By all means, take precautions, I myself am. I'm not making light of the virus, but I think there's things we need to learn and apply to other viral outbreaks, including the flu. I listened to a Swedish doctor that said they did not see the extent of covid infections in their nursing homes that we did. But one reason is they have smaller nursing homes than we do. A Stanford researcher said we must guard the vulnerable, including hospitals and nursing homes, I couldn't agree more, I don't think he believes enough is being done in that regard, and the loss of people from these areas rather proves it. I am not talking the quality of the staff, I'm specifically addressing the control of infectious pathogens.

I worked in an Industrially Challenging place. As an Electrician (an Industrial Electrician, I paid to have my house rewired, it's not the same, though I could have struggled with it) my job was less demanding than the Mechanical Repair employees. There were devices that used electricity, we fixed that, but the things these devices connected to were installed and removed by the Mechanics. In that regard, Gas Streams were involved, things that you're not permitted to be exposed to over 20 ppm (parts per million) existed in these pipes and processes at over 500,000 ppm. Without full face respirators, breathing air and Hazmat Suits, some of these things were quickly deadly. Many would render a person unconscious with a single breath. Teams then had to wear the proper PPE (Personal Protective Equipment) and go into the area to rescue the worker. Thankfully, I wasn't a Mechanic (they did all the dangerous stuff) so I never had to wear Breathing Air to do my job.

But other chemicals were present, and particulates. And both these were at levels that OSHA permitted the use of Air Purifying Respirators. Respirators were ubiquitous, everyone had to wear them, working an 8 hour shift is was possible to be in the Air Purifying Respirator most of the shift. So they were very important.

The Union offered me a position as a Safety Rep, and I accepted. I like to research, I like to read technical literature about things that interest me. So I discovered areas where improvements were possible in Respirator use in the plant. At one point, the yearly Industrial Hygiene classes were taught by a contracted employee, and the Corporation offered it to the Union, and Union people, with contacts from the Company throughout the day, began to instruct various segments of Industrial Hygiene. The Segments were provided, Power Points, and the class and content was approved by the Corporation. I was grateful to both the Union and Corporation for the opportunity.

We were provided training as part of our job, over the years, from the International Union, and from the Company. We had completed the Train the Trainer Outreach Training with OSHA, and attended week long Safety Seminars once yearly provided by the Company. Alas, Local Union Presidents appoint the safety reps, so after two and a half terms, one and one half with one president, and one term with another, I wasn't appointed to the safety office of an incoming Local Union President. Such is life, it was interesting and challenging but we all know that the Local President decides, it's just the way it is.

I think Respirators will reduce the chance of getting an infection, I think the right respirator or surgical mask reduces particles given off by those that are infected, during a cough, sneeze, or just talking. They both keep a person from inadvertently touching their mouth or nose while in areas that may have infectious agents present. I agree that a scarf, or other covering can prevent particles from significantly becoming airborne, so I understand why some areas require this.

Take care, enjoyed writing this, hope this is what you wanted as a response.

Be well.

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