[kwlug-disc] Fuming out about virus, security in depth

[Khalid Baheyeldin]

Viruses are very tiny. In fact, that is how they were first discovered: a
scientist
who was studying the tobacco mosaic disease macerated infected leaves, then
passed the solution through a fine filter that prevents bacteria from
passing through
(those are made from ceramic or other finely porous material). The
resulting liquid
still infected healthy leaves. He concluded that there is a tiny organism
causing it

Decades later, when the electron microscope allowed seeing things that are
the
visible spectrum does not show.

But I agree that masks will help. This particular viruses is produced in
the respiratory
tract, and therefore spread by droplets. Even a cloth mask stops some of
that aerosol.
Think of a show fence, or droplets absorbed into the cloth. Something is
better than
nothing.

Remember the saying: "Perfect is the enemy of good enough".

My wife sewed some unused T-shirts into masks, with a paper clip for it to
fit on the
nose, and we use them when we go out.


On Wed, Apr 8, 2020 at 8:19 PM Mikalai Birukou via kwlug-disc <
kwlug-disc at kwlug.org> wrote:

> It seems that starting from yesterday we should wear masks:
> https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9UuJyZA9MCU
>
> <fume>
>
> No, the laws of physics, chemistry and biology haven't changed. I am
> having flashes of memory to how soviets were handling Chernobyl. WTF?
>
> </fume>
>
> Initially argument was that mask won't completely protect. Reminder that
> 95 in N95 stands for a percentage. Anything infront your face will
> reduce chances of getting stuff. Its like security in depth, no measure
> is 100% reliable, but put together, and you are much better off.
>
> Now I wonder how much slower virus would have spread, if on March 1st
> we've heard wear bandanas and leave other masks to medical stuff.
>
> First, its more difficult to touch face when in mask.
>
> Second, mask is a reminder about new behaviour to yourself and to
> others, right in the face.
>
> Its like security in depth, like additional egress filtering and digital
> hygiene. Not perfect, but let us go a long way.
>
>
>
>
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>


-- 
Khalid M. Baheyeldin
2bits.com, Inc.
Fast Reliable Drupal
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"Sooner or later, this combustible mixture of ignorance and power is going
to blow up in our faces." -- Dr. Carl Sagan
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