Masks!

Mar. 21st, 2020 07:18 pm
sonia: Quilted wall-hanging (Default)
[personal profile] sonia
Lo these many years ago, [personal profile] jesse_the_k recommended [locked] some N95 masks to filter out fragrances, and then in 2012 when I needed to fly on an airplane I actually bought a box of 20. I didn't end up liking them much, so I had only used a couple of them.

I eyed them when this recent crisis started, but 1) I still don't like wearing them and 2) I didn't want to waste them on going for a walk outside when they might be needed more later.

Sure enough, various cities in Oregon are requesting donations of masks, gloves, and gowns. I biked down and dropped off the N95 masks at the county headquarters today, and the kind person taking the donations was very appreciative.

I thought they wouldn't want the opened box of non-latex gloves I bought for my bodywork practice and actually use more for bike maintenance, but he said they would take them, so I'll be dropping those off too.

Can I just say how scary it is that we're at the point where a donation of half a box of gloves and a few masks makes a difference. I hope they ramp up production and ramp down cases soon!

I saved one mask and two pairs of gloves against future needs.

I'm looking at making fabric masks from a torn organic flannel sheet, maybe from this pattern. I saw a note in comments to make fabric ties instead of using elastic, because the virus can hide in the elastic crevices. I saw a note on another pattern to run a single longer tie through both sides of the mask so they run behind the head instead of uncomfortably pulling on the ears. Here's a video tutorial on sewing masks. ETA: And here's some research on good materials for masks.

Date: 2020-03-22 05:50 am (UTC)
rosefox: Green books on library shelves. (Default)
From: [personal profile] rosefox
Asymptomatic transmission is the horrorshow factor in all of this, for sure. :/ That's why I specified staying home long enough to be certain you don't have it or have gotten over it. And of course there's the social factor; if it became simply more socially acceptable to wear a mask, to the point where not wearing one would make other people anxious, then of course I'd do it. I think we're not there yet.

I'm sorry you're having to watch your neighbors be unsafe and fear for the consequences. I was very relieved that both sets of downstairs neighbors assured me they're being careful. It'll be odd not to hear their grandkids on Sundays.

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Sonia Connolly

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