r0b07ca7

I have a bit of a dilemma, to pen show or not to pen show. It would be my first pen show.

The wants & needs for me are: custom nib work, trying out and buying specific pens I've wanted, and getting some oddly specific questions answered. But fears are: risk of COVID-19. I'm moderately immunocompromised and COVID rates are up. I will mitigate risk by attending during dealer hours, N95 mask, and personal Hepa.

Risk assessment is very personal, but any kind advice?

#FountainPen #FountainPens

Aug 16, 2023 at 5:30pmWeb
Show threadRide TheoryAug 16, 2023

@r0b07ca7

N95 is your best friend. My wife works in a hospital and helps people with their swallowing; she's stayed Covid-free this entire pandemic. Wears an N95 all day, every day.

I'm slightly less strict, though I always wear at least a KF94 whenever I interact with anyone indoors.

It's unlikely, but if anyone bothers you about your mask, just walk away. It's not worth arguing about, and your health is more important than their ideas.

Show threadr0b07ca7Aug 16, 2023

@ridetheory

Oh I hadn't thought about any negative responses to masking. I live in a bubble. I appreciate the support.

I'm so glad to hear that your spouse has avoided COVID this whole time! I am also a "Novider" with at least one confirmed exposure. N95 saved me that time for sure.

Show threadRide TheoryAug 16, 2023

@r0b07ca7

Me too. #Novid for three + years!

Show threadclown event still possib-LAug 16, 2023
@r0b07ca7 I recently attended my first pen show and I'm immunosuppressed. The show was small but still had people in relatively close proximity. I wore a well-fitted N95 respirator (3M VFlex) the entire time. I also tried to avoid areas that were more crowded. The show took place in hotel ballrooms with high ceilings and open doors so there was some airflow. My hotel room - the only place I unmasked - was an allergy friendly room so it had closed loop air and a HEPA filter. I did not get COVID!
Show threadclown event still possib-LAug 16, 2023
@r0b07ca7 It was the first time I'd traveled since the pandini started and I was really worried about it. But with the stringent masking (always when indoors, not even to eat or drink, except in the hotel room, and sometimes outside if crowded) it turned out fine. I can't say it's impossible certainly, but good N95 respirators with proper fit and a somewhat less crowded environment made it appreciably safe for me. That said I still would never go to a concert or big convention or restaurant.
Show threadparadoxmoAug 17, 2023

@r0b07ca7 I think you’ve done your best to mitigate the risk and and I assume you’re up to date on vaccinations so even if you do get COVID it shouldn’t be severe. Have you consulted your doctor on the risk for you at your level of immunocompromise?

The reality is that COVID is becoming endemic (case numbers per period are stable and not rising). It’s not quite there yet for the US, so you still need your precautions, but limited exposure is likely OK.

Show threadInkdependenceAug 17, 2023

@r0b07ca7 My wife and I just did the DC pen show, and SF soon. Covid, flu, and other crud were around, but Audrey and I masked (kn95 or n95) on the show floor and most other places and neither of us got sick. So it’s possible to be fairly safe.

I’ll mask on the flights and the majority of the time indoors. Sometimes I’ll take the mask off if I’m with a small group or if the area is really well ventilated, but that’s about it. No one gave either of us guff about the masks.

Show threadr0b07ca7Aug 24, 2023
@inkdependence Thanks! I appreciate you sharing your experiences. I'm sure many people are approaching both of you at the shows too. I probably won't talk to anyone anyway so that definitely lowers my risk. 😆
Show threadInkdependenceAug 24, 2023
@r0b07ca7 Well, at least wave at me from afar. 😆