Distancing and hand-washing come first, of course. And keeping hands away from face! Having done work with a respirator in hantavirus zones, I have good discipline. But I see people in lineups rubbing their faces and noses, and it makes me mental. Geez, people.

However, the reason I wear a procedure mask is to reduce potential spread to others (especially out of respect for the retail workers who bravely soldier on). Hey, I feel fine. But am I contagious? There's no way to know. Many super-spreaders show no symptoms. That's what's unique about this virus. Everyone should wear a mask, so we can get back to normal sooner.

For all those who are on the we should all wear a mask bandwagon.

https://www.cidrap.umn.edu/news-perspect...ased-sound-data

Not saying you should or should not, but everyone should look at the data. I also have training in proper donning/doffing/using PPE from time on nuc subs and I also am driven crazy watching people (poorly) use PPE. Gloves and using their phone, N95 and using a finger to open the bottom since it is uncomfortable. bla bla bla...

Agree 100%. PPE without basic training and awareness is problematic. On the other hand, the training is hardly complicated. It's standard for the general public in places like Taiwan and Singapore.

One thing I noted from that table was that vaccumm cleaner bags are probably the closest thing to an N95 mask for filtering. Has anyone seen a rush on these bags to turn them into homemade face masks? My vacuum has cyclonic action and doesn't use bags so I don't have any just lying around.

P.S. There is a difference between an N95 mask and an N95 respirator. The respirator has a tight fit to the face and is constructed differently -- it's not just a filter, it's a barrier.

The relatively few HEPA bags seems to be in short supply. Note that many bags that at first glance appear to be "HEPA" bags are just normal bags for HEPA vacuums with a separate small HEPA filter.

UPDATE:
- more PPE. Masks, sanitizer, etc
- water as some restrooms & businesses are closed
- Snacks/ food, see above

Wow! The local ACE Hardware is selling nitrile gloves for $25/box right now! Good thing I'm not out! No way I'll be adding any more to my supplies at that price.

Hygiene essentials have risen up the list of ten essentials.

electric or chemical heater packs.

I'm adding headphones, so I can listen to the radio...a good source of information as news is breaking. I may add a tiny am/fm jogger type radio as well. ( Save on phones batteries.)