Le virus, c’est nous
UdeM researchers think the virus is far more widespread than the official numbers. It’s based on statistical analysis, not medical, so I don’t know what credence to give it.
An Urbania writer went to work in a Verdun CHSLD for a week and writes a two-parter about it: Part 1, Part 2.
The issue of wearing a mask is in the news. The STM’s Philippe Schnobb is in favour of it, but stops short of calling for making it mandatory. Josée Legault makes a case for mandatory masks in Montreal.
DeWolf 12:49 on 2020-05-02 Permalink
Mask-wearing isn’t mandatory anywhere in Asia. It became widespread and popular through public awareness and social pressure. (People often say “it’s in the culture” but the reality is that only a small minority of people wore masks in the past, even if they were sick.) If we make mask-wearing mandatory, we’re giving the police another stick with which to beat whoever they chose, which is going to result in a lot more vulnerable and marginalized people being unfairly targeted, just as we’ve seen with social-distancing fines for homeless people.
Of course, getting everyone to voluntarily wear a mask would require clear and consistent messaging from above, and so far we’re getting exactly the opposite.
DeWolf 12:53 on 2020-05-02 Permalink
Okay, i should have double-checked my statement. Singapore mandated the use of masks two weeks ago, and two provinces in China have made them mandatory.
Tim S. 12:57 on 2020-05-02 Permalink
Anyone know if masks are being sold? I haven’t seen them near me, but admittedly I’m not doing too much browsing.
DeWolf 13:01 on 2020-05-02 Permalink
@Tim S., my local hardware store and supermarket are both selling medical-grade masks. Some local boutiques are advertising locally-designed fabric masks (maybe we should start calling them fashion masks).
CE 13:31 on 2020-05-02 Permalink
I saw a big display of them in a Jean Coutu the other day. I just bought a couple from my friend who has set up shop with her sewing machine and is pumping them out.
Uatu 15:24 on 2020-05-02 Permalink
Plenty of YouTube tutorials for mask making using everything – napkins, old t shirts, bandanas. It’s the new trending topic
Weird how times have changed. Before you get harassed if you covered your face, now it’s the opposite.
Kate 15:37 on 2020-05-02 Permalink
Lufa now has masks for $10 and filters cheap among its offerings. I have a mask I got from a kind neighbour who made a bunch and offered them around free, but I’ve ordered another couple off Lufa because you’ve got to wash them regularly.
JaneyB 17:21 on 2020-05-02 Permalink
I’ve seen lots of them in the past few days at Jean Coutu (plus hand sanitizer).
There’s also Matthew McConaughey’s charming coffee filter/bandana method: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ueyrM4QSxsU
Tim S. 21:33 on 2020-05-02 Permalink
Thanks all. Guess it’s time to go shopping again.
Kate 15:08 on 2020-05-03 Permalink
The Gazette surveyed several local fashion designers who have turned to mask-making.