Coronavirus (OLD)

[papa smurf]

Originally Posted by Chris

So to keep Covid deaths at the present rate you’re saying we should keep the safety standards that have been imposed on people’s pedestrian activity - social distancing, face masks etc?

I'm saying don't diss the low road death stats it was a long road getting there,and yes keep the safety standards that have been imposed re covid but get on with life until the restrictions are no longer needed, we can't just go into panic mode at the drop of a hat.

[Carth]

Originally Posted by papa smurf

I'm saying don't diss the low road death stats it was a long road getting there,and yes keep the safety standards that have been imposed re covid but get on with life until the restrictions are no longer needed, we can't just go into panic mode at the drop of a hat.

Especially when the hat is a 'one size fits all' type

Originally Posted by Sephiroth

I wish I could follow my own advice! It's almost pointless trying to argue with Hugh's obtuse observations.

Could be worse - you could just be posting ad hominem attacks, rather than debating the point...

[tweetiepooh]

But if infections are low will the precautions actually have much effect? That is if people moving around "normally" aren't infectious they wouldn't pass on Covid anyway so we don't know if masks are helping.
Thing is that masks are more like speed limits, bumpers etc to help protect others rather than belts, airbags that are to protect driver (and occupants).

[Mr K]

Originally Posted by tweetiepooh

But if infections are low will the precautions actually have much effect? That is if people moving around "normally" aren't infectious they wouldn't pass on Covid anyway so we don't know if masks are helping.
Thing is that masks are more like speed limits, bumpers etc to help protect others rather than belts, airbags that are to protect driver (and occupants).

Being the naturally selfish society we are, thats why masks have taken some persuading to wear

It is weird that when the virus was rife, the Govt said masks were no use, now the virus has abated they say we have to wear them... Sums up the shambolic approach.

[papa smurf]

Originally Posted by Mr K

Being the naturally selfish society we are, thats why masks have taken some persuading to wear

It is weird that when the virus was rife, the Govt said masks were no use, now the virus has abated they say we have to wear them... Sums up the shambolic approach.

They did say there was no scientific evidence to show masks had a real effect,maybe it's just about giving people a false sense of security to get life back to normal.
story in the local paper said over 100 people without masks went into a local nisa shop in one day .

https://www.grimsbytelegraph.co.uk/n...people-4449618

[nomadking]

Originally Posted by Mr K

Being the naturally selfish society we are, thats why masks have taken some persuading to wear

It is weird that when the virus was rife, the Govt said masks were no use, now the virus has abated they say we have to wear them... Sums up the shambolic approach.

The World Health Organisation were saying the SAME thing, so the government were just following LONG ESTABLISHED WHO advice.

[1andrew1]

Originally Posted by nomadking

The World Health Organisation were saying the SAME thing, so the government were just following LONG ESTABLISHED WHO advice.

Yes, agreed, our knowledge in this area has come on leaps and bounds this year though I'm surprised that there wasn't research to hand from the Asian countries that have used face masks routinely.

[nomadking]

Originally Posted by 1andrew1

Yes, agreed, our knowledge in this area has come on leaps and bounds this year though I'm surprised that there wasn't research to hand from the Asian countries that have used face masks routinely.

Is there actually any proof that masks helped in those countries? Or did they simply not too many infected people coming into the country in the first place? Eg A small island/country can either not have a single case or could be completely overwhelmed, depending on whether any infected people go there.
Not going out at all, is preferable to going out with a mask. The masks aren't 100% effective and there is contact transmission. The more people go out, even with masks, the greater the chance they will pick up the virus.
It's only recently that it's recognised that merely breathing spreads it, rather than the previously thought coughing and sneezing. Sneezing and wet coughs are NOT symptoms of Covid-19, but are more generally symptoms of flu.
The previous mask advice was based upon actual studies. They didn't suddenly pronounce it from nowhere.
UK Influenza Pandemic Preparedness Strategy

In conclusion there is limited data to support the use of face masks and/or respirators in healthcare and community settings. The effectiveness of masks and respirators is linked to consistent and correct usage; however, this remains a major challenge – both in the context of a formal study and in everyday practice. This update has demonstrated that new evidence has emerged (primarily for RCTs based in the community), however studies are still few and far between for influenza, particularly within the context of the 2009 pandemic, and there has yet to be any studies examining the behaviour of ‘new’ seasonal influenza (which may behave somewhat differently than the preceding seasonal influenza (50) . Hence continued research on the effectiveness of masks/ respirators and other associated considerations remains an urgent priority with emphasis being on carefully designed observational studies and trials best conducted outside the stress and strain of crises.

[Mad Max]

Seeing some people wearing masks in an almost empty outside area is laughable.

[nomadking]

Originally Posted by Mad Max

Seeing some people wearing masks in an almost empty outside area is laughable.

What do you suggest the people do with those masks? They would have to handle them to take them off, put them somewhere, and then put them back on.

[Mad Max]

Originally Posted by nomadking

What do you suggest the people do with those masks? They would have to handle them to take them off, put them somewhere, and then put them back on.

Why wear them outside in the first place in uncrowded places?

[nomadking]

Originally Posted by Mad Max

Why wear them outside in the first place in uncrowded places?

You may be planning to go inside somewhere, have come from inside somewhere, got off a bus, somebody else may come along, etc. All sorts of reasons, as well as simply not having to take it off and put it back on. The over-the-ears type can't simply be pulled down from the face and then pulled back up when needed. They have to be taken off completely.

[heero_yuy]

These disposable masks are becoming a major litter problem. Who would want to pick one up?

Not to mention the thousands of tonnes of landfill that's got plastic in it.

[1andrew1]

Originally Posted by nomadking

Is there actually any proof that masks helped in those countries?

That was my point:

Originally Posted by 1andrew1

I'm surprised that there wasn't research to hand from the Asian countries that have used face masks routinely.