Fuck you Biden and Fuck all these medical centers and hospitals abandoning their mask mandates.
@longcovidsos @novid
#KeepThePHE #MaskMandateNOW

➡️ Please consider boosting; remember on Mastodon there's no algorithm and 'liking' is only seen by the author

➡️ The best mask is an N95, but all masks work

➡️ Double masking or overmasking

➡️ FAQs are:

❓ Does it make a difference?

❓ Which mask should go on top, the cloth mask or the medical mask?

❓ What about two cloth masks?

❓ Or two medical masks?

➡️ Answers at updated page:

https://maskevidence.org/double-masking

#WeNotMe

#BetterMasks #MasksWork

#SystemsApproaches #CovidIsAirborne #CovidIsNotOver.#DoAllTheThings #ventilation #filtration #PaidSickDays #BringBackMasks #WearAMask #MasksSaveLives #MaskeAuf #MaskUp #MaskMandate #MaskMandateNow #CovidLong #LongCovid #N95s #n95 #FFP2 #ffp3 #n99

New eligibility for PCR testing in Ontario.
#Covid symptoms plus
➡️Everyone >60y
➡️>18y with a high-risk condition
➡️>18y with <2 vaccine doses
➡️>18y with >6m since last vaccine or last Covid infection
➡️ all the previously eligible groups (frontline workers, pregnant people, people who are immunocompromised etc)

https://www.ontario.ca/page/covid-19-testing-and-treatment

#Paxlovid eligibility expanded too (same page, scroll down):
➡️Everyone >60y
➡️>18y with a high-risk condition or immunocompromised
➡️>18y with <2 vaccine doses
➡️>18y with >6m since last vaccine or last Covid infection

Where to get tested:
https://www.ontario.ca/assessment-centre-locations

Self-certify 'I'm eligible' if you are in one of those groups.

In #HamOnt|Hamilton

https://www.stjoes.ca/coronavirus/covid-19-test-home

Don't rely on test-and-treat or vaccination. Prevent community transmission to a vulnerable person and prevent #LongCovid with #Masks and #Ventilation

#BetterMasks #MasksWork

#SystemsApproaches #CovidIsAirborne #CovidIsNotOver.#DoAllTheThings #ventilation #filtration #PaidSickDays #BringBackMasks #WearAMask #MasksSaveLives #MaskeAuf #MaskUp #MaskMandate #MaskMandateNow #CovidLong #LongCovid #N95s #n95 #FFP2 #ffp3 #n99 #CovidTesting #BringBackTesting

https://maskevidence.org/why-masks-matter

Please boost

➡️*New resource* for advocates for Masks in Schools

➡️We have created a FAQ page and a downloadable, customizable template summarizing arguments for mask requirements in schools:

https://maskevidence.org/masks-in-schools

➡️Mask mandates in schools reduce student and teacher absences

https://tinyurl.com/ps3jpk6a

➡️4% of children with COVID will get long covid

https://tinyurl.com/mryp6zvh

@MyraBatchelder @nilikm #WeNotMe

#BetterMasks #MasksWork

#SystemsApproaches #CovidIsAirborne #CovidIsNotOver.#DoAllTheThings #ventilation #filtration #PaidSickDays #BringBackMasks #WearAMask #MasksSaveLives #MaskeAuf #MaskUp #MaskMandate #MaskMandateNow #CovidLong #LongCovid #N95s #n95 #FFP2 #ffp3 #n99

This time with working links

➡️One of the wisest commentators on the climate crisis for years, @georgemonbiot writes about our need to take care of each other

➡️We need to #WearAMask https://maskevidence.org/mask-types

➡️We need to #Ventilate
https://itsairborne.com/
https://cleanaircrew.org/

#SystemsApproaches #CovidIsAirborne #CovidIsNotOver. #DoAllTheThings #ventilation #filtration #PaidSickDays #BringBackMasks #WearAMask #MasksSaveLives #MaskeAuf #MaskUp #MaskMandate #MaskMandateNow #CovidLong #LongCovid

https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2023/jan/26/covid-roulette-clean-air-ventilation-long-covid

➡️One of the wisest commentators on the climate crisis for years, @georgemonbiot writes about our need to take care of each other

➡️We need to #WearAMask maskevidence.org/mask-types

➡️We need to #Ventilate
itsairborne.com
cleanaircrew.org

#SystemsApproaches #CovidIsAirborne #CovidIsNotOver. #DoAllTheThings #ventilation #filtration #PaidSickDays #BringBackMasks #WearAMask #MasksSaveLives #MaskeAuf #MaskUp #MaskMandate #MaskMandateNow #CovidLong #LongCovid

@michael @trendless

Have you tried the Vitacore Can99?

https://shop.vitacore.ca/pages/ppe-safety-mask?utm_term=can99%20mask&utm_campaign=Google:+Search+-+Brand&utm_source=adwords&utm_medium=ppc&hsa_acc=9046273627&hsa_cam=12411407195&hsa_grp=118360317836&hsa_ad=516618647756&hsa_src=g&hsa_tgt=kwd-1276278733354&hsa_kw=can99%20mask&hsa_mt=b&hsa_net=adwords&hsa_ver=3&gclid=Cj0KCQiAw8OeBhCeARIsAGxWtUzonNekQPrgZj5_i6mlA7_uha_577DzPPJ4aG87JMweYVo9YLIkei0aAgrMEALw_wcB

Some curated lists of N95s on our website

https://maskevidence.org/findingn95s

Which mask should I wear?

Includes downloadable infographic/poster

https://maskevidence.org/mask-types

Also I'd like to post curated lists of where to get FfP2/3 in Europe and Australia. Does anyone know of any sites like @ProjectN95 or #masks4Canada outside North America?

#CovidIsAirborne and #CovidIsNotOver. #DoAllTheThings #ventilation #filtration #PaidSickDays #BringBackMasks #WearAMask #MasksSaveLives #MaskeAuf #MaskUp #MaskMandate #MaskMandateNow #CovidLong #LongCovid

@ChristosArgyrop @maggiejk @Pat

Yes, reports of persistence are concerning.

I think I have seen a few ... But I think this is the recent one you are mentioning?

https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/path.6035

Post mortem analysis of 27 patients an average of >3 months since last viral positivity.

"Despite apparent virological remission, lung pathology was similar to that observed in acute COVID-19 individuals, including micro- and macro-vascular thrombosis (67% of cases), vasculitis (24%), squamous metaplasia of the respiratory epithelium (30%), frequent cytological abnormalities and syncytia (67%), and the presence of dysmorphic features in the bronchial cartilage (44%)."

"SARS-CoV-2 antigens were not detected in the respiratory epithelium. In contrast, antibodies against both spike and nucleocapsid revealed the frequent (70%) infection of bronchial cartilage chondrocytes and para-bronchial gland epithelial cells."

This and other additional evidence of long term persistence and immune effects is useful and reminds us of the importance of the precautionary principle.

But it is not necessary to the argument: we should control #Covid anyway, should never have stopped trying to limit community transmission, because of the known disruption, disability and death is it still causing acutely. We've had evidence enough for years.

IHME estimates US Covid infections at staggering 1.25 million a day

This would have been halved if there had been a mask mandate a month ago

https://covid19.healthdata.org/united-states-of-america?view=infections-testing&tab=trend&test=infections

In the US, 600 people a day are dying of Covid.

For people who don't (yet) know anyone who died from Covid, here is a heart-breaking thread about the death of Greg Foley, a chemical engineer and assistant professor.

He describes various levels of respiratory support as he experienced them. May he rest in peace.

https://twitter.com/gregfoley2002/status/1613465945451675648?s=46&t=Gmr_urMTeqE3veE0MEo7tA

#CovidIsNotOver #MaskUp #MaskMandate #MaskMandateNow

In the absence of #MaskMandates, #WearAMask, in fact #WearTheBestMaskAvailable

Curated information on #BetterMasks:

https://maskevidence.org/mask-types

Detailed argument for mask mandates:

https://theconversation.com/ca/topics/mask-mandate-90260

🤣 This turned out long. Appreciate a reposting/boost from anyone who found it interesting or helpful...🙏

So...1 in 24 Canadians has Covid, XBB1.5 (kraken) variant is projected to be at 22% in Ontario by the end of the week, people are still dying of Covid (279 in Canada in the first week of January), and though voluntary mask wearing is low, 69% of Canadians support mask mandates if necessary.

Public health in many regions recommends or strongly recommends mask wearing.

But no mask mandates?
Not even in education and the workplace?
Nothing?

Mandates would make it so much easier for the caring majority to normalize wearing a mask again. Many people understandably don't want to #WearAMask unless it is clearly necessary. #MaskMandates are necessary to get mask wearing in public up to >80%, which IHME estimates would halve deaths from covid with a month.

In the absence of clear direction from public health, #MaskUp and protect yourself and those around you as best you can.

https://maskevidence.org/why-masks-matter

#SystemsApproaches #CovidIsAirborne #CovidIsNotOver #DoAllTheThings #ventilation #filtration #PaidSickDays #BringBackMasks #WearAMask #MasksSaveLives #MaskeAuf #MaskUp #MaskMandate #MaskMandateNow #CovidLong #LongCovid #BetterMasks

Tara Moriarty's lab's estimates of current infections and risk: https://twitter.com/MoriartyLab/status/1614737208602230784

Incomplete count of deaths from Covid in Canada: https://health-infobase.canada.ca/covid-19/current-situation.html?stat=num&measure=deaths_weekly&map=pt#a2

CTV/Nanos Nov 2022 poll of Canadians: https://www.ctvnews.ca/health/coronavirus/majority-of-canadians-support-return-of-face-masks-in-indoor-public-spaces-if-deemed-necessary-survey-1.6144419

IHME projections: https://covid19.healthdata.org/canada?view=daily-deaths&tab=trend

@holmesr @Pat

Hi again. Thanks for the feedback and for engaging, much appreciated.

We think overhead elastic is critical to getting good fitted-filtration (ie, net filtration of a mask on a face). We summarize this here ⬇️

https://maskevidence.org/head-attachments

In North America, #N95s must have overhead elastic simplifying our advice in favour of these over #KN95 or #KF94

There are data on beards, too!

For a 10mm beard, an N95 is still more effective than all other masks.

https://www.nature.com/articles/s41370-021-00337-1

If the stifling feeling is specifically associated with headstraps for you, they could be too tight. Aura 3M has simple band elastic straps that lengthen with a good hard tug. This is a pro in this situation for you.

For straps that don't lengthen so easily, consider an #N95 with braided elastic such as Vitacore's #Can99.

Vitacore's Can99 also has superb breathability so if the problem isn't the attachments, this might help.

Apologies for a N American reply to a European question.

Anyone curating info on #FFP2 or #FFP3 and suppliers please let me know: we would love to put this on our website.

#WearTheBestMaskAvailable

#COVID #BetterMasks #MaskUp #MaskMandates #Masks
#WearAMask #CovidIsNotOver #CovidIsntOver #BetterMasks #MaskUp #DoAllTheThings #ventilation #filtration #PaidSickDays #BringBackMasks #WearAMask #MasksSaveLives #MaskeAuf #MaskUp #MaskMandate #MaskMandateNow #CovidLong #LongCovid #Beards

The worst part of a new semester is your employer ignoring the global pandemic. AGAIN.

#MaskMandateNow #Covid @academicsunite @academicchatter

➡️ I'm seeing a lot of "N95s work and other masks do not"

➡️ Filtration is relative, not absolute

➡️ Summary and infographic ⬇️
https://maskevidence.org/mask-types

⬇️%s are filtration percentages for submicron (less than 1 micron) particles - aerosol data - the relevant size because #CovidIsAirborne

90% N95s without fit testing
70% Level 1 medical with cotton overmask
50% Level 1 medical or well-fitting 2-layer cotton

What does it mean?

➡️ Wear the best mask available

If you have access to N95s or FFP3s with overhead elastic, wear them

Otherwise use what you have: any mask is better than no mask

A certified medical mask with a good-fitting cloth mask over the top to improve the edge seal is a great low-cost combo

Mask braces are a bit uncomfortable but is you are in a high-risk situation (eg health care worker not supplied with routine N95s) they greatly improve the filtration of medical masks

#WearTheBestMaskAvailable

#COVID #BetterMasks #MaskUp #MaskMandates #Masks
#WearAMask #CovidIsNotOver #CovidIsntOver #BetterMasks #MaskUp #DoAllTheThings #ventilation #filtration #PaidSickDays #BringBackMasks #WearAMask #MasksSaveLives #MaskeAuf #MaskUp #MaskMandate #MaskMandateNow #CovidLong #LongCovid

It's taken me a while to figure out how to write an #Introduction. Here goes:

I’d appreciate a boost to help meet like-minded here.

I’m a professor of medicine at McMaster University #MacDeptMed, #McMasterU

Clinically, I work as a #KidneyDoctor (#Nephrology)

I’m an associate member of #HEI (#Epidemiology) at #McMasterU

I’m a member of the Centre of Excellence in Protective Equipment and Materials (#PPE, #N95, #CEPEM) at #McMasterU

My #ClinicalResearch is in #KidneyDisease #KidneyEpi (#CKD, #Potassium, #CKDProgression) and #Masks

I’m editor-in-chief of #CJKHD (@CanJKHD on the birdsite, not here yet) an #OpenAccess kidney journal with #PublishingPolicy:

#SupportiveReview (#Kindness, #KidneyKindness) https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/full/10.1177/20543581221080327
https://theconversation.com/peer-review-can-this-critical-step-in-the-publication-of-science-research-be-kinder-182142

#PortableReview (was your hard work rejected by a journal with IF>=4? Submit clean, redline, point-by-point response-to-reviews, and tell us which journal and undertake that you responded to all reviews received)
https://us.sagepub.com/en-us/nam/canadian-journal-of-kidney-health-and-disease/journal202590#aims-and-scope

I’m editor-in-chief of https://maskevidence.org/ which curates evidence on #BetterMasks and #MasksWork

For the pandemic, we need #SystemsApproaches because #CovidIsAirborne and #CovidIsNotOver. #DoAllTheThings #ventilation #filtration #PaidSickDays #BringBackMasks #WearAMask #MasksSaveLives #MaskeAuf #MaskUp #MaskMandate #MaskMandateNow #CovidLong #LongCovid

I’d like to see #KidneyVerse as the tag to find others with interest in #KidneyHealth and #KidneyDisease. #AskKidney #AskRenal

Also trying to be #LGBTQ #LGBTQ2 ally, working on #EDI #equity #diversity #inclusion, interested in #SocialJustice #UrbanPlanning.

Treaty 3|Dish with One Spoon, Turtle Island; Hamilton ON Canada. She/her

➡️Canada: #IHME estimates that 80% #mask use would halve daily deaths from #COVID within a month, saving 20 lives every day

➡️Summary of peer-reviewed #evidence at https://maskevidence.org/

#WearAMask #COVIDIsAirborne #CovidIsNotOver #BetterMasks #n95 #MaskUp #MasksSaveLives #MasksWork #MaskeAuf #MaskMandate #MaskMandateNow #CovidLong #LongCovid

A one year old died in hospital on a ventilator today.
Masks could have saved this baby's life!
#maskmandatenow
#BringBackMasks
#ontario
#onpoli

#Canada I just signed this petition.
#CovidIsntOver and hospitals are running at 120, there are no pediatric ICU beds and an OTC med. Shortage.
If you can wear a mask, please wear one, help save a child.

This petition is to have Canada distribute free N95 masks.
#maskmandatenow
#freeN95masks
#CovidIsntOver
#MaskUp
https://you.leadnow.ca/petitions/the-canadian-government-needs-to-distribute-free-n95-masks-to-the-provinces?source=rawlink&utm_source=rawlink&share=b99b0007-9aa9-434a-b693-bb280cdd2b41

RT @Billius27@twitter.com

I stand for #MaskMandateNow. Who's with me? Let's save children, seniors, and hospitals now.
1⃣ Retweet this
2⃣Sign and share petition
3⃣Call Ford 416-325-1941
4⃣Email Ford premier@on.ca
5⃣Email/call your MPP
6⃣Contact media

http://chng.it/9YKSdLVs6z
#onhealth #onpoli #onted

🐦🔗: https://twitter.com/Billius27/status/1592172701258764288

RT @Billius27
I stand for #MaskMandateNow. Who's with me? Let's save children, seniors, and hospitals now.
1⃣ Retweet this
2⃣Sign and share petition
3⃣Call Ford 416-325-1941
4⃣Email Ford premier@on.ca
5⃣Email/call your MPP
6⃣Contact media

http://chng.it/9YKSdLVs6z
#onhealth #onpoli #onted

Sign the petition
---
RT @Billius27
I stand for #MaskMandateNow. Who's with me? Let's save children, seniors, and hospitals now.
1⃣ Retweet this
2⃣Sign and share petition
3⃣Call Ford 416-325-1941
4⃣Email Ford premier@on.ca
5⃣Email/call your MPP
6⃣Contact media

http://chng.it/9YKSdLVs6z
#onhealth #onpoli #onted
https://twitter.com/Billius27/status/1592172701258764288