Discover and read the best of Twitter Threads about #BETTERMASKS
Most recents (24)
"Surviving the COVID-19 #Pandemic: Things I Have Learned (So Far)"
A pandemic mitigation primer geared toward my students.
Full video (40 mins):
vimeo.com/showcase/10115…
Refs in the PPT notes:
psychmike.com/Hoerger_pandem…
Video segments in thread🧵
A pandemic mitigation primer geared toward my students.
Full video (40 mins):
vimeo.com/showcase/10115…
Refs in the PPT notes:
psychmike.com/Hoerger_pandem…
Video segments in thread🧵
1. Introduction
COVID cases and deaths were surging in New Orleans right when I launched a project working with people who are seriously ill.
Thus, I began studying COVID mitigation.
vimeo.com/789390581
COVID cases and deaths were surging in New Orleans right when I launched a project working with people who are seriously ill.
Thus, I began studying COVID mitigation.
vimeo.com/789390581
2. COVID is NOT "A Cold or the Flu"
It is among the most serious illnesses.
COVID has caused life expectancy to plummet. Ppl are getting disabled. 1.5 million Americans can't work. Vascular dysregulation is concerning. Effects are cumulative.
vimeo.com/789392012
It is among the most serious illnesses.
COVID has caused life expectancy to plummet. Ppl are getting disabled. 1.5 million Americans can't work. Vascular dysregulation is concerning. Effects are cumulative.
vimeo.com/789392012
THREAD: 19 Tips for a DIY mask fit test to reduce your risk of #COVID19.
H/t @amandalhu & @__philipn__
What did I miss?
H/t @amandalhu & @__philipn__
What did I miss?
Fit-testing Tip #1: Keep it Simple.
Get a nebulizer (usually $30-40) & some 3M FT-32 Bitrex solution ($24).
Get a nebulizer (usually $30-40) & some 3M FT-32 Bitrex solution ($24).
Fit-testing Tip #2: Taste the Failure.
Use the nebulizer to spray the bitrex solution (barely visible). Breathe through your mouth. If you taste it, there’s a mask leak.
"It’s not rocket science," as @CorsIAQ likes to say.
Use the nebulizer to spray the bitrex solution (barely visible). Breathe through your mouth. If you taste it, there’s a mask leak.
"It’s not rocket science," as @CorsIAQ likes to say.
Empowered communities want free #N95 masks!
Our new pre-print shows that people are excited to use N95s during COVID surges when given them for free w/helpful information on their evidence & how to use them.
1/
psyarxiv.com/f76vw
Our new pre-print shows that people are excited to use N95s during COVID surges when given them for free w/helpful information on their evidence & how to use them.
1/
psyarxiv.com/f76vw
You might remember when we posted about the study back in December!
I hope you find the results useful. We tried to make the figures relatable, even if you're not reading science articles every day. Please let me know if you have questions!
2/
I hope you find the results useful. We tried to make the figures relatable, even if you're not reading science articles every day. Please let me know if you have questions!
2/
We gave out 2,500 #N95 masks in 5 packs to our racially & socioeconomically diverse community. Many used N95s for the 1st time. People treated us like we were giving them kidneys. So grateful!
97% used at least 1 N95 & 40% used all 5 within 1-mo!
3/
97% used at least 1 N95 & 40% used all 5 within 1-mo!
3/
Soy #psicólogo clínica de la salud, #investigador médico y #estratega.
Si me seguiste el año pasado, probablemente estuvo relacionado con nuestro #COVID #mitigation trabajo. ¡Estas son algunas de mis publicaciones que pueden resultarle más útiles! 1/16
Mike Hoerger, PhD MSCR MBA
Si me seguiste el año pasado, probablemente estuvo relacionado con nuestro #COVID #mitigation trabajo. ¡Estas son algunas de mis publicaciones que pueden resultarle más útiles! 1/16
Mike Hoerger, PhD MSCR MBA
En primer lugar, #COVIDisAirborne . Ninguna estrategia de mitigación tendrá éxito sin reconocer esa verdad.
2/16
2/16
Necesitamos rastrear COVID. Con los sitios de prueba federales de EE. UU. cerrados, el mejor rastreador de positividad de los últimos 6 meses ha sido Walgreens.
3/16
3/16
#Arlington #COVID19 #Cases
VDH outbreak list now reports 78 linked COVID-19 cases, the result of attending or working at #Taylor elementary school in late April and May. It’s one of the larger documented school outbreaks in Virginia since they began keeping track.
VDH outbreak list now reports 78 linked COVID-19 cases, the result of attending or working at #Taylor elementary school in late April and May. It’s one of the larger documented school outbreaks in Virginia since they began keeping track.
#Arlington #COVID19 #Cases
VDH outbreak list now reports 41 linked COVID-19 cases, the result of attending or working at #ArlingtonTraditional elementary school in May.
The new variants are so contagious spread to family members is extremely common after exposure at school.
VDH outbreak list now reports 41 linked COVID-19 cases, the result of attending or working at #ArlingtonTraditional elementary school in May.
The new variants are so contagious spread to family members is extremely common after exposure at school.
#Arlington #COVID19 #Cases
VDH outbreak list now reports 19 linked COVID-19 cases, the result of attending or working at #Discovery elementary school in May.
Why are we tolerating so much COVID in schools and putting infectious kids & teachers back into schools every week?
VDH outbreak list now reports 19 linked COVID-19 cases, the result of attending or working at #Discovery elementary school in May.
Why are we tolerating so much COVID in schools and putting infectious kids & teachers back into schools every week?
1/ Yesterday CDC recommended that hospitals & healthcare facilities allow patients to keep their own N95 masks on
Some would think by now, these facilities should be offering visitors these respirators during a pandemic— but we are celebrating just being allowed to wear our own
Some would think by now, these facilities should be offering visitors these respirators during a pandemic— but we are celebrating just being allowed to wear our own
2/ The science has not changed. The policy has lagged behind for two years. People are appropriately frustrated. More broadly, policy & comms around N95 masks have lagged for the community too, where ventilation standards are poorer and the average mask 👎🏼 than in the hospital
3/ Very simply— in a pandemic of a respiratory airborne virus, equipping the public with better masks— notably, respirators— should not be a huge point of debate. It’s a low hanging fruit
Ultimate Freedom Day is forcing the most vulnerable into impossible situations.
How can we #StaySafe?
No testing. No isolating.
How can we judge our risks?
No ONS data, no government data.
How can we even access healthcare?
No masks.
1/
news.sky.com/story/covid-se…
How can we #StaySafe?
No testing. No isolating.
How can we judge our risks?
No ONS data, no government data.
How can we even access healthcare?
No masks.
1/
news.sky.com/story/covid-se…
With no masks and no isolating how can forced return to F2F work be viable in these circumstances?
We are choosing between #LivesAndLivelihoods
How can we send our children to school safely?
We are choosing between #educationANDlives
2/
We are choosing between #LivesAndLivelihoods
How can we send our children to school safely?
We are choosing between #educationANDlives
2/
Why is the answer ONLY more vaccines?
Severely immunosuppressed may not have made a response to 4.
Where is the real world evidence this will make a difference?
No other country is offering 5 doses.
What about the other CV / CEV?
Vaccines waning.
3/
independent.co.uk/news/health/co…
Severely immunosuppressed may not have made a response to 4.
Where is the real world evidence this will make a difference?
No other country is offering 5 doses.
What about the other CV / CEV?
Vaccines waning.
3/
independent.co.uk/news/health/co…
Since we're on our own now that "let Covid rip, have another dose of Pfizer & shut up!" is official US policy, I'm starting a master thread of things we peasants can do to better arm ourselves.
This thread has suggestions for #BetterMasks:
Optimize filtration material:
☑️Surgical masks are good
Look for ASTM-rated
✅Respirators are best
Look for standardized filters:
Canadian - 95PFE
South Korean- KF94
Chinese - KN95
2/
☑️Surgical masks are good
Look for ASTM-rated
✅Respirators are best
Look for standardized filters:
Canadian - 95PFE
South Korean- KF94
Chinese - KN95
2/
You won’t find a NIOSH certified “N95” for children.
NIOSH only regulates products for adults.
3/
NIOSH only regulates products for adults.
3/
#Arlington #COVID19 #Cases
😡: Almost no students who are exposed are being told directly of exposures or quarantined.
We encourage parents w/COVID+ kids to DIY your own reporting to parents and families where you can; assume APS isn't going to notify exposed. It's up to you.
😡: Almost no students who are exposed are being told directly of exposures or quarantined.
We encourage parents w/COVID+ kids to DIY your own reporting to parents and families where you can; assume APS isn't going to notify exposed. It's up to you.
#Arlington #COVID19 #Cases
The worst school, with >13% of its students catching COVID in Jan, is #Montessori Public School.
MPSA was found to be one of the worst schools for ventilation + parents reported a lack of implementation for outdoor lunch in Jan. for some classes.
The worst school, with >13% of its students catching COVID in Jan, is #Montessori Public School.
MPSA was found to be one of the worst schools for ventilation + parents reported a lack of implementation for outdoor lunch in Jan. for some classes.
#Arlington #COVID19 #Cases
So far, YTD, two dozen Arlington public schools have had more than 10% of their student body test positive for COVID-19.
In such an environment, removing masks when community transmission is so high seems like the ultimate folly.
So far, YTD, two dozen Arlington public schools have had more than 10% of their student body test positive for COVID-19.
In such an environment, removing masks when community transmission is so high seems like the ultimate folly.
#KidsMasks🧵cont.: Over the past week, we have tried more vertical-fold #FFP2 #facemasks for kids. We haven't yet found any that fit my kids (or my!) faces properly. Here's why, and also some suggestions for adaptations to improve fit: 1/
#BetterMasks
#MaskUp
#BetterMasks
#MaskUp
2/ Here are the 4 masks we tried. The black one was the one we had already. It fits well on my kids (aged 15 and 11) except around the nose where the clip doesn't stay moulded, letting air out (and in) around the edges.
3/ These 2 masks are the same brand. But one is XXS and the other is called 'kids'. As far as we could tell, they were the same. NB, the earloops were different lengths (on the same mask!). They were too small; didn't extend under chin. Poor nose clip let air out - clear gaps.
CDC came out with another incremental update on #mask & #respirator guidance today: cdc.gov/coronavirus/20…
Clarifies N95s aren't in short supply & can be worn again!
It's still not perfect, but it feels like we're at least inching in the right direction. Some thoughts via a🧵.
Clarifies N95s aren't in short supply & can be worn again!
It's still not perfect, but it feels like we're at least inching in the right direction. Some thoughts via a🧵.
2/ New statement that most respirators (i.e. #N95s) "are disposable and should be discarded WHEN they are dirty, damaged, or difficult to breathe through."
So you CAN #ReuseN95s‼️
See, e.g.:
That's *much* better guidance than to toss after a single use!
So you CAN #ReuseN95s‼️
See, e.g.:
That's *much* better guidance than to toss after a single use!
3/ Also clearly states that:
"Loosely woven cloth products provide the least protection ... and well-fitting NIOSH-approved respirators (including #N95s) offer the highest level of protection."
YES!!
"Loosely woven cloth products provide the least protection ... and well-fitting NIOSH-approved respirators (including #N95s) offer the highest level of protection."
YES!!
#BetterMasks #FitFiltrationFunction
@masknerd’s google docs excel sheet tabulating all his mask testing results is a goldmine of information!
I highlighted some of his data in the pictured table to further explore the validity of the “well-fitting medical mask” narrative
1/
@masknerd’s google docs excel sheet tabulating all his mask testing results is a goldmine of information!
I highlighted some of his data in the pictured table to further explore the validity of the “well-fitting medical mask” narrative
1/
A few ASTM level 3 surgical masks were tested. Worn without modification, they had a filtration efficiency of 35-78% (via particle counter).
(Side note- don’t twist the ear loops- it makes the fit worse)
Is > 20% leak well-fitting? Not in my books.
2/
(Side note- don’t twist the ear loops- it makes the fit worse)
Is > 20% leak well-fitting? Not in my books.
2/
With a mask brace to improve seal, the surgical masks performed better: > 92% filtration efficiency, not quite well-sealed N95 quality
To pass a formal quantitative fit test for respirators (ie N95s), one must achieve at least 99% filtration efficiency (fit factor of 100).
3/
To pass a formal quantitative fit test for respirators (ie N95s), one must achieve at least 99% filtration efficiency (fit factor of 100).
3/
1. FAQ for #BetterMasks in schools and colleges - a long 🧵
My goal is to provide information to parents, teachers, and students who want to protect themselves, but also to give sufficient background to allow people to advocate for policy changes.
My goal is to provide information to parents, teachers, and students who want to protect themselves, but also to give sufficient background to allow people to advocate for policy changes.
2. Why am I doing this? Other than the fact that it is incredibly important given #Omicron, I have already prepared 3 versions of this for different schools this week. It is clear that many people don’t have the background needed to support mask upgrades.
3. The info below draws on insights from a number of experts, who I will try to acknowledge where possible. Apologies for any omissions. Errors are my own. Special thanks to @PatriciaFabianS and Wendy Heiger-Bernays @busphEH for their contributions to one of the FAQs.
What are 'non-disposable' hi-fi #masks and are they effective respiratory protection? Another short 🧵...
Disclaimer: To demonstrate mask features/types, I will show example images of masks and credit their source. I do not endorse these or any brands, or specific masks.
1/
Disclaimer: To demonstrate mask features/types, I will show example images of masks and credit their source. I do not endorse these or any brands, or specific masks.
1/
2/ I will discuss 2 types of non-disposable #facemasks. The 1st has layer/s of #N95/#FFP2 material internally and usually cotton outer layers. They are marketed as being washable & re-usable. The 2nd is called an '#elastomeric' or 'half-face' #respirator. Images: @vogmask @3M
1/ To get maximum protection from #covid19, you need great filtration AND fit.
If your mask doesn’t fit well, you'll breathe in unfiltered air from leaks around your mask.
That could make the difference between 60-70% effective filtration and 95%+
A 🧵 on getting a good fit.
If your mask doesn’t fit well, you'll breathe in unfiltered air from leaks around your mask.
That could make the difference between 60-70% effective filtration and 95%+
A 🧵 on getting a good fit.
2/ I'm assuming you are wearing one of the #bettermasks, such as an #N95, N99, N100, KF94, FFP2, FFP3, non-fake KN95, etc and that you're happy with it.
(If yours doesn't fit well or you don't have one of these high-performance masks yet, I get to that below.)
(If yours doesn't fit well or you don't have one of these high-performance masks yet, I get to that below.)
3/ All high-quality masks will come with instructions -- read them!
If you have a 3M N95, you can often find good video or printed instructions by searching for "wear it right 3m XXXX" where XXXX is the model number.
General basic instructions here:.
uwsp.edu/rmgt/Documents…
If you have a 3M N95, you can often find good video or printed instructions by searching for "wear it right 3m XXXX" where XXXX is the model number.
General basic instructions here:.
uwsp.edu/rmgt/Documents…
If you have more experience & credibility than Dr. @brosseau_lisa on topics of industrial hygiene, aerosol science & mask use, etc. - then by all means speak up.
Otherwise, dispense w/ silliness that surgical masks are safer than N95s. Use #BetterMasks.
🔹cidrap.umn.edu/news-perspecti…
Otherwise, dispense w/ silliness that surgical masks are safer than N95s. Use #BetterMasks.
🔹cidrap.umn.edu/news-perspecti…
2/ See also this additional flurry of tweets by @brosseau_lisa on the importance & use of high-quality N95 respirators:
🔹
🔹
🔹
🔹
🔹
🔹
🔹
🔹
🔹
🔹
3/ Regarding new mask mandates:
“Once you go into a store & you know you’re gonna be there for more than a couple minutes, you’ve got to wear a respirator.”: @brosseau_lisa
Look for NIOSH stamp & a tight fit. "If it has ear loops, it's not a respirator."
minnesota.cbslocal.com/2022/01/06/bes…
“Once you go into a store & you know you’re gonna be there for more than a couple minutes, you’ve got to wear a respirator.”: @brosseau_lisa
Look for NIOSH stamp & a tight fit. "If it has ear loops, it's not a respirator."
minnesota.cbslocal.com/2022/01/06/bes…
1/ Transmission & infection are very complex dynamic processes
To cause clinical infection, need adequate dose of inoculum
Adequate dose depends on many factors, including
-proximity
-duration
-infectiousness of host
-symptomatology
-use of mask & which type
-ventilation
To cause clinical infection, need adequate dose of inoculum
Adequate dose depends on many factors, including
-proximity
-duration
-infectiousness of host
-symptomatology
-use of mask & which type
-ventilation
2/ Some of those factors are modifiable, but that depends on what you are capable of doing
You cannot control the infectiousness of random people around you, what viral strain they have, or what type of masks they have on (if any)
You cannot control the infectiousness of random people around you, what viral strain they have, or what type of masks they have on (if any)
3/ You cannot (always) control the ventilation of space you are in (esp for necessities like travel or grocery shopping etc)
You can sometimes modify duration of time in a place or proximity to others, but often you cannot (public transit)
You can sometimes modify duration of time in a place or proximity to others, but often you cannot (public transit)
It's frustrating to see pervasive misunderstanding that N95 masks (respirators) need to be fitted or they are useless. Some of the same people champion surgical masks instead.
Illogical - If N95s don't work unless prof. fitted, how could surgical masks w/ big gaps work better? 1/
Illogical - If N95s don't work unless prof. fitted, how could surgical masks w/ big gaps work better? 1/
2/ The chart & thread here gathered by @akm5376 helps add perspective. Yes, a professionally fitted N95 provides tremendous protection! But even a un-fitted N95 is better than almost anything else, b/c the filtration is great & fit is already good.
3/ This is a nice thread by @claire_horwell on the differences between surgical masks and respirators.
(BTW, Prof. Horwell has been on a tear lately with a great OpEd & a number of great threads - worth following!)
(BTW, Prof. Horwell has been on a tear lately with a great OpEd & a number of great threads - worth following!)
1. I tend to be an optimist. But I don't see how any amount of #COVID19 cases, hospitalizations, deaths, or disruptions will lead to fundamental change in our pandemic response. We have left it to individuals to protect themselves, battling against inequitable structural factors.
2. If there is a positive side, it is that people can be well protected with vaccine/booster, #BetterMasks, ventilation/filtration, rapid tests, and avoiding crowded indoor settings. We need to do much more to ensure it is not only those with means who can have those protections.
3. Policy changes are needed to truly make this happen. But if they are not forthcoming (and I fear they are not), we need to regain our collective spirit. If we are just out to protect ourselves, we will perpetuate disparities and prolong the pandemic.
Many people have been asking about KF94 masks lately.
I lived in South Korea for ~4 yrs, and since early last year, I regularly bought KF94 masks from South Korea.
Here are a few tips on buying KF94 masks in PH. A thread.🧵 1/
I lived in South Korea for ~4 yrs, and since early last year, I regularly bought KF94 masks from South Korea.
Here are a few tips on buying KF94 masks in PH. A thread.🧵 1/
First, what is KF94?
It is the Korean standard high-filtration mask. "KF" in KF94 stands for "Korea Filter" and "94" indicates the 94% filtration efficacy of the mask. It's comparable to KN95s from China and N95s from the US. 2/
It is the Korean standard high-filtration mask. "KF" in KF94 stands for "Korea Filter" and "94" indicates the 94% filtration efficacy of the mask. It's comparable to KN95s from China and N95s from the US. 2/
Why upgrade your mask?
Here's a very informative CBS interview video with @masknerd: cbsnews.com/video/some-exp…
For some time now, more and more scientists are calling for #N95sForAll and #BetterMasks, esp since delta/omicron and that there are more supply now on the market. 3/
Here's a very informative CBS interview video with @masknerd: cbsnews.com/video/some-exp…
For some time now, more and more scientists are calling for #N95sForAll and #BetterMasks, esp since delta/omicron and that there are more supply now on the market. 3/
😷 #FFP2 et école : des initiatives, en France et à l'étranger, pour équiper les enseignants et personnels.
Thread, appelé à croître (partagez ci-dessous celles dont vs avez connaissances SVP).
#BetterMasks
Thread, appelé à croître (partagez ci-dessous celles dont vs avez connaissances SVP).
#BetterMasks
1/ In the hierarchy of infection prevention, you have “more” & “less” effective ways to stop spread (used in hospitals)
But we can apply this concept to specific efforts aimed at reducing community transmission as well
But we can apply this concept to specific efforts aimed at reducing community transmission as well
2/ ‘Elimination’ or prevention of entry of a pathogen; I see rapid testing as a key part of this
If we could stop infectious people from entering public spaces, we could fundamentally stop super spreading
Cc @RanuDhillon @sri_srikrishna @michaelmina_lab @ADPaltiel
If we could stop infectious people from entering public spaces, we could fundamentally stop super spreading
Cc @RanuDhillon @sri_srikrishna @michaelmina_lab @ADPaltiel
3/ In terms of engineering controls, restructuring spaces to improve ventilation = essential
People have tried to emulate this by moving activities outdoors when possible, opening windows, buying home filtration devices etc
@kprather88 @j_g_allen
People have tried to emulate this by moving activities outdoors when possible, opening windows, buying home filtration devices etc
@kprather88 @j_g_allen
Following my @guardianopinion article, people asked which #mask I recommend. I won't recommend a specific brand or model but I can recommend features of masks that will enhance comfort and fit. This🧵relates to industry-certified masks. 1/ theguardian.com/commentisfree/…
#BetterMasks
#BetterMasks
2/ Firstly, what do I mean by 'industry-certified'? These respirators conform to (and have passed tests for) industry standards of filtration efficiency (at a minimum). To cut a long story short, mainly #N95/N99 (US), #FFP2/FFP3 (Europe/UK) & KF94 (Korea). theguardian.com/commentisfree/…
3/ Although these masks pass tests for how well they filter (capture) particles & aerosol, and all are excellent at doing this, the actual effectiveness of your mask also depends on how well it seals to your face. This also depends on your face shape/size. sciencedirect.com/science/articl…
