@jgordon @SallyStrange Problem is that public health doesn’t work when it’s based on choice in the context of contagious conditions. And the bigger issue, is that (some percentage of) health care workers don’t seem to want to wear masks. That’s where we get to the bigger issue of “your freedom ends, the moment it restricts the freedom of another”.

If an immuno-compromised person can’t go to the dentist, because the dentist won’t make their receptionist wear a mask…?

@metaning @SallyStrange Ideally patients with immune disorders on problem list would be flagged so that receptionists can wear a mask. It would require software changes to the scheduling system and that requires an act of a deity. In practice patients would need to self-identify.

Of course most of the real value comes from the patient wearing a high quality (not cloth) mask.

@jgordon @SallyStrange So here’s several problems:
- the practice is unlikely to require all its staff to mask, even if you tell them.
- if they do mask up, it’s likely to be worthless surgical masks, and they may refuse to even possess N95.
- they’re unlikely to tell their other patients to wear masks.
- even if they do tell them, people will turn up without masks “oh I forgot mine, but I feel OK”.
- unmasked delivery drivers.

This is all stuff I’ve seen first hand.

@metaning @SallyStrange

Practically speaking the best bet is for the vulnerable person to wear a really good mask (N95, elastomer). That's going to be 95% of the benefit. As you point out there's no way other people in waiting room will wear a mask.