Wear those masks people, whatever you got!

[ironyak]

My point is that putting hardcore protection on your eyes while wearing a cloth mask is misunderstanding both the intent and the priorities. But every bit helps of course.

Personally I like the stylish PAPR-esque systems
https://www.boredpanda.com/dinosaur-cost...down-spain

[My 2 cents]

"The DIY cloth masks aren't really for preventing you getting sick (better than nothing, but only about 50% protection) - it's about everyone not spreading the virus even if they feel fine."

If your mask is 50% effective in holding your crud in, and my mask is 50% effective at keeping your crud out, then that means that BOTH OF US WEARING MASKS raises the overall effectiveness to 75%. For both of us. Still not as good as N95, but I would say that is substantial.

[ironyak]

hokuili Ok, all kidding aside, can covid actually infect a body through the eyes?

Yeah, there were hints of this back in Wuhan where healthcare workers with respiratory masks were still getting infected and the move there was to also use face shields.

Pretty much accepted now as a route of infection.
https://www.aao.org/eye-health/tips-prev...on-pinkeye

The virus is able to travel through blood and interstitial fluids and then enter cells with ACE2 receptors of which there are many including nerves, lung, heart, & testes, which is why there are implications for neurological damage, cardiac arrest, and male fertility.

https://www.nytimes.com/2020/04/01/healt...usion.html
"Neurologists around the world say that a small subset of patients with Covid-19 are developing serious impairments of the brain.

Although fever, cough and difficulty breathing are the typical hallmarks of infection with the new coronavirus, some patients exhibit altered mental status, or encephalopathy, a catchall term for brain disease or dysfunction that can have many underlying causes, as well as other serious conditions. These neurological syndromes join other unusual symptoms, such as diminished sense of smell and taste as well as heart ailments."

more at link

[ironyak]

I would say that is substantial.

Again, yes, wearing anything is better than nothing and it all multiplies up. Please don't read that I'm arguing that. Just making clear to ElysianWort what the intent of the effort is and what are the limitations - no donning a bandanna and going about your normal public activities with immunity.

[Chunkster]

It's now officially recommended for citizens to wear masks in public, at least on Oahu. From Hawaii News Now:

https://www.hawaiinewsnow.com/2020/04/02...-response/

[Guest]

Good luck getting Harry to tell people to wear a mask. I imagine, as with all things, Ige will have to "bring the hammer down" before anyone on the Big Island is encouraged to do so.

[Frank]

Why does anyone have to wait to be told to wear a mask??????????

[randomq]

Because they've already been told not to by the surgeon general and CDC. Some employers are using that as justification to force their workers to NOT wear a mask or be fired. That's right, some people that want to wear a mask can't until the government says otherwise.

[Frank]

Freedom?

[randomq]

Sure, if you don't mind losing your job, you are free to ignore your boss. Personally, I would wear the mask anyway, make them fire me over it, and sue them. Most people don't have the financial security, means to hire a lawyer, or ability to get a job elsewhere. Especially now.