Wearing masks - changing policy

GDB2222

I think we all know by now that getting hold of a mask capable of protecting the wearer is well-nigh impossible for the public at the moment, and it's extremely hard to get a good enough fit for it to do any good, anyway.

However, there's a change in policy being mooted, that we should all wear loose fitting masks. This is not to protect the wearer, but to reduce the spread of infection *by* the wearer. These masks don't have to be virus-proof. They just need to trap airborne droplets of moisture when the wearer exhales.

Has anyone here tried constructing such a mask? It should be pretty simple with a sewing machine, or even with a needle and thread if you have enough patience.

https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/apr/01/all-uk-hospital-staff-and-patients-should-wear-masks-says-doctors-group

Personally, I thought this was perfectly obvious, and I don't know why it's taken so long for WHO to even think about changing its policy.

afis1904

Asking people to make their own (because of no supply) whilst also requiring one in some public places is a disgusting policy and I hope it never gets implemented here.

GDB2222

afis1904 said:

Asking people to make their own (because of no supply) whilst also requiring one in some public places is a disgusting policy and I hope it never gets implemented here.

I tend to agree with you. Nevertheless, voluntarily wearing a mask you've made yourself, with a view to protecting others - that strikes me as rather a decent thing to do.  

afis1904

GDB2222 said:

afis1904 said:

Asking people to make their own (because of no supply) whilst also requiring one in some public places is a disgusting policy and I hope it never gets implemented here.

I tend to agree with you. Nevertheless, voluntarily wearing a mask you've made yourself, with a view to protecting others - that strikes me as rather a decent thing to do.  

Not disagreeing with that but I've seen some places force mask wearing when there is no supply which is quite irresponsible.

gettingtheresometime

I've commented on a different thread that it's been suggested that buffs are a good alternative to masks as they can be washed.

Pollycat

Being discussed here:

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/6123042/face-masks-from-the-chemist#latest

neilmcl

gettingtheresometime said:

I've commented on a different thread that it's been suggested that buffs are a good alternative to masks as they can be washed.

And as has been discussed there, mask won't be enough unless the whole population wears them.