<div dir="ltr"><div dir="ltr" class="gmail_signature" data-smartmail="gmail_signature"><div dir="ltr"><div dir="ltr"><div dir="ltr"><div dir="ltr"><div dir="ltr"><div dir="ltr"><div dir="ltr"><div dir="ltr"><span style="border-collapse:separate"><div dir="ltr"><div dir="ltr"><span style="border-collapse:separate"><div style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif;font-size:13px;color:rgb(0,0,0)"><span style="color:rgb(34,34,34);font-family:Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;font-size:small">LOL Stuart - I haven't understood a single thing the CDC has done! I personally would not go out at this point without a mask, IMHO of course they help protect you, at the least by keeping you from touching your face with a virus-y hand.</span></div><div style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif;font-size:13px;color:rgb(0,0,0)"><span style="color:rgb(34,34,34);font-family:Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;font-size:small"><br></span></div><div style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif;font-size:13px;color:rgb(0,0,0)"><span style="color:rgb(34,34,34);font-family:Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;font-size:small">If anyone is interested, I made a video on how to treat a surgical mask to have anti-viral properties, by spraying it with a salt solution. The 2017 paper I refer to is cited in the comments at YT. And YES wear swimmers goggles too!  </span><a href="https://youtu.be/pf8Iahxhd7Y" target="_blank" style="font-family:Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;font-size:small">https://youtu.be/pf8Iahxhd7Y</a></div><div style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif;font-size:13px;color:rgb(0,0,0)"><span style="color:rgb(34,34,34);font-family:Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;font-size:small"><br></span></div><div style="">Even the salt-infused mask is limited if it is not form-fitted to your face. I made a wire form (I used 16 ga craft wire) that I attached two rubber-band loops to, to hold in place both over and around my head. I put a tissue around the wire so it looks less dorky, the wire form is worn outside the mask, serving to close the gaps. You can also tape the mask to your face but be warned - that itches! YMMV. </div><div style=""><br></div><div style="">--Regina</div><div style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif;font-size:13px;color:rgb(0,0,0)"><span style="color:rgb(34,34,34);font-family:Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;font-size:small"><br></span></div><div style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif;font-size:13px;color:rgb(0,0,0)"><span style="color:rgb(34,34,34);font-family:Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;font-size:small">Message: 4</span><br style="color:rgb(34,34,34);font-family:Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;font-size:small"><span style="color:rgb(34,34,34);font-family:Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;font-size:small">Date: Wed, 11 Mar 2020 10:48:35 -0700</span><br style="color:rgb(34,34,34);font-family:Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;font-size:small"><span style="color:rgb(34,34,34);font-family:Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;font-size:small">From: Stuart LaForge <</span><a href="mailto:avant@sollegro.com" target="_blank" style="font-family:Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;font-size:small">avant@sollegro.com</a><span style="color:rgb(34,34,34);font-family:Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;font-size:small">></span><br style="color:rgb(34,34,34);font-family:Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;font-size:small"><span style="color:rgb(34,34,34);font-family:Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;font-size:small">To: ExI Chat <</span><a href="mailto:extropy-chat@lists.extropy.org" target="_blank" style="font-family:Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;font-size:small">extropy-chat@lists.extropy.org</a><span style="color:rgb(34,34,34);font-family:Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;font-size:small">></span><br style="color:rgb(34,34,34);font-family:Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;font-size:small"><span style="color:rgb(34,34,34);font-family:Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;font-size:small">Subject: [ExI] the CDC's weird recommendation on masks</span><br style="color:rgb(34,34,34);font-family:Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;font-size:small"><span style="color:rgb(34,34,34);font-family:Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;font-size:small">Message-ID:</span><br style="color:rgb(34,34,34);font-family:Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;font-size:small"><span style="color:rgb(34,34,34);font-family:Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;font-size:small">        <</span><a href="mailto:20200311104835.Horde.VJ6d7cWQtciLFdYYBQ-nMMF@secure199.inmotionhosting.com" target="_blank" style="font-family:Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;font-size:small">20200311104835.Horde.VJ6d7cWQtciLFdYYBQ-nMMF@secure199.inmotionhosting.com</a><span style="color:rgb(34,34,34);font-family:Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;font-size:small">></span><br style="color:rgb(34,34,34);font-family:Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;font-size:small"><br style="color:rgb(34,34,34);font-family:Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;font-size:small"><span style="color:rgb(34,34,34);font-family:Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;font-size:small">Content-Type: text/plain; charset=utf-8; format=flowed; DelSp=Yes</span><br style="color:rgb(34,34,34);font-family:Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;font-size:small"><br style="color:rgb(34,34,34);font-family:Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;font-size:small"><br style="color:rgb(34,34,34);font-family:Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;font-size:small"><span style="color:rgb(34,34,34);font-family:Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;font-size:small">I don't understand this recommendation from the CDC for the public to </span><br style="color:rgb(34,34,34);font-family:Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;font-size:small"><span style="color:rgb(34,34,34);font-family:Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;font-size:small">NOT wear masks for COVID-19 prophylaxis. Is it based on any evidence </span><br style="color:rgb(34,34,34);font-family:Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;font-size:small"><span style="color:rgb(34,34,34);font-family:Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;font-size:small">or data? Or is it just because the supply shortage for healthcare </span><br style="color:rgb(34,34,34);font-family:Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;font-size:small"><span style="color:rgb(34,34,34);font-family:Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;font-size:small">workers? Maybe N-95 respirators are overkill for the general public </span><br style="color:rgb(34,34,34);font-family:Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;font-size:small"><span style="color:rgb(34,34,34);font-family:Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;font-size:small">that is not regularly face to face with infected patients or entering </span><br style="color:rgb(34,34,34);font-family:Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;font-size:small"><span style="color:rgb(34,34,34);font-family:Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;font-size:small">rooms with several patients. But why shouldn't somebody at risk not </span><br style="color:rgb(34,34,34);font-family:Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;font-size:small"><span style="color:rgb(34,34,34);font-family:Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;font-size:small">wear a surgical mask on the subway or bus?</span><br style="color:rgb(34,34,34);font-family:Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;font-size:small"><br style="color:rgb(34,34,34);font-family:Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;font-size:small"><span style="color:rgb(34,34,34);font-family:Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;font-size:small">Yes, the virus is small enough to go through the pores of a surgical </span><br style="color:rgb(34,34,34);font-family:Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;font-size:small"><span style="color:rgb(34,34,34);font-family:Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;font-size:small">mask but it will certainly stop many of the larger aerosol droplets. </span><br style="color:rgb(34,34,34);font-family:Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;font-size:small"><span style="color:rgb(34,34,34);font-family:Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;font-size:small"> From the average cough or sneeze from three to six feet away. In fact </span><br style="color:rgb(34,34,34);font-family:Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;font-size:small"><span style="color:rgb(34,34,34);font-family:Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;font-size:small">according to this review of the literature, simple disposable surgical </span><br style="color:rgb(34,34,34);font-family:Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;font-size:small"><span style="color:rgb(34,34,34);font-family:Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;font-size:small">masks ARE effective in protecting the wearer according to 6 out of 7 </span><br style="color:rgb(34,34,34);font-family:Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;font-size:small"><span style="color:rgb(34,34,34);font-family:Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;font-size:small">studies. This is stronger than the evidence for the efficacy of hand </span><br style="color:rgb(34,34,34);font-family:Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;font-size:small"><span style="color:rgb(34,34,34);font-family:Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;font-size:small">washing which was also protective but in only 4 out 7 studies.</span><br style="color:rgb(34,34,34);font-family:Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;font-size:small"><br style="color:rgb(34,34,34);font-family:Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;font-size:small"><a href="https://www.cochranelibrary.com/cdsr/doi/10.1002/14651858.CD006207.pub4/full" rel="noreferrer" target="_blank" style="font-family:Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;font-size:small">https://www.cochranelibrary.com/cdsr/doi/10.1002/14651858.CD006207.pub4/full</a><br style="color:rgb(34,34,34);font-family:Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;font-size:small"><br style="color:rgb(34,34,34);font-family:Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;font-size:small"><span style="color:rgb(34,34,34);font-family:Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;font-size:small">"These data suggest that wearing a surgical mask or a N95 mask is the </span><br style="color:rgb(34,34,34);font-family:Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;font-size:small"><span style="color:rgb(34,34,34);font-family:Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;font-size:small">measure with the most consistent and comprehensive supportive </span><br style="color:rgb(34,34,34);font-family:Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;font-size:small"><span style="color:rgb(34,34,34);font-family:Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;font-size:small">evidence. Seven out of eight studies included masks as a measure in </span><br style="color:rgb(34,34,34);font-family:Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;font-size:small"><span style="color:rgb(34,34,34);font-family:Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;font-size:small">their study and six out of seven of these studies found masks to be </span><br style="color:rgb(34,34,34);font-family:Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;font-size:small"><span style="color:rgb(34,34,34);font-family:Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;font-size:small">statistically significant in multivariable analysis. Handwashing was </span><br style="color:rgb(34,34,34);font-family:Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;font-size:small"><span style="color:rgb(34,34,34);font-family:Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;font-size:small">also included in seven of the studies with four studies showing </span><br style="color:rgb(34,34,34);font-family:Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;font-size:small"><span style="color:rgb(34,34,34);font-family:Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;font-size:small">handwashing to be statistically significant in multivariable analysis. </span><br style="color:rgb(34,34,34);font-family:Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;font-size:small"><span style="color:rgb(34,34,34);font-family:Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;font-size:small">All other measures were shown to be statistically significant in </span><br style="color:rgb(34,34,34);font-family:Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;font-size:small"><span style="color:rgb(34,34,34);font-family:Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;font-size:small">multivariable analysis on only one or two occasions."</span><br style="color:rgb(34,34,34);font-family:Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;font-size:small"><br style="color:rgb(34,34,34);font-family:Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;font-size:small"><span style="color:rgb(34,34,34);font-family:Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;font-size:small">What is going on here? Does the CDC just think everybody is too stupid </span><br style="color:rgb(34,34,34);font-family:Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;font-size:small"><span style="color:rgb(34,34,34);font-family:Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;font-size:small">to properly use a face mask properly? I have in the past been coughed </span><br style="color:rgb(34,34,34);font-family:Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;font-size:small"><span style="color:rgb(34,34,34);font-family:Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;font-size:small">on in public to my great annoyance so it certainly is a realistic </span><br style="color:rgb(34,34,34);font-family:Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;font-size:small"><span style="color:rgb(34,34,34);font-family:Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;font-size:small">risk. My professional opinion as a microbiologist is that at risk </span><br style="color:rgb(34,34,34);font-family:Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;font-size:small"><span style="color:rgb(34,34,34);font-family:Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;font-size:small">people should absolutely wear a mask in crowded conditions and safety </span><br style="color:rgb(34,34,34);font-family:Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;font-size:small"><span style="color:rgb(34,34,34);font-family:Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;font-size:small">glasses or goggles as well. And if you can't buy any because they are </span><br style="color:rgb(34,34,34);font-family:Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;font-size:small"><span style="color:rgb(34,34,34);font-family:Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;font-size:small">sold out or too expensive due to price gouging, then you should make </span><br style="color:rgb(34,34,34);font-family:Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;font-size:small"><span style="color:rgb(34,34,34);font-family:Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;font-size:small">your own:</span><br style="color:rgb(34,34,34);font-family:Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;font-size:small"><br style="color:rgb(34,34,34);font-family:Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;font-size:small"><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cZGU2vWHKC8" rel="noreferrer" target="_blank" style="font-family:Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;font-size:small">https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cZGU2vWHKC8</a><br style="color:rgb(34,34,34);font-family:Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;font-size:small"><br style="color:rgb(34,34,34);font-family:Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;font-size:small"><span style="color:rgb(34,34,34);font-family:Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;font-size:small">In my opinion ANY barrier to the aerosol from sick people is better </span><br style="color:rgb(34,34,34);font-family:Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;font-size:small"><span style="color:rgb(34,34,34);font-family:Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;font-size:small">than no barrier. Any insights from the other list members with biomed </span><br style="color:rgb(34,34,34);font-family:Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;font-size:small"><span style="color:rgb(34,34,34);font-family:Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;font-size:small">experience?</span><br style="color:rgb(34,34,34);font-family:Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;font-size:small"><br style="color:rgb(34,34,34);font-family:Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;font-size:small"><span style="color:rgb(34,34,34);font-family:Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;font-size:small">Stuart LaForge</span><br style="color:rgb(34,34,34);font-family:Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;font-size:small"><br style="color:rgb(34,34,34);font-family:Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;font-size:small"><br style="color:rgb(34,34,34);font-family:Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;font-size:small"><br style="color:rgb(34,34,34);font-family:Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;font-size:small"><span style="color:rgb(34,34,34);font-family:Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;font-size:small">------------------------------</span><br style="color:rgb(34,34,34);font-family:Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;font-size:small"></div></span></div></div></span></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div>