On Oct 11, 2020, at 8:35 AM, Ray Cook <raycook**At_Symbol_Here**APEXHSE.COM> wrote:

Just my thoughts on this, not here to debate. I respect you all have your own opinions.

The first line of your response Monona defines the problem with this whole mask endeavor (..for my own good). As someone who has spent a career specifying personal protective equipment, I cannot follow the concept of PPE that must be worn by one individual to protect someone else. By definition, it is "personal" protection. I think most people are more than willing to do something for "their own good." If I am concerned about getting exposed to an airborne contaminant, I can wear an N100 respirator and at least feel like I am doing something to protect myself. However, wearing a surgical mask or whatever, is not for my own good. It is supposedly to protect everyone else, which I don't recall being my responsibility (except in a professional capacity).  Last I saw, many jurisdictions don't want you to protect yourself by wearing a real respirator with an exhalation valve as you then become a "threat" to others.  (So protecting self is bad, protecting others is your duty).

Wearing a seat belt protects me. Forcing you to wear one to protect me does not, nor does it make sense. Not the same, but you see my point.  This virus is not a plague. People in high risk groups SHOULD protect themselves using appropriate measures. I am not clear at all on the logic of how responsibility became transferred from protecting  yourself (especially the vulnerable) to requiring all other individuals to submit to doing something undesirable/uncomfortable to theoretically protect other people, relying on the possibility that it may have some positive effect on preventing the spread of a 95-99 % survivable influenza. Not a strong driver here. 

I do disagree with your statement that by not wearing a mask people are assaulting others. Normal life does not involve wearing a mask. Never has. Living life in fear of a largely survivable disease is unnecessary, and better protection is available for those who need it. I have more faith in our immune system than govts do.

Have a good week!

Regards,

Ray Cook, MS, CIH 2000-2016

CSP ret.

ApexHSE.com

832-477-4454

I Cor 1:18

In omnia paratus

Sent from my iPhone

On Oct 11, 2020, at 5:18 AM, Monona Rossol <0000030664c37427-dmarc-request**At_Symbol_Here**lists.princeton.edu> wrote:

=EF=BB=BF

If big brother is sane and asking for me to do things for my own good, I have no problem.  And actually, the Oz big brother is only a threat to people who aren't doing what good practice and common sense dictates. Claiming the right to harm others by imprudent behavior in this pandemic is not freedom, it's assault.

I think the problem is you might think the masks that the Australians are talking about need fit testing.  That's not what they mean.  They just mean that they fit tight to the face leaving no obvious gaps.  So surgical masks and well-made cloth masks are fine.  And they include direction for making a good mask.

They also require it cover both the nose and the mouth.  I'd like to see the Oz Big Brother working over here -- maybe right in my neighborhood..

Monona