It is a Big Error that We Tell People not to Buy Face Masks

  Yes, those facemasks would do a world of good. So, while the CDC has advised us not to use them, we should. The CDC is in error.

   We do not need to buy the N95 masks, commonly used in construction work. But, make no mistake, a simple mask would do a world of good. At a time like this when the whole world is in harm's way, it would do the world good.

    Had we been on the ball, we would have ramped up emergency production of these masks on Day 1, the first day we became concerned of the virus. But, nothing is stopping us now. If we have any factories at all, ramp up production. We may not be able to import them. One of the countries that exports them, Taiwan, has stopped that exportation so all of its masks can be used for its own citizens.

   Taiwan trusts that they work, even if the CDC doesn't.

   To date, the belief is that most coronavirus transmissions are through the air. Not as many of them are from the virus being picked up off surfaces. So, while all the cans of Lysol are spraying down counters and wiping off door handles, it is the transmissions through the air we should be more concerned with.

   And, we are telling people not to wear masks?

   There are at least two types of transmissions through the air: One, spit and saliva projectiles. (Or, would it be just cough and sneeze projectiles?) These quickly fall the ground. But, some of the sources I am reading say that this is the typical way the disease is transmitted; A person coughs or sneezes, and the projectile lands in another person's nose or mouth. I would suggest it might not be too often that that happens. But -- whatever -- I could be wrong. 

  The point is, a simple face mask would stop that. If the person coughing or sneezing has a mask, his cough or sneeze goes no further. So, we are saying this is the primary way the disease is transmitted, and then telling people not to wear masks? Doesn't make sense.

   The second type of transmission through the air is what is called airborne. The microbes evidently come detached from the droplets we spew out by coughing, and they float around in the air. Studies are suggesting they can hang in the air for hours.

   I would wonder if we should divide out a third type of transmission; simple breathing and talking. When I cup my hand in front of my mouth as I talk, I can feel moisture reach my hand. When I exhale deeply through by nose, I also feel moisture hitting into my cupped hand.
   Maybe even divide this third type of transmission further, into three. 1.) The projectiles or droplets, themselves. 2.) The microbes that are carried out by the projectiles, but which detach and hang in the air for hours, supposing this happens. 4.) Microbes that are not carried out by the projectiles, but rather float out of the mouth or nose free of being carried out by projectiles. 

    NBA players breathe deeply. They exhale deeply. And, we have -- so far -- seven players who have come down with COVID-19? It would not seem they are coughing much on each other. But, they are breathing on each other.

   So, back to the masks. The CDC warns that the simple masks are not effective. They don't have a tight fit. The aerosol particles can sneak in through the edges of the mask, since it doesn't have a tight fit. Yes, that would mean they don't completely protect you from receiving the virus from aerosol transmissions.

   But, if everyone wore masks? Not just those worried about receiving the virus? Then, when anyone sneezed or coughed or spoke or exhaled air, those masks would catch the moisture. They would trap the projectiles and droplets within the masks. The aerosol microbes? It would seem at least most of them would also be trapped within the mask.

   If I am missing something here, I can't imagine what it is. It so seems just a matter of logic.

   The CDC says people misuse the masks. I read of how there is a certain way the mask is to be taken off. Is this part of what the CDC is talking about when it refers to misuse? To take it off, you don't grab the mask by the front, where your germs have penetrated, but by the strap that runs around the back of your head. I guess you could always wash your hands, though, couldn't you? And, if you need a new, cheap mask at that point, so be it. 

   I have a sister who came up with a great idea: Dish rags. If all the masks are sold out, tie a dish rag around your face. 

   So, the next big thing to sell off the shelves? Dish rags! Let's all rush out and buy dish rags.

   We should. From all I can tell, it might save our nation from much of the harm of this novel coronavirus.
(NOTE: The story was added to some 3/18/20.)