[AT] Covid-19

[Stephen Offiler]

I think I am agreeing with both Steve and Mike.  The consensus at the
moment (and this definitely does evolve, of course) is that transmission
occurs mostly via droplets, of the type generated in coughing, sneezing,
speaking loudly, laughing, singing, etc.  Droplets can be very tiny but by
definition they are still big enough that gravity pulls them to the
ground.  Masks have some amount of effectiveness against droplets going in
both directions.  BOTH directions.  Fabric doesn't know or care which
direction the droplet comes from.  (Exception is certain types of N95 that
have exhale valves... do not use them)  I just said "some amount of
effectiveness".  This is a statistics game.  A bandanna is better than
nothing at all; a surgical mask is better than that, a properly fitted N95
best of all.  Roll your own dice.

 It can also be transmitted via aerosols, which unlike droplets, are so
small and light that they float and stay suspended in air for longer
periods of time.  The understanding is that this is a less common form of
transmission.  Aerosols are smaller than droplets thus the viral load they
carry is smaller.  But if you are in close, stale quarters with an infected
person, breathing the same air, for a long enough period of time, this is
another way to get sick, and masks are of little use.  Again, a statistics
game; this is not the main form of transmission in the first place.  Just
avoid close, stale quarters with another person (outside of family members)
altogether.

It can also be transmitted via so-called "fomites" which are virus
particles that have landed on surfaces, picked up on the hands, and
transmitted via touching mouth, nose, eyes.  Again, the understanding is
that this is a less common form of transmission, yet another statistics
game.  But in this case, we all started out cleaning and scrubbing and
sanitizing, and now it's become ingrained and institutionalized.  Maybe
this is a less common form of transmission specifically because we all are
in fact scrubbing and sanitizing.

SO




On Tue, Aug 4, 2020 at 6:26 PM Mike M <meulenms at gmx.com> wrote:

> I'm sorry for your loss Spencer.
>
> With regards to masks, you are correct Steve, they will not prevent you
> from contracting the virus, they do however restrain the viral load you
> receive if you come across an infected person. Everyone wearing masks,
> keeping your hands off your face and constant thorough hand washing is
> the best defense against this disease. This is based on the highest
> level peer reviewed studies, a "systematic review" published in the Lancet.
>
>
> https://www.thelancet.com/journals/lancet/article/PIIS0140-6736(20)31142-9/fulltext
>
> Mike M
>
> On 8/4/2020 4:31 PM, STEVE ALLEN wrote:,
> > First of al, Spencer, you and his family and friends have my sincerest
> sympathies; prayers for comfort in this time are raised daily.
> >
> > Second of all, re:  masks.  Do NOT rely on a mask to protect YOU from
> getting it.  Masks can reduce the likelihood of YOU spreading it to OTHERS,
> but, except for the most expensive, extensive, and complete PPE, they will
> NOT protect YOU from getting it FROM others.  Don't let them lull you into
> complacency.
> >
> > My employer is struggling with the manifold issues that pertain to
> offering classes in-seat this Fall, and the various permutations of policy
> involved simply overwhelm realistic administration.
> >
> > Like most of us on this list, I fall into the high risk groups, I am
> sure, if only because of age.  I much prefer spending my time at home
> working on/with my tractors, but the family has to eat.  Hobson's choice,
> to be sure.
> >
> > Be careful, my friends.
> >
> > The "original" Steve Allen
> > _______________________________________________
> > AT mailing list
> > AT at lists.antique-tractor.com
> > http://lists.antique-tractor.com/listinfo.cgi/at-antique-tractor.com
>
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