BACKGROUND

It is the 2nd April 2020. In Melbourne, Victoria, we are at Day 69, with 1,036 cases of COVID-19.

68 people were diagnosed overnight. The fifth person to die in the State was a women in her 70s. We have 36 people in hospital, six in intensive care.

Most cases have come from international travellers or their contacts, but we are starting to see a rise in community transmission, from 39 to 57 cases.

Under Stage Three lockdown, Victorians face on-the-spot fines of more than $1,600 if they breach coronavirus restrictions that limit gatherings to just two people. The two-person limit in Victoria does not apply to people who live in the same house, and excludes workplaces and schools.

According to the ‘Stay at Home’ restrictions we may leave our homes during this period:

• To shop for food and other necessary goods and services 
• To access medical services or provide caregiving.
• To attend work or education, where we can’t do those things remotely 
• For exercise
• We may also leave our homes in an emergency, or if required by law.

So when you go outside your home, to take your exercise, should you wear a face mask?

©jamesnixon2020

Given how CV19 spreads, by droplets, I have been wondering why it isn’t wise to prevent yourself from either spreading them, when you cough or sneeze; or capturing them in your face if someone sneezes on you.

I have history.

He referred to Peter Ludwig, who produced this video HERE, which details how his viral campaign changed the face of the Czech Republic, where people made their own masks.

This second video, HERE, shows that everyone in the Czech Republic now has to wear a mask when outside their house. Just like in Slovakia and Taiwan.

A comparison between the two similarly-sized countries, doing the same thing, shows the results — when one country enforces mask-wearing for all, and the other just follows the W.H.O. guidelines, of mask-wearing for infected sufferers, and health care workers only.

CZECH REPUBLIC 10.65 million (2019)
Cases 3,589 / New Cases 281 / Deaths 39 / New Deaths 8 / Recovered 61 / Active 3,489 / Serious 70 / Cases per M 335 / Deaths per M 4/

AUSTRIA 8.822 million (2018)
Cases 10,711 / New Cases 531 / Deaths 146 / New Deaths 18 / Recovered 1,436 / Active 9,129 / Serious 215 / Cases per M 1,189 / Deaths per M 16 /
[ Source: WorldOmeters.info ]

Given that the aim is to contain droplet spread, and not allow the virus to enter your eyes, nose or mouth; one would think that a mask on your face, sunglasses over your eyes, and a cap on your head, would be the best way to go when you venture out for the day. Continuing to wash your hands regularly, of course.

News reaches us from the BBC that the World Health Organisation advisors are considering new guidance.

David Shukman, the BBC’s Science Editor said on a Radio 3AW news-grab:

“Studies in the US show that a cough can reach six metres, and a sneeze even further, at eight metres. This research will now be assessed by a panel of advisors to the WHO, and one conclusion may be to recommend that face masks should be worn more often.

An argument against that, from many health professionals, is if they are only effective if they are fitted properly, and kept clean. And the big worry is that they might encourage people to give up other important measures, above all, frequent washing of the hands.”

[ Read the full BBC article HERE]

The reason why we are encouraged NOT to wear masks, is because there aren’t enough to go around. I get that. But I have to look after myself.

It’s my conclusion that when going out for my daily exercise, I will wash my hands properly, cover my body in clothing, wear a baseball cap, sunglasses, a mask, or double-layer scarf, and keep my distance.

Arriving home is a whole process in itself. The careful way you wash your hands and forearms, peel off the layers, disinfect your sunglasses, phone, keys, wallet, cap and shoes, then wash your clothes, and yourself; it takes time.

When I walk, I walk upwind of those coming the other way, and try to remain at least two metres from them as they pass.

If it gets too crowded for me, I cross the street.

Their behaviour convinces me that humans are incapable of keeping their distance when they meet people they know, by accident. You can see how they start off separated, but slowly move in close as they chat.

Port Melbourne Beach
©jamesnixon2020

I am not there to socialise. The goal is 30 minutes of brisk walking a day. No coffees, no chats.

For my mental health, I find a walk on the pier is cathartic. I do it every day. The sea has a way of putting life into perspective.

And from now on, if you see me — from a distance— I’ll be the one in the mask.

©jamesnixon2020

2nd April 2020

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Tags: Masks