How does one start a movement? (N95 masks for everyone).

[LAS14]

One of the things that troubles me a lot about this whole pandemic is what it will do to institutions like symphonies and ballet companies. I have an N95 mask, and it is a great releaf to use it when I have to shop. I would feel comfortable going to the symphony or ballet if I were wearing it, but it's not safe to encourage people to sit for 2 hours in close quarters without such protection. I've written to my symphony and ballet company, urging them to exert what influence they have on all levels of government. I will write to my senator and representative. But what's a good way to get a LOT of people to push for this policy??

I'm not sure about indoor sports, where people are yelling at the top of their lungs. I'd like more information. But I do know that N95s keep my daughter-in-law safe when she intubates COVID-19 patients.

tia
las

[mucifer]

1. From what my company tells me after 40 hours the N95 no longer functions

so count the hours you are using the mask

[LAS14]

3. Thanks. I'll add that to my campaign. I don't wear mine...

... for things like walking, where I definitely won't be in close quarters for more than a few seconds.

[Maru Kitteh]

2. The N95 is all well and good but ONLY when fit-tested and ONLY in conjunction

with eye protection.

I'm not against everyone having access to N95's - but they are not magical, and require informed, tested use.

[hlthe2b]

6. Exactly. And I fume daily at the absence of attention to eye protection in our messaging.

[LAS14]

8. Yes, you can get infected through the eyes, so glasses...

... are a good idea.

[CountAllVotes]

4. They cost about a quarter to make

I have some on backorder right now - a 20 pack for $26.95.

I really do not understand why this has to become a movement.

They can sell all the iphones for the entire world but not a four-bit mask?

[hlthe2b]

5. " I do know that N95s keep my daughter-in-law safe when she intubates COVID-19 patients."

N95 masks are not 100% protective. Don't kid yourself. I know. My sister, an ER nurse, developed COVID-19 in early May and is still ill with intractable headaches and near-constant nausea. Two others of her ER colleagues were infected and spent time on ventilators, but have since recovered. Two more from the same ER have been diagnosed the past two days and one is in ICU on a ventilator. I have other physician colleagues across the country who have likewise been infected. So far none of them has died, fortunately, but all took every single PPE precaution available to them.

To conclude that N95 masks are the answer-- sans any other measures-- is simply not the case.

[LAS14]

9. "sans any other measures-" I absolutely do not advocate forgetting other measures. nt

[hlthe2b]

10. You have missed the point...and it is a very serious one.

[LAS14]

11. What point did I miss? nt

[hlthe2b]

12. Please reread my first post to you. I relayed a lot of personal info I would not have normally to

try to help you understand that N95 masks alone can not be the answer. As I relayed, even HCWs wearing them and other PPE continuously are still getting infected and I can assure you none of those I have mentioned, myself includedm are doing ANYTHING other than going from home to work. Thinking that they are a "miracle" answer is not only not true, but very problematic.

[LAS14]

13. And once again, I repeat. I do not think they are the answer "alone." nt

[pnwmom]

15. But the problem is, they don't guarantee safety even with hand washing.

Doctors can't social distance with their patients, but the rest of us can skip concerts and ball games.

[hlthe2b]

16. ...

I'm beginning to think a lack of empathy is contagious.

[helpisontheway]

7. I have different types of masks. I have N95, KN95's,cloth,

and buffs. I also have eye protection. I use the N95 with buff for dr appointments. I rarely go out but if I do I use a KN95 plus buff. I use my cloth one if I walk around the block. I also maintain social distance at all times. My mask combos are not 100% but I feel safer than just wearing cloth mask alone.

[OhioChick]

14. If doctors and nurses.....

Are using their same N-95 mask for several shifts, I highly doubt that the general public can start a movement of any kind to get them for personal use.

[jmg257]

17. Will the ballet and symphonies wear masks? I work re: Broadway; curious how they will function also.

If someone sees a $$$ opportunity, they will fill the need. (Hmm..who is 'commanding' the limited sales?)


I feel much better using my p95s then a simple cloth thing.

[Baclava]

18. So in your decree all men must shave off their beards? Because that mask demands a tight facial fit

Good luck with that