Thread by @Poppendieck

I was wrong.

Back in late January, I had multiple conversations with an awesome colleague who was raised Wuhan, China about the rapid spread of COVID19 in China.

We are both indoor air researchers with PhDs. 1/6

She was adamant that we should start wearing masks in the US. I was adamant that masks wouldn't help. I went through all the arguments: 1) Their were not enough N95s, 2) people would just touch their mask more than the face, 3) people would do more risky things.... 2/6

4) they weren't 100% effective. 5) you can't mandate people to wear them.

She was right on masks. I was wrong on all counts.

We did agree that COVID19 would be worse in the US than China. I wish I was wrong on that to. 3/6

I learned a few things about masks and myself.

1) Don't let perfect get in the way of good enough (N95s/clothe).
2) None of us were experts on COVID19 seven months ago.
3) Always be open to new ideas and approaches

4/6

By April my colleague and I donated a Chinese shipment of KN95s masks to local hospice. I appreciate her willingness to engage, teach, and correct my mistakes. 5/6

All Phd/MDs have been humbled. Not all are humble.

Let's learn from each other, find solutions for every building, school and office. Let's work together. We got this.

Mask up inside. 6/6