We aren’t accustomed to seeing people wearing face masks in  the grocery store.  Here in the USA, they’re mostly worn in hospitals.  Anyone seen with one in a public place raises questions.  Is the masked person sick, afraid of getting sick, or about to commit a robbery?  We used to see them occasionally  in Mexico and other foreign places like Asia.  But now,  the coronavirus has brought out our worst fears.  Scared shoppers here in my Indiana hometown are wearing face masks in public places. 

Most hospitals and doctor’s office provide surgical masks at the door.  You’re  asked to wear them if you have a cold or the flu.  Their purpose is to prevent you from spreading infectious diseases and contaminating the air of those around you.   Therefore,  if someone  nearby coughs or sneezes, you are still  at risk of catching whatever it is they have.     Infectious disease specialists  say that the masks are too thin and loose fitting to completely prevent the inhalation of unfiltered air.

And yet, this past week, I’ve seen one or two people wearing a face mask every time I go out to shop.  But  Dr. William Schaffner, an infectious disease specialist at Vanderbilt University has said that regular surgical face masks will not protect you from the coronavirus.

Consequently, respirators are the only thing that will protect you from the coronavirus. They are heavy duty, and form fitted to your face.  The CDC says they filter out about 95% of airborne particles, including viruses and bacteria.  But there are drawbacks.   Respirators aren’t comfortable, and many people have trouble breathing while wearing them.

Meanwhile, I took comfort from a news report last night about the coronavirus.  Apparently, 85% of all cases are mild, 12% are severe, and only 3% are fatal.  Which seems pretty much like the seasonal flu we experience every year.