# Okay, I'm done with 'expert advice' and done asking. I'm telling you: wear a mother fucking mask! **URL:** \ **Category:** The BBQ Pit\ **Created:** [April 3, 2020, 4:21pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/okay-im-done-with-expert-advice-and-done-asking-im-telling-you-wear-a-mother-fucking-mask/850973 "2020-04-03T16:21:18Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 2
**Author:** ![Typo\_Negative](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/typo_negative/32/484_2.png) [@Typo\_Negative](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Typo_Negative)\ **Post date:** [April 3, 2020, 7:10pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/okay-im-done-with-expert-advice-and-done-asking-im-telling-you-wear-a-mother-fucking-mask/850973/21 "2020-04-03T19:10:06Z")
> [@Stranger\_On\_A\_Train](#): > > [Okay.](http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_s44WzmfU5hY/TL738zVMFCI/AAAAAAAAADg/OnLO1R8lgr0/s1600/Screen+shot+2010-10-13+at+2.40.23+PM.png) > > Stranger Thanks. That made me laugh.😃 ---
**Author:** ![Jackmannii](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/jackmannii/32/311_2.png) [@Jackmannii](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Jackmannii)\ **Post date:** [April 3, 2020, 7:18pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/okay-im-done-with-expert-advice-and-done-asking-im-telling-you-wear-a-mother-fucking-mask/850973/22 "2020-04-03T19:18:19Z")
Effing Laredo, Texas has now decided [to punish people who don’t wear masks](http://usnews.com/news/national-news/articles/2020-04-02/laredo-texas-fines-residents-for-not-wearing-masks-in-public-amid-coronavirus-outbreak) (or other ‘‘improvised devices’’\*) in public places. This includes pumping gas at self-service stations! These officials are loons. \*t-shirts, bandanas, bananas…whatever. It doesn’t have to work as long as it makes someone feel better. \*\*My preferred greenhouse is still open for outdoor business. I’m encouraged by their website’s stated precautions, including this gem. “5. All employees are mandated to cover coughs and sneezes with their elbow.” ---
**Author:** ![ThelmaLou](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/thelmalou/32/390_2.png) [@ThelmaLou](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ThelmaLou)\ **Post date:** [April 3, 2020, 7:18pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/okay-im-done-with-expert-advice-and-done-asking-im-telling-you-wear-a-mother-fucking-mask/850973/23 "2020-04-03T19:18:29Z")
> [@susan](#): > > Considering that I did chemo and radiation, and take a horrible hormone reuptake blocker, for a much smaller reduction in my risk of cancer recurrence, I’d be thrilled to implement additional ways to lower my COVID-19 risk. Today we tried vacuuming while wearing the [no-sew folded mask design](https://blog.japanesecreations.com/no-sew-face-mask-with-handkerchief-and-hair-tie). I didn’t sneeze or cough afterward, which even in and of itself is something. That is insanely clever! I have a whole bunch of those hair elastics. I have really short hair, but I use them to loop over kitchen cupboard knobs to keep out curious cats. I knew having cats would pay off one of these days! ---
**Author:** ![Thudlow\_Boink](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/thudlow_boink/32/320_2.png) [@Thudlow\_Boink](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Thudlow_Boink)\ **Post date:** [April 3, 2020, 7:25pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/okay-im-done-with-expert-advice-and-done-asking-im-telling-you-wear-a-mother-fucking-mask/850973/24 "2020-04-03T19:25:14Z")
> [@asahi](#): > > Seriously, enough of this shit. Enough ‘debating’. It’s common sense. If we’re going to advise people to “cover their mouths” when they cough, it’s pretty god damn obvious that you should probably wear a mask when outside, especially if you have symptoms. But even if you don’t, just wear a mask. End of story. > > [Detroit bus driver dies of coronavirus after posting video about passenger coughing | Detroit | The Guardian](https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2020/apr/03/detroit-bus-driver-dies-coronavirus-video-passenger-coughing) Since that link is about some moron openly coughing on a public bus, it might be appropriate to quote this from [the other thread about masks](https://boards.straightdope.com/sdmb/showthread.php?t=893054): > [@Why was the American public told not to wear face masks?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-was-the-american-public-told-not-to-wear-face-masks/850742/131): > > From Taiwan: Taipei, April 3 (CNA) All users of public transport will need to wear facial masks or risk a maximum fine of NT$15,000 (US$496), effective as of Friday, a top official from the Central Epidemic Command Center (CECC) said, as parts of efforts to prevent the spread of the COVID-19 coronavirus. > > “If we spot someone not wearing a mask, we will ask them to put one on and if they refuse to do so, we will fine them in accordance to the Communicable Disease Control Act,” Chen said. > > (snip) > > The reason for enforcing users of public transport to wear masks is because proper social distancing cannot be properly implemented in such situations, Chen Shih-chung said. ---
**Author:** ![Hermitian](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/hermitian/32/470_2.png) [@Hermitian](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Hermitian)\ **Post date:** [April 3, 2020, 7:27pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/okay-im-done-with-expert-advice-and-done-asking-im-telling-you-wear-a-mother-fucking-mask/850973/25 "2020-04-03T19:27:18Z")
What masks? Where would a hypothetical person even acquire such a thing? > [@crowmanyclouds](#): > > asahi wants to make sure his investments in masks pays off. > > CMC fnord! It is obviously a pump and dump scheme. ---
**Author:** ![Ike\_Witt](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/ike_witt/32/283_2.png) [@Ike\_Witt](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Ike_Witt)\ **Post date:** [April 3, 2020, 7:54pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/okay-im-done-with-expert-advice-and-done-asking-im-telling-you-wear-a-mother-fucking-mask/850973/26 "2020-04-03T19:54:50Z")
How about a [Mike Myers](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0Mhqpt9aw_Q) halloween mask? ---
**Author:** ![MindsEye\_Watering](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/mindseye_watering/32/3619_2.png) [@MindsEye\_Watering](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/MindsEye_Watering)\ **Post date:** [April 3, 2020, 8:07pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/okay-im-done-with-expert-advice-and-done-asking-im-telling-you-wear-a-mother-fucking-mask/850973/27 "2020-04-03T20:07:19Z")
> [@AHunter3](#): > > Send me a mask and I’ll wear it. This. Don’t have any - can’t get any. ---
**Author:** ![RickJay](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/bb73d2/32.png) [@RickJay](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/RickJay)\ **Post date:** [April 3, 2020, 8:13pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/okay-im-done-with-expert-advice-and-done-asking-im-telling-you-wear-a-mother-fucking-mask/850973/28 "2020-04-03T20:13:36Z")
Masks can be made easily enough. My kid’s making them for the whole family. ---
**Author:** ![asahi](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/asahi/32/8693_2.png) [@asahi](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/asahi)\ **Post date:** [April 3, 2020, 8:20pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/okay-im-done-with-expert-advice-and-done-asking-im-telling-you-wear-a-mother-fucking-mask/850973/29 "2020-04-03T20:20:35Z")
> [@D\_Odds](#): > > Perhaps the OP would prefer [this mask](https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/61fO3QK9SPL._AC_UX522_.jpg) Aaaaahh!!! Nooo!!! ![](https://media.giphy.com/media/l0MYv0OVsoqHXf2Yo/giphy.gif) ---
**Author:** ![SuperAbe](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/f17d59/32.png) [@SuperAbe](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/SuperAbe)\ **Post date:** [April 3, 2020, 8:24pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/okay-im-done-with-expert-advice-and-done-asking-im-telling-you-wear-a-mother-fucking-mask/850973/30 "2020-04-03T20:24:01Z")
> [@asahi](#): > > Seriously, enough of this shit. Enough ‘debating’. It’s common sense. If we’re going to advise people to “cover their mouths” when they cough, it’s pretty god damn obvious that you should probably wear a mask when outside, especially if you have symptoms. But even if you don’t, just wear a mask. End of story. So…we’re just going to ditch the ‘Fighting Ignorance’ thing and go with the “IT’S OBVIOUS!!!” angle now? 🤨 ---
**Author:** ![susan](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/susan/32/17537_2.png) [@susan](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/susan)\ **Post date:** [April 3, 2020, 8:32pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/okay-im-done-with-expert-advice-and-done-asking-im-telling-you-wear-a-mother-fucking-mask/850973/31 "2020-04-03T20:32:18Z")
> [@ThelmaLou](#): > > That is insanely clever! I have a whole bunch of those hair elastics. I have really short hair, but I use them to loop over kitchen cupboard knobs to keep out curious cats. I knew having cats would pay off one of these days! 1. I wasn’t sure how they’d hold, but it’s good. And you can pull the outside bottom fold down to get a bit of chin coverage. 2) Cats in and of themselves are the payoff for cats. ---
**Author:** ![bobot](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/bobot/32/21622_2.png) [@bobot](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/bobot)\ **Post date:** [April 3, 2020, 9:01pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/okay-im-done-with-expert-advice-and-done-asking-im-telling-you-wear-a-mother-fucking-mask/850973/32 "2020-04-03T21:01:13Z")
When they say that a person wearing a mask is likely to abandon social distancing, they weren’t kidding. At work currently our instructions are to first maintain 6 feet of distance from each other. But if we have to temporarily engage in a closer situation, to wear a mask. (We have the whatever you call em 95 ones with the embedded plastic thing.) Once people put the mask on, social distancing is out the window, and they’re all up in your face. They feel fully protected with the mask on, and they’re wrong. ---
**Author:** ![Pork\_Rind](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/pork_rind/32/111_2.png) [@Pork\_Rind](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Pork_Rind)\ **Post date:** [April 3, 2020, 9:17pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/okay-im-done-with-expert-advice-and-done-asking-im-telling-you-wear-a-mother-fucking-mask/850973/33 "2020-04-03T21:17:13Z")
> [@bobot](#): > > When they say that a person wearing a mask is likely to abandon social distancing, they weren’t kidding. At work currently our instructions are to first maintain 6 feet of distance from each other. But if we have to temporarily engage in a closer situation, to wear a mask. (We have the whatever you call em 95 ones with the embedded plastic thing.) Once people put the mask on, social distancing is out the window, and they’re all up in your face. They feel fully protected with the mask on, and they’re wrong. The bad thing about the N95 masks with the plastic exhaust valve is that they vent your exhalation in a completely unfiltered jet. Playing with one I have in the garage leads me to wonder if the focused exhaust stream might travel further than an unmasked breath might. ---
**Author:** ![cochrane](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/cochrane/32/10441_2.png) [@cochrane](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/cochrane)\ **Post date:** [April 3, 2020, 9:23pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/okay-im-done-with-expert-advice-and-done-asking-im-telling-you-wear-a-mother-fucking-mask/850973/34 "2020-04-03T21:23:07Z")
> [@Procrustus](#): > > I’m not going to wear a mask. Then stay the fuck home. Or if you go out, keep your fucking distance. I take a wheelchair van to dialysis and wear a mask so I don’t inadvertently infect the driver or other people riding the van. We’re required to wear a mask inside the dialysis clinic, anyway, so I keep my mask on for the ride home, then wear it again the next time I go to dialysis. Since they provide the masks for their clients anyway, I’m not taking masks away from people who need them. ---
**Author:** ![Great\_Antibob](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/g/e47c2d/32.png) [@Great\_Antibob](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Great_Antibob)\ **Post date:** [April 3, 2020, 9:26pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/okay-im-done-with-expert-advice-and-done-asking-im-telling-you-wear-a-mother-fucking-mask/850973/35 "2020-04-03T21:26:11Z")
If people are acting in unsafe ways by wearing them, the solution is obvious. Wear a mother fucking mask, build yourselves mother fucking subterranean lairs, and act like creepy stalker Morlocks (from an appropriate social distance) playing creepy music on your occasional jaunts to the surface world to get mother fucking supplies. ---
**Author:** ![Stranger\_On\_A\_Train](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/13edae/32.png) [@Stranger\_On\_A\_Train](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Stranger_On_A_Train)\ **Post date:** [April 3, 2020, 9:38pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/okay-im-done-with-expert-advice-and-done-asking-im-telling-you-wear-a-mother-fucking-mask/850973/36 "2020-04-03T21:38:01Z")
> [@bobot](#): > > When they say that a person wearing a mask is likely to abandon social distancing, they weren’t kidding. At work currently our instructions are to first maintain 6 feet of distance from each other. But if we have to temporarily engage in a closer situation, to wear a mask. (We have the whatever you call em 95 ones with the embedded plastic thing.) Once people put the mask on, social distancing is out the window, and they’re all up in your face. They feel fully protected with the mask on, and they’re wrong. The “embedded plastic thing” is a one way venting valve, which means if you are shedding the virus that wearing that mask essentially does nothing to protect others. Also, wearing a moist or soiled mask actually serves as a place where the pathogen can accumulate and linger, so it is important to wash or sanitize mask material if possible. Given just how contagious the SARS-CoV-2 virus appears to be and increasing evidence of aerosol transmission I question that masks are really going to do much to prevent contagion but if seeing people wearing masks publicly makes others aware of the seriousness of this epidemic it will at least serve a public awareness purpose. Stranger ---
**Author:** ![Chefguy](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/chefguy/32/138_2.png) [@Chefguy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Chefguy)\ **Post date:** [April 3, 2020, 10:58pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/okay-im-done-with-expert-advice-and-done-asking-im-telling-you-wear-a-mother-fucking-mask/850973/37 "2020-04-03T22:58:03Z")
Trump says he won’t wear one. So there’s hope. ---
**Author:** ![QuickSilver](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/quicksilver/32/7832_2.png) [@QuickSilver](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/QuickSilver)\ **Post date:** [April 4, 2020, 12:21am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/okay-im-done-with-expert-advice-and-done-asking-im-telling-you-wear-a-mother-fucking-mask/850973/38 "2020-04-04T00:21:17Z")
> [@Chefguy](#): > > Trump says he won’t wear one. So there’s hope. He’s such a disgusting puss bag, even a virus won’t come near him. ---
**Author:** ![HelenGawn](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/h/a88e4f/32.png) [@HelenGawn](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/HelenGawn)\ **Post date:** [April 4, 2020, 12:34am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/okay-im-done-with-expert-advice-and-done-asking-im-telling-you-wear-a-mother-fucking-mask/850973/39 "2020-04-04T00:34:56Z")
> [@susan](#): > > Considering that I did chemo and radiation, and take a horrible hormone reuptake blocker, for a much smaller reduction in my risk of cancer recurrence, I’d be thrilled to implement additional ways to lower my COVID-19 risk. Today we tried vacuuming while wearing the [no-sew folded mask design](https://blog.japanesecreations.com/no-sew-face-mask-with-handkerchief-and-hair-tie). I didn’t sneeze or cough afterward, which even in and of itself is something. I just tried this with a table napkin, and it fits nicely. My SIL has an extensive scarf collection and is very excited. ---
**Author:** ![HelenGawn](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/h/a88e4f/32.png) [@HelenGawn](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/HelenGawn)\ **Post date:** [April 4, 2020, 12:37am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/okay-im-done-with-expert-advice-and-done-asking-im-telling-you-wear-a-mother-fucking-mask/850973/40 "2020-04-04T00:37:43Z")
> [@MindsEye\_Watering](#): > > This. Don’t have any - can’t get any. There are several suggestions for making them even if you don’t sew or know anyone who does. If that’s too much work, wear your damn underwear over your head. At least it will ensure that other people keep their distance. [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/okay-im-done-with-expert-advice-and-done-asking-im-telling-you-wear-a-mother-fucking-mask/850973.md?page=1) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/okay-im-done-with-expert-advice-and-done-asking-im-telling-you-wear-a-mother-fucking-mask/850973.md?page=3)