Why Shouldn't We Be Wearing Masks?

witsa on 21/03/2020 - 15:14
Last edited 21/03/2020 - 17:00 by 1 other user

The official advice regarding masks seems to be don't need it unless you're sick.

I mean the first problem with this statement is that you don't actually know that you're sick. Then if you look at China and Korea and Hong Kong and all these countries that seem to be doing a good job at containing this virus, every single person is wearing a mask. Not just people on the street but politicians, reports, scientists and doctors etc.

Are they wrong? Are they all just overly paranoid? Do we have a right to judge when they've managed to contain this virus?

Are the advice to not wear masks just because there is a shortage of masks and that if there wasn't a shortage we should all wear one? If this is true, is that not absolutely crazy? The Chinese were able to supply masks for every one of their 1 billion+ ppl and we've had 4 months and not been able to find 30 million masks for our population?

Health & Beauty COVID-19

Comments

- punk000 on 27/03/2020 - 19:24
  
  +1
  
  mask is also useful in repelling those people.
keejoonc on 24/03/2020 - 15:10

+3

Was walking past a guy in Brisbane CBD yesterday and this idiot had a finger in his mouth trying to pick something between his teeth. No bloody wonder this virus is spreading like crazy when people have no clue about basic hygiene.
- netjock on 26/03/2020 - 15:53
  
  He could have washed his hands. Did you ask?
  - keejoonc on 26/03/2020 - 17:48
    
    I didn't need to. He looked filthy. Besides, whether he washed his hands or not is irrelevant. At times like this, you would have to be stupid to put your finger in your mouth. You shouldn't even touch your face so what makes you think putting finger in your mouth is wise?
Debuting on 24/03/2020 - 16:02

+5

Only a few fools without masks in my area. Around 90% of people are wearing masks. There are plenty of sellers including $2 shops selling surgical masks. Any mask is better than no mask. In fact some shitty cotton mask is probably enough because it can catch the droplets.

If you look at the empirical evidence you'll see countries where mask awareness is higher have lower infection rates. It's not rocket science. Don't believe WHO and those other organisations. Your health comes first. The medical journals have the real information. You should be reading that stuff.

It's clear because you can see people with a dust mask and that is undoubtedly better than no mask. Even at worst it stops you from touching your mouth and nose; which is the best thing you can do for yourself. Asymptomatic carriers can be present too.

The only reason politicians are saying not to wear masks is because they cannot guarantee supply. If you can get supply then it's a no brainer.

I'm right in the heart of where the virus is spreading. It's basically an Asian enclave if that's what you westerners call it.
- TEER3X on 24/03/2020 - 19:07
  
  Where can I get a surgical masks for $2? Which shops? Nothing in my area
  - Debuting on 24/03/2020 - 21:19
    
    You tried Box Hill in Melbourne? I'm in NSW, so can't really compare; but a lot of the Asians have done mass imports to save the country.
    
    Disposable Latex Gloves are also all the rage $10 for a box, same price as woolworths but not sold out. You just need to know where to look.
    
    If you want to pay a bit more, there is the N95 equivalent to the KF94 in the Korean stores as well. $10 for 3.
    - imcold on 28/03/2020 - 08:41
      
      Plenty of sandwich bags in woolies, comes in small or mediumsize(for large hands).
      
      You get 150 bags for under $1. If you double bag a hand that's still 75 gloves for $1.
      
      All you need is some sticky tape or rubber band to keep them on for hours.
- netjock on 26/03/2020 - 15:54
  
  I'm right in the heart of where the virus is spreading. It's basically an Asian enclave if that's what you westerners call it.
  
  Have all the Asians been to Italy and the USA lately? source
  - punk000 on 27/03/2020 - 19:26
    
    the asian brought it to Italy
    - netjock on 27/03/2020 - 19:59
      
      -1
      
      Could help if you read the link, if you can write a reply you can read.
      
      3/4 of COVID 19 cases in Australia is as a result of travel to Europe and America.
      
      Unless all our Asians were flying to Europe or America before on ward to Asia.
      
      Were you at St Kilda beach today too?
      - punk000 on 27/03/2020 - 20:52
        
        @netjock: just pointing out who started the whole thing, and they all look the same (y)
        
        netjock on 27/03/2020 - 22:57
        
        @punk000:
        
        who
        
        Like it was intentional. Don't forget plenty of things started by caucasian people. Would you like me to start the list? Those who live in glass houses. Maybe we'll haha at you when you get evicted or run out of money.
Ctn on 24/03/2020 - 16:33

+3

Please wear masks when venturing outside wherever possible and help slow the spread.
- netjock on 26/03/2020 - 15:55
  
  If you already have it or suspect you have it.
shortgum on 24/03/2020 - 18:37

+1

Only china can supply N95 mask in the world now.

Sure australia don't have any and keep claiming social distance, wash hands habits. They are most important but have a mask on is a plus lower percentage of infect covid19

Just watch how everyone in China, even Asian countries wear mask.

Aussie have no urgency on wearing mask or simply we can't produce any masks quick enough like China
- petry on 24/03/2020 - 19:04
  
  South korea started planning and manufacturing back in January.
  
  Our leaders just prayed they wouldn't get it, reluctantly tossed the hellfires a few bucks, and did nothing.
acermaniac on 24/03/2020 - 19:10

-1

I feel this thread is a good example of how mask may induce heightened security in some people.

Yes, there is a correlation between country wearing masks and better management of the virus. However, there are many other factors such as stronger testing and quarantine strategies. As far as we know, masks likely played a small role in keeping the general public healthy.

I don't believe advising the public that they do not need masks if they are healthy is a conspiracy. A quick google search shows there was a similar discussion a decade ago revolving around SARS and the guidance has remained the same:

"That's the reason why we recommend that those masks be used for patients with SARS because it contains their secretions and prevents them from being disseminated in the environment"

https://www.webmd.com/lung/news/20030429/can-mask-protect-yo…

"As SARS CoV has been suggested to be spread by aerosol droplet and not to any significant degree by airborne transmission, masks will probably provide some increased protection to the general public. However, as noted by Syed, it is necessary that they be properly used and changed frequently."

https://jech.bmj.com/content/58/5/434.1

At the end of the day for the general public, masks seem to offer limited protection and may increase risk if used incorrectly.

Personally I feel even if I know how to use a mask correctly, the protection it offers during my day to day activity is probably not worth the risk of a front line nurse or doctor missing out on protection they actually need.

However, everyone have different risk tolerance and priorities. If you want to wear a mask, it's your choice. Just follow the correct wearing and disposing procedures (e.g dispose in closed lid bins) so you don't cause unnecessary risk to yourselves and others.
- Ctn on 24/03/2020 - 21:29
  
  I have a feeling if you don't buy the masks, others will buy it to resell for a profit.
CalmLemons on 24/03/2020 - 22:00

+3

Simple. They're out of stock.

It serves more so as a reminder to stop being a fk wit and go back inside rather than going to Bunnings and walking your dog.
ribenaboy on 25/03/2020 - 09:52

https://(profanity).com
masks save lives, the evidence is here
- ribenaboy on 25/03/2020 - 09:54
  
  google WearAF—ingMask for the website
ganymede on 25/03/2020 - 10:39

+1

I'm a good driver, I don't need to wear the seat belt nor buy car insurance.
- qiaoer on 25/03/2020 - 11:41
  
  +1
  
  No… Seat belt saves lives for sure. However, you need to wear the seat belt properly. If you put the seat belt behind your back, it does nothing. If you playing with your seat belt when you drive, it will distract you and you are much easier to have an accident. To use the seat belt properly, you need professional training. So let's stop wearing seat belts.
  
  Isn't it a funny argument?
zealmax on 25/03/2020 - 12:46

-1

DIY mask with paper towel and rubber bands.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f0V16WeQxnQ
- shortgum on 25/03/2020 - 15:01
  
  -1
  
  nanoparticles of covid19 will penatrate right thru paper without N95 mask middle static layer. this is just plain useless idea
  - zealmax on 25/03/2020 - 15:07
    
    -1
    
    No expert, but seems to be a good idea for reducing spread of the virus from you to others. Similar to a surgical mask.
    - HerpinDerp on 25/03/2020 - 22:23
      
      -2
      
      No, this is idiotic.
      - zealmax on 25/03/2020 - 23:15
        
        +1
        
        @HerpinDerp: Desperate times desperate measures. Having anything covering your mouth while you cough would reduce the the spread. This isn't to protect yourself from the virus, but to protect others. Simply stating something is idiotic without reason is in itself idiotic.
[Deactivated] on 25/03/2020 - 16:40

Because common sense is far more important, and the only facemask important are on those who are catering to your illness in hospital, or quarantining you as a official representative of the government be it first responders.

CO-vid 19 is Sars 2.0 supercharged and (even blood types can play a role on who gets it, since no official information is known about covid19, and it can easily bypass facemasks since it's much more complicated then influenza while irrelevant the blood type thing) that means those masks people buy only complicate those first responders or those in ICU dealing with infected because masks are there to prevent not only covid19 but vomit, direct coughing in the face, and it's still not known if the first responders safe.

So let the experts use the masks and you stay at home.
- netjock on 26/03/2020 - 15:57
  
  -1
  
  People use masks like a safety blanket so they could justify going outside.
  
  In addition they justify to themselves they are safe and can touch / do whatever they want.
  
  People wearing masks are the most dangerous because they are over confident of their safety, they have been out more often, touched more surfaces.
Aerith-Waifu on 25/03/2020 - 17:34

Should join this thread too:)

https://www.ozbargain.com.au/node/525101

Let me point it out before this all gets very serious the vote was 2 to 1 against wearing a mask, now its neck to neck with wearing a mask if available on the top.

I guess, after all, more people are starting to believe wearing one will do better than not wearing one. Which questions the governments saying please don't wear one when you are not sick.
duluxe2000 on 25/03/2020 - 18:50

We should use masks, be mindful and keep going to work instead of total shutdown.

Believe me or not, China controlled the spread within 2 months is a miracle. With these attitudes and devisive opinions in West, it will take months or years.

The Virus already changes our lives as we used to know forever. Admit it and move on.
[Deactivated] on 25/03/2020 - 22:28

Hong Kong and these countries

Winnie is furious and wants to know your location
systema on 25/03/2020 - 22:32

+7

For those that say wearing masks in public won't protect you from the coronavirus epidemic — the point isn't just to protect you from getting the flu, even though evidence points to it to be able to do so to a certain degree. The main point is to prevent you from spreading it to others if you caught it unknowingly from droplets or infected surfaces. Authorities are telling you that "masks don't work" because their intention is to save the masks for healthcare workers in the front lines, NOT because it doesn't help flatten the curve.

Dr. Scott Gottlieb, the former commissioner of the FDA says, "If you have the flu, you would have a 50% less likely to transmit the flu if you have a mask on."

See here: https://www.wsj.com/video/wearing-a-mask-in-a-coronavirus-pa…
- netjock on 26/03/2020 - 15:59
  
  -3
  
  "If you have the flu, you would have a 50% less likely to transmit the flu if you have a mask on."
  
  IF you don't have COVID 19 you have 0% chance of transmitting it. Stay inside, stick to social distancing.
  - systema on 26/03/2020 - 22:31
    
    If you have COVID-19, you can be asymptomatic or pre-symptomatic while still contagious, by the time you have symptoms, it's already too late.
    
    What we need to do is like what Jacinda Ardern has said, we need to act as if we all have COVID-19 before we have it. Hence, wear a masks.
    
    BTW, why can't we do both at the same time? You can practice social distancing, hand hygiene while wearing a mask - they are not mutually exclusive.
    - netjock on 26/03/2020 - 23:10
      
      -1
      
      I don't know whether you are agreeing or disagreeing.
      
      Personally I made a decision to not book to go to London in May back in Feb because I don't want to go long distance, be exposed and potentially kill someone through me spreading it. Unfortunately not for some other people considering most of our cases are imported.
      
      People in their 20s have the most confirmed cases of COVID-19 of any age group, with women in that cohort accounting for more cases than their male peers.
      
      Where have these people been crawling through COVID I have no idea. Article here
      
      Traveling, not making the world a better place but putting people out of jobs.
      - systema on 27/03/2020 - 13:53
        
        +1
        
        @netjock: Point 1: The current guideline re: self-isolation is inadequate, it does not cover all the potential COVID-19 spreader as they can be asymptomatic or pre-symptomatic while being contagious. This means that the person sitting next to you can become symptomatic in the next 24 hours without him/her being aware of that - and if you have sat next to that person for more than 15 minutes, congrats, you are now a close contact.
        
        That's where mask wearing can help - if everyone can wear a mask even when they are asymptomatic, this will dramatically reduce the risk of potential community transmission.
        
        Point 2: Hand hygiene and social distancing help. So does wearing a mask. You can do all 3 at the same time. It's not an either or.
        
        netjock on 27/03/2020 - 13:59
        
        @systema: Point 1: is your opinion. You can be like those preachers with megaphones in the city centre.
        
        No one is going to listen to you if people don't get you. You might think instilling a sense of urgency is helpful but be careful what you say as other people start to panic.
        
        It is not to say we should do Bondi Bunch was doing 2 weeks ago.
        
        systema on 27/03/2020 - 15:21
        
        +2
        
        @netjock: Point 1 is not my opinion, please refer to this article written by Rothe, et al in New England Journal of Medicine (March, 2020) - https://www.nejm.org/doi/10.1056/NEJMc2001468 - regarding transmission of 2019-nCoV infection from an asymptomatic contact in Germany. The authors pointed out that "this case of 2019-nCoV infection was diagnosed in Germany and transmitted outside Asia. However, it is notable that the infection appears to have been transmitted during the incubation period of the index patient, in whom the illness was brief and nonspecific.
        
        The fact that asymptomatic persons are potential sources of 2019-nCoV infection may warrant a reassessment of transmission dynamics of the current outbreak. In this context, the detection of 2019-nCoV and a high sputum viral load in a convalescent patient (Patient 1) arouse concern about prolonged shedding of 2019-nCoV after recovery."
        
        Another article in the Lancet (March, 2020) by Wilder-Smith et al also indicated that "preliminary evidence from exported COVID-19 cases suggest that transmission during the early phase of illness also seems to contribute to overall transmission; therefore, isolation of more severely ill patients at the time of presentation to health-care facilities will be too late. The effectiveness of isolation and contact tracing methods depends on the proportion of transmission that occurs before symptom onset. Pre-symptomatic transmission will also make temperature screening less effective." - https://www.thelancet.com/journals/laninf/article/PIIS1473-3099(20)30129-8/fulltext
        
        At this point of time, peer reviewed evidence specific to SARS-CoV-2 is not readily available as we are less than 3 months from the initial outbreak. Having said that, other clinical evidence around respiratory infections can also be valuable due to the similar transmission vectors utilised by SARS-CoV-2 and other viral respiratory infections such as influenza.
        
        Current evidence from an Australian study is that masks can prevent 60-80% of influenza infections in a home setting if used routinely. This means masks could be a useful tool in fighting viral outbreaks like COVID-19. Full text: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2662657/
        
        There is also other scientific evidence showing that wearing a surgical mask does help with infection control against respiratory infections.
        
        Case in point, Uchida et al (2016) suggested that "wearing of masks were effective in infection control." https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S221133551…
        
        Systematic review conducted by Barasheed et al (2016) suggests that "Facemask use seems to be beneficial against certain respiratory infections at MGs (mass gatherings)". https://www.ijidonline.com/article/S1201-9712(16)31010-4/fulltext
        
        While it might not be able to provide the same level of protection as a P2 / N95 respirator, surgical masks themselves appeared to be able to provide at least some protection to their wearers. In fact, research conducted by Radonovich et al. (2019) indicates that "Among outpatient health care personnel, N95 respirators vs medical masks as worn by participants in this trial resulted in no significant difference in the incidence of laboratory-confirmed influenza." https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/31479137
        
        You may also want to look at some other evidence provided by Siddharth Sridhar, who is a Clinical Assistant Professor at The University of Hong Kong - https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10158387002739258&se…
        
        netjock on 27/03/2020 - 23:03
        
        -2
        
        @systema: oh my did you miss.
        
        Paragraph 1. "appears" to have been transmitted
        
        Paragraph 2. "potential" source of
        
        Paragraph 3. "preliminary" evidence
        
        Paragraph 4. peer review evidence not readily available
        
        Paragraph 5. Could be useful. 60 - 80% effective in a home setting (sustained exposure to others with flu)
        
        Just panicking to yourself. Stay at home. Use a mask going about essential business. Stop wondering outside like the mask is a virus shield. It isn't.
        
        systema on 28/03/2020 - 00:04
        
        @netjock: If you are insisting that you are correct, please provide peer reviewed, scientific evidence to support your position then.
        
        Having said that, please finish reading the journal articles that I have provided before we continue this discussion.
netjock on 26/03/2020 - 00:10

+1

I think people should get masks. If we get 99.9% of people wearing masks I would feel safe walking around without a mask.

Herd immunity in reverse! Save a bomb load of $
bargainfinder on 26/03/2020 - 11:00

Just had an argument with a nurse at liverpool hospital. They asked me to remove my mask as it is a requirement(??wtf) when within that ward.
I ask her why are't they wearing mask? How does she know who has it and who don't given we have not test everyone because most people are fefused by covid 19 clinic to be tested. Eventually she admit that they are only given ONE mask per day, so they only use it when treating potentially infectous patient. Again that have nothing to do with me wearing my mask to protect mysefl and others around me. Why do i need to remove it?
- Debuting on 26/03/2020 - 12:18
  
  When you enter different wards you need to replace the mask. It's protocol. Nurses will use up to 8 to 10 masks a day.
  
  It's to stop infection across the wards. There is also a recommendation to keep the mask on whenever possible and where the regulations don't apply. e.g. Outside the hospital, but it should be changed before you exit. I should clarify that I am referring to ordinary citizens.
  - bargainfinder on 26/03/2020 - 12:37
    
    Replacing a mask and not allowed to wear it at all are 2 differrent things.
    I was told i cannot wear any mask when i am in their ward, which does not make any sense
- netjock on 26/03/2020 - 13:20
  
  Why are you arguing with a nurse? She is employee and if you don't like it leave. It is like you walking nude down the street. The police and pull you up and if you don't like it get back into your house.
  
  Did you go to Bondi Beach too last Saturday?
  
  There is a problem with authority in this country, not sure where it comes from. Most of us sure isn't first generation convicts. The authority on this matter is COVID 19 and it doesn't care about how good your reasoning skills are.
captbollocks on 26/03/2020 - 11:28

+1

Saw a video of a medical conference saying that wearing masks might result in you touching your face more often to adjust it. As COVID-19 is not an airborne mask and most likely contracted by touching an infected service, it's not required. Just need to social distance and wash hands thoroughly.

If you're in a crowded place with no social distancing, that might be a different story.
- Debuting on 26/03/2020 - 12:10
  
  I think I know the conference you are talking about. There was another speaker afterwards that refuted those claims.
  
  It went along the lines of: It might increase, but at the same time that could just be a normal response and that it was the person touching the mask instead of touching their nose in ordinary circumstances. In that the same person would likely have touched the bridge of their nose or the area right beneath the nose anyway. This means that the transmission onto objects is going to happen regardless of whether you are wearing a mask or not, people are going to do stupid things. The thing is to prevent yourself catching the infection. Having the mask on prevents you from poking your finger near the nasal passages and wearing glasses prevents eye contact. You should wash your face after you come back or before you eat anyway.
  
  TLDR: If you use ceteris paribus argument, given there is the same chance of getting the virus on your skin with or without the mask; then spreading it is basically the same. It is the action of wearing a mask that will prevent infection.
  Thus the recommendation not to wear a mask was defeated.
  - netjock on 26/03/2020 - 13:26
    
    Having the mask on prevents you from poking your finger near the nasal passages and wearing glasses prevents eye contact. You should wash your face after you come back or before you eat anyway.
    
    That is easy. Just dip end of your fingers in chill juice. Will teach you real quick.
    
    The experts can't agree but what we can agree is health personal is running out of PPE (incl masks). If they can't get enough and they die, when we get it then we're all stuffed.
Edeena on 26/03/2020 - 11:37

+7

If you live in areas with high Asian population, almost everyone wear mask now and no one really give a shit that you wear mask. People should be able to have the choice to wear mask or not. If you don’t think mask helps then don’t wear it. For people who can buy masks and not hoarding the Australian stock then why not? You can learn to wear mask in 2 minutes, it’s not exactly rocket science. Some people like me need to be careful because our immune system is not great and very easy to fall sick. It’s not like I will stop washing my hands with a mask on. Yes, some people will wear mask wrong or keep touching their mask, but it’s their issue not yours… beside when you need to adjust your mask clean hands first, then after you’re done clean hands again. It’s what many people in Asia are doing when you see them removing or adjusting their mask, they clean their hands before and after. Wear glasses also, if you have prescription glasses wear them or wear sunglasses. Any chance of protection helps, especially for people with weak immunity.
echizen on 26/03/2020 - 12:57

+1

Stop blaming China. Yes it started there, but how badly its doing in Australia is due to our own ineptness in dealing with this issue. We didn't learn from the Asians who knew what to do after going through SARS, so they could control it…. we on the other hand follow countries like the US (run by an idiot in denial) with hardly any prior experience in dealing with such health issues. So we have ourselves to blame for utilising racism over experience in our COVID-19 response efforts.
- netjock on 26/03/2020 - 13:32
  
  People just love others for them not washing their hands, taking a shower and keeping it hygienic. We hate immigrants because they come over here and work harder just like ancestors of the local people. Greeks, Italians who left a broken Europe after WWII to come here to create a better life. If you speak good English and have a qualification you'll beat someone for a job if they just arrived but don't know the ropes.
  
  Statistics are by far the biggest exporter to our COVID 19 epidemic is Italy and America source. No apologies for spread the virus around.
ribenaboy on 26/03/2020 - 16:24

masks protect you from the flu: studies found a 75% reduction in the risk of infection for parents taking care of children.

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19193267
ribenaboy on 26/03/2020 - 16:29

Simple surgical masks work as well as N95 respirators in reducing the spread of flu.

https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jama/fullarticle/184819
Brucet on 26/03/2020 - 18:41

For own safety. we better wear masks.
nutella9 on 26/03/2020 - 19:35

Maybe this is why all the masks disappeared

https://www.news.com.au/finance/business/chinese-company-shi…

https://www.theage.com.au/national/second-developer-flies-82…

Heartbreaking for the doctors and medical teams here who now don't have basic protection.
- qiaoer on 26/03/2020 - 20:11
  
  +1
  
  Yeah, 1 - 2 months ago. No covid19 in Australia at that time. Why don't we order from China now? They paid retail price for Australian masks(imported from China anyway) and we will pay wholesale price to buy them back.
  - nutella9 on 26/03/2020 - 20:29
    
    There was Covid in Australia at the time. And the Chinese government has blocked exports of masks now…except to 'friendly' countries who buy the propaganda
    - netjock on 26/03/2020 - 23:11
      
      Still possible to get them from China. You just need to know people it seems.
    - qiaoer on 27/03/2020 - 09:37
      
      Yes, there were less than 10 and nobody cares about masks at that time. Where is your source that Chinese government has blocked exports of masks? It might be the case a month ago. But now, Chinese mask factories are struggling to survive. The surgical mask retail price is as low as AUD$0.40 each in some cities. Plenty Chinese people have bought their masks online and shipped to Australia already. It is up to the government or medical organisation to order if they do need them.
      - netjock on 27/03/2020 - 10:29
        
        @qiaoer: Surgical masks in Melbourne at $80 per 50 retail. If you can get them in China for $0.40 then a good profit to be made.
        
        I'd suggest you get right on it since you are so knowledgeable.
        
        qiaoer on 27/03/2020 - 12:42
        
        @netjock: It is quite risky actually. Minimum quantity is 100,000 pieces for whole sale price atm. Also, most airlines have stopped and hard to get anything shipped quickly. A friend has already invited me to slipt 100,000 pieces to reduce the risk and I declined because I am not able to sell that much. He then ordered with higher price for 10,000 early last week and those masks haven't arrived yet because the masks need to be transferred in a third country. Also it will take time to get custom cleared in Australia. So without government help, it will take definitely more than 2 weeks to receive them and you don't know what will happen within the period.
        
        netjock on 27/03/2020 - 14:06
        
        @qiaoer: You need better friends. I have been offered 1k minimum order wholesale. Can sell at $80 and make $20 per 50 after all costs.
- sal78 on 27/03/2020 - 02:04
  
  +1
  
  Yes it is. We see sick people everyday and gave to re use masks. Gov has done nothing to stop the price hiking.
  
  In a few days time when cases with pneumonia increases, our hospital staff will not be adequately protected.
  
  People!! patients with pneumonia symptoms means virus is airborne. This is why medical staff are easily infected.
  
  Gov hasn’t done enough to stop the spread. Ppl in general should taken it upon yourselves to self isolate.
  
  We are doomed. Please do us a favour and stay at home!
  - netjock on 27/03/2020 - 14:07
    
    Please do us a favour and stay at home!
    
    Can't we all party together rubbing shoulders with a N95 mask like it was Jan 2020?
- digitale on 27/03/2020 - 15:10
  
  Apple joining the bandwagon
  
  https://twitter.com/tim_cook/status/1242894121372512256
- franek on 28/03/2020 - 00:07
  
  This was an outrageous act, what's the saying, fool me once, shame on you; fool me twice, shame on me
pinchies on 27/03/2020 - 01:35

+1

Personally I think it's a question of wisdom. I don't agree with wearing surgical masks outside because "they are better than nothing". Because I want to be protected as much as I can, with the limited means that I have, I just ordered 100 KN95 masks from china via DHL earlier today for a ridiculous $450 - hopefully I can split that with a few friends etc. I couldn't find N95 masks anywhere for sale in Australia - which is good, since they should only be in hospitals. KN95 are the equivalent Chinese standard, so I know I'm not taking away from local AU certified hospital stocks.
- ego22 on 29/03/2020 - 09:34
  
  how many months delivery?
  
  with only 100 masks split between people. let me leave u with some terrible advise that might help u. they are disposable and are only made to be warn once. but the virus dies in under 72 hours on non porus surfaces. so if u have a system where u rotate the masks. and wait at least 4 or 5+ days before u use it again. it would be clean again (virus free)
  - pinchies on 29/03/2020 - 10:44
    
    I paid for express DHL delivery… hopefully 1 week.
    
    Yes - most people have no idea how to use masks safely and effectively.
    
    Can also disinfect by dunking in 70% isopropyl alcohol (which fortunately I have).
    
    Good video on cleaning masks: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2UdtKssU7po
    - trienchieu12 on 29/03/2020 - 11:41
      
      +1
      
      Or just simply spray the used mask with saline water, put it in a 800W microwave and run for 1 minute to disinfect
      - ego22 on 29/03/2020 - 12:45
        
        @trienchieu12: lol.. we do that with our kitchen sponges, just soak with water and in the microwave.
        i never thought of doing that to a mask.
    - ego22 on 29/03/2020 - 12:42
      
      +1
      
      ive seen a few of his covid 19 videos already, that guy is great. i also have alot of isopropyl alcohol. but there has been alot of cleaning mask talk that mentions adding a liquid to wash masks seperates the fibres in the mask and might make it less effective. but if the virus dies in about 3 days, just by doing nothing at all. why would you risk compromising it.
      
      https://www.sages.org/n-95-re-use-instructions/
neonlight on 27/03/2020 - 08:00

+1

Everyone should be wearing masks. There's shortage and cultural problem in Australia. Look at Japan and Hong Kong both have less numbers than us and much higher population density.

WHO and Scomo failed us
- netjock on 27/03/2020 - 10:14
  
  -1
  
  Everyone should be wearing masks
  
  Australians do. Pick the mask of choice:
  
  Xenophobic: I'm not racist BUT….
  
  She'll be right: but you are not taking even one pack from my trolley full of toilet paper
  
  UnAustralian: panic buying, hoarding
  
  Entitlement: because it is cheap and I think it is safe (against all advice) I go to America and catch COVID 19
  
  I am sure people here will add more
universe on 27/03/2020 - 09:50

+1

You're kidding yourself if you think China gave a mask to their entire population. If you cant get one i wouldn't worry. But if you can, wear it.
- netjock on 27/03/2020 - 10:11
  
  But if you can, wear it.
  
  If you can get a guaranteed supply. Unfortunately it is a finite resource. Leave the masks to the professionals right now.
netjock on 27/03/2020 - 10:10

+1

Good article on the ABC Australia

It is idiots like these who will get more people killed. People should stop travelling for their own and everyone else's sake.

You're wasting masks right now. It is like firing a rifle when your enemy is out of range. 2 - 3 weeks if we don't get it under control.

Right now. Don't wear a mask but tell people to self isolate if they came back from overseas or been in contact with strangers often. Social distance. Wash your hands.

Good luck.
- Hangryuman on 27/03/2020 - 11:46
  
  'idiots like these who will get more people killed'
  
  not sure who you are calling idiots there - or just a random spray - it's always useful to blame others when you have a problem.
  
  a common scenario in our free society -
  
  when I don't need anything it's far cough and get out of my face creep
  
  when I need something, it's OMG why isn't everybody paying attention to this life threatening emergency happening right now !?!?!?!?
  - netjock on 27/03/2020 - 14:02
    
    not sure who you are calling idiots there - or just a random spray - it's always useful to blame others when you have a problem.
    
    You haven't read the article have you?
    - Hangryuman on 28/03/2020 - 10:37
      
      yes I did - I was just referring to the common assumption of commenters like you that something in your mind is obvious to a complete stranger looking at your comment as a standalone remark - 'idiots like these' - oh - good - you didn't specify - oh you mean someone (unspecified) in an article you linked to ? oh good - carry on - in your own imagination you are always right - others are the idiots - right …
      - netjock on 28/03/2020 - 17:23
        
        -1
        
        @Hangryuman:
        
        in your own imagination you are always right
        
        Sorry but there is a difference supported claims and unsubstantiated claims. Calling people idiots without support.
        
        I was going to an event in London at the start of May 2020. I decided late Feb 2020 to send my apologies because once Iran & Italy caught COVID 19 it is going to spread. The distance traveled would increase risk I will catch it. I might survive but I can't live with the idea of infecting someone and they die.
        
        I'd say a lot of people went overseas because they didn't want to lose their refundable booking. If we are scared of it lurking around then why are these people taking the chance by travelling?
        
        IF you are acting against government advice on wearing face masks then why did people not act contrary to government advice (which was it is still allowed to traveled to Europe and USA)? Government says stop panic buying and people still do.
        
        There was enough notice. It wasn't a sudden earthquake. The writing was on the wall in Feb 2020.
        
        The only panic is for those who did not adequately prepare with an action plan. I've been watching this since late Jan 2020 when it took off in China and monitored the numbers actively through internet sources and see the trend of infection curves. If you don't act like everything is fine like you live in fairy land then there is no panic.
Hangryuman on 27/03/2020 - 11:40

I'll go with shortage of masks where they want to keep limited supply available to higher exposure risk health care workers

I've read that masks may reduce the likelihood of picking up the virus by about 25% - I suspect mainly by preventing you unconsiously touching the mucus membranes of your nose and mouth as common entry points for the virus - to block your eyes you need a full face mask like DIY large plastic drink bottle cut lengthwise to then wrap around your whole face - so the next time someone sneezes in your face - wait - no-one has ever done that ? hmmm.
screensaver on 27/03/2020 - 12:13

+1

I wouldnt go to a shop or be around people without a mask now.
MindGrenadius on 27/03/2020 - 13:16

+6

Everyone should be in a mask. N95 is overkill and in an ideal world we should, but those should be left for healthcare professionals.

Everyone should be using whatever they can as a daily mask, not to avoid getting it (although it can help there too), but to avoid spreading it given we don't know who's carrying. Whatever we can do to minimise transmission risk and masks are an incredible tool to accomplish this. Even a washable cloth mask with proper guidance can make a difference. Not only that but it's a great always-there reminder not to touch your mouth. I'm a bad face toucher, and it helps break that unconscious movement.

The countries using masks are the ones keeping this under control, or at least having much more success. Of course there are other measures, but they all use masks as well.
- netjock on 27/03/2020 - 14:00
  
  Everyone should be in a mask
  
  if you can make one big enough.
- Hardly Normal on 27/03/2020 - 14:19
  
  There is a little problem of supply vs demand
  - Ctn on 28/03/2020 - 08:24
    
    +1
    
    Even if it costs a little more on eBay, buying it and wearing it helps the overall situation.
    
    If you want cheaper, you can buy equivalent N95/P2/KN95 respirators from china.
    
    If you can't afford respirators, buy surgical masks, it still helps.
    
    If you don't but it and wear it, scalpers will likely buy it and resell for a profit.
OhNoUShiz on 27/03/2020 - 14:52

Of course! i want to wear a mask, but i can't find or afford it.
- Adamantine on 28/03/2020 - 10:50
  
  +1
  
  Heaps on ebay. Get a reusable N95 one with replaceable filters.
AS2035 on 27/03/2020 - 16:41

News limited posted an article yesterday

Chinese based real estate bought up big in Jan/Feb and sent it all to China

3 million surgical face masks

-disinfectants
-sanitisers
wipes
the list goes on
- blackmam8a24 on 27/03/2020 - 21:01
  
  +4
  
  It's bs sensation journalism, the author deliberate made some omissions and the timing of the publish is done deliberately to raise the hatred.
  
  Read this one: https://apac.news/targeting-chinese-australians-in-an-austra…
- netjock on 27/03/2020 - 23:05
  
  Murdoch press have been doing a lot of seedy things, including helping Trump get into power.
- pilotyuan on 27/03/2020 - 23:42
  
  +2
  
  That was 8th Feb when Australia only had less than 10 cases and China was at 37,198.
  - blackmam8a24 on 28/03/2020 - 00:03
    
    +3
    
    Exactly, most of them are donations by civilians (Chinese Australians). I am sure China can and wants to donate back in double or triple.
    - AS2035 on 28/03/2020 - 15:53
      
      They will give us nothing.
      
      The virus is still alive and well there.
      
      Surgical.. SURGICAL masks are needed in hospitals in Australia
      
      It's irrelevant how many cases we had. The important fact that they bought everything out and posted it overseas.
      
      They are working for the Government while selling real estate here.
      - netjock on 28/03/2020 - 17:26
        
        @AS2035: Best part is every ordinary citizen is shoveling money to the Chinese in droves.
        
        Bidding up real estate is one way of doing it. Flipping big screen TVs like it is confetti is another.
        
        If I was Australia I'd be selling as much resources (iron ore, gas) and other farm products to China and spend the least I can. If Australia was a person, it is insolvent, bankrupt and homeless.
        
        Economics in uni: reason why foreign debtors believe in Australian government bonds is because it has the means to pay it back by taxing citizens, if by force they can confiscate assets.
    - nutella9 on 28/03/2020 - 22:11
      
      There were multiple news pieces about 2 Chinese real estate firms raiding Australian medical supplies on an industrial scale in multiple newspapers - The Age for example is not the Murdoch press and is in fact relatively left learning. This was in fact done at a time when there was a recognised need in Australia to keep medical supplies for the people who needed them most here in Australia.
      Sadly this will result in medical personnel going without and exposed to the virus. China won't really help without something in it for them….masks, PPE and medical equipment are now being used by the CCP as a means of pushing propaganda…not from a desire to actually help humanity.
      Have a read of this…
      https://www.nationalreview.com/2020/03/coronavirus-pandemic-…

Why Shouldn't We Be Wearing Masks?

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