Sweden took a relatively unique approach to Covid and I feared the worst...

[Climber]

over 35% of CV-19 deaths are @ long term care facilities. A facility that is able to control all facets of health and lives, yet they're still over 100K deaths.

There is no way to have a better result than what we're currently dealing with. It's sad, but that we don't have millions dead is something no one is appreciating. I've been told by all my medical friends that there is little way to control the fact that absent a vaccine, we're all getting CV-19 since the pandemic broke. They haven't changed that assessment.

Eventually, we will all be exposed to it.

The whole point of slowing the spread was to keep from overwhelming the healthcare system and give the scientists that chance to create the vaccine and get it distributed.

Had there been no anti-mask movement, we would not be in the surge to the extent we currently are in. Things would have been back to a masked and socially distanced norm where we could have gone back to a somewhat normal life albeit further apart and including masks by everyone.

 

[GAJ]

over 35% of CV-19 deaths are @ long term care facilities. A facility that is able to control all facets of health and lives, yet they're still over 100K deaths.

There is no way to have a better result than what we're currently dealing with. It's sad, but that we don't have millions dead is something no one is appreciating. I've been told by all my medical friends that there is little way to control the fact that absent a vaccine, we're all getting CV-19 since the pandemic broke. They haven't changed that assessment.

All is a big number.

As is the percentage of folks who will refuse the vaccine so Covid deaths will be happening for quite a few years.

 

[Yakoo752]

A facility that is able to control all facets of health and lives

But that's not completely true. Staff has free passage. Supplies come and go. Still lot's of opportunity for it to enter the 4 walls. I agree with the overarching premise but what makes you think that staff is isolating? Rest of the US isn't...

 

[berth]

As is the percentage of folks who will refuse the vaccine so Covid deaths will be happening for quite a few years.

And, honestly, that's on them.

Barring the folks unable to take the vaccine, then if folks don't want it, and as someone ostensibly immunized, "I don't care".

I only care if they continue to clog up the medical services.

If the vaccine works, and Those Who Choose are immune, then we can sit next to the un-vaxxers all day long and watch them wilt away.

Even with the vaccine. Even with broad adoption, it will continue to be an issue I think for the long term. But that's different from saturating the public health infrastructure.

If the ball park is open in April, and anyone can go, then if I'm vaccinated by then (both doses), I'll go. I don't think anyone should need to check for a card or anything like that, because after a time, it's no longer a larger social responsibility to stem the tide. The onus is now on those that choose to not be vaccinated to be careful.

if they continue to clobber public health, then I have no idea what the next step is.

 

[PorradaVFR]

over 35% of CV-19 deaths are @ long term care facilities. A facility that is able to control all facets of health and lives, yet they're still over 100K deaths. .

...in a confined space with limited staff HAVING to have close contact with the residents who are themselves highly vulnerable and unlikely to survive if symptoms hit.

It’s the perfect storm for that population...and while younger people generally suffer less severe symptoms and consequences it’s (1) not zero and (2) school environments mean loads of staff and ultimately families being affected.

We have lacked the societal will to ALL adopt restrictions and enable the wave to pass by. Until vaccinations are broadly taken (a big IF) or people change their ways (not going to happen) this will endure.

Come January 20th we’ll have national leadership on the SAME page as experts and not undermining, minimizing or confusing matters. I hope that will help..:dunno

 

[Holeshot]

But that's not completely true. Staff has free passage. Supplies come and go. Still lot's of opportunity for it to enter the 4 walls. I agree with the overarching premise but what makes you think that staff is isolating? Rest of the US isn't...

We're on the same page. My point is simple: if staff cannot isolate themselves for their job and patients health, the remainder of the country in their paper and wetsuit masks haven't much of a chance over the long run. Masks are the visual reminder to social distance and about 10% of a power up in the event someone breathes on you. 100% about wearing a mask, but in no way do I believe they're doing much of anything for me. Wash hands/ keep distance and limit time with anyone as best I can.

But that t-shirt mask...I trust those for nothing.

I hope that will help..:dunno

It will not, sadly. Not hope nor a leadership change will change the reality of dealing with Covid in our country.

 

[Yakoo752]

Masks are the visual reminder to social distance and about 10% of a power up in the event someone breathes on you. 100% about wearing a mask, but in no way do I believe they're doing much of anything for me.

But that t-shirt mask...I trust those for nothing.

Laws of diminishing marginal returns

I think the goal was always to reduce the "infectiousness" of it. If you can get X% of the population to wear a "quality" mask Y% of the time, you effectively cut the r0 by Z% (ballpark math). If you play around with the equation, I think we landed somewhere in the 20% range which allowed our health systems to say intact.

 

[N4teTheGreat]

Cold weather has shown the limitations of my mask to protect me, but also kinda illustrates how it protects others. What I mean by that, when I'm out walking the dog and I breathe out I can see my breathe exiting the top of the mask around my eyes and it just kinda surrounds my head. Obviously most of what I breathe in is likely coming in from the top of the mask as well so, not much good to me. But, without it, my breathe would be moving out and away from my mouth a lot further, so it's still helping in that regard. I should figure out a way to put a bendable bit of metal along the nose so I can try to close that gap.

 

[budman]

I have noted that as well.

One of my masks is better than the other. It is not business friendly but I will wear it for all meetings moving forward and explain why I am.

Hell I already have to explain my hair so WTF. :laughing

 

[bojangle]

I have noted that as well.

One of my masks is better than the other. It is not business friendly but I will wear it for all meetings moving forward and explain why I am.

Hell I already have to explain my hair so WTF. :laughing

Now I'm curious. How is it not business friendly? :laughing

 

[Climber]

Nothing too serious. :laughing

 

[ctwo]

I should figure out a way to put a bendable bit of metal along the nose so I can try to close that gap.

Pipe cleaners or solid copper wire.

 

[Climber]

Use these for nose pieces, my sister has made many masks and this is what she uses (used for flower arrangements, normally)

Aluminum Strips Nose Wire, 100Pcs Nose Bridge for Mask Metal Flat Nose Clips Nose Bridge Bracket DIY Wire for Sewing Crafts

 

[N4teTheGreat]

Yeah some sort of bendable metal would do the trick. Guess I'll have to brush off those cub scout badge sewing "skills". I've also thought, while probably trickier / costlier, lining the top edge of the mask with a thin and soft piece of silicon might work to make a comfy but tight seal. Added benefit, no more foggy sunglasses.

 

[Blankpage]

I use cheap Chinese disposable masks that have a wire running the length of the top which can be bent to conform to any face shape.
They come in boxes of 50 and I probably get a week out of each one. I’m good until it get my vaccine maybe a year from now.

 

[afm199]

I use cheap Chinese disposable masks that have a wire running the length of the top which can be bent to conform to any face shape.
They come in boxes of 50 and I probably get a week out of each one. I’m good until it get my vaccine maybe a year from now.

Yeah this. If I feel I've been in a compromised situation I throw them out immediately. Other wise I keep them on the dash of the car and wear them 2-3 times. I've got a box and a half sitting around.

I also have an Outdoor research mask with filters, which is pretty good, but probably not much more protection than the cheapo Chinese mask.