This thread proves how susceptible Americans are to fear and spin.

First, this should be considered a rumor and nothing more. Statements like this can endanger front-line medical personnel.

Second, it's probably the worst idea I've heard being tossed about at this stage of the outbreak for a number of reasons (most having to do with American culture). If you think masks are hard to come by now...think toilet paper. Where the hell will our medical personnel get masks if every asshole in America hoards a few hundred in their garage (and they will)?

Third, there's little scientific evidence that wearing masks substantially reduces everyday citizen's risks for this novel virus vs careful sanitation, isolation and safe distancing. The problem is that any measure we take can create a false sense of security and most people then become far more careless with the other components of protection.

Fourth, it is known that the virus can be spread in air both by droplets (of a wide variety of size) and by aerosolization which is extremely dangerous in public places and masks available to the public will not stop it (virus particles are sub-micron). In addition, very few public places have HEPA-rated air filtration in their HVAC systems.

Fifth, few Americans are trained on the proper use and handling of particulate masks and are unaware their design is for short term use, typically being disposed of after one work shift or less. Handling of them reduces effectiveness.

My strong suspicion is that Trump's greed-driven people are about to pump this as a magic solution to enable millions of people to go back to work. The net result is that thousand more will die.

I'm expressing these opinions relative to the American public as a whole, including the rich and the poor and the smart and not-so-smart from all regions.


Just My Humble Opinion........

Inside the race to develop a coronavirus vaccine

OK boys, how many remember sneaking in the back door at 3am....

half-loaded and experiencing this result?

The US Senate is NOT practicing social distancing.

All carriers will be considered crucial businesses because....

so many truly crucial services depend on cell and landline services such as police, fire, medical personnel, critical service companies, etc.

Phone carriers are also internet carriers without which we would be dead in the water......

Not likely to happen in America and could be dangerous.

Probably substantially effective only in very crowded city areas where some people go barefoot or wear sandals, or where people handle and remove their shoes prior to entering buildings.

With almost everyone sheltering indoors, there's no need.

There's also the issue of environmental effects of vast amounts of disinfectants going into our groundwater or sewers.

That all said, it is worthy of mention to say virus particles could in theory stay viable for a couple of days on outdoor surfaces under ideal conditions.

Especially everyday citizens who did so because their church said so.

I've long understood where the ultra-wealthy Rethugs stand and they're just flat-out greedy and power mad.

Republicans masterfully divided our working class public for 40 or so years and then brainwashed the ones they spun off via right-wing media. They knew how to weed out those that are susceptible to the dogma of racism, religious extremism and many with fascist leanings. Quite a crew they've assembled.

I'm not convinced we'll ever recover and those that were the masterminds deserve the most severe consequences. Sadly, most of them just get very rich and are never known to the public.

The arrogant shits I know that most certainly voted for Trump can't even answer why they chose a man that was in no way qualified for the job. And that's a pretty basic question!


Hang in there, SM...........

Some things to consider to break the boredom and.....

help maintain a bit of social contact:

1. My daughter:

Ranger captures moment grizzly bear emerges from hibernation in Canada

Guardian News

Alexander Walker, "Peter Sellers was mad"