To Mask or not to two - Mask Megathread cont.

Hiqa published their latest updates on masks today.

They advised against a population level recommendation for the use of respirators by those at higher risk but does not preclude their use at an individual level. 60 and older should wear disposable 'Medial Masks' instead of cloth.

Just keep washing those hands guys!

It has been mentioned on the radio over the last few days that many of the cloth masks sold by various stores and pharmacies do not offer protection against covid.

The message was to get a medical grade mask, however no specific standard or model number was recommended. A search for medical.grade masks throws up many different types.

What standard of mask should be used to protect against covid and where can we buy these?

No mask alone will offer total protection against Covid which is important to remember.

Any face covering will contain particulate or droplets to some extent, but some are much worse than others.

A builders mask with a valve is great at stopping incoming particles, but will spray the wearers breath everywhere.

The stretchy neoprene collars that some people wear are very thin and don't offer much filtration.

Disposable surgical masks are probably a pretty good compromise, as it's impractical to wear an ICU grade mask.

https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/FFP_standards

The advice I have seen is N95/FFP2, or a surgical mask (there's a European standards code to check for) and then a cloth mask over it to improve fit. For a long time I wore two surgical masks. I have recently switched to FFP2. I work in close contact situations, I'm high risk myself (only back in work since last August after vaccination), and so far I haven't caught it despite working closely with several positive people.

Reading through the latest HIQA mask advice to NPHET.

PDF link below. pg 19/20.

Just had a quick scan there. A lot of fluff and erroneous information imo. They're still using a grossly outdated 2020 hses study on medical masks in clinical settings as reference. Cormican sits on both hiqa and the expert advisory group btw surprise surprise.

I think Ill side with the korean and taiwanese medical professors opinion - whom encourage ffp2s kn94s etc - over these academic gombeens.

One section that did stand out was, if they endorsed them, the the onus would be on them to provide ffp2s for the vulnerable. They also raised the possibility of supply chains for healthcare possibly coming under strain if the masks were recommended.

It's absolutely criminal what they know about this virus but continue with last year's advice.

They know it is airborne. So N95 give better protection. This is what older people and vulnerable people should be wearing, yet I see very little of them being worn. I don't even see older people wearing the blue surgical masks.

Considering they allow visors and dopes to go around with their face masks under their nose and on their chin, they should be advising on those respirators for older and vulnerable people.

They haven't updated HACCP guidelines on when to wash your hands to include when you touch your face mask

I stood at a deli counter yesterday to have someone ask me what I want and at the same time pull his face mask over his nose. At least he knew his face mask slipped and I didn't have to ask him to cover his nose as well. I had to ask him to wash his hands and change his gloves after touching his face mask. He was put out by my request. And two more going around touching their face mask as well and customers weren't asking them to wash their hands and change gloves.

That is absolutely disgusting and how are food establishments getting away with not training their staff on this?

Seen a recent picture of Michael Martin wearing a kn95 mask. He's well protected himself anyways. He's an absolute clown.

Having heard of numerous reports of the public being required to remove high grade masks to enter various HSE venues this is welcome news. Hopefully this will be extended across all places of HSE activity.

What kind of work you do? If you don't mind me asking.

In my work place we are being provided with ffp2 for last 16 years.

Personally I wouldn't be happy if someone dictates me what kind of PPE gear I can wear, while following minimum standards.

Oh and merry Christmas everyone, hope that big fat guy with white beard will treat you all well. Have a great time!!!

😁

This is just the rule in my place. Unless HSE comes out with saying ffp2 masks are ok to be worn, I have to follow work rules.

So still waiting on HSE to say something about ffp2 masks but that's not going to happen anytime soon.

But we might slowly get around to ffp2 mask wearing since yesterday's news that people won't be asked to change their masks while getting vaccinated or tested.