear and were told, we can't offer you what we don't have.

[still_one]

3. Unfortunately i am pretty sure the reason they are doing that is because of a shortage of masks, whi

is unacceptable, and I lay blame at those in the WH

[Docreed2003]

7. Exactly

We're having to do the same thing here in TN

[still_one]

8. It's outrageous

[OhioChick]

38. It's terrible n/t

[OhioChick]

39. I know what you mean and agree in regard to the WH

I just feel so beaten down.

[still_one]

56. You are not alone

[MontanaMama]

4. The assholes in the WH were asking

construction companies to donate any N95 masks they had in their inventory to local hospitals!! WTAF? They didn’t even offer to buy them. So now the WH wants more free stuff from small businesses. Good grief.

[OhioChick]

41. Construction companies here

That aren't currently working and get them cheap are being generous enough to offer what they have in some areas.

I guess they realize that if they get ill, who will care for them.

[UpInArms]

5. I will ask all the gods for goodness

I am so sorry

[OhioChick]

6. Thank you for your kindness

He lives with me and I'm scared to death for the both of us.

[OhioChick]

9. I bought my kids some N-95's as I expected this to happen

The hospital said they can NOT use these masks (even though they're the exact same masks) as it's AGAINST hospital protocol.

I've contacted both my Senators, (Brown and Portman) Congresswoman Marcy Kaptur, Governor (DeWine) and of course Trump.

The hospital got slammed today, his colleagues are dropping like flies and in quarantine already.

I've never been this scared in my entire life.

[imavoter]

18. How would they know he's even

using something identical?

[OhioChick]

20. I don't know.....

If they look slightly different but are essentially the same as what they use. I'll have to ask. The house has been chaotic here tonight.

I told him if they still won't allow it, to leave. Maybe bad advice because I'm his mother, but I want him alive.

I knew going into this that it was going to be stressful...... but with one mask for 5 days with a extremely limited supply?

If he has to use the same mask for as long as this pandemic goes on, he'll be dead.

[imavoter]

33. I wonder if putting it in plastic bag would be better.

I'm so sorry.

My husband just got out of the best, in my opinion, hospital system in Dallas...
I'm so glad were home. I wanted him out of there.
Their entire system has stopped follow up and elective visits. They know it's coming.

Dallas is now having community acquired cases.
A nurse told me they told the staff not to congregate in the cafeteria, and yet visitors are...not me.

I'm really concerned. Most people seem unconcerned, even with warnings. Texas has the most uninsured. It's going to be really bad for some.

My husband can work from home, but I'm laid off for now. I have no idea how we will get by.

We live in the greater DFW area, and like New York, people commute all over the area. Other than pray or stay home, there's nothing I can do.
There's no testing here, and they are only ramping up in Dallas County. My county is in denial.

God bless your son.

[OhioChick]

46. I would tend to think that putting a diseased mask in a plastic bag

May be worse. Would the virus not grow quicker in sealed plastic instead of a paper bag?
I have no idea but will run it past my kids. Thank you for that suggestion.

I completely understand where you're coming from.
Cuyahoga County (Cleveland) has a high amount of uninsured, as well. It's going to get bad, fast.

I feel for you having to commute at this time but you're right, what else is there to do?

It sounds from what I've heard, that everyone is experiencing denial and no testing.

Thank you for the kind words and God Bless your Family.

[MuseRider]

10. He will be OK, he knows what he is doing.

I know it is scary. I used to work ER and then ICU as a nurse and we had some really nasty things go through there when I was still working. The measures that are taken to keep you safe and therefore the patient and other patients are really good. As far along as we are with this I doubt there is nothing they do not know about keeping the care givers safe.

I hope that made you feel a little better. I really do not know too much about this since I am long retired but was around for the first GRID patients and all that went along with that. I am sure he will keep himself safe. Please thank him. This is what he has been educated for and what he loves. I understand your fear, I am so sorry, that is an awful thing to have.

Take care of yourself. I will certainly be thinking about you and virtually holding your hand. Nothing is worse that your child going into a dangerous situation.

On Edit, I just read what you wrote above this post. Forget all I said, it does not sound like the hospital is ready for this.

One more edit, holding all of you in my heart and wishes. Please be safe, all of you.

[OhioChick]

12. Thank you.......

The hospital isn't ready.

He's getting text after text from fellow doctors and nurses of exposure and quarantine. Soon, there will be no one there to take care of the patients.

They're being told now that they are to use their ONE N-95 for 5 DAYS and to put it into a brown paper bag with their name on it.

Administration are saying they don't have much more in the way of masks or any protective equipment and doctors/nurses will have to see patients (sounds like within the next week or two) WITHOUT any masks or protective equipment and this is only the beginning of this pandemic.

I'm terrified and can't even think.

[MuseRider]

13. Good lord that is awful

and terrifying for all of us but for you it must be hell.

Keep breathing, stupid advice or even just stupid to say but I am at a loss. I sure wish I could help you feel better.

[OhioChick]

16. I feel like I'm in hell.....

And I can't breathe.

Thank you for being so understanding and kind to me.

[Duppers]

22. This is terrible and dangerous protocol...

for your kids and their patients. Lives are being risked. Is this even legal, despite contracts, when there are alternatives, like the masks you purchased?

Perhaps someone could seek some legal advice here.

So sorry. I'd be worried sick too. Sending a DUer cyber-hug...

[OhioChick]

23. Thank you for your thoughts

I've spent the night writing to various local news station's tip lines.

I even tried writing to the MSM and some of the newspapers but most came back as undeliverable.

I can't sleep and feel I need to be doing something now but don't know what else.

Do doctors and nurses even have a leg to stand on in pandemic situations? Should that be my next step? I know nothing about the legalities of all of this.

My kids worked so hard on their own merit (with massive debt) as they weren't born into wealth.

I guess it's back to eBay to try to find more masks, in the case at some point they're allowed. I don't know if I'm wasting my time and money at this point.

I don't think I'm going to sleep for a long time.

Thank you for your kind words and hug. I needed one tonight.

[Demovictory9]

14. that is terrifying

[OhioChick]

48. It sure is

I'm just beginning to feel numb inside.

[Maru Kitteh]

11. I would love to know what evidence this is based upon. Why 5 days? What about pathogens

on the mask? How is it to be sanitized from patient to patient?

Watching the news and all the people running around going to bars and hanging out in shops LIKE THIS IS NO BIG DEAL have left me shaken. We don't care about the elderly - and APPARENTLY, we don't give a shit about healthcare professionals either.

[OhioChick]

21. The pathogens on the mask were brought up

I would assume when you intubate someone with this virus, you're going to be covered in sputum which is highly infectious.

The mask catches that or at least part of it. Then you go to the next person who does NOT have the virus and you infect them.

Then after a long day, you put this disease ridden mask in a bag with your name on it and use it for 5 days on those with the virus and those that don't have COVID and infect everyone, including yourself.

As for sanitizing it, you don't. You put it in the bag for the next day to be used again.

As for the 5 days, I guess the supply is that low. If this drags on and they get no more masks or protective equipment, there will be no doctors or nurses left there.

They were fitted for the "custom-made" face masks.....but they never came.

[Hekate]

15. So, he works for a missionary group in darkest Africa? In 1900? No, you say? The USA in 2020?

My god. What have we become?

My heart goes out to you both.

[OhioChick]

17. Thank you

Word has it that ICU nurses at an adjacent hospital have no masks and are having to care for COVID-19 patients with none of the proper equipment or masks.

[redwitch]

19. I would be terrified too!

We are so unprepared for this!

[OhioChick]

49. The sad thing is, we had time to prepare n/t

[Bigredhunk]

24. Jesus

How hard can it be for 3M & others to ramp up production of masks. We're the greatest country on earth, right? Shame on the hoarders and the re-sellers...it's not appropriate to write what I'm wishing on those people.

Thinking good thoughts to you and yours OC.

[OhioChick]

25. Thank you for your kindness

I contacted every single media outlet that I could think of overnight and have gotten a few calls back.

I did contact 3M, as well.

Most hospitals are out of protective gear at ALL Cleveland area hospitals at this time.

[dewsgirl]

26. I don't even know what to say. My heart goes out to you and your children.

Terrifying.

[OhioChick]

35. Thank you for your kindness, Dewsgirl

[Chainfire]

27. That is outrageous

When I worked in construction, I wore N-95s often. I would swap them every four hours because after that amount of time they begin to stink.

[OhioChick]

30. From what I've heard, all 3 major hospitals in the Cleveland area are out of masks, equipment

Or close to it.

I'm calling everyone I can think of, OSHA, Board of Health, etc.

[BBG]

28. Here in Pittsburgh

Had my first visit with doctor since moving here. Carried along a box of N95 masks I had in my emergency prep stash as a new patient glad handing without the touching. He seemed genuinely grateful and definitely took with when he left the exam room. I got the impression they are in short supply already here too and the surge hasn’t arrived yet.

[OhioChick]

50. Are you saying that you gave your N-95's to your doctor? n/t

[BBG]

59. A box of 20.

Still got two more boxes left in my stash.

[OhioChick]

60. As a mom of two young doctors...

I must commend you on your actions.

Thank you!

I wish there were more out there like you.

[BBG]

61. I wish more of us were prepared

Not talking prepper level doomsday survivor but ready to make do for a month. The masks were a throw in given our lungs.

[OhioChick]

62. I'm as prepared as I can be....

Until my son brings it home from the hospital to me.

The government should've been more prepared for this.

Thank you again for sharing your masks with your doctor.

[Ohiogal]

29. Does the military have any of these to spare?

This is just totally unacceptable. Ohiochick I will keep all of you in my thoughts. Our politicians who ignored this crisis deserve a special place in Hell.

[OhioChick]

31. The Secretary of Defense is releasing 5 million masks from our Federal stockpile....

Although this seems like a massive amount, this will buy our Country 2-3 weeks with our doctors and nurses.

[Ohiogal]

32. Thank goodness for that.

[OhioChick]

34. Hospitals are saying that's too little too late

Someone told me today (on CNN w/ Sanja with CDC, maybe?) that if staff doesn't have masks, to cut their disposable gown and put a piece of this around their mouth/nose.

I'm late to the news today, please tell me this wasn't said...

[LisaL]

43. Here is what some people are doing.

They are making masks to place over N95 masks. This way N95 masks stay cleaner.
"The answer: a handmade, washable prototype mask which health care workers could place over disposable, N95 masks."
https://www.goodmorningamerica.com/living/story/shortage-masks-volunteers-sewing-supply-health-care-heroes-69683300

[Marrah_Goodman]

45. I am making masks for my daughter and granddaughter and their coworkers

Everyone who can can sew and has the ability to make them should. https://courierpressblogs.com/pdf/howtomakeafacemask.pdf

[OhioChick]

47. That's a wonderful idea and I was involved in another thread about it

I was actually hopeful that I could bring down my sewing machine and start making these.

My kids were optimistic, as well. I have yet to hear from my one kid but the other went to his hospital today with this idea and was denied.

I'm just so tired of no help and feeling beaten down. I'll probably make some anyway because I know the time will come.

In the meantime, I'm spending hours on eBay, spending a fortune (which I don't have) on N-95's that I'm sure will be blown through quickly. I spent another thousand dollars tonight but what else am I supposed to do?

Thank you for the link. I should start sewing some anyway.

Why don't they take every politician on a walk, through multiple hospitals (without appropriate gear and masks) and see what it's really like on the inside.

[LisaL]

40. Can he also wear a face shield?

This way at least the mask stays cleaner.

[OhioChick]

42. Yes

I ordered several off of Harbor Freight but since word got around the hospitals, the staff found them there, so they may have been out of stock when I ordered them.

I ended up buying several comparable face shields off of eBay, they're just taking so long to get here.

They can be bleached, which is better than nothing.

Thanks for the suggestion.

[Marrah_Goodman]

44. I am so sorry your sons are in such a position

It really is inexcusable for us not to have the gear they need.

On the upside: my daughter is a CNA and she has no masks, but all of the doctors and nurses in the isolation ward are in hazmat suits. Maybe it will be the same for your son in the ICU. I would hug you if I could.

[OhioChick]

51. Thank You

I feel like we're living in a 3rd world country, while the extremely wealthy hide away.

CNA's, EMT's, Fire, hospital staff and everyone that will come into contact with this virus should have access to masks and the proper equipment. I'm sorry that your daughter doesn't have one, she should.

Hazmat suits?

They have to go into the ICU with those see through gowns on, wearing a 5 day old N-95 mask. The staff complained, so they said they could wear a flimsy surgical mask over the diseased N-95.

Thank you for the virtual hug, it's been a bad day/night. I feel like I'm going to lose my mind.

[duforsure]

52. Every Governor , since trump refuses to do his job, needs to start these programs

Take schools and offer off work people including teachers, to make PPE for all the people desperately needing these ASAP.
Get hotels near hospitals or in more rural areas for the oncoming rush we're about to experience everywhere in this country now not later. Get made temperature guns with out of work people now, we will need then to fight the spreading of this before not after its needed the most. Protect the first medical people first , then all the critical and essential people next including those producing out food and supply before they get blindsided , and now after the fact. Governors need to make all restaurants serving anything anywhere have to take temps hourly and log those temperatures, and follow strict guidelines to remain open, or they get closed if caught not going by them. Work places still open need to do the same with hourly temperature checking to remove those with possible signs of infection before its spread more not after, now. Temperature guns need also to be mass produced now so hire people and get this done , now today. Another option that might help is by the State or government start giving people free seeds o row and help reduce the pressure on the stores for food, and their supply systems. Seeds are cheap and they could be already getting people doing this in areas where its already warm enough, and have ready for others areas as spring get to them. trump is worthless and a national disgrace for his corruption , his lying, and his incompetence , and his refusal to do his job . Calls for him to resign should be made now.

[OhioChick]

53. It'll be too late by the time all of that happens

It's actually too late now.

One of my kids gets his temperature checked when arriving at the hospital.

I asked why they're doing this and was told: "We were all told that we're going to get this."

[beachbumbob]

54. any virus on surface will not survive 5 days and its because of shortages and way better

than no mask

[OhioChick]

55. Seems this virus lasts longer on surfaces

The virus that causes coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is stable for several hours to days in aerosols and on surfaces, according to a new study from National Institutes of Health, CDC, UCLA and Princeton University scientists in The New England Journal of Medicine.

The scientists found that severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) was detectable in aerosols for up to three hours, up to four hours on copper, up to 24 hours on cardboard and up to two to three days on plastic and stainless steel.

The results provide key information about the stability of SARS-CoV-2, which causes COVID-19 disease, and suggests that people may acquire the virus through the air and after touching contaminated objects. The study information was widely shared during the past two weeks after the researchers placed the contents on a preprint server to quickly share their data with colleagues.

https://www.nih.gov/news-events/news-releases/new-coronavirus-stable-hours-surfaces

[beachbumbob]

57. why they are saying 5 days

[OhioChick]

58. Probably since it's a new virus and they've learned much about it by this point n/t

[Hermit-The-Prog]

63. You shouldn't have to be hunting for masks! GOP has been exacerbating this pandemic.

I wish there were some way to relieve some of your burden in this. You're all heroes!

[OhioChick]

64. I'm no hero, just a Mom

The true heroes are the doctors, nurses and entire staff at the hospitals that are putting their lives on the line for others.

Thank you for your kindness.

[Hermit-The-Prog]

66. You're a hero, too. ...

Hero -- someone who risks self for others. You're placing yourself at risk in order to help your kids who are placing themselves at risk to help even more people.

It is a very strange situation. Those of us who can, must isolate ourselves from risk in order to reduce the burden on those who are placing themselves in highest risk to help the injured, infected, and dying.

Thank you for telling about what's going on. More people need to understand how much strain is on the people we all rely on.

[OhioChick]

68. Thank you again for your kindness

But I'm no hero by any means.

Those on the front lines are.

[EndlessWire]

65. Well, I can tell you

that this reuse of N95 by putting it in a bag with your name on it was done long before this pandemic. It is not special. Be glad that he has an N95 and can stay protected.

For this pandemic, I'd hang onto mine even after 5 days, and then also collect another. Not sure who tested for the duration of 5 days. Interesting...

[OhioChick]

67. I guess that I shouldn't complain then n/t

[EndlessWire]

69. I'm truly sorry if I said something

to offend you. I only wanted to give you further info regarding use of the N95. I have spent many hours wearing them.

They need to be specially fitted and correctly worn. Wearing them can make you sick, but that's how you know they are working. The N95 suck is important.

I don't know what else to say. Naturally, I would also complain if I had to reuse an old mask. But, it should hold up well under these circumstances. And, I AM glad that he has one to reuse.

There is nothing else I can say. I apologize.