Replies

1. 
   _mj_ | Mar 27, 2020 12:43pm | #1

   Check the ratings on the filters. N95 is what the docs are scrambling for. Anything at N95 or better is good from what I have read. I am using a shop respirator rated at P100.

   CDC info page is at:

   https://www.cdc.gov/niosh/npptl/topics/respirators/disp_part/default.html

2. 
   astro | Mar 27, 2020 02:38pm | #2

   No disputing the above comments.

   Keep in mind that the utility of a respirator is primarily to prevent inhaling respiratory droplets containing viral particles. As long as you stay well away from others (they say 3 - 6 feet) and nobody coughs right on you, the utility of a respirator is modest. What is more important is to avoid touching surfaces that may be harboring virus and then touching mucus membranes like wiping your eyes, touching your nose or mouth. Wearing eye protection is perhaps more important than a respirator in a non crowded space. Also the biggest advantage to a mask may be in keeping your hands away from your nose and mouth. Trying to stay focused and avoiding touching your face while shopping in the grocery is the most important protective measure you can do. Also make sure to use hand sanitizer after leaving and wash your hands asap when you get home. What you do with your groceries on arrival remains controversial. We have been doing a relatively cursory wipe down of surfaces as a precaution since viral particles can remain on surfaces for days (depending on the type of material) and you can't really control all the potential people who have been handling those products before you.

   Keep in mind that healthcare workers need the respirator in the hospital for reasons other than why you might use one at the grocery store. In the hospital, these respirators can be placed on patients to minimize aerosolization of viral particles and trap coughs. In addition, with many people coughing in a small volume of space the potential for a significant volume of aerosolized particles being present in a small hospital room is much higher than what you would see in the grocery store so healthcare workers need respiratory protection. Also note that healthcare workers are using a lot of other PPE (like face shields, gowns, double gloves) for multiple reasons - not the least of which is to prevent cross contamination between rooms. None of these issues are facing you at the grocery store which is a large space. But it has a lot of surfaces that may or may not being disinfected frequently.

3. 
   Uffda | Mar 27, 2020 07:09pm | #3

   Bear in mind also that most dust respirators, like my Ellipse 100, have exhaust valves to avoid steaming up your safety glasses. While they will keep things like dust and viruses out, if you are infected they don't protect those around you because they only filter incoming air.

4. 
   costap99 | Mar 28, 2020 04:26pm | #4

   On a side note, if you have unused N95 masks or unopened gloves in your shop, please drop them off at your local hospital. Beyond being a good thing to do, it just might mean there will be healthy staff at that hospital when you or your family need them.

5. 
   rob_ss | Mar 29, 2020 02:34am | #5

   Seconding advice from Astro and _MJ_
   I am a medical practitioner so I am fairly up with all of this...

   I do not wear a mask outdoors.
   I do not wear a mask in the shops
   I do not wear a mask for routine medical consults.
   I wear an N95 mask when assessing people with respiratory symptoms and a simple surgical mask when I have to see people who are vulnerable, just in case I might be incubating something nasty.

   Wash your hands
   Keep your hands off your face.
   Stay at home as much as you can.
   Keep your distance.

   NOTHING else helps.

   NOTHING.

   I am now glad I am so paranoid about dust though - I use N95s in the workshop so my colleagues have enough, though woodwork has been limited to re-cycling old masks from the shop (which are fine for dust)

6. 
   john_c2 | Mar 29, 2020 03:05am | #6

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