What's the score on masks?

[snotface]

After a year and a half of the pandemic I still sometimes leave my condo forgetting to put on a mask. Usually I realise within a few seconds and go back. A few days ago I got halfway to Foodmart and then the long hard glare I got from a farang told me something was wrong. I popped into the 7/11 I was passing, hand over mouth, and apologetically explained the situation. The girl assistant produced a pack of three (not that kind of pack) for I think 12 baht and I was back in business. Gaybutton is right: you won't get far in Thailand currently without a mask.

[Dodger]

I don't like wearing a mask - it's not just a simple matter of personal choice - my blood pressure is volatile at the best of times, and wearing a mask sends it into the red zone, so I really need to avoid them.

Looking at recent YouTube videos. I note that almost everyone walking down the Soi in the LoS is wearing one still - so what's the current legal situation?

Good advice from others to find a mask with less resistance which may help.

In the UK people suffering from pulmonary hypertension do not have to wear a mask. But, unfortunately, Thailand isn't sophisticated enough to recognize these factors.

Read about it here:

https://www.phauk.org/support/corona...mption-notice/

[christianpfc]

Interesting to hear that compliance in Thailand is close to 100%, whereas here in Cambodia 50% estimated. Recently I attended an event for foreigners in Kampot and of about 50 participants, nobody was wearing a mask (neither did I, I only carry one to put on when required or in crowds).

In travels in Vietnam I counted 99% of mocy drivers were wearing helmets, long way to go for Thailand.

From my time in the army, or was it from reports going back decades?, there were stories of partially un-screwing the filter for gas masks to allow air to pass on the side. A filter for a gas mask is indeed a noticeable resistance to air flow. There might be ways to tweak a face mask to look like it's properly working, but allowing all air to flow in and out unfiltered?

[francois]

There might be ways to tweak a face mask to look like it's properly working, but allowing all air to flow in and out unfiltered?

Why would anyone want to negate the effects of a mask?

[Manforallseasons]

Why would anyone want to negate the effects of a mask?

Look who you’re asking. Lol

[latintopxxx]

unfortunately in the west we are so aware of our peresonal rights to the detriment of the greater good...if i was king of the world I'd "encourage" the maskless ones to work in a covid ward.

[Gaybutton]

if i was king of the world I'd "encourage" the maskless ones to work in a covid ward.

Very well said. The same ought to be "encouraged" for the anti-vaxers.

[Dodger]

I like wearing my mask.

Sound crazy?...it's the truth.

I go everywhere on my motorbike, and the mask helps block some (not all) of the unspent carbon monoxide fumes from these unmaintained jalopies they drive over here from entering my lungs. Now, before anyone charges to google to see if these masks are 100% effective at blocking carbon monoxide fumes, I'll save you the time and tell you they don't. But the fact that they block some of it is a benefit. My mask also prevents bugs from flying into my mouth when I'm driving at high speeds. Laugh if you want to, but I've swallowed many a strange creature in my years of motorbike riding over here. Come to think of it, I've swallowed many a strange creature when not riding on a motorbike too, but there are just some situations in life where wearing a mask simply doesn't work.

In the past 2 years since I started wearing an N95 mask I have never once even caught a common cold. Very unusual for me, because for years I would routinely catch at least one cold a year, especially around flu season, and I also suffered from sinus infections at least once per year which required prescription strength nasel spray to treat. Since wearing the mask (knock of wood) my annual colds and sinus infections are a thing of the past, and I've never once experienced even a hint of a flu symptom.

The mask has become a very useful tool and will stay with me forever, regardless of what direction covid takes. I'll continue wearing it when I'm riding my motorbike, especially in heavy traffic, and may even continue wearing it when around large crowds of people, especially during flu season...who knows.

[gerefan2]

I'll continue wearing it when I'm riding my motorbike, .

Me too. I learnt a few years ago to keep it on whilst on the bike.

Have you ever tried using the same mask on the bike for say 3 days? Try it and then have a good look at it.

All that black shit you see would be down your throat...and that’s just 3 days worth!

I too find I don’t get ill so much in Thailand as I used to. Although only a three month millionaire I thought I had become immune to their bugs...but it may be using the mask on the bike that’s helped.

[Dodger]

Have you ever tried using the same mask on the bike for say 3 days? Try it and then have a good look at it.

All that black shit you see would be down your throat...and that’s just 3 days worth!.

Yes, I noticed the very same thing just a few days after wearing the mask 20 months ago and was shocked.

Now I know why so many Thai policemen who stand around guiding traffic, or ride their motorbikes all day, wear these...well before covid.

And that's just the "black shit" we can see with our eyes. What about the germs (bacteria/viruses, etc.) we can't see?