Ron Chusid Jan 16, 2023
WHO updates their recommendations to advise masking by "anyone in a crowded, enclosed, or poorly ventilated space" regardless of local epidemiological conditions in light of its global spread.
#COVID #BringBackMasks
https://www.who.int/news/item/13-01-2023-who-updates-covid-19-guidelines-on-masks--treatments-and-patient-care
WHO updates COVID-19 guidelines on masks, treatments and patient care

The update is part of a continuous process of reviewing such materials, working with guideline development groups composed of independent, international experts.

Show threadNathanael NerodeJan 16, 2023

@rchusid Now we just need @WHO to mention #N95, #N99, #P100, #FFP2, #FFP3, #P3, #KF94, and/or #KN95 #elastomeric #respirators -- the ones which *work* -- rather than just vaguely saying "masks".

Cloth & surgical junk masks are 30% effective -- better than nothing.

#N95 and reusable #P100 #elastomeric #respirators are >95% effective -- MUCH better. And they're cheap enough.

Show threadSpencer W HunterJan 16, 2023
@neroden @rchusid
My favorite @masknerd quote:
“Cloth masks are better than nothing… but they’re a lot closer to ‘nothing’ than ‘better.’”
Show threadDon MiltonJan 17, 2023
@swhunter7 @neroden @rchusid @masknerd
As PPE for high risk workers, #masks are nothing. But as a population intervention they are very significant. This is a critical distinction. As an OccDoc, I insist workers be protected and advise high risk patients to use an #N95 because 30 to 50% risk reduction is not enough on an individual basis. But at a population level that translates to a 50-75% reduction in transmission. That is way better than nothing.
Show threadNathanael NerodeJan 17, 2023

@Don_Milton @swhunter7 @rchusid @masknerd

Here's my priority issue:

Currently, in the United States, DOCTORS, NURSES, and medical staff are not being issued with #N95 or (reusable, cheaper in the long run) #P100. Same in the UK.

WHO needs to get the DOCTORS, NURSES, and medical staff doing the right thing to start with.

Medical offices listen to WHO. WHO needs to start talking about #respirators so that DOCTORS will do the right thing.

Show threadNathanael Nerode

@Don_Milton @swhunter7 @rchusid @masknerd

Right now, doctors, nurses, and medical staff are routinely getting infected at work AND routinely infecting patients.

This is gross negligence, it's medical malpractice, and it's happening because WHO and CDC keep spreading disinformation.

WHO and CDC should be telling them that they need #P100 or #N95 #respirator #masks.

Jan 17, 2023 at 7:57pmWeb
Show threadNathanael NerodeJan 17, 2023

@Don_Milton @swhunter7 @rchusid @masknerd

UK Hospital acquired Covid. This should be ZERO. Instead, it's very high.

Show threadNathanael NerodeJan 17, 2023

@Don_Milton @swhunter7 @rchusid @masknerd

A couple of weeks ago, I called 15 eye doctor offices. Exactly 1 was using proper PPE. About half were using no masks at all; the other half junky surgical masks.

This is gross negligence. Doctors are killing and crippling patients, because they're not using the right PPE. This is the fault of WHO.

Show threadNathanael NerodeJan 18, 2023

@Don_Milton @swhunter7 @rchusid @masknerd

In general, I can avoid unsafe environments and "vote with my feet". But it starts creating severe problems when I have to avoid doctors and hospitals. This is unacceptable and it MUST change