General Discussion
Related: Editorials & Other Articles, Issue Forums, Alliance Forums, Region ForumsLA is apparently requiring masks or no entrance to businesses: GOOD!
I have been so frustrated in my own state to see only a handful of (nearly all older) employees wearing masks in still crowded grocery stores and especially WALMART. This is just infuriating.
So, on the flip side. On today's five-mile walk with my pup, I returned through several neighborhoods actively undergoing roof repairs from last summer's nasty hail storms. Out of five houses and five separate crews/companies, I was impressed to see nearly all the crews wearing masks up on the roofs, but close by to each other. Kudos, guys! I know that isn't comfortable in the bright CO sunshine, but kudos.
tishaLA
(14,176 posts)of the folks in Los Angeles were already wearing them. So that's good. This will push the other 20%
oasis
(49,408 posts)SheltieLover
(57,073 posts)budkin
(6,714 posts)Since you literally can't buy them anywhere?
hlthe2b
(102,360 posts)There are zillions of instructions online for doing it or simply grab a bandana. Anything is better than nothing and should you be asymptomatic yet infected, you won't spread it to those around you.
We aren't talking N95 or other PPE or surgical masks. Save those for me at work (HCW) and all my colleagues nationwide who desperately need them.
Marrah_Goodman
(1,586 posts)I think it is against the rules for me to post a link. If you message me I could show you where
PoindexterOglethorpe
(25,895 posts)I don't sew. Don't have a sewing machine. Don't have random fabric in my house. Don't even have the odd bandanna.
So again, where exactly am I supposed to get a mask?
And yeah, those crews need masks. I don't.
hlthe2b
(102,360 posts)Anything will do.
StarryNite
(9,460 posts)Make your own bandanna. It doesn't have to be pretty! Learn how to do it then help others.
How to Fold a No-Sew Bandana Face Mask
[link:https://makezine.com/2020/04/06/how-to-fold-a-no-sew-bandana-face-mask/|
PoindexterOglethorpe
(25,895 posts)Nor any old socks.
I tend to get rid of things as I no longer need them.
StarryNite
(9,460 posts)You would need something with a fairly tight weave. Ask a friend if they have an old sheet, have them leave it on your doorstep.
PoindexterOglethorpe
(25,895 posts)Honestly, it looks like a totally brand new never been worn sock.
Actually, I do have some socks, but they are well worn, and even though they've been washed after every wearing, I can't imagine making them into a face mask.
And I must ask, how many people have old sheets just accumulating?
A few weeks ago someone here or somewhere on line was bemoaning not having stocked up on sheets and towels before all the stores were closed. Really? How often do normal people buy new sheets or towels? Those things last me for years, decades even. Which helps explain why I don't have old sheets sitting around waiting to be cut up.
Living frugally can be a problem, apparently.
Arazi
(6,829 posts)PoindexterOglethorpe
(25,895 posts)Especially when we're doing the social distance thing.
I don't know any local seamstresses or tailors.
Arazi
(6,829 posts)Search for face masks. It's like Ebay for crafters
mantis49
(815 posts)The Surgeon General demonstrated it a couple days ago.
Rubber bands or hair rubber for ear pieces.
PoindexterOglethorpe
(25,895 posts)Guess I don't hang on to stuff as long as some people.
Dem2
(8,168 posts)People act like any fabric will work, is that really true?
hlthe2b
(102,360 posts)The best filtering materials you might consider are not very breathable so you would not be able to stand to wear it, so it is a balance between filtering ability, being able to block off leakage around the top and sides, and wearability. For the purposes of in-store encounters, a bandana is clearly better than nothing.
Blue_true
(31,261 posts)Measure the area that you would need to cover (just above the nose, out to an inch past the mouth edges, then down to the chin cleft below the mouth). Cut out three pieces of the desired size, hand sow them, rotating the thread direction for each layer so that they don't lay in the same direction. Stack the three layers, sowing the latest to the one below. Hand sowing is pretty easy, just time consuming for tight stitching - but you should be able to do a mask in about 4-5 hours.
Kaleva
(36,343 posts)A comment you made not long ago:
"Face masks won't protect you."
And you think the flu is worst:
"And meanwhile, a truly trivial number of people have gotten influenza this year, right?"
"Oh, and a few years back I worked at my local hospital, and during flu season there were also beds in the halls, and schools were likewise still in session and so on. There really is a degree of panic and overreaction that is sheer ignorance."
You liked to talk about the cruise you took recently:
" I boarded a cruise to Hawaii yesterday.
I feel very safe here.
After I get back home, I'm planning to take Amtrak to Seattle for a science fiction thing. I've bought tickets for the flight home. Hope nothing is cancelled."
Back in Feb. you pooh-poohed COVID-19
"People are freaking out in a way not warranted by this disease."
So I'm not sure why you are asking about masks.
StarryNite
(9,460 posts)Not talking about the N95 masks. They can be homemade fabric masks, bandannas...etc. It's not the whole answer but just one more way to help.
Flaleftist
(3,473 posts)I needed a new tube for my bike and I couldn't find it anywhere else. I noticed fewer people wearing masks than any other business I have been recently.
WOW! Roofing is bad enough without mask. I can't imagine.