Warning – this is a rant. For any of you who’ve followed me for a while, you know that I’m the self-proclaimed Dubious Minimalist™ … no matter what the situation I’m not one to just take the first word on things, especially when it comes to data containing historical perspectives that don’t seem to add up to the current claims, or when someone tells me, “You must do this in order to do this.”
After 122 days of being an essential business, with ZERO outbreaks of COVID-19, thousands of shoppers on a daily basis, some with masks, some without, NOW our grocery stores and retail stores are worried about the virus? Our famous Menards learned early on to require patrons to wear them and conveniently sell them for a $1 apiece. Gotta love the instant exposure to cash that temporarily carries germs on it? Do they pay income tax on those sales I wonder?
“Umm, pardon me? Let me take a sip of wine and get right on making my own mask thank you.”
Don’t you jump to conclusions that I’m a mask boycotter – hear me out. I do wear a mask when recommended or required. I’ve made 5 of them so far. My first version was a dismal failure. But I didn’t give up.
Anyhoo … unless you’re closed-minded and can’t tolerate listening to other perspectives (aka, mine) feel free to skip on outta here. I’m okay with that, I won’t be offended, all perspectives are welcome here.
Trust me, I’ve looked at multiple sides of the mask-wearing conundrum. Even historical, like why do we have surgical masks in the first place?
After considering all points of view, when it comes down to it, I would be on board 100% for the use of masks if they worked the majority of the time. I do think sick people should wear them if they have to go out in public, but I’d prefer if they were sick that they just stay home instead.
There are studies available about how masks deter droplet spreads, which are quite convincing. And there are articles available that state the contrary to that, and cite research that supports wearing a mask improperly or for prolonged use can actually put you at a greater risk for infections.
Let that sink in. Greater risk for infections and health consequences.
Hmm …
But that can’t be true, no one would put us in harm’s way by suggesting we wear masks, right?
Wearing masks may limit the distance droplets from our noses and/or mouths leak out of the mask. ‘Cuz, they do leak, period. Masks used in healthcare settings is standard operating source control.
After Fauci said we shouldn’t wear them in March, who by the way now says we should wear them, Melania Trump recommended wearing masks back in April 2020. Watch both videos by ABC news by clicking here, the second video is what I focused on.
The second video has clear instructions on how to protect a healthcare worker from getting the virus. Remember, they know for sure they’re taking care of a person with the virus, so they need to properly wear the PPE to protect themselves from getting it. The instructional procedures took well over 3 minutes to carry out. Including hand-sterilizing, before and after putting on their gloves up to I think 3-5 times. They do that procedure up to 28 times a day.
My dubious nature tells me that the average mask-wearing person may not be taking those precautions, thus making any lackadaisical efforts to slow the spread of the virus virtually null in many cases. Not all, but the majority of the time.
Humans have the propensity to unintentionally and randomly touch our faces 16 times an hour on average. That is often after touching the item we carry and use all the time that is the dirtiest thing we own. Our SMARTphones. Are we that smart after all?
Go – virus – multiply and spread especially in non-social distancing spaces. Protests, riots, concerts, rallies, bars, restaurants, etc. Humans love to get together. I bet there will be no Black Friday shopping this year for multiple reasons.
If you’re one to believe a cloth mask, unproperly adorned will protect you 100% from getting it or spreading it, you’re going to be disappointed when you get it.
The more you touch your face with your hands, the greater the chance of getting a virus of any kind.
Staying away from all people for the rest of your life is the only way to protect yourself from getting viruses. Period. I dunno, I guess I’d rather be dead than not see the people I care about seeing?
The CDC is smart, if not slightly dubious, and they’re zealous in its use of the word may.
Why?
Because a novel virus is hard to contain and it’s hard to know for sure how it’s spread (CDC has gone back and forth about droplet versus aerosol or both multiple times).
But … by all of us collectively throwing whatever cloth covering on we can as source control it can’t hurt, can it?
If only everyone would wear a mask the virus would go away! – Those with the dubious hope it will stop the spread.
I say, if everyone would just wear a mask properly, it may slow the spread.
I cringe to think about how many people touch their faces as they adjust their masks multiple times, then toss their mask in the glove compartment of their car, or in their purse, and never wash it? Or how many people wear it around their necks and pull it up and down when they’re supposed to wear it. Nancy Pelosi does that often, she’s a good role model for what not to do when donning a mask. Stylish or not, she touches hers a lot!
But … if everyone would’ve just stayed home for the first two weeks or month of the lockdown, the virus would’ve gone away too. And we wouldn’t have to wear masks? Maybe?
Apparently not.
Hmm … remember how effective the lockdown was/is?
Viruses don’t play fairly, do they?
Umm … wait, but when we first opened up in our state, the flattening of the curve was still happening. And people were moving about freely, with and without masks. The virus remained out there, moving between those who are compromised and hanging out longer and doing more damage.
At other times it grabbed onto innocent people who had no clue they had it and then it dubiously disappeared until it reappeared to wrap its ties onto the next hosts whose metabolic systems were prime targets. Same as every other coronavirus did/does.
It’s exhausting thinking about how much time we’re wasting arguing and accusing each other of what is right or wrong about masks. I’m tired of all of them being in opposition to each other.
So … after all my thinking and ranting about this, I’ve found an easy mask solution for me. Don’t you go run with it and buy up all the paper towels though …
My all-time favorite mask is revealed in the link below – it’s easy to make, it’s easy to wear, it’s easy to breathe in, and it’s easy to dispose of. Plus it is a surgeon recommended version. Historically surgical masks do help surgeons from spitting on their patients …
The bottom line is that I believe the link to the spread of viruses comes from our hands touching our faces.
And there you have it … my dubious mask-wearing rant.
Post Inspiration – Linda G. Hill’s Stream of Consciousness Saturday – Link
PS – Have you made your own mask, or did you support a local seamstress who’s selling them? Are masks mandatory where you live?
Masks are mandatory here in CT. We are enjoying relatively low numbers of cases at this point. If masks help, I’m happy to wear one. If they don’t help, they really aren’t much of a bother, so I’m still happy to wear one. We bought masks from two different sources. I like them. I wouldn’t say I enjoy wearing them, but neither do I enjoy wearing a seatbelt. To me, the scariest thing about this virus is the fact that you can be spreading it before you know you have it. We all have to be careful.
Thank you for sharing your thoughts, Dan. I respect you for doing what you can to help the spread! Together we all have to be careful, that’s for sure. I just read about skin rashes being a symptom that is missed by up to 21% of the people who are carriers of it. Oy …
This is no ordinary flu virus. We all need to be careful.
Yes, indeed.
I wonder if there is something very dangerous happening happening in the world, besides the virus that we do not see because we focus on this mask debate? I’m not for, or against. If it would be required by law I would wear it. It’s not required by law where I lived. My daughter most likely had the virus. She was sick four almost four weeks, it is very unusual that she gets sick. I did not have any symptoms. I choose to self quarantine the both of us.
Thank you for sharing your thoughts. I often wonder the same thing. I’ve even wondered if during all the protests/riots there weren’t people planted who had volunteered to test the new vaccine and ‘accidentally’ spread the virus in the crowds, thus the spikes in #’s. Our state is a hot mess when it comes to those for and those against all of this stuff from lockdown to masks – the political division is quite evident.
Aw, sorry to hear your daughter had such a long time with the virus. You were kind and wise to self quarantine. I think I had it back in January. I frankly think more people have had it than not. But, I’m not an expert, just a dubious ranter. 😉
I enjoy your posts.
Thank you, Marie – ditto to you!
Thank you!
I definitely feel safest outside and well socially-distanced, except from my family–though a little alone time after 4 months together might be nice too! I know I don’t always handle my mask correctly, but I do wear one inside–but then all our stores in MD have required it since opening back up a good while ago, per the governor. I think it makes it easier on the stores’ owners, etc., since they deal with less backlash. I’ve noticed here in Ohio far fewer mask wearers; the grocery store here suggests it, and all their employees wear them. One employee thanked my husband for wearing one while shopping. I had to pick up dinner from a restaurant, last night, and there were many who weren’t wearing masks, inside. I still haven’t eaten inside a restaurant yet–why, when the weather’s been beautiful, anyway?
Thanks for sharing your thoughts, Rebecca. I’ve wondered what you’re thinking about this upcoming school year? Will that be your alone time again, or not? I agree with you, I feel the safest outside. It’s interesting to read about the differences between Maryland and Ohio. Our county Public Health Directors decide if masks are mandatory or not. Each business decides to follow or not. Those with and those without masks have their followers and boycotters.
That’s so heartwarming that an employee thanked your husband. I feel for those who have to wear the masks all day long. I could be wrong, but somewhere I read that in restaurants it is expected that you wear your mask until you get to your table, then you can take them off? I imagine it is hard to eat in a restaurant with your mask on, and touching it to put it on and off during a meal makes me wonder where the win is in that for keeping the mask sterile and not just creating a breeding ground for extra germs on the face?
All of the mixed messages sure make me appreciate the fact that I work from home and don’t have to wear a mask.
You’re right, being outside, enjoying the summer weather while it’s here is the best way to keep positive and safe!
There is just too much unknown about this virus for me to disregard any suggestion that might help the spread. Here is Michigan, we were a hot spot for a long time and our governor took (and still takes) a lot of crap for her response. Our curve flattened, she opened things up slowly, and guess what? Our cases are on the rise again. I made about 10 masks for myself and others when this started, and now I am bored by the patterns, so I bought fabric to make a few more. They’re mandated here now, and I just have no patience for the whiners who don’t want to wear one. They may not be the end all and be all,but if they help AT ALL in keeping cases down, there just isn’t a down side IMO. It’s just not that big a deal. No shoes, shirt, no service. How is this different? OK, that’s the end of MY rant. 🙂
Thank you for sharing your rant, Laurel. I always enjoy hearing your thoughts. Yeah, your governor and our governor over here in WI have made choices that many haven’t approved of. You’re right, there’s so much unknown about the virus it’s hard to know what to do. Any little bit we can do to help slow the spread can’t hurt.
Since I work from home, I haven’t had to wear any of mine on a regular basis. I have many patterns that I found to try and make. Some rainy day, I’ll get the sewing machine out to make them. In the meantime, the paper towel version is easy to whip out and effective and it’ll soak up any spilled wine too. 😉
That paper towel mask looks easy to make for sure but what about the paper towel shortage? For the longest time we were not able to even get them. In California we are required to wear masks any time we are out of our houses, although I don’t wear one when I walk the dog around the block. I cross the street or stand in the driveway if I meet another person coming toward me. All of our stores require them. It is not fun but if it helps in any way keep me and my family virus free then I’m okay with it.
Thank you so much for sharing your thoughts, Janet. I agree with you, anything we can do to help each other remain virus free is worth the effort. So far, we haven’t had a shortage on paper towels that I’m aware of. The advantage of the paper towel mask is you can readily see how soiled it gets. That’s probably why when I see people messing with their masks I cringe.
We take a 4 mile walk every day and don’t wear masks, we walk early in the morning and do what you do, cross the side of the road if there is another walker. We don’t see many people at that time of the day. Just cars driving. Most people who are exercising like to keep social distances so they don’t wear masks. A quick neighborly wave is the closest we get. 🙂 Stay well, stay safe!
I sympathize with the wish to make your own decisions. When I was deciding on a treatment modality for my leukemia, I researched like crazy and persuaded a doctor to compromise re one of them. But he was a top specialist, so his compromise was well-informed. I’m a great believer in researching and using that research to find a way that feels right to you that is also in line with the recommendations of well-established experts!! After that, one must let go and kiss it up to the gods, whether it’s masks, meat, climate change, bottled water, or whether Oswald acted alone, unless you want to spend all your time looking to prove that the “authority figures” don’t know what they’re talking about. Been there … didn’t like it. That’s my rant!!!
Hi Ellen – for some reason your comment went to my trash folder – skipped right over the spam one?! WTH!? Yes, you and I have the research genes, we love to know more and more about what we’re doing. I think many forms of solid rationale go out the window during an election year. Thank you for sharing your rant!!
I’m ok with wearing a mask (and, yes, I wear them properly and wash them regularly). I’ll continue to listen to the scientists – who do change their message periodically based on new information – and not the current occupants of the White House and certain governors who are invested in magical thinking. Masks protect others and show I care about their safety. There are a lot of asymptomatic people out there so just wearing a mask when we don’t feel well isn’t the answer. It pains me to see all the (mostly) young people mingling too close and not wearing masks. I remember feeling invincible when I was young… I wasn’t. Our country’s numbers continue to spike because there isn’t a coordinated effort and too many citizens can’t be bothered to educate or inconvenience themselves. Nothing to be proud of.
Thank you for sharing your thoughts, Janis. I believe we all have found the science that supports our personal, and yes, I’ll say it, political beliefs, thus the divisions we’re seeing in the world today. I’ve read both sides, and remain dubiously skeptical that either party is 100% right. I appreciate reading your line “Masks protect others and show I care about their safety.” Masks may protect according to the sciences on both sides, but certainly can’t hurt as a source control if worn properly. My dubious nature can’t help but notice those who don’t properly wear theirs because they don’t understand how they do and don’t work. I’ve witnessed cashiers pulling them off their faces to cough and then put them back on. Or those who pull them down to talk or yell at the other person. WTH? I guess I get to see more of those types due to the fact that our state doesn’t mandate wearing them? I was parked in a hospital parking lot, sitting in my car back in May, and I saw many a hospital employees going in and out of the hospital not properly taking care of their masks. Hand hygiene is very important according to the science on both sides.
I’ve been impressed with and proud of my young adult daughters and their friends. They’ve determined their social ‘bubbles’ and stick together socially distanced in mostly outside settings when they do get together. They report into each other about their outings and risk factors or risky contacts. I think there are more of those smart kids out there than we get to see.
Thank you again, for sharing your thoughts, and for donning and taking care of your mask properly! 🙂
I consider myself a “dubious” mask wearer too. I appreciate your post and honest feelings. Many are hopeful if we all just wear the darn mask, then it will go away. But, I am doubtful that is going to be the case. I know individuals who thought they were being extra cautious, and still tested positive eventually. In my county in WI, many stores are requiring masks as of 07/20, but has not been mandated yet county wide. If I have the freedom to not wear the mask, and feel that I can at least maintain the 6-feet distance, I won’t.
Hi Tanya, thank you for sharing your thoughts. I’ve felt those same dubious feelings often too. And know of people who have been extremely cautious and have tested positive eventually too. I think the high levels of cortisol isn’t helping us much either. Yeah, Mandatory Mask Monday for the big retail stores is tomorrow in the neighboring county where I live too. So far, Mr. and I have been to outside venues (like the local winery with a big yard to spread out on) or to stores where they are/were optional to wear. The 6-feet of social distancing space from others is our preferred way to stay healthy and safe. We’re introverts, so it is easy to stay away from crowds. 🙂 It’ll be interesting to see how WI survives this rough year we’ve had so far … stay well and happy!
I simply can’t believe how controversial the mask issue is. I had to unfollow someone on Facebook because the person posted so many mask post (among other annoying posts). I hate masks. They are required here unless you are exercising or outdoors. Honestly, I don’t want anyone sneezing or coughing on me, nor do I want to on anyone else. Therefore, I will willing wear a mask in the store, or when entering the restaurant. However, I choose to spend most of my time at home and outdoors. I am blessed to be able to work from home. Therefore I rarely wear a mask. My husband does the shopping, and ironically I hardly miss shopping at stores. Thanks for this post 😊
Hi Lisa, thank you for sharing your thoughts. Yeah, I agree, it’s sad how controversial the mask thing has gotten. I’ve stopped reading many posts on Facebook too for the same reasons you stated. I try to encourage posts about cute pets instead.
I work from home, have only been shopping once alone, and once with Mr., the rest of the time he’s done all the shopping. I too hardly miss the experience. When our Kohl’s store opened up, we went to buy shoes. The selection was dismal and the experience was sad. I used to love shopping there with my daughters. Now I don’t even want to go shopping anywhere unless I have to.
Thanks for reading, I appreciate hearing from you!
…we have a Kohl’s 2 miles down the road. I’ve been back a couple of times. I noticed less options, but I did find some shorts. I went on line and ordered more. But I do want to support local businesses, so I’ll go back at some point. I used to go down there and wonder around for a couple of hours and really enjoyed it. Sad 🙁
Thank you for sharing your thoughts, Lisa! I’ve been a fan of online ordering this year too – but the small local shops need support too. I used to love shopping for hours. It is sad to go now 🙁
PS: Great photos!! 💙
Thank you, Lisa!! PS – ditto to you and your photos on your blog!
I see a fair number of grocery store employees with masks below their noses. I just shake my head. The flower with the spider web is beautiful. Kay is a hoot.
Ah, yes, I’ve seen that as well in our grocery stores. One day Mr. saw a worker pull her mask off to talk, then put it back on to scan the items. Thanks for the kudos on the spider web capture. I laughed so hard at Kay the first time I saw that – it was the day I made my dismal failure of a mask. 😉
🙂 Practice works. Maybe not so much for Kay, but for us!
Toilet paper is an alternative when a person does not have an approved mask, otherwise it is a quickly wet colander.
People not confronted with risks learn badly the good behavior of eviction, self-protection and do not acquire the good reflexes, like the professionals.
This is no reason to denigrate the masks. How many doctors , nurses, …died on the front line, in the first hours, just because of the shortage of masks.
Don’t forget the other barrier gestures.
Take care!
Hi Anne! Thank you for sharing your thoughts, it’s nice to hear from you! I am saddened too by the lack of PPE for those on the direct front lines.
Yes, other barrier gestures like hand washing and 6 feet of social distancing, or just staying home work for me! 🙂
Take care!
As a science person, I have absolutely no problem with wearing a mask. I don’t like it, but It makes sense. And it also is quite frustrating to see people not wearing them correctly, etc. But then again, perhaps it’s better than nothing. I don’t appreciate the mixed messages from the people at the “top” who first were saying not to wear one back in the beginning. That never made any sense to me and I was right – they only said that to preserve them for the health care workers. Apparently to stop a run on masks. Which may or may not have actually happened.
A mask of any kind potentially stops droplets of virus particles getting from one person to another. If in years to come, it is discovered that it wasn’t necessary…oh well. So people wore masks and didn’t have to. Not such a big deal. But what if it turns out the masks did make all the difference? The risk from NOT wearing one, in my opinion, is far too great to take. For everyone’s sake.
An important post and discussion, Shelley! Great photos too 🙂
Thank you for sharing your thoughts, Andrea. I’m on board with the proper use of them. I still cringe when I see people messing with them, pulling them down, resting them under their nose or their chin and then touching things. I’ve seen a person cough into one, put their hand over their mask as they coughed and then touch multiple items including their shopping cart handle. Which is then handed off to the next customer in line. This virus spreads those ways too. Sigh … toilet paper shortages went right along with mask shortages. What I also think sucks is that people who work with Assisted Livings, versus Nursing Homes can’t get the PPE or the testing supplies they need. They’re caring for the most vulnerable populations too. And they have to wear cloth masks because they can’t get medical masks or have to store them just in case there’s an outbreak in their facility. Yet the home improvement store can get them and sell them for $1. There’s much behind the scenes to the mask issues. Beyond the benefits. I often wonder if it weren’t an election year the ‘wear a mask because you care to slow the spread’ message would’ve been better received? Thank you again for adding your thoughts to the discussion, I always appreciate hearing from you!
Good point about the election year slant. I’ll bet there would be a difference in many ways how this was handled. And yes I totally agree with you about the PPEs not be supplied to the long term care facilities. There was a shipment that came up here (for those facilities) that were all defective. Gowns without arm homes and size xsmall gloves and masks that came apart. All of this sent by the feds. As the saying goes, there’s something wrong with this picture….
I worked at a fed/state funded program through the H1N1 year, and remember the $30k I spent as a Procurement Agent to get N95 masks for the pandemic that suddenly disappeared after the election. 4 years later, the company closed doors and we donated the majority of them. Hmm … I wonder if some of those ended up in the basements of places that are selling them now for top $. That’s horrible that the supplies they do send out are worthless. I’m sure the supply priorities are for those places where Medicare funds are reimbursed. Yeah … there’s definitely something wrong with this picture in so many ways!
Wow! The back story to that sure doesn’t sound legit. The Medicare connection makes perfect sense. This is how so many of us wind up so cynical – for good reason. Arghh.
Yep, the deeper I investigate the things that sound fishy or follow the money, the more cynical I get. Arghh is right!
– China is home to most of the production of masks in the world, so the trade balance, trade dependence … are also issues.
– Last news from France: To stop the coronavirus epidemic, that is re – increasing, tomorrow wearing a mask is obligated in all public places closed, after publication of a decree. In particular in all of the large food stores… Failure to wear the mask exposes to a fine of 135 euros.
– American news: Two American hairdressers tested positive for Covid-19 but none of their 139 clients became ill. The study suggests that “the widespread adoption of face-covering policies in public places should be considered.”
just me squirrel.0072 from France
I like Radagast because like me he takes care of sick people with his potions.
Indeed – is there a potion that works for COVID19?
Hi Anne – thank you for sharing your thoughts!
I’ve seen videos about the mask productions from China that are quite scary – sterile environments were not depicted.
Has the imposition of fines worked for compliance? I don’t know that our state (not sure about others) is making them mandatory with fines (yet).
I hadn’t seen the news about the hairdressers. They do have close contact with people – and our area does require masks for those visits.
Stay well and fine free 🙂
The French population is recognized as counting very unruly persons. So, the fear of the gendarme (fine) is very persuasive. Thus, the contamination curve should turn down, as was the case in March-April.
Thank you for sharing, Anne, I am interested in hearing how other countries are handling the pandemic.
Brilliant post, as always, Shelly.
I’ve been remembering the H1N1 pandemic if 09 and how 60.8 million were effect yet not one business closed down, no school closing and not 1 mask worn.
I live at The Lake of the Ozarks missouri and you may have seen us on national TV as millions of people flocked here and throngs packed lake front restaurants outdoor areas with no masks and we are fully open. Yet, from beginning to now, we have had only a 100 cases throught our lake counties and deaths =2.
Suddenly, and only in the last 2 weeks, has Menards required masks and now Walmart, lowes etc are now starting???? Very odd indeed.
Thank you, Laura, I appreciate reading your thoughts. Yeah, H1N1 was such a scare but nothing like this one has been blown up as.
Wow – your area is a success story, like South Dakota is too. It’s nice to hear that your cases found and death count is so low. I know – what’s the deal with Menards and Walmart and Target and …. it is very odd indeed? There are 300,000 (figure may be wrong, but that doesn’t matter, right?) grocery store workers and not one reported shutdown of a grocery store due to an outbreak since they were deemed essential back in March. I certainly don’t want to see anyone die, but I also just can’t stop wondering why there is so much about this that doesn’t make sense?! Thanks again for sharing your thoughts!
Shelly, these are .my thoughts exactly!
Shelly, these are my thoughts exactly!
Masks are mandatory in my county and the next one over where we go shopping. No big deal to wear one. I’ll take a “may” help me stay safe any day. Better safe than sorry. Plus when wearing a mask no one notices how hippy dippy my hair is now. Win-win!
Ally, I’m smiling. I totally forgot about the hippy dippy hair factor, thank you for adding that for the win-win on mask wearing!
Today the UK has said we have to wear masks in shops after 3 months of debating. I suffer with asthma and my dr told me just to keep my distance from others. However there are some people who stand in the way in the middle of the aisles ignorant etc and dont observe social distancing. So I have bought a cloth mask to wear but I must admit I find a little bit stifling. I’ve also worn it on public transport. My mum has ordered some visors as she suffers with her chest too. I hope we can use them.Rant over.
It sure does seem like the governments debate issues for a long time. You’re wise to listen to your doctor’s advice. We have rude people in the aisles in our stores too. Unfortunately, that’s not new behavior, there have always been those who are oblivious to others when they’re shopping.
There are many no sew options on YouTube if the one you bought doesn’t breath easily. I would think with asthma you wouldn’t want to wear something that adds to breathing difficulty? I hope you’re able to find something that works. Thank you for sharing your rant, your thoughts are always welcome here. Take care and stay safe!