I believe masks don't work, and never have, just like the warning says on the wrapper.
@roamer_1 @Gefn @mystery-ak @corbeExcept for N95s. I have a box, had it before the virus hit, and it does stop viruses, says it on the box. Of course, if someone wearing it keeps touching/adjusting it, moves it up and down while people are near, the purpose for the mask is defeated. Doctors are wearing N95s, plus a face shield. HOWEVER, READ THIS:
This is what happened when I went to an orthopedic pain doctor about three months ago and I do not see this doctor anymore but not due to this situation:
I did wear an N95 and face shield since numerous people in physical trouble were there. I am in the examining room. He comes in with a floppy thin material mask on which won't stay on his face. It kept falling off his nose/off his mouth and he kept pulling it up and this happened continually while I was in there.
This was not a large room as most examining rooms ARE small. If he had the virus, he would have given it to any patient he saw as there was about 3 feet between him and the patient, and I was the patient, but I had the N95/face shield on. Plus, if a patient had the virus and not wearing an N95 (and few people have them) the doc was totally unprotected with the thin mask falling down all the time and would get it. Neither did he have medical gloves on. He should have had medical gloves on and change them before seeing the next patient.
GOING TO THE DENTIST:
I have developed a TMJ problem so went to a dentist. Of all people, praise a dentist to keep his/her office open during this time. A dentist is going to be inches from a patient's mouth - that takes courage; I don't think I could do that. I had on an N95, but it had to come off. When I entered the "small room" with the dentist chair there, they had me rinse my mouth with a mouth wash, and that was all. Both the dentist and the woman assistant were right there in front of my mouth; if I had the virus, they surely would get it - how could they not with my breathing inches from them? They could also
give it to a patient being so close to them. I don't have an answer how dentists and their patients keep from passing the virus.