Cotton masks

Do you think they do anything? I was having this talk with DH. He really has been super diligent with this whole covid thing. Sometimes a bit too much it's annoying.
So my middle school son is home for the last 2 weeks and doing all virtual. Only bc they messed up and had so many internet issues with hybrid. My elementary school son goes in twice a week.
DH bought those filters to put in his mask, bc he wants extra protection.
I kept telling DH as long as he's social distancing, has a mask on, washes hands, etc he will be fine.

Now middle and elementary will be opening 4 half days in a couple of weeks. He doesn't want the middle school son to go bc it's a lot of switching classes, etc. I said with a mask and being careful, plus there's no time for socializing bc they can't use the lockers and there's no lunch. And they just purchased those plexiglass things at each desk I said he'd be fine, but he says those cotton masks don't do anything. I want them both to go 4 days. Yes, I am afraid of getting it, but we also have to live. We are always only outside hanging with friends and family and careful. We do know of cases, but they were all from being inside and close to each other,

Re: Cotton masks

They must do something because it is shown that where mask wearing is done properly the numbers have dropped.
They are not the same level of protection as an N95 but neither are the paper surgical masks. I think the boxes even state as much on those.
They aren't perfect but in conjunction with distance and hand washing and all the other precautions schools are implementing like the plexiglass you mention they should make a significant difference.

Cotton masks

The entire purpose of masks with covid is really to stop the spray of particles-the spit when you talk/sneeze/cough/etc.

Cotton masks do that when they have at least two layers.

Re: Cotton masks

Thanks! Only trying to make a point to DH so we can get that back in school. I do hate the half day and changes, but they need some in-person schooling.

Re: Cotton masks

Cotton masks provide some level of protection for those around you. According to my doctor for the wearer maybe at best 10 percent protection. But if someone wearing one sneezes, coughs or spits when they talk then you are protected from that spray. That’s pretty much it.

Most of the school closings I have seen have been middle school for whatever reason which freaks me out because I have a middle schooler too who goes to school hybrid!

Cotton masks

I think they work. We had a positive case at our elementary school (I don't know why the child was tested or what symptoms he had but he was fine to go school remotely during the process).

2 bus drivers, 2 busses of kids, his teacher, 2 special teachers and his cohort had to quarantine and there were no additional cases.

Re: Cotton masks

So if I understand it correctly the mask is meant to protect others not you.
So if you are the only one wearing it the only people you are protecting is everyone else besides yourself.

Everyone needs to wear one for it to be protected.

I don’t really think the filters will do much but protect others.

Can someone correct me if the above is not correct?

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Re: Cotton masks

Posted by GoldenRod

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Re: Cotton masks

Thanks all and love the pee explanation.

Re: Cotton masks

Posted by GoldenRod

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Cotton masks

Nope. Do a deep dive into the science. Evidence is flimsy and inconclusive at best.