How to prepare for coronavirus in the U.S. (Spoiler: Not sick? No need to wear a mask.)

[brooklynite]

Washington Post

There are the exam gloves, the surgical masks, the dubious supplements and the deceptive disinfectants. If unchecked Internet information is any guide, there’s an inexhaustible list of products you should buy to prepare for the spread of coronavirus in the United States — which, according to U.S. health officials, now appears inevitable.

But here’s the thing: The virus may be novel, but you really don’t need to buy anything new or special to brace for it. The Washington Post spoke to epidemiology experts, and they said the most important aspect of preparedness costs nothing at all — calm.

As of Wednesday afternoon, 59 people had the virus in the United States, all but 17 of them evacuees from the Diamond Princess cruise ship. But officials with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said they expect to see the number of cases increase as the disease spreads, while also stressing that the immediate risk remains low.

So here’s what doctors, researchers and the CDC say you can do now — and in the event of a future outbreak — to prepare and protect yourself.

[brewens]

1. "Never sit around discussing things rationally when the situation calls for panic"-George

Steinbrenner

I just ordered a box of masks. I wonder if I'll even get them. I clicked on one option on Amazon and they were about $20 with $150.00 shipping! WTF is up with that?

[Chainfire]

2. There is a simple explanation for that

They are either going to hand deliver them to you to make sure you get them, or they are price gouging. Living in a hurricane zone, I am an expert on recognizing price gouging.....

I have a box of N-95 masks that I use when mowing. I will send one of them to you with free expedited shipping. Cost, $99.99 each, plus a small handling fee. But wait, if you order now, you can get two for one hundred dollars each.

Just dial BR-599, operators are standing by to help you.

[Mosby]

8. Price gouging is illegal in most states I think.

[GusBob]

3. I was in the airport the other day and folks were masked

I had to smile one person was in the Hudson store picking up display items. She rummaged thru some candy, got a pack of gum handed it to the cashier to ring up, opens the pack and pulls her mask down and pops a piece in her mouth. No gloves involved in the transfers

Other folks get picking at the masks with their hands like they were uncomfortable or unused to wearing them

[thesquanderer]

4. The N95 mask works to protect healthy people. Doctor's surgical masks don't, they only....

..stop the sick person from spreading it.

[brewens]

6. I thought that was the case but figured what the hell, I'll just return them if I never

open the box. The regular masks might be a little helpful. They might help remind you to not touch your face when out shopping. Take it off after you wash your hands.

[dalton99a]

5. Wash your hands regularly.

Wash your hands regularly. Cover your nose and mouth when you sneeze. And when you’re sick, stay home from work or school and drink lots of fluids.

The CDC recommends washing with soap and water for at least 20 seconds after using the bathroom, before eating and after blowing your nose or sneezing. It also advises not to touch your eyes, nose and mouth and to clean objects and surfaces you touch often.

And those surgical masks? If you’re not sick, you don’t need to wear them — and you certainly don’t need to buy every box your local pharmacy has in stock.

The CDC agrees, writing on its website: “CDC does not recommend that people who are well wear a facemask to protect themselves from respiratory diseases.”

[Hermit-The-Prog]

7. That only applies to people outside the White House or not attending rallies.