May, 2020. Ocean Grove South End. Use of masks is still inconsistent.. Paul Goldfinger photo. ©
Paul Goldfinger, MD. Editor @Blogfinger.net
Earlier this year when the COVID-19 pandemic was identified as a public health issue, masks were not recommended.
Now, as you all know, it is encouraged under many circumstances. As time goes by, the rules for prevention have been made more complex, including the use of face masks.
I am not an expert; in fact the knowledge about this subject continues to expand based on research trials still emerging and on opinions by “experts.”
The best source of information is the CDC–a Federal agency “The Communicable Disease Center.”
When we arrived in Florida last week, we came upon a Crackle Barrel restaurant in Ocala which was 100% occupied without any distancing. We learned that the Florida Governor had approved such a rule. We were shocked and we left.
We also heard that some Ft. Myers residents were going out to eat with 8 friends. Are they taking all precautions? I heard a professor say that regardless of local regulations, he will not go to a restaurant.
This is from the CDC:
Maintaining Healthy Environments.
- Change restaurant and bar layouts to ensure that all customer parties remain at least 6 feet apart (e.g., marking tables/stools that are not for use).
- Limit seating capacity to allow for social distancing.
- Offer drive-through, curbside take out, or delivery options as applicable.
As for masks, consider this:
—-Virus particles can be airborne for greater distances than 6 feet
—-Loosely fitting masks can permit virus particles to spread sideways behind you or upwards past your nose or down by your chin.
—Infrared research has shown wide-spread airborne clouds of virus that can stay airborne for a few minutes to a few hours.
–Masks are still required if you are distancing, especially in close indoor spaces. Don’t give up on one mode when you can have two.
—Wear masks in restaurants except when eating or drinking. If you eat outdoors in a restaurant use a mask because those places tend to be congested, and distancing may be unreliable–even though you are outdoors.
Two men came to our home today to deliver an appliance. They strolled up our driveway without a mask. We gave each of them a new mask.