WHY WEAR A FACE MASK?

A couple of weeks ago, the the CDC advised us not to bother wearing surgical face masks in public. They said it wouldn’t protect us at all from the coronavirus, and might even make things worse. Because if we touched our face while fiddling around with the mask, we would be spreading the virus near the mucous membranes in our mouth and nose. I believed that. But guess what? I’ve changed my mind. Why do I wear a face mask when going to the store?

The idea began when I noticed cashiers seemed apprehensive as I approached the checkout. They were unfriendly and didn’t smile. It occurred to me that they were afraid of my standing so close and breathing on them. It turns out that stores like Target and Kroger are addressing that fear by installing Plexiglas barriers between the customer and the cash register clerks.

Wearing a fase mask in public relieves fear of others near you — Even though a face mask doesn’t offer protection against the virus, it makes nearby people feel assured that you’re not breathing on them. . That’s why I wear a face mask.

Last Saturday was the first time I went to the drug store wearing a mask. I was afraid I would stand out, and look kind of freakish. But half of the few people in that pharmacy were also wearing face masks. I was one of the crowd! By now, I’ve begun wearing a surgical mask to the store simply because I don’t want to spread my germs around. I have no symptoms, but that doesn’t mean I’m not coming down with the virus. I’m not wearing the mask to protect myself, so much as to put others at ease. And this time, the cashier at the checkout was friendly.

Another reason to wear the face mask: Last night’s weatherman announced we have a high pollen count. People with spring allergies might start sneezing, but he cautioned them not to panic. Unless they develop a fever or more serious symptoms they shouldn’t conclude that they have the coronavirus. I am one of those people allergic to pollen. My nose drips off and on all spring, depending on what tress are blossoming. If I go to the store with a dripping nose, it’s going to scare people to death. Wearing the mask filters the pollen so that I don’t sneeze. Also, no one has to worry that I’m sending droplets into the air.

I’m sure some people are laughing at my face mask. But that’s the nice part about being over eighty. I really don’t care.

March 6, 2020March 6, 2020

PURELL HITS JACKPOT IN COVID-19

One man’s poison is another man’s meat, to rephrase an old cliché. While the cruise industry is reeling from the shock, and the stock market nose dives, some people are getting an unexpected windfall. The coronavirus appears to have a few beneficiaries. Purell hits the jackpot during the COVID-19 outbreak. Manufacturers of other hand sanitizers will see an increase in their bottom line, too.

Parell and other makers of hand sanitizers are making lots of money — Producers of hand sanitizers are seeing big sales. Purell hit the Jackpot in COVQ10-19

You may wish you owned stock in Purell, but if you work for a company making face masks or respirators, your job security is rock solid right now. Take it a step further. The drugstores who sell all of the aforementioned items are keeping pretty busy

Because more people have stopped attending church or public events, cable and network ratings must be going through the roof. We’ve watched more Netflix this month than we can remember. Just like Joe Biden, what video stores remain in business may experience a comeback.

Don’t worry about layoffs if you’re working in the healthcare industry.. You’re services are greatly needed right now. Not saying the coronavirus will get worse, but everyone who gets sick is going to think they have it. Patients may even get turned away from the emergency room, because there is no room for them.

Booksellers should see a surge in sales, as libraries keep up with the demand for bestsellers. We’ve probably read twice as many books this month as we usually do. I’m checking out as many library books as my arms can carry.

Family life may improve. When people are staying home, they may sit down and eat meals together. Suddenly everyone is bonded by fear of the coronavirus. A common enemy unites us all, as we huddle together in front of the hearth (or television) .

If it goes on too long, the coronavirus may reduce our reliance on Chinese goods and services.. Maybe manufacturers will decide to invest in American workers by moving their factories out of China and into the good old USA.

You never know. Every cloud has a silver lining.

February 26, 2020February 26, 2020

SCARED SHOPPERS WEARING FACE MASKS

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.

Scared shoppers wear face masks so they won't catch the coronavirus — Scared shoppers are wearing face masks, but they don’t offer much protection against the coronavirus.

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.