Mask? No mask? Gloves? No gloves?
We've all seen every type of mask these days. My friend called to tell me she saw a man wearing a SNORKEL into the grocery store! I want to protect myself and others, but I WFH 85% of the time, walk through my neighborhood daily and stay out of stores as much as possible. Do I need the mask and gloves? Do you feel safer with them? Thanks in advance.
Jackie Ghedine
Coach Gen X Women|Host Modern GenX Woman podcast
6.03k
04/04/20 at 11:23AM UTC
Wear a mask. Wear gloves. New research shows that COVID-19 particles can stay in the air much longer than originally thought (and go further than 6 ft).
In NY they are now telling EVERYONE to put something over their mouth and nose (even if you don't have a mask). To Zoe's point, so many people are asystomatic or have a cough and don't think they are infected (or worse yet feel well enough and don't self quarantine, I have stories).
Here's the thing. If you think numbers are bad, the reports are nothing compared to the real numbers. They aren't testing everyone, they can't, so if you're showing symptoms (but breathing isn't dangerous) they are saying, yes you have it just quarantine (no test, not reflected).
My point? This things spreads much further and has infected so many more people than are being reported. Stay safe, wear a mask and gloves if you have to go anywhere (sunglasses too) and try not to go the stores unless necessary.
Good health to all.
Anonymous
04/06/20 at 3:56PM UTC (Edited)
Thank you, and I agree with what you've said, especially the numbers aren't the actual numbers. I think the month-by-month declarations are easier for people to handle than politicians announcing another 60 days self-quarantining, or that summer has been canceled. Time will tell.
Jacquelyn L Foster
96
04/03/20 at 8:23PM UTC
There is discussion within the CDC if everyone needs a mask because there are people who are infected and show no symptoms; they contribute to transmission. Initially, I wasn't wearing a mask because earlier reports said if you're not infected, there was no need for mask. I've started wearing a mask now because I learned my anemia gives me a compromised immune system. I am also wearing gloves
Anonymous
04/02/20 at 7:50PM UTC
I sometimes wear gloves, not always, when I go to a store and usually have a scarf on my neck i pull up higher over my mouth. I have only wore a mask at a doctors office where it was required . However, I am SUPER self aware to make sure that I don't touch my face ( literally remind myself all the time while walking through a store- which I do not go to often) and make sure I wash my hands the second I get home, even if I did have gloves on and wipe down door handles, etc. When I go for walks in my neighborhood I don't wear gloves or a mask. I live in the suburbs so if anyone else is walking people have been great with taking a step aside and providing distance between each other. The main concern is you touching something then touching your face . I don't touch anything on walks so dont feel the need for masks.
Jacquelyn L Foster
96
04/03/20 at 9:53PM UTC
CDC just recommended today the general public wear cloth masks
Anonymous
04/02/20 at 8:36PM UTC
All good suggestions and you’re right - I have to avoid touching my face & washing hands right away when I get from outside. Thank u!
Anonymous
04/02/20 at 5:44PM UTC
Because it seems like more cases are asymptomatic, more experts are debating whether the general public should be wearing masks: https://www.cnn.com/2020/04/01/health/us-coronavirus-updates-wednesday/index.html
However, I think masks and gloves serve as ways to protect us from touching our face and having clean hands. If I'm vigilant about avoiding my face when I'm out and washing my hands and items right when I get home, I feel safe.
Anonymous
04/02/20 at 8:38PM UTC
Thank u for your insight! I overthink now - should I leave my shoes outside? Shower when I get home? I saw a woman on TV “Lysol-ing” her clothes while she was still in them! I’d suggest not doing that.
Anonymous
04/03/20 at 4:20PM UTC
Agreed - it feels overwhelming! I think being really conscious and aware of your interactions is already great first step.
