hatThere was something put out by some authority that face masks can help reduce the spread if infected people wear it.

The only problem with that information that has been put out is that the infected are contagious for days before symptoms show.

If anything, masks have actually been shown to be near useless when it comes to not just COVID-19, but anything similar to it; I'm talking about your typical mask you see in doctor's offices, hospitals, etc. While it's been suggested that ONLY THOSE INFECTED wear such a mask, they are only of marginal help when it comes to preventing the spread of the virus. Simply put, these things aren't sufficient enough to contain cough/sneeze droplets of an infected person. Some will still be released into the air, and that's still dangerous. It's only the heavy-duty N95 masks that are of actual use, and the ones needed most right now by those fighting this thing on the front lines.

erockerI wonder what your opinion would be working in a hospital right now. It might not be the answer as far as making it "go away" but it's grinding healthcare systems to the ground. That's not good for anyone.

While I agree with you, isolation isn't a functional solution at this point and hasn't been for over a month. The virus has spread everywhere and as such, there is no slowing it down. It's too late for that. Shutting down the planet isn't the solution. Getting on with life and working the problem is. We have to work the problem one way or another because it's not going away, so let's just get on with life and not let this problem beat us all down.

lexluthermiesterWhile I agree with you, isolation isn't a functional solution at this point and hasn't been for over a month. The virus has spread everywhere and as such, there is no slowing it down. It's too late for that. Shutting down the planet isn't the solution. Getting on with life and working the problem is. We have to work the problem one way or another because it's not going away, so let's just get on with life.

While I want to agree with this, the fact of the matter is this has quickly gone from a "China Problem" to a GLOBAL PROBLEM in a very short amount of time, and that's serious. Sure, there may comme a time in the future where COVID-19 becomes just another "seasonal" illness like the common cold or flu that we protect ourselves against with a shot and a booster every X number of years, but if we don't get a handle on this thing NOW, we'll quickly become another Italy, and NOBODY wants to see a repeat of what's continuing to go on over there, in their own backyard.

So I'm afraid it's not so simple to "get on with life" at the moment. For people in many states, counties, and even other countries, living with this virus and being vigilant in making sure they don't become infected has become their "new life" until something can be done about the virus. I mean, yeah it's been frequently repeated that "Most people (about 80%) recover from the disease without needing special treatment. Around 1 out of every 6 people who gets COVID-19 becomes seriously ill and develops difficulty breathing. Older people, and those with underlying medical problems like high blood pressure, heart problems or diabetes, are more likely to develop serious illness."(Source: World Health Organization - www.who.int/news-room/q-a-detail/q-a-coronaviruses) and I still consider myself "young" (33), that doesn't mean I'm in a hurry to find out what it's like!

Gmr_ChickWhile I want to agree with this, the fact of the matter is this has quickly gone from a "China Problem" to a GLOBAL PROBLEM in a very short amount of time

It was like that by the end of January, but no one knew it because of the gestation period which is anywhere from 2 weeks to 2 months.

Gmr_Chickthat doesn't mean I'm in a hurry to find out what it's like!

New flash for you there, you're in California, a hotspot for the virus. It is very likely that you already have it and don't know it yet.

lexluthermiesterIt was like that by the end of January, but no one knew it because of the gestation period which is anywhere from 2 weeks to 2 months.

New flash for you there, you're in California, a hotspot for the virus. It is very likely that you already have it and don't know it yet.

You kinda just proved the point I was trying to make about how crucial it is that the country gets its act together and clamps down on this thing. Trust me, you don't have to tell me how bad it's gotten here -- I KNOW. The governor has ordered that the ENTIRE state "shelter in place" for f$%ks sake.