when the CDC started recommending masks for everybody, not just healthcare workers and the ill…
They’d discovered that even a home-made mask catches a percentage of outgoing emissions.
Protection, if any, to the wearer is very limited.
Its purpose is to protect OTHERS with whom the wearer comes in contact,
in case he or she has unknowingly picked up the virus but is currently asymptomatic.
The difference is that any virus-containing droplets in the air have probably dissipated,
leaving their tiny particles of virus free-floating.
The usual mask material, side openings, loose fit, etc, make it INSUFFICIENT to protect you from virus particles.
Thinking otherwise = a false sense of security.
Luckily, they usually die within 6 feet of being airborne.
It can prevent some NEW, WET…. especially sneeze and cough… droplets from YOUR breath, much larger than virus particles… from contaminating others.
Protecting the wearer takes a medical grade mask, preferably a respirator such as we are asked to reserve for direct care givers, and first responders.
The patients wear masks sufficient to catch their own secretions.
So what will Janis encounter at the mailbox?
No people.
Mail takes a few days. Virus particles on it from days ago are dead.
It’s highly unlikely that envelopes will cough or sneeze… or otherwise emit fresh droplets.
If the mailman or a sorter is infected, and sneezed on it directly, or touched it after touching his nose…. leaving wet droplets….ewww…. they won’t float up near the mask.
In the extremely unlikely event that VIABLE, tiny, dry virus particles are shaken loose by handling the mail, a plain cotton mask is insufficient protection.
Pick up the mail… read anything urgent…. toss it all aside for a few days to kill anything on it.
Wondering about the folks protesting, sometimes loudly, that the requirement to wear a mask is an infringement on their rights. Todays strip makes us ask why those same people aren’t asserting that the requirement to wear clothes is also an infringement on their rights.
If Janis wore her Bikini with hair and eyes game face (frumpyless) as she went for the mail, then she might need the mask when the older neighborhood males then decide that they need to check the mailbox too.
Why can’t people get along here? Is there any reason to trash someone just because they disagree with you? Everyone has a right to an opinion..and that is just what it is…an OPINION. It does not mean it is correct. YOU also have the right to disagree…but be RESPECTFUL !!!
I think folks are missing the point of the comic. We are covering up to avoid spreading the germ yet it is that time of year when people really want to uncover.
I heard yesterday “they” don’t really know if the mask helps or not. “They” still haven’t proven scientifically how it is transmitted. But if “they” get everybody to wear a mask its a visual reminder to social distance which is the best preventative. To me it’s like getting carded when you buy alcohol, if everyone is carded (wears a mask) then no one is offended.
oompa over 4 years ago
Wait, we’re supposed to wear a mask to check the mail? Is there a crowd of people in the front of their house?
Laurie Sefton Premium Member over 4 years ago
Janis is having a “screw the skin cancer warnings” moment.
Tyge over 4 years ago
Action: Cover your face in public. Reaction: Bare your body in private?
alasko over 4 years ago
Straps on, straps off.
Leojim over 4 years ago
Tyge over 4 years ago
I’m looking for a better CIDU response on this one.
SusanSunshine Premium Member over 4 years ago
Once again…. sigh….
when the CDC started recommending masks for everybody, not just healthcare workers and the ill…
They’d discovered that even a home-made mask catches a percentage of outgoing emissions.
Protection, if any, to the wearer is very limited.
Its purpose is to protect OTHERS with whom the wearer comes in contact,
in case he or she has unknowingly picked up the virus but is currently asymptomatic.
The difference is that any virus-containing droplets in the air have probably dissipated,
leaving their tiny particles of virus free-floating.
The usual mask material, side openings, loose fit, etc, make it INSUFFICIENT to protect you from virus particles.
Thinking otherwise = a false sense of security.
Luckily, they usually die within 6 feet of being airborne.
It can prevent some NEW, WET…. especially sneeze and cough… droplets from YOUR breath, much larger than virus particles… from contaminating others.
Protecting the wearer takes a medical grade mask, preferably a respirator such as we are asked to reserve for direct care givers, and first responders.
The patients wear masks sufficient to catch their own secretions.
So what will Janis encounter at the mailbox?
No people.
Mail takes a few days. Virus particles on it from days ago are dead.
It’s highly unlikely that envelopes will cough or sneeze… or otherwise emit fresh droplets.
If the mailman or a sorter is infected, and sneezed on it directly, or touched it after touching his nose…. leaving wet droplets….ewww…. they won’t float up near the mask.
In the extremely unlikely event that VIABLE, tiny, dry virus particles are shaken loose by handling the mail, a plain cotton mask is insufficient protection.
Pick up the mail… read anything urgent…. toss it all aside for a few days to kill anything on it.
Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water.
Done.
Ontman over 4 years ago
Janis is certainly not where I am right now. I am looking out the window of my apartment at a snow covered lawn.
Michael G. over 4 years ago
Does Arlo know the girls are hanging out?
The Pro from Dover over 4 years ago
That’s what I say when I stand up and accidentally pass gas. After I say excuse me of course.
ScullyUFO over 4 years ago
Wondering about the folks protesting, sometimes loudly, that the requirement to wear a mask is an infringement on their rights. Todays strip makes us ask why those same people aren’t asserting that the requirement to wear clothes is also an infringement on their rights.
William Bednar Premium Member over 4 years ago
Wearing a mask to pick up the mail won’t help you as much as you think. You also need to wear gloves.
admiree2 over 4 years ago
If Janis wore her Bikini with hair and eyes game face (frumpyless) as she went for the mail, then she might need the mask when the older neighborhood males then decide that they need to check the mailbox too.
DaveQuinn over 4 years ago
Why can’t people get along here? Is there any reason to trash someone just because they disagree with you? Everyone has a right to an opinion..and that is just what it is…an OPINION. It does not mean it is correct. YOU also have the right to disagree…but be RESPECTFUL !!!
ChessPirate over 4 years ago
Viva la equal and opposite reaction! ☺
HunterIsACriminal over 4 years ago
NAKED GRANDMA! NAKED GRANDMA! LOOK EVERYBODY, NAKED GRANDMA!
Oclvroadbikerider over 4 years ago
like the color version as opposed to the B&W in our paper
annqueue over 4 years ago
written by an immunologist: https://www.erinbromage.com/post/the-risks-know-them-avoid-them
paul brians over 4 years ago
Out in the street: reassure people nearby that you’re being careful. In the back yard: let it all hang out.
DCBakerEsq over 4 years ago
I only remove my mask for one thing and that one thing isn’t sex.
David Huie Green LoveJoyAndPeace over 4 years ago
…and Janis always gets a reaction.
car2ner over 4 years ago
I think folks are missing the point of the comic. We are covering up to avoid spreading the germ yet it is that time of year when people really want to uncover.
JoHo Premium Member over 4 years ago
I heard yesterday “they” don’t really know if the mask helps or not. “They” still haven’t proven scientifically how it is transmitted. But if “they” get everybody to wear a mask its a visual reminder to social distance which is the best preventative. To me it’s like getting carded when you buy alcohol, if everyone is carded (wears a mask) then no one is offended.
All Dan All Day Premium Member over 4 years ago
If you are careless, you need to worry. If you are careful, no need to worry.
mklange Premium Member over 4 years ago
Oh good heavens! Wearing a mask to get the mail? People have lost their ever-loving minds!