Re:Usage of Masks “Flattened” Growth of Coronavirus Cases in...
by drcode on Monday March 30, 2020 @11:02AM
(#22728553)
"You should only wear a mask if a healthcare professional recommends it."
A blanket statement against all types of masks without qualification.
Re:Usage of Masks “Flattened” Growth of Coronavirus Cases in...
by collinmanderson on Monday March 30, 2020 @11:52AM
(#22728955)
Right, the CDC FAQ seems to say don't wear masks.
However the CDC also says if you "think you might have COVID-19", you should "wear a facemask" "to help protect other people in your home and community." "You may need to improvise a facemask using a scarf or bandana."
https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/if-you-are-sick/st...
Seems to me we should all assume we "might have COVID-19" and therefore follow CDC's advice: wear a facemask of some kind to protect other people.
Perhaps there’s concern that if CDC or others advise people to use homemade masks, people who actually do need N95 masks (e.g. severely immunocompromised) will think that works for them?
Edit: there’s also the moral hazard aspect to consider: if people think wearing homemade masks is enough to protect them, they’re probably a lot more likely to ignore quarantine or social distancing. If the masks aren’t 100% effective and are used wrong, that could be worse than just staying in and social distancing.