SJWarCleric

SJWarCleric OP wrote

People need to use N95 masks or respirators, since surgical masks and cloth masks are inadequate. If a respirator has an exhalation valve, it needs a filter (you may be protected wearing it, but people are not protected from you if the valve doesn't have a filter. For concerns regarding respirators that haven't undergone fit tests; data indicates it's better than going without masks or using inadequate masks. Also on an individual basis, the OSHA requirement doesn't apply, though it would for medical workers.

Two way masking is should generally be required as one-way masking is inadequate. If two way masking isn't feasible, one-way masking in filtered air that is cycled and filtered is the next best option. Masking itself also isn't feasible for everyone. (For example, some folks with trigeminal neuralgia and other conditions that make masking difficult or impossible.) In which case having proper air cycling and filtration will help protect those individuals, alongside others masking up around those who cannot.

Wearing masks that are the correct size and making sure they are properly fitted to your face. Not wearing masks under the nose or as a chin strap. If using disposable masks, swapping out fresh mask as necessary. For respirators, swapping out filters as necessary. Necessary here meaning "single use masks are used once and disposed of" and "filters are swapped out according to the date indicated by packaging." Medical facilities should not ask people to remove their masks unless necessary. Medical facilities should not force patients to swap out their n95 mask/respirators for inferior surgical masks. Make sure that the masks or respirators are NIOSH approved and learn how to avoid knock-offs.

It isn't easy and it is cost prohibitive. I recognize this as someone living in deep poverty, which is why I believe programs that would aim help get people masks and testing kits are necessary. As is keeping the general public informed.

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SJWarCleric OP wrote

I wonder about how many we are undercounting, seeing as they kept kneecapping attempts at tracking and now all we've really got is wastewater, if that. Either way, to me personally preventable deaths in excess are unacceptable, though I've no power to mitigate it. I would hope that socialism wouldn't be a death cult, but state mediated throws a spanner in the works. Basic steps like educating the public, masking properly, providing proper masks for low income folks, improving indoor air quality, allowing people to use telehealth and work from home are steps I'd like to see, personally. Allowing people to mourn. Stop throwing disabled folks under the bus. Or at the very least stop pretending it's over and acknowledge that we are leaving many of our most vulnerable to fend for themselves.

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SJWarCleric wrote

Aaa, we have similar taste! (Limetown, Alice isn't Dead, Night Vale, Life After)

I have some additional recs:

  • The Magnus Archives (<3)
  • The Silt Verses (<3)
  • Old Gods of Appalachia
  • The White Vault
  • Knifepoint Horror
  • Unwell
  • The Deep Vault
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SJWarCleric wrote (edited )

Hey, thanks for dropping this. I've been looking into this myself lately due to abscessed tooth. Further research required as always, but it's nice to find another starting point.

Edit: After skimming through it looks like the first aid info matches what I learned a couple decades back when I was licensed.

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SJWarCleric wrote

I've thought about this a lot for my own situation. I don't have much in the way of solutions, but I have often thought that, if I were able to move somewhere else, even though I'd be othered as an outsider, it would be more comfortable/bearable than being othered in the place I was born.

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SJWarCleric wrote

Reply to by !deleted30

Is it agoraphobia if you have a great deal of data backing up why you are afraid to leave your home? Because this is just another data point for me. Sigh.

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