I am staying home. I'm over 60 and have lung diseases, copd and bronchiectasis, so I'm doing what is recommended and staying home. Friday, I took my last water aerobics class for who knows how long and took the dog to the vet for a treatment for an ongoing condition. She needs to go back again next week so that will be my next time among people. I take her out 3x a day and avoid people but I am a nervous in the elevator. Although no one in my building has tested positive, I hope no one sneezed or coughed in there before I got on. I wear gloves but they don't protect my lungs and Dr internet says the virus can live up to 3 hours in the air.

As for masks, only the n95 or 99 keep bacteria and viruses out. They need to be tight so no air can get in the sides or anywhere else. They are recommended for sick people to keep their germs away from the rest of us and not recommended for anyone else except medical staff. They are uncomfortable and wearers tend to touch them making them a hazard rather than a help because the virus gets in by our hands touching our faces. Besides, you can't get them now anyway. Hoarders are being asked to donate them to hospitals which are running out of them.

I hope there is something in this long post that is helpful.

Rita

Hi all,
There is a discussion related to MAC and COVID-19 here:
- COVID-19 and MAC: What are you doing differently to protect yourself? https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/covid-19/

As well as this one with respect to lung health
- COVID-19 Coronavirus and Lung Health: What can you do? https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/covid-19-coronovirus/

There is also a new group dedicated to COVID-19 here: https://connect.mayoclinic.org/group/covid-19/
Discussion include helpful ways to get valid information as well as encouragement and connection during this time when we have to socially isolated ourselves.

@beatitnow I see the questions about masks are answered. I will add: I IMPLORE EVERYONE to quit buying up the masks - the medical professionals need them desperately, from hospitals to clinics to ambulances to first responders and care facilities. My daughter's metropolitan hospital is rationing them to staff due to short supply.
As for the "air filter necklace" - I'm sorry to say these are really not an effective shield or treatment for anyone, ever. No matter what the ads or salesmen tell you. If they were so effective, every medical professional in the world would want and would wear one. They cannot possibly treat enough air around you to protect you - and anything you might touch, containing the virus or germ, would still be on your skin, and by extension, in your eyes or nose when you touch your face.
These are my new mantras:
Wash, wash, wash your hands.
Keep your hands off your face.
Clean frequently touched surfaces with bleach or disinfectant regularly.
Social distance.
If you are high risk (age, disease, immune compromised) stay out of crowds.
If you are not high risk, stay out of crowds to protect those of us who are.
Self-quarantine at any sign of illness or if you are exposed to the virus.
Don't panic, and don't spend too much time listening and reading about COVID-19 - just be prudent.
So, for the rest of you, what precautions are you taking to keep yourself healthy and safe? And what are you doing to occupy yourself constructively? (If I was back in MN, I would pull out 50 years worth of photos that need organizing! Down here in Texas, I am working to improve my watercolor skills and planning a new quilt for my grandson.)
Sue