Will You Feel Comfortable Going to Crowded Places Post-Easing?

[bhobba]

No. I want a vaccine first. But I will do it because here in Aus the risk is very low.

Thanks
Bill

 

[kyphysics]

Quick question for those in the know:

Why is reusing a mask unsafe if it's been left out to dry, say, for three days. I get that a mask can be compromised if it gets wet (from our own mouth's spit and water droplets). The moisture provides "points of entry/exit" on the mask. But, if you let it dry out and you wait a few days too (in case the mask has COVID particles on it), then couldn't you in theory reuse it?

Just asking, because I have 10 or so masks left. Kind of annoying to keep buying.

 

[Mary Conrads Sanburn]

Hi kyphysics
I think personal hygiene is important. My husband thinks we both need to use masks and surgical gloves when we are out and about if there will be a crowd of people. However, we don't use a mask or gloves
when were hiking with the dog. Exercise is very important.

I have a beautiful garden and the cat and dog love playing outside with me. We don't use masks when we are at home.
https://www1.health.gov.au/internet/publications/publishing.nsf/Content/ohp-enhealth-manual-atsi-cnt-l~ohp-enhealth-manual-atsi-cnt-l-ch3~ohp-enhealth-manual-atsi-cnt-l-ch3.7

 

[Rive]

...couldn't you in theory reuse it?

Those masks are meant to cover a very sesitive area of the human body. You should think of them kind of like about underwear.
If sanitized (by any proper means, like drying them, preferably by sunshine) you can wear them longer, but ultimately: sanitization is still not washing. The dirt will accumulate.

It is difficult to advocate wearing dirty underwear, even if it is 'sanitized'. That's one typical topic of teenage comedy movies

If it is not washable then you are meant to throw them away (by the proper way recommended by the local rules) at some point.

 

[kyphysics]

Thanks for the responses. I guess I'll have to keep buying then. Are people stocked up for a month or more?

Or, are you using "washable" self-made type of masks?

 

[phinds]

Are people stocked up for a month or more?

Anyone who lives within reasonable driving distance of a Walmart Superstore hardly need to "stock up". You can get pretty much anything you need, they will do the shopping in the store for you, you just pick it up in the back parking lot with no close contact with anyone. I go there at least once a week.

 

[Rive]

Or, are you using "washable" self-made type of masks?

Yes. I do have some 'serious' ones too, but for everyday usage I think they are not necessary (if social distancing is properly taken seriously).

You can buy 'official' washable masks too.

 

[BillTre]

The NY Times has done a survey of 511 epidemiologists about when they would feel good about doing a variety of different activities.

There are also lots of comments on specific questions.
My favorite:

“Real epidemiologists don't shake hands. ”