HEPA filter face mask...

[Michael Terrell]

On Friday, October 30, 2020 at 6:22:24 AM UTC-4, Don Y wrote:

On 10/30/2020 2:58 AM, Jasen Betts wrote:

If you\'ve got a dental clinic open for non emergency work during a
respiratory tract pandemic and child labor you\'ve already got worse
ethical problems.

I assumed child meant ADULT child (young children don\'t often \"work
on dental patients\").

It\'s been ~9 months, now. How long do you imagine folks can go
without routine dental care? I\'ve been for two cleanings/exams
under these conditions. But, most medical services, here, are
erring on the side of extra precautions instead of playing
free and loose.

The same holds for other medical services; do you stop radiation
therapies? Chemo? Surgeries? Instead, you make intelligent
decisions about what you can gain significant benefit from to
offset potential risks (\"No, Gloria, that boob-job/tummy-tuck can
wait!\").

The VA requires you to stand six feet from the window. It\'s not fun trying to get your appointment sheets that way.

[Many of our hospitals took a significant financial hit when elective
procedures were suspended.]

What I find amusing is how our goobernor came to the conclusion that
hair/nail salons were \"essential businesses\". Really? Did he think
folks couldn\'t survive without a hair cut or manicure??? It\'s
doubly amusing to see how few people have actually taken advantage
of that \"essential service\" (evidenced by the amount of \"bad hair\"
and \"chipped nail polish\" that you see).

I haven\'t been to a barber for about 20 years. I cut it, myself About every three months, I cut it to a burr..

> <rolls eyes>

Snake eyes!

 

[Don Y]

On 10/30/2020 2:16 PM, Michael Terrell wrote:

On Friday, October 30, 2020 at 6:22:24 AM UTC-4, Don Y wrote:

The same holds for other medical services; do you stop radiation
therapies? Chemo? Surgeries? Instead, you make intelligent decisions about
what you can gain significant benefit from to offset potential risks (\"No,
Gloria, that boob-job/tummy-tuck can wait!\").

The VA requires you to stand six feet from the window. It\'s not fun trying
to get your appointment sheets that way.

I think the \"experts\" have done a piss poor job of explaining risk factors
to people. Viral particles accumulate in the soon-to-be-potentially-infected.
The trick is to be able to clear those that have tried to set up shop
BEFORE enough can get a foothold to overpower your current state of defenses.

So, a momentary (noncontact) interaction is far less risky than an hour
of speaking six feet apart!

[I also recall noticing video footage of a subway(?) interior in some asian
country. The iconography/graphic on the wall obviously indicating \"keep your
distance\". But, the distance cited was *5* meters (for a cough)! Perhaps
another reason we can\'t seem to get things under control with our 6 ft (2m)
separations?]

I suspect this is a cause of many of our new local infections. People have
stumbled on the idea that \"everything is OK\" as long as you are out-of-doors.
So, I watch a neighbor have groups of family over for 4 hour soirees, three
times in the last week. No masks but 6 feet between them. And, of course,
they talk (think \"project\"!) considerably louder as they now have to
cast their voices (aerosol particles) over longer distances.

<frown>

And, many take license to leave their masks off using the excuse that they
are eating, smoking, etc. One of the local casinos advertises that their
staff will ask you to replace your mask if they notice it off longer than
necessary. And, you *may* be asked to leave (I guess a lot will depend on
whether you are currently winning or losing! :> )

What I find amusing is how our goobernor came to the conclusion that
hair/nail salons were \"essential businesses\". Really? Did he think folks
couldn\'t survive without a hair cut or manicure??? It\'s doubly amusing to
see how few people have actually taken advantage of that \"essential
service\" (evidenced by the amount of \"bad hair\" and \"chipped nail polish\"
that you see).

I haven\'t been to a barber for about 20 years. I cut it, myself About every
three months, I cut it to a burr..

Much longer, for me. But, I just let it grow (until it \"breaks\" and falls off)

 

[Michael Terrell]

On Friday, October 30, 2020 at 5:55:36 PM UTC-4, Don Y wrote:

On 10/30/2020 2:16 PM, Michael Terrell wrote:
On Friday, October 30, 2020 at 6:22:24 AM UTC-4, Don Y wrote:

The same holds for other medical services; do you stop radiation
therapies? Chemo? Surgeries? Instead, you make intelligent decisions about
what you can gain significant benefit from to offset potential risks (\"No,
Gloria, that boob-job/tummy-tuck can wait!\").

The VA requires you to stand six feet from the window. It\'s not fun trying
to get your appointment sheets that way.
I think the \"experts\" have done a piss poor job of explaining risk factors
to people. Viral particles accumulate in the soon-to-be-potentially-infected.
The trick is to be able to clear those that have tried to set up shop
BEFORE enough can get a foothold to overpower your current state of defenses.

It might be different if the \'experts\' agreed, and didn\'t keep changing their minds.

So, a momentary (noncontact) interaction is far less risky than an hour
of speaking six feet apart!

[I also recall noticing video footage of a subway(?) interior in some asian
country. The iconography/graphic on the wall obviously indicating \"keep your
distance\". But, the distance cited was *5* meters (for a cough)! Perhaps
another reason we can\'t seem to get things under control with our 6 ft (2m)
separations?]

I suspect this is a cause of many of our new local infections. People have
stumbled on the idea that \"everything is OK\" as long as you are out-of-doors.
So, I watch a neighbor have groups of family over for 4 hour soirees, three
times in the last week. No masks but 6 feet between them. And, of course,
they talk (think \"project\"!) considerably louder as they now have to
cast their voices (aerosol particles) over longer distances.

frown

And, many take license to leave their masks off using the excuse that they
are eating, smoking, etc. One of the local casinos advertises that their
staff will ask you to replace your mask if they notice it off longer than
necessary. And, you *may* be asked to leave (I guess a lot will depend on
whether you are currently winning or losing! :> )
What I find amusing is how our goobernor came to the conclusion that
hair/nail salons were \"essential businesses\". Really? Did he think folks
couldn\'t survive without a hair cut or manicure??? It\'s doubly amusing to
see how few people have actually taken advantage of that \"essential
service\" (evidenced by the amount of \"bad hair\" and \"chipped nail polish\"
that you see).

I haven\'t been to a barber for about 20 years. I cut it, myself About every
three months, I cut it to a burr.

Much longer, for me. But, I just let it grow (until it \"breaks\" and falls off)

I had to go to a funeral for one of my uncles Both of us were Army Veterans, and still kept our hair short. Being in Florida would remind you to keep it cut when sweat started running into your eyes.

 

[Ricketty C]

On Friday, October 30, 2020 at 5:55:36 PM UTC-4, Don Y wrote:

On 10/30/2020 2:16 PM, Michael Terrell wrote:
On Friday, October 30, 2020 at 6:22:24 AM UTC-4, Don Y wrote:

The same holds for other medical services; do you stop radiation
therapies? Chemo? Surgeries? Instead, you make intelligent decisions about
what you can gain significant benefit from to offset potential risks (\"No,
Gloria, that boob-job/tummy-tuck can wait!\").

The VA requires you to stand six feet from the window. It\'s not fun trying
to get your appointment sheets that way.

I think the \"experts\" have done a piss poor job of explaining risk factors
to people.

I don\'t think that is important. Most people simply won\'t understand the reality of infection and protection. The goal is simply to get people to practice safe-ER procedures that allow the infection rate to drop rather than increase. At several times we have done this. But it\'s like telling a small child to not pick at their scab or to scratch the poison ivy spots.

Viral particles accumulate in the soon-to-be-potentially-infected.
The trick is to be able to clear those that have tried to set up shop
BEFORE enough can get a foothold to overpower your current state of defenses.

So, a momentary (noncontact) interaction is far less risky than an hour
of speaking six feet apart!

[I also recall noticing video footage of a subway(?) interior in some asian
country. The iconography/graphic on the wall obviously indicating \"keep your
distance\". But, the distance cited was *5* meters (for a cough)! Perhaps
another reason we can\'t seem to get things under control with our 6 ft (2m)
separations?]

I don\'t know the details of why we say 6 foot, but as with all the other measures more is better and there is NO threshold. There is just a point where we draw the line.

I suspect this is a cause of many of our new local infections. People have
stumbled on the idea that \"everything is OK\" as long as you are out-of-doors.
So, I watch a neighbor have groups of family over for 4 hour soirees, three
times in the last week. No masks but 6 feet between them. And, of course,
they talk (think \"project\"!) considerably louder as they now have to
cast their voices (aerosol particles) over longer distances.

frown

And, many take license to leave their masks off using the excuse that they
are eating, smoking, etc. One of the local casinos advertises that their
staff will ask you to replace your mask if they notice it off longer than
necessary. And, you *may* be asked to leave (I guess a lot will depend on
whether you are currently winning or losing! :> )

That\'s actually funny a bit. I mean the part about winning or losing. I think casinos understand better than anyone that there is no such thing as \"luck\" and a \"winner\" is a very temporary title. If you are a \"winner\", they will want you to hang around until you become a \"loser\". Then they will still want you to hang around until you become a BROKE loser.

What I find amusing is how our goobernor came to the conclusion that
hair/nail salons were \"essential businesses\". Really? Did he think folks
couldn\'t survive without a hair cut or manicure??? It\'s doubly amusing to
see how few people have actually taken advantage of that \"essential
service\" (evidenced by the amount of \"bad hair\" and \"chipped nail polish\"
that you see).

I haven\'t been to a barber for about 20 years. I cut it, myself About every
three months, I cut it to a burr..

Much longer, for me. But, I just let it grow (until it \"breaks\" and falls off)

Next summer I might get a buzz cut and let it grow out again. Or maybe I\'ll do the Telly Savalas thing? \"Who Loves Ya Baby?\"

I\'ve been growing a beard (I mean a full one like Santa) since the first of the year. Not so much fun in the summer when it\'s hot. Might shave that off too. The \'stash stays though.

--

Rick C.

++ Get 1,000 miles of free Supercharging
++ Tesla referral code - https://ts.la/richard11209

 

[Don Y]

On 10/30/2020 9:57 PM, Michael Terrell wrote:

On Friday, October 30, 2020 at 5:55:36 PM UTC-4, Don Y wrote:

I think the \"experts\" have done a piss poor job of explaining risk
factors to people. Viral particles accumulate in the
soon-to-be-potentially-infected. The trick is to be able to clear those
that have tried to set up shop BEFORE enough can get a foothold to
overpower your current state of defenses.

It might be different if the \'experts\' agreed, and didn\'t keep changing
their minds.

I think people cherry-pick what they want the truth to be. A neighbor is
convinced the pandemic will \"go away\" on Nov 4th -- as if it is a manufactured
thing tied to our politics.

[He doesn\'t seem to have an explanation for its existence in the rest of the
world! I guess part of some GLOBAL conspiracy?? Maybe a \"mask cabal\" that
is trying to corner the market on PPE?? <shakes head>]

I haven\'t been to a barber for about 20 years. I cut it, myself About
every three months, I cut it to a burr.

Much longer, for me. But, I just let it grow (until it \"breaks\" and falls
off)

I had to go to a funeral for one of my uncles Both of us were Army Veterans,
and still kept our hair short. Being in Florida would remind you to keep it
cut when sweat started running into your eyes.

I\'m keen on not letting others control my appearance (lifestyle, schedule,
beliefs, etc.). I figure good hygiene is important but how I wear my hair,
whether or not I choose to shave on a given day or the number of holes in
my jeans is a problem THEY have, not me. <grin>

It\'s hot here (110 days above 100F this year). And, humid during Monsoon.
But, hair doesn\'t seem to make a meaningful difference in my comfort level.

 

[Ricketty C]

On Saturday, October 31, 2020 at 4:01:38 AM UTC-4, Don Y wrote:

On 10/30/2020 9:57 PM, Michael Terrell wrote:
On Friday, October 30, 2020 at 5:55:36 PM UTC-4, Don Y wrote:

I think the \"experts\" have done a piss poor job of explaining risk
factors to people. Viral particles accumulate in the
soon-to-be-potentially-infected. The trick is to be able to clear those
that have tried to set up shop BEFORE enough can get a foothold to
overpower your current state of defenses.

It might be different if the \'experts\' agreed, and didn\'t keep changing
their minds.

I think people cherry-pick what they want the truth to be. A neighbor is
convinced the pandemic will \"go away\" on Nov 4th -- as if it is a manufactured
thing tied to our politics.

[He doesn\'t seem to have an explanation for its existence in the rest of the
world! I guess part of some GLOBAL conspiracy?? Maybe a \"mask cabal\" that
is trying to corner the market on PPE?? <shakes head>]

I haven\'t been to a barber for about 20 years. I cut it, myself About
every three months, I cut it to a burr.

Much longer, for me. But, I just let it grow (until it \"breaks\" and falls
off)

I had to go to a funeral for one of my uncles Both of us were Army Veterans,
and still kept our hair short. Being in Florida would remind you to keep it
cut when sweat started running into your eyes.

I\'m keen on not letting others control my appearance (lifestyle, schedule,
beliefs, etc.). I figure good hygiene is important but how I wear my hair,
whether or not I choose to shave on a given day or the number of holes in
my jeans is a problem THEY have, not me. <grin

It\'s hot here (110 days above 100F this year). And, humid during Monsoon.
But, hair doesn\'t seem to make a meaningful difference in my comfort level.

I wonder to what extent the close cut hair thing is carried. The forehead isn\'t the only thing that sweats.

--

Rick C.

--- Get 1,000 miles of free Supercharging
--- Tesla referral code - https://ts.la/richard11209

 

[Don Y]

On 10/30/2020 4:07 AM, amdx wrote:

I started search looking for an article I saw that said the reduction of
transmission was 2%.

The devil is in the details. Off-hand recollections from stuff I\'ve
read in the past few months:

The actual viral particles are about an eighth of a micron in \"diameter\" (for
want of a better word) -- a bit larger than an Influenza virus particle.

A cloth mask will not stop ANY of these from passing.

/Nor will an N95 mask/! (only filters particles to ~3 microns, and that
assumes the mask has been fitted to the wearer, properly!)

OTOH, droplets generated while speaking (or coughing, etc.) are very large;
on the order of 5 microns (20 times larger than the viral particles). In
practice, these drop to the ground quickly -- like within a few feet.
(origin of the \"6 foot recommendation\": \"Say it, don\'t spray it!\")

The zingers are small particles -- \"aerosols\" -- between this droplet size
and that of the viral particle itself. These can hang in the air for HOURS.
(e.g., if you wander into the post office to check your box \"after hours\",
you\'re likely breathing the aerosols generated -- and lingering -- by the
folks who visited hours before!)

Air currents can help disturb these small particles. This is why \"outdoors\"
is preferred to indoors (but, only for identical exposure durations). Many
buildings don\'t circulate air quick enough.

Humidity helps destroy the particles (gets them to fall apart... \"dissolve\")
while dryness enhances their longevity. Heat decreases their longevity
while cold increases it (the particle is held together with lipids)

Efficiency of masks at trapping particles (across the range of sizes)
varies widely. None are actually effective as a sole means of source
control (blocking your infection from getting out). And, most masks are
poorly fitted (e.g., a \"neck sleeve\" actually INCREASES particle
transmission; speaking also helps break large particles into smaller ones
at the mask boundary)

Eye coverings are required to minimize particles contacting the conjunctiva
from being \"washed\" (tears/blinking) inside.

But, masks are a noticeable reminder to you -- and those you encounter -- to
practice other measures that have an effect on transmission! I.e., DON\'T
stand close together, even masked. Wash your hands. Minimize physical
contact with other items that may harbor fomites.

[If you wore a condom 24/7, you\'d likely be more aware of the risks of STDs!]

Additionally, it sends a signal to those you encounter that you are making
a TINY effort to improve the situation (instead of acting as if you\'re
unconcerned). And, reminds THEM that they should \"act responsibly\".

The problem is that many folks think a mask is a \"fix\" and DON\'T engage
in all the accompanying prophylactic behaviors -- just like the \"we\'re
safe because we\'re outdoors\" panacea. The same will likely be true
when/if there is a vaccine OR implied immunity from a prior infection.

Personally, a mask reminds me to avoid unnecessary contact with \"things\"
and clean my hands as soon as I leave the \"area of potential interaction\"
BEFORE and AFTER removing my mask. (treat the mask as a source of
infection) I keep a tiny bottle (2 oz) of hand sanitizer in the car
and use most of it on a single \"excursion\" (which may include several
stops -- with sanitizer used after each!). And, as most of my trips are
(very) local, the alcohol scent lingering on my hands when I arrive back
at the house is a reminder to wash my hands as soon as I enter.

 

[Jasen Betts]

On 2020-10-31, Don Y <blockedofcourse@foo.invalid> wrote:

On 10/30/2020 4:07 AM, amdx wrote:

I started search looking for an article I saw that said the reduction of
transmission was 2%.

The devil is in the details. Off-hand recollections from stuff I\'ve
read in the past few months:

The actual viral particles are about an eighth of a micron in \"diameter\" (for
want of a better word) -- a bit larger than an Influenza virus particle.

A cloth mask will not stop ANY of these from passing.

/Nor will an N95 mask/! (only filters particles to ~3 microns, and that
assumes the mask has been fitted to the wearer, properly!)

Wrong.

--
Jasen.

 

[amdx]

On 10/31/2020 6:57 AM, Jasen Betts wrote:

On 2020-10-31, Don Y <blockedofcourse@foo.invalid> wrote:
On 10/30/2020 4:07 AM, amdx wrote:

I started search looking for an article I saw that said the reduction of
transmission was 2%.
The devil is in the details. Off-hand recollections from stuff I\'ve
read in the past few months:

The actual viral particles are about an eighth of a micron in \"diameter\" (for
want of a better word) -- a bit larger than an Influenza virus particle.

A cloth mask will not stop ANY of these from passing.

/Nor will an N95 mask/! (only filters particles to ~3 microns, and that
assumes the mask has been fitted to the wearer, properly!)
Wrong.

It would be help if you would tell us what is wrong and why.

                                          Mikek


--
This email has been checked for viruses by Avast antivirus software.
https://www.avast.com/antivirus

 

[amdx]

On 10/31/2020 7:36 AM, amdx wrote:

On 10/31/2020 6:57 AM, Jasen Betts wrote:
On 2020-10-31, Don Y <blockedofcourse@foo.invalid> wrote:
On 10/30/2020 4:07 AM, amdx wrote:

I started search looking for an article I saw that said the
reduction of
transmission was 2%.
The devil is in the details.  Off-hand recollections from stuff I\'ve
read in the past few months:

The actual viral particles are about an eighth of a micron in
\"diameter\" (for
want of a better word) -- a bit larger than an Influenza virus
particle.

A cloth mask will not stop ANY of these from passing.

/Nor will an N95 mask/!  (only filters particles to ~3 microns, and
that
assumes the mask has been fitted to the wearer, properly!)
Wrong.

It would be help if you would tell us what is wrong and why.

                                          Mikek


 Study of N95 masks from 2005.

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/16490606/

--
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https://www.avast.com/antivirus

 

[Don Y]

On 10/31/2020 5:36 AM, amdx wrote:

On 10/31/2020 6:57 AM, Jasen Betts wrote:
On 2020-10-31, Don Y <blockedofcourse@foo.invalid> wrote:
On 10/30/2020 4:07 AM, amdx wrote:

I started search looking for an article I saw that said the reduction of
transmission was 2%.
The devil is in the details. Off-hand recollections from stuff I\'ve
read in the past few months:

The actual viral particles are about an eighth of a micron in \"diameter\" (for
want of a better word) -- a bit larger than an Influenza virus particle.

A cloth mask will not stop ANY of these from passing.

/Nor will an N95 mask/! (only filters particles to ~3 microns, and that
assumes the mask has been fitted to the wearer, properly!)
Wrong.

It would be help if you would tell us what is wrong and why.

What\'s \"wrong\" is that viral particles don\'t exist by themselves. They
are typically associated with a carrier -- a droplet of water -- that
increases their effective size WHILE WET.

<https://www.nejm.org/doi/10.1056/NEJMoa2001017>

\"Electron micrographs of negative-stained 2019-nCoV particles were generally
spherical with some pleomorphism (Figure 3). Diameter varied from about 60 to
140 nm. Virus particles had quite distinctive spikes, about 9 to 12 nm, and
gave virions the appearance of a solar corona.\" (i.e., 0.06 to .14 microns
where an eighth of a micron would be 0.125)

There\'s a typo in my \"~3\" (should be \"~.3\") but my claim stands.

N95 removes 95% of 0.3 micron particles -- /assuming it has been properly
fitted AND REMAINS SO THROUGHOUT ITS USE/. Medical staff are taught how
to do so but likely aren\'t extra diligent in maintaining that fit when
overwhelmed with case loads; Joe Average User is likely clueless. In
the current situation, neither has access to \"fresh/new stock\" ON A
DAILY BASIS. (cleaning/reuse of N95s is dubious)

[By comparison, \"surgical masks\" target droplets exceeding 100 microns]

Note that I carefully talked about \"virus particles\" and not carriers.
Dehydrate the droplet carrying the particle and it\'s effective size
shrinks (like when you take the mask off at the end of the day -- before
refitting it TOMORROW).

The masks can stop smaller particles with electrostatic action. But,
this fades, over time, storage, contact, etc. Given that most folks are
reusing these single-use masks, expecting \"fresh out of the box\"
performance is naive.

<https://www.nationalacademies.org/news/2006/04/reuse-of-disposable-medical-masks-during-flu-pandemic-not-recommended-reusing-respirators-is-complicated>

It\'s also relatively easy to compromise the efficacy of a single-use N95
mask \"mechanically\". Touching the surface degrades performance (how many
hours can you wear a face covering without \"fidgeting\"?) Recommendations
for storage are to cover it (no contact) with a protective barrier to protect
its surface. (Yeah, right. You gonna set up a \"mask storage facility\" in
your home??)

And we won\'t even get into the possibility of \"counterfeit/substandard\"
masks being encountered!

 

[Jasen Betts]

On 2020-10-31, Don Y <blockedofcourse@foo.invalid> wrote:

On 10/31/2020 5:36 AM, amdx wrote:
On 10/31/2020 6:57 AM, Jasen Betts wrote:
On 2020-10-31, Don Y <blockedofcourse@foo.invalid> wrote:
On 10/30/2020 4:07 AM, amdx wrote:

I started search looking for an article I saw that said the reduction of
transmission was 2%.
The devil is in the details. Off-hand recollections from stuff I\'ve
read in the past few months:

The actual viral particles are about an eighth of a micron in \"diameter\" (for
want of a better word) -- a bit larger than an Influenza virus particle.

A cloth mask will not stop ANY of these from passing.

/Nor will an N95 mask/! (only filters particles to ~3 microns, and that
assumes the mask has been fitted to the wearer, properly!)
Wrong.

It would be help if you would tell us what is wrong and why.

There was too much wrongness to go into detail without making
assumptions.

> What\'s \"wrong\" is that viral particles don\'t exist by themselves.

Agreed, you state that later in your original post.

https://www.nejm.org/doi/10.1056/NEJMoa2001017

\"Electron micrographs of negative-stained 2019-nCoV particles were generally
spherical with some pleomorphism (Figure 3). Diameter varied from about 60 to
140 nm. Virus particles had quite distinctive spikes, about 9 to 12 nm, and
gave virions the appearance of a solar corona.\" (i.e., 0.06 to .14 microns
where an eighth of a micron would be 0.125)

There\'s a typo in my \"~3\" (should be \"~.3\") but my claim stands.

That was one of the \"wrong\" things the other was that below 0.3 microns
the filter gains effectiveness, 0.3 is a trough in its response curve.

So it can be expected to capture more than 95% of 0.125 micron
particles. (particles that don\'t actually matter in the large scheme
because they don\'t exist outside a lab)

--
Jasen.

 

[Don Y]

On 10/31/2020 4:55 PM, Jasen Betts wrote:

On 2020-10-31, Don Y <blockedofcourse@foo.invalid> wrote:
On 10/31/2020 5:36 AM, amdx wrote:
On 10/31/2020 6:57 AM, Jasen Betts wrote:
On 2020-10-31, Don Y <blockedofcourse@foo.invalid> wrote:
On 10/30/2020 4:07 AM, amdx wrote:

/Nor will an N95 mask/! (only filters particles to ~3 microns, and that
assumes the mask has been fitted to the wearer, properly!)
Wrong.

It would be help if you would tell us what is wrong and why.

There was too much wrongness to go into detail without making
assumptions.

What\'s \"wrong\" is that viral particles don\'t exist by themselves.

Agreed, you state that later in your original post.

I suspect Mikek is interested in whether his cache of N95 masks
give *HIM* meaningful protection.

I have a reasonably large cache of N95 masks (my other half worked
for a hospital and one of my friends was the Safety/Industrial Hygiene
Officer at same; I\'ve boxes of arm-length surgical gloves to use when
changing the oil on my vehicles). To use my masks prophylactically,
I\'d run through that cache in a few dozen excursions. And, then find
myself with nothing going forward (and likely very little chance of
acquiring more from those sources!)

Instead, I use a four-layer \"cloth\" mask that was designed to fit MY face
*snugly* and reliably (you don\'t see me adjusting my mask once it\'s on
like you see many folks \"repositioning\" theirs each time they move
their jaw, etc.). I can wash it after each excursion so that it is
dry (without resorting to the clothes dryer) before its next use.

[When out for my evening \"sabbatical\", I don\'t wear a mask but, instead,
count on keeping the width of a road between me and other folks out
similarly engaged.]

As I said earlier, it is inconvenient enough that it keeps me vigilant
while I\'m out-and-about (I don\'t know how long that vigilance would
persist if I had to wear it for a *daily* 8-hour shift!). So, I
don\'t \"linger\" in stores debating what I want to purchase -- if they
have what I want, I buy it. If not, I move on to the next item on
my shopping list.

We typed up lists of the common items that we have historically purchased.
Across the top of the list, we have the names of the various stores that
we tend to visit. When we need something, we circle the item on a print
copy of that list. We review this each time we think a shopping trip
is necessary. Then, identify THE (one!) store that will likely have the
most urgent needs on that list. I head out with that list and am home
less than an hour later -- including drive time both ways.

[I\'ve never enjoyed shopping so always reduce it to a necessary chore that
should be \"over\" ASAP! Get the hell out of my way; I\'m a man on a mission!]

By contrast, I see \"Ma and Pa\" shopping *together* (does it take two
people to read a list and fill a basket with items?). And, they are
debating whether to buy XXXX or YYYY. Did they not know that XXXX and
YYYY were choices BEFORE they got to the store? (\"Gee look, Ma... they
have vanilla AND chocolate!\")

Early on, I entered an aisle of canned goods at a local store. The
aisle was essentially EMPTY of product! Yet, there\'s a guy halfway
down the aisle staring at a few cans of something that (obviously!)
most folks didn\'t find appealing. How hard is that decision?

By contrast, I notice they\'re out of stock of whole wheat linguine at the
store that usually sells the stuff. No, I don\'t need to stop and consider
whether whole wheat SPAGHETTI would be an acceptable substitute -- if it
was, it would have already been on my list! (and whole wheat penne is
completely out of the question!)

\"Move along; nothing to see, here!\"