I know some may disagree, but I am with Kemp on this one.
While I don't doubt that masks might help some, I don't think it's in the way that people think.
Contrary to what many people seem to think, COVID usually does not transfer by air alone. It is usually passed along on the tiny moisture droplets that we all spew when talking, or even breathing. So the trick is in knocking down the moisture droplets.
Masks are most effective in helping to keep people who have COVID from spreading it. They are much less effective in keeping people from catching COVID, though they probably can help a little.
So the real question is, how many people with COVID are out and about so they can spread the virus? Unfortunately, we really don't know that answer. We do know that a lot of people get it asymptotically, so there could be a sizable number of sick people out there who could transfer the virus.
So an argument could be made for wearing masks. But an argument could also be made against wearing masks. The reduction of oxygen, the constant touching of the mask, etc. Which is worse? I don't know.
The other side of the argument is the quality of life and freedom issue. Are we going to live in fear and wear masks everywhere? Frankly, this is a big one for me. I have, thus far, chosen not to wear masks when not required. I try to be respectful of distancing, keep my distance of people, keep my mouth shut and not blow when going by people, etc. Honestly, I feel that I'm doing more than most are.
The other issue is immunity. Unless/until we do get a safe vaccine, and I think that unlikely anytime soon; the only weapon we have against the Wuhan is immunity. And that means many more of us will have to get it. I know, there is danger in that. But it's reality. I refuse to live in fear.
In balance, I am thankful that our governor has not gone to such lengths and limited our freedom as some of his counterparts have.
www.ajc.com
While I don't doubt that masks might help some, I don't think it's in the way that people think.
Contrary to what many people seem to think, COVID usually does not transfer by air alone. It is usually passed along on the tiny moisture droplets that we all spew when talking, or even breathing. So the trick is in knocking down the moisture droplets.
Masks are most effective in helping to keep people who have COVID from spreading it. They are much less effective in keeping people from catching COVID, though they probably can help a little.
So the real question is, how many people with COVID are out and about so they can spread the virus? Unfortunately, we really don't know that answer. We do know that a lot of people get it asymptotically, so there could be a sizable number of sick people out there who could transfer the virus.
So an argument could be made for wearing masks. But an argument could also be made against wearing masks. The reduction of oxygen, the constant touching of the mask, etc. Which is worse? I don't know.
The other side of the argument is the quality of life and freedom issue. Are we going to live in fear and wear masks everywhere? Frankly, this is a big one for me. I have, thus far, chosen not to wear masks when not required. I try to be respectful of distancing, keep my distance of people, keep my mouth shut and not blow when going by people, etc. Honestly, I feel that I'm doing more than most are.
The other issue is immunity. Unless/until we do get a safe vaccine, and I think that unlikely anytime soon; the only weapon we have against the Wuhan is immunity. And that means many more of us will have to get it. I know, there is danger in that. But it's reality. I refuse to live in fear.
In balance, I am thankful that our governor has not gone to such lengths and limited our freedom as some of his counterparts have.
Gov. Brian Kemp says he will not make wearing masks mandatory in Georgia
Officials said they are seeing a dramatic increase in the number of people coming in for testing this week.
www.ajc.com
