There is quite a lot of evidence that wearing masks (especially N95s) also provides reasonably significant protection from catching the virus and also in reducing the viral load, meaning the infection will be far less severe
Indeed, even the Mayo site you cite says "an N95 mask offers more protection than a surgical mask does because it can filter out both large and small particles when the wearer inhales", i.e. give certain protection to the wearer (who's inhaling) from being infected.
Trump's new golf course has been given the green light by Aberdeenshire planner, despite all the damage his last one did to the environment there and the fact that he broke all his promises:
"Trump originally won approval for his Trump estate encompassing the protected dunes because he pledged to create up to 6,000 jobs by building a five-star hotel with 450 rooms, shops, a sports complex, timeshare flats, two golf courses and housing estates. However, so far he has constructed only one 18-hole course, which is open seven months a year, a practice range, and a small clubhouse with a restaurant and shop; he also converted Menies manor house into a boutique hotel with 16 rooms."
There is quite a lot of evidence that wearing masks (especially N95s) also provides reasonably significant protection from catching the virus and also in reducing the viral load, meaning the infection will be far less severe
Indeed, even the Mayo site you cite says "an N95 mask offers more protection than a surgical mask does because it can filter out both large and small particles when the wearer inhales", i.e. give certain protection to the wearer (who's inhaling) from being infected.
Definitely no expert on face masks and opinion on N95 seems to vary depending on which website/article you read, (ie virus permeable/virus filtering), whether the mask is correctly fitted. how the mask is removed etc. The things the KOL's seem to agree on is face masks stop the spread by catching droplets and are more effective when used in conjunction with social distancing and hand washing.
The majority of shoppers I have encountered are wearing cloth or surgical masks, I have also seen some users of N95 with filter.
"At this time, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration has not approved any type of surgical mask specifically for protection against the corona. virus."
"N95 as the name indicates, is designed to block 95% of very small particles. Since the coronavirus is an extremely small virus, it can pass through the pores of both the surgical mask and N95 respirator."
"Some N95 masks, and even some cloth masks, have one-way valves that make them easier to breathe through. But because the valve releases unfiltered air when the wearer breathes out, this type of mask doesn't prevent the wearer from spreading the virus. For this reason, some places have banned them."
As you say, the one-way valve ones have been outlawed in many countries (as in outlawed as a mask to be worn wear compulsory masks are needed for covid-19). Which makes sense. However, lots of N95s don't have the valve, are easily bought, pretty cheap and aren't stifling in the way the next level up masks are.
The virus size being smaller than the filter size is irrelevant for droplet borne virus transmission obviously.
And, yes, definitely should be part of an overall hygiene and preventative action good practice procedure, not just by themselve.
Fauci admits administration has restricted his media appearances, says he's not surprised Trump got COVID
- the top infectious diseases advisor in the US needs a security detail as he's receiving death threats from the presidents (his boss) supporters........
Can't believe the BBC have wall to wall US election on both BBC 1 AND news channel. There isn't even anything to report yet....unless you count Trump's ramblings, sorry "statement".
Can't believe the BBC have wall to wall US election on both BBC 1 AND news channel. There isn't even anything to report yet....unless you count Trump's ramblings, sorry "statement".
Well, Arizona, Florida, various seats in the house...... these are all worth reporting, no? These are big events
I think the US election is probably the biggest news around by far and I'd expect as much coverage as we have given what is in the line. Leadership of the most powerful nation in the free world. 4 more years of Trump is something not worth contemplating. Scarily close.
With all the counting of postal votes, it's going to be a few days before the result is known, so I'm barely following the headlines. Had to uncross my fingers because of cramp !
Biden has just sneaked ahead of Trump in Michigan. If he can now hold on to the states where he leads - Nevada, Arizona, Maine, Wisconsin, Michigan - the he wins.
But a couple of those states are extremely close and far from decided.