Thread by @Plan_Prep_Live

Here’s why public #coronavirus mask messaging is confusing.
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First of all, masks DO work. That’s why healthcare workers use them. Hospitals don’t stock thousands of masks because they think nurses look cute in them. Masks help to reduce and prevent infection.
#COVID19

It’s questionable to tell the public that masks don’t work and are not needed as you pass those same masks out to healthcare workers, police and first responders. That creates a disconnect for people and impacts credibility. Everyday people understand masks more than you think.

In industrial settings, workers use masks to prevent dust and particulates from entering the lungs. Home renovators use masks. Cancer patients getting chemo treatment may use masks in public because their immune system is low. There are many types and reasons to wear a mask.

The public has a good understanding and, in many cases, a personal history of using a mask for protection. Implying that they that they are too stupid to know what to buy or how to use a mask is intellectual elitism and condescending.

Masks have worked in society for a long time. Some of those masks are different but dismissing the public’s existing knowledge is why they are not listening now and why masks are sold out. If it’s good enough for a nurse, then why not them? The messaging must make sense.

The big question is will a mask help in an outbreak? Compared to nothing, of course it will. It’s why most countries handed out masks to police and medics once cases were discovered. But it’s only one tool of many and you need to know how to wear and handle a dirty mask.

Plus, a mask may give a false sense of security. The public may rely heavily on a mask to protect them and not on other infection prevention tools. I noticed first responders wearing masks but no gloves or eye protection. After SARS in 2003, Toronto paramedics got it right.

Right now, we tell people to wear a mask if they are sick. But, since the new coronavirus can be asymptomatic, how is the public to know if they or a loved one is sick? If you wait till symptoms show, it’s too late. A bit of a dilemma.

Today, the public has easy access to more than just one country’s messaging. And there are infectious disease experts around the world who don’t always agree. Some say absolutely wear a mask. Others don’t. Some disagree on the type of mask. What to do? straitstimes.com/singapore/heal…

Normally, a conflicting void like this would be filled by an international authority but WHO and the CDC have both taken a hit to their credibility. People aren’t sure what’s appropriate, depending on what country they live in and what source they put their trust in.

On the news, they see everyone in masks in areas of an outbreak and, yet, are told that masks don’t work. Stop saying that. Masks are a key part of a much larger tool kit to prevent infection and reduce spread. They are just not top of the list unless you’re on the frontlines.

Yesterday, I visited my 95-year-old mom in a care facility. The sign on the facility said to mask up if sick or no flu shot and there was a box of surgical masks nearby. I wore my own N95. I’ve had a cough for two weeks. Masks work/help, especially to protect the vulnerable.

So, should you wear a mask? In an outbreak area, I would but that’s just me. If no outbreak, then likely no. I place more faith in social distancing, not touching the face and hand washing than I do in preemptive mask wearing. But that’s a personal choice.

If you decide to use a mask, learn how to wear and dispose of it properly. Masks can be coated in germs on the outside, the longer you wear them, especially after six hours. Taking it off correctly and bagging it is important. 😷

If you got this far, then thanks for reading! And, if you think all those experts haven’t secretly stocked away some masks for themselves and their family, then think again. 😉