[Vision2020] MASK UP, MOSCOW!

[Ted Moffett]

https://www.cidrap.umn.edu/about-us/cidrap-staff/michael-t-osterholm-phd-mph

https://www.cidrap.umn.edu/

Dr. Michael Osterhom has indicated that cloth masks that merely wrap around
ears are of limited effectiveness, though better than nothing, for
blocking moisture micro-droplet spread of SARS COV-2 virus.  An N-95 type
mask with straps that wrap around the head for a tight fit is much more
effective.

Dr. Osterhom has indicated that the public is misled somewhat into
believing that cloth masks hooked around ears provide a lot of protection
for SARS COV-2 virus spread.

Kenneth Marcy's provided information, though oriented toward protection
from inhalation of  harmful smoke particulates, is very important for
addressing the Delta variant.

The smoke in Latah County today looks subjectively to be the worst yet that
I have seen this year, thus I am wearing two N95 masks with head straps,
for protection from smoke inhalation.
But the damn straps break too easily!
--------------------------------------
Vision2020 Post: Ted Moffett

On Tue, Aug 3, 2021 at 9:35 AM Kenneth Marcy <kmmos1 at frontier.com> wrote:

>
> Will a face mask protect me from wildfire smoke?
> Respirator masks worn correctly may provide some protection by filtering out
> fine particles in the smoke. Masks do not help with hazardous gases in
> the smoke.
>
>
> What face mask should I get?
> N95 respirators are the cheapest and most available mask to help protect
> your lungs from wildfire smoke. They are generally available at hardware
> stores and pharmacies. Make sure the mask is:
>  Certified by the National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health
> (NIOSH).
>  Not a one-strap paper dust mask or surgical mask. It should have two straps
> that go around your head.
>  A size that fits over your nose and under your chin. It should seal tightly
> to your face. If the mask does not fit properly, it may not provide any
> protection. Masks with a relief valve will make breathing easier.
>
>
>
>
> https://clark.wa.gov/sites/default/files/dept/files/public-health/wildfire%20smoke/DOH_Wildfire_Smoke_Face_Masks_Factsheet.pdf
>
>
>
> Ken
>
>
> On Tuesday, August 3, 2021, 5:21:38 AM PDT, Tom Hansen <thansen at moscow.com>
> wrote:
>
>
> Courtesy of today’s Moscow-Pullman Daily News.
>
> —————————————————
>
> Delta variant is dominant strain in MoscowCOVID-19 variant makes up more
> than 80 percent of cases nationwide; one new death reported in Latah County
>
> The highly transmissible delta variant is the dominant strain of COVID-19
> in the U.S. and appears to be the dominant strain in Moscow as well,
> according to recent tests of the city’s wastewater.
>
>
> The strain makes up more than 80 percent of cases in the U.S. and Tyler
> Palmer, deputy city supervisor of public works and services, said the
> variant was the likely strain in more than 90 percent of the sample
> collected July 26 from Moscow’s wastewater.
>
>
> “It is what was expected,” Palmer said.
>
>
> He said the delta variant was first detected in the city’s wastewater July
> 14.
>
> “People are traveling more,” City Supervisor Gary Riedner said. “We got
> the students coming back. There’s all kinds of people visiting in and out
> so I think it’s probably to be expected that you’re going to see it sooner
> or later.”
>
>
> Riedner said he advised Mayor Bill Lambert and City Council leadership of
> the results and that Lambert indicated he would not issue a public health
> emergency order, such as a face mask/social distancing order, at this time.
>
> Palmer said the city makes the results available to its healthcare
> partners like Public Health – Idaho North Central District and Gritman
> Medical Center in Moscow so that they are aware.
>
>
> Health department spokesperson Tara Macke said in an email that the delta
> variant has also been detected in Lewiston’s wastewater.
>
>
> “This would imply that there may be Delta variant cases within both
> (Moscow and Lewiston) municipalities,” Macke wrote. “As of yet, that has
> not been confirmed by any known genetic sequencing performed from a patient
> specimen.”
>
>
> However, due to the widespread delta variant across the nation, Macke
> wrote the delta variant is likely present in local communities even if not
> detected.
>
> Macke wrote the health district encourages residents to follow the latest
> U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommendations for their
> safety as well as the safety of others.
>
>
> “It is the hope that with increased vaccinations and established
> prevention measures, the spread of the Delta variant and others will be
> halted or slowed,” Macke wrote.
>
>
> A city of Moscow news release Friday said that, per the CDC, the delta
> variant was less than 1 percent of cases in May in the U.S.
>
>
> The variant spreads about twice as easily from one person to another
> compared to previous variants. Because new evidence shows some vaccinated
> people can get or spread the delta variant, the CDC recommends people in
> areas with substantial or high spread wear masks.
>
>
> Most spread is among unvaccinated people and in areas with low vaccination
> rates. Vaccines help prevent the variant from spreading further, the CDC
> says.
>
> Moscow started testing wastewater for the presence of COVID-19 in May 2020.
>
>
> As COVID-19 variants started to spread in the U.S., the city initiated a
> variant testing routine, with the first results received April 13. These
> tests also indicate the different variants present in the wastewater
> samples, including the United Kingdom and California variants in the spring
> of 2021 and, more recently, the delta variant.
>
>
> Palmer said GT Molecular, a company based in Fort Collins, Colo., that
> tests for COVID-19 in communities’ wastewater systems, tests Moscow’s
> wastewater for COVID-19 variants every other week.
>
>
> The University of Idaho tests the city’s wastewater for COVID-19
> concentrations twice a week, he said.
>
>
> Fifteen new COVID-19 cases were reported over the weekend and Monday on
> the Palouse, including 11 in Latah County and four in Whitman County.
>
>
> Another COVID-19 death was reported in Latah County and 43 cases were
> reported in Nez Perce County.
>
>
> The 11 Latah County cases were two people in the 13-17 age range, four
> people 18-29, three people in their 40s, one man in his 60s and another man
> in his 80s.
>
>
> The new cases increased the countywide total to 3,278, including 3,111
> confirmed and 167 probable cases. Of the 3,278, 3,200 recovered, 65 are
> open and the remaining 13 people have died.
>
>
> The four new cases in Whitman County increased its total to 4,474 since
> the pandemic started, according to Whitman County Public Health. Deaths at
> 52 and hospitalizations at 133 since the start of the pandemic remained
> unchanged since last week.
>
> —————————————————
>
> Seeya 'round town, Moscow, because . . .
>
> "Moscow Cares" (the most fun you can have with your pants on)
> http://www.MoscowCares.net
>
> Tom Hansen
> Moscow, Idaho
>
> “A stranger is just a friend you haven’t met.”
> - Roy E. Stolworthy
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