Since 2020, I've been keeping a database of studies and articles about Covid, viruses, and justice topics here: https://bit.ly/AidansCovidDatabase
I found it frustrating that data was not widely publicized (if shared at all) by government agencies, and this worsened over time as the government adopted a full-on eugenics policy (the horrible 'let-it-rip' approach). This has culminated in a huge drop in life expectancy, increase in deaths, and millions more disabled with LongCovid and related illnesses and complications (studies in my database).
All of this could have been avoided had we continued to mask, invested in upgraded air filtration/ventilation, improved communication and distribution to push for vaccinations and boosters, contact tracing, and better data reporting and testing. (People's CDC has an excellent "See You Safer" campaign that explains safe ways to see people and host events.)
We do not have to live with mass death and disablement. Yet, when those in leadership positions claim "we have the tools now," they mean only for the super-rich. Majority of humanity does NOT have the tools now. We are being gaslit and kept from those tools, and many of us are dying for the hubris of these callous and deadly leadership decisions. The rich do not care how many of us die as long as they continue to profit.
Thus, why many of us disabled and marginalized populations have tried to build up networks and resources to help one another to survive, to do the work of the state for the state, which is exhausting.
This is why we must continue to:
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Wear high quality masks and make sure they seal well. (Reusable masks exist! I use a Flomask, Vogmask, or Cambridge mask depending on situation). If able to do so, help folks in your community purchase reusable masks!
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Make Corsi-Rosenthal air filtration boxes, use HEPA air filters for those unable to make the CR boxes, and/or invest in upgraded air filtration and ventilation in all interior spaces. Make or buy these for folks in need in your community!
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Improved Covid tests made widely available -- or at least if able to purchase or obtain them, then share with community members who need them.
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Contact tracing methods. If at an event, make sure event is accessible to all who could attend, and make sure there is a way to share covid test results to help engage in community contact tracing. This can assist in tracking transmission.
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Share studies and data to help us navigate this safer together. Check out my database above, other people's works in this field, and the PeoplesCDC.org.
It's why I keep maintaining this database because we need a way to access information, especially as our communication networks are being torn apart by billionaires who seek to institute a white supremacist fascist corporate state. We are dealing with a multitude of battles from many different fronts, and it is overwhelming.
But we can't give up. When we keep us safe, that means all of us. Especially our most marginalized and most vulnerable.
There's a few things to consider:
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How is the mask rated? As in how efficient? There is usually tests they do to show how well the mask filters out viruses, bacteria, allergens, smoke/dust, etc. Even if they don't use an international rating system, all must have information about what tests they did use to rate their efficient on their website. I find it generally in their FAQ or About sections. You want a rating that is at least a 95% or better.
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Seal. Masks must have good seals for them to actually work. For the cloth masks such as cambridge, vogmask, AUS Air, etc.,, these seals depend on the fit-test, where you measure your face to get the right size to make sure it fits your face and you can pull it tight for the seal, especially around your nose. Most of these tend to be held in place by either ear hoops or by around the back of head bands. Cloth seals tend to be harder to seal than a gel or rubber seal, but how comfortable the seal is depends on how it fits on your face. Gel and rubber seals are for masks that have a hard exterior such as elastrometrics. I personally like the feel of Cambridge, Vogmask for cloth seals and FloMask, and EnvoMask gel/rubber seals but that's just me.
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Bands. Do you prefer ear bands or around the back of head bands? Often ear bands can fail to maintain a good seal, so experts often push folks to try the around the back of head bands. All ear loop designs can be converted to behind the head bands through some neat accessories. Vogmask and Cambridge offer these accessories. I haven't checked if AUS Air does. This also will effect how comfortable the mask is as earloops can put a strain on ears and cause sores for some people.
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Cleaning and longevity. How do you clean the mask? How long does its filters last? Vogmask, Cambridge, and most cloth masks only last upward of three to four months., then they become ineffective and need replaced. AUS Air has a design where it has a cloth outer mask, then you attach the filter and seal to that outer mask; you then replace that inner filter ever three to four months but keep reusing the outer cover/seal portion. In contrast to cloth masks, Flomask and Envomask are elastometrics, where they have a solid reusable portion (that often can be decorated!) and then you insert the filter into that solid portion. These filters can then be replaced at the end of their life cycle. Be aware of when you insert those filters and set a reminder in three to four months to have the filter replaced. (If you only use the mask sparingly, then filters can last longer, so in that case just mark down the date you input the filter).
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Speaking. This can only be tested by you after you get the mask to be honest. How well can you speak in the mask and have people hear you? Some masks may make you sound muffled so you need to speak louder. Flomask and Envomask have two different filters that both work well (one is a higher rating than the other) but the filter that is closer to the 95 is easier to speak in than the filter that is closer to 99. Be aware of this when buying replacement filters. Elastrometric masks (especially those that look similar to a gas mask) will tend to make you sound more muffled, so think about which mask to get for most activities and which is best for speaking in public sort of activities.
These are all crucial to consider when selecting any mask -- disposable or reusable honestly, but hopefully it can help folks identify which masks are most accessible to their needs!