This just in – most masks not only don’t protect you, they make it easier for you to spread the virus. And oh yeah, Butte County jail is a state COVID hotspot.

Duke University just studied 14 different types of face masks – using ultraviolet light, they photographed particles emitted from each type of face mask with a person inside it, just talking. I think the phrase they used was something like, “Be safe, wear a mask.” Even though they were using their “inside voices”, you could see not only tiny dust-like particles, but droplets of spit, little globules spinning and whirling into the air. It was enough to make me a confirmed hermit, for life. 

Like I expected, they found N95’s and REAL surgical masks (those with three layers) are the only ones that block a significant portion of human spray. I’m not sure if the surgical-looking masks they’ve been handing out at stores (given by the city of Chico) are that good, the one I brought home recently only seems to have two layers.  Those cloth masks that people have been making at home, as well as bandanas and “neck gaitors” (turtleneck face protectors used mainly for snow sports) ACTUALLY MAKE IT WORSE! They slice the spit droplets into many more, tinier droplets that last longer and fly farther.

https://www.goodmorningamerica.com/wellness/story/scientists-tested-14-types-masks-worked-72285844

https://news.yahoo.com/wearing-bandana-gaiter-study-suggests-165959724.html

Here’s an article that gives more information about N95’s and surgical masks.

https://www.fda.gov/medical-devices/personal-protective-equipment-infection-control/n95-respirators-surgical-masks-and-face-masks

The study shows that N95’s are really the only masks that protect both the wearer and others with whom he/she comes into contact. But have you tried to purchase a box of N95’s lately? I haven’t been able to find them in a box – OUT OF STOCK – but they’ll sell you ONE for as much as $5 per mask.  

https://www.homedepot.com/b/Safety-Equipment-Respirator-Masks/N95/N-5yc1vZc25kZ1z195hh

And don’t reuse that – you may as well be stuffing used Kleenex in your pocket for another swipe. 

I remember hearing people say this in the very beginning, and I felt then it was true – masks give people a false sense of security, and they just step right into that 6 foot buffer zone. That just happened to me that last time I went to Winco to pick up groceries. And that’s important, because it is believed that with normal speaking and breathing, the virus can travel 3 – 5 feet. Some studies have shown that a cough or sneeze can travel up to 9 feet. And now we know most masks will not stop that.

So, any government that tells you to wear anything but an N95 or a real surgical mask is more concerned with your willingness to obey than your health. 

In other news, did you know there’s a “COVID hot spot” at the Butte County jail? KCRA reported 319 cases as of July 7. Here’s a more recent article from the Territorial Dispatch in Marysville/Yuba City.

http://territorialdispatch.com/articles/2020/0730-Extreme-Number-Inmates-Infected/index.php?ID=8589

“Within the past few weeks there has been a rapid increase in the number of lab confirmed COVID-19 cases within the Butte County Jail.” Most of these inmates are being cared for in the jail, but “When there is a need for an enhanced level of care, inmates are transported to local hospitals, but kept under observation by jail staff.”

Here’s the link for the Butte County jail website, where they post a daily update:

https://www.buttecounty.net/sheriffcoroner/Covid-19

As of today, according to the website:

•  Estimate of 583 total inmate tests completed with

• • • 359 negative
    • 110 recovered

So, 583 total tests, with 359 negative, leaves 224 positives, with 110 recovered, that’s 114 inmates who are still positive? But it goes on to say, “BCJ currently has 31 positive in-custody inmate COVID-19 cases.” I’m sorry to be so thick, but I don’t get their math. Where did the other 83 infected inmates go? It says right there only one is in the hospital.  Are they releasing infected inmates? And if so, where are these people going? 

Finally, here’s the Butte County COVID website, updated daily.

https://infogram.com/1pe66wmyjnmvkrhm66x9362kp3al60r57ex?live

As of today, 1280 confirmed cases countywide, with 959 recovered, 8 deaths, and 128 currently “in isolation”.  That means over 18% of Butte County cases were reported out of the jail, including 15 jail staffers. So I guess I’d call that “a hot spot”. 

Finally, this weeks news that California Public Health Director Sonia Angell has resigned over a scandal surrounding backlogged tests has confirmed my feeling that the state of California is not handling this crisis well at all.  First of all, there’s no accountability – she was just allowed to resign, and will probably be handed another lucrative position as soon as we forget her name. Second, Newsom announced the false news that cases were down and we could move into Phase 3 of reopening. As soon as local businesses were up and running, he announced he’d made a, gee, gosh, tiny mistake, slammed the door shut again, and struggling businesses all over the state went into a Swan Song. 

These people are unaffected by our little miseries, and they just don’t care. This is Newsom’s bid at the presidency, and he’s desperate to make a name for himself as a Great Leader. He’s desperate to make Trump look bad, and it’s just egg all over his own face.

Gavin, you blew it, I wouldn’t let you coach the Bad New Bears. That recall petition is still out there, they have until November to collect the required signatures.

HOMEPAGE

Here’s a two week old interview with a Butte County representative of the recall group – Robin McCrea.

Finally, I’ll leave you with these words of wisdom, attributed to Winona Judd by way of Kinky Friedman – “Wash your hands, and say your prayers… ” cause the last person you should probably trust right now is your average government official.

Tags: Chico City Council requires face diapers to attend meetings, ConVID 2020, face diapers, Kinky Friedman, N95's, Recall Newsom 2020, surgical masks