Quote (InsaneBobb @ Oct 7 2020 11:10pm)
Most of what you posted is not really relevant to the topic. The specific ADA protections that would apply to those with breathing conditions would apply to the topic. New York's executive mandate regarding masks/social distancing and how they'd apply to this case matters more.
I try not to focus on the libertarian aspect of the discussion because it's not really important. An 80 year old used masks as an excuse to repeatedly confront a 65 year old. When the 65 year old had enough, he shoved the 80 year old out of his personal space, the 80 year old fell, hit his head, and died.
I don't even know for sure that the 65 year old was an "anti-masker", merely that he was not wearing a mask at the time of the confrontation. I tend to think that attempting to bring up the subject of informed consent regarding masks as relates to this topic? Not important.
ADA doesn't apply to mask guidelines, and the recommendation is take the mask off if you're having trouble breathing, and you are within your rights to do so.
If you have asthma that isn't exacerbated right now and is under control then saying you can't wear a mask is an emotional statement of a political truth not grounded in scientific reality.
Here are the guidelines from the American College of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology:
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As the COVID-19 pandemic continues, and recommendations and requirements about face coverings continue to evolve, we know some patients with asthma have questions about wearing masks in public. This guidance is provided to aid physician-patient discussions on the topic.
The CDC recommends wearing face masks with two or more layers in public settings where other social distancing measures are difficult to maintain (e.g., grocery stores and pharmacies). Face masks help to stop the spread of the virus as COVID-19 can be spread by people who have no symptoms and do not know they are infected.
Make sure the mask covers both your nose and mouth and is secure under your chin. Do not use masks with one-way valves or vents as this type of mask does not prevent you from transmitting COVID-19 to others.
Face masks should not be placed on young children under age 2 or anyone who has trouble breathing, or is unconscious, incapacitated or otherwise unable to remove the mask without assistance.
There is no evidence that wearing a face mask makes asthma worse. While we support and advocate that people follow CDC recommendations, some people with asthma do not feel they can breathe adequately while wearing a mask. If that’s true for you, try to avoid going to public places as much as possible. Being in public without a face mask may increase your chances of passing on a COVID-19 infection to others, even if symptoms are not present.
Always use a clean mask for each outing. If possible, don’t take your mask off and put it back on during a single outing, as touching the mask increases the possibility of contamination.
Continue to practice good hand hygiene and limit touching your face, especially when in public. Masks are not a replacement for social distancing, which continues to be extremely important in stopping the spread of the virus.
If you have asthma, we strongly recommend you continue to take your maintenance asthma medications to keep symptoms under control and to reduce your risk for an asthma exacerbation or hospitalization. Maintain follow up with your allergist and primary care physicians for your continued care during this time.
It even has guidelines for supplemental oxygen.
I totally believe that you believe that people who have breathing conditions can't wear masks and that the ADA protects them and that you could even make these statements and pass a polygraph test, and you believe your opinion is objective truth no matter what evidence you see.
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Should People With Asthma Wear Face Coverings or Masks?
The CDC and the World Health Organization (WHO) both recommend that you wear masks or fabric face coverings in public where you can’t keep a proper distance from other people. The WHO recommends wearing a fabric mask that allows you to breathe while talking and walking quickly.
A face covering may not be best for everyone. According to the CDC, these people should not wear face coverings:
Children under age 2
Anyone who has trouble breathing
Anyone who is unconscious, unable to help themselves or can’t remove the mask on their own
Some people with asthma may experience discomfort or have trouble breathing while wearing a face covering.
“For people with very mild asthma or well-controlled asthma, it’s probably not going to be an issue,” said Dr. David Stukus, member of the Medical Scientific Council for the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America (AAFA). “For people who have very severe disease and have frequent exacerbations, ER visits, hospitalizations, require lots of medications and frequent symptoms, it might cause more issues for those folks.”
It’s important to keep your asthma under control. Keep taking your medicines as prescribed. If you are having breathing issues that need your quick-relief inhaler (e.g., albuterol) more than two or more times per week, it’s a sign to call your doctor.
We all need to work together to slow the spread of the new coronavirus. If you’re having trouble wearing a mask, try a different fabric or fit. Wearing some kind of breathable face covering is better than nothing. According to the WHO, medical masks when worn the right way do not cause you to breathe in more carbon dioxide or reduce your oxygen levels. And a homemade face covering made of three layers probably won’t fit tightly enough to affect your oxygen either. A face mask or covering may just be uncomfortable. Try coverings made from fabrics like 100% cotton T-shirt material.
If you can’t wear a mask or face covering because of severe asthma or breathing distress, protect yourself from COVID-19 in other ways:
Stay home as much as possible.
Ask others to run errands or shop for you, or use delivery services if possible.
When in public, keep a distance from others (physical distancing, about 6 feet).
Avoid or limit close contact with people who are sick, and wash your hands often.
Avoid crowds as much as possible.
Avoid travel that is not necessary.
Clean and disinfect your home and car regularly, especially items you touch often.
Hot, humid weather and pollen can be asthma triggers. If you have asthma, you may need to be cautious while wearing face coverings during hot weather or when the pollen is high. Consider going out when pollen counts are lower or during the day when temperatures are lower.
Exercise is important for people with asthma. But wearing a mask while exercising may make it harder to breathe. Continue to try to stay active, but avoid situations where you would need a mask. If you are outside on a trail or in a park with few people, you probably wouldn’t need to wear a mask. Consider working out at home instead of going to a gym or exercise class.
What Kind of Face Mask or Covering Should I Wear?
There are many options for cloth face coverings. You can buy disposable or reusable face masks or coverings at many major retail stores or online, or you can make your own. Fabric made from 100% cotton, such as heavy-duty quilt fabric or a knit T-shirt, can be effective.
The WHO recommends three layers:
An outer water-resistant layer (such as polyester or polyester blend)
A middle layer of non-woven fabric (such as polypropylene)
An inner layer of cotton
Try different styles and fabrics to see what works for you. To tell if a homemade face covering will be effective, hold your mask up to a light. If you can easily see the light through your mask, it may not provide enough protection. The WHO recommends wearing a fabric mask or covering that has three layers. Make sure your face covering blocks the light but still allows you to breathe through it.
Some types of face masks or coverings are not effective at preventing the spread of the new coronavirus. Studies show bandannas and neck fleeces (also called gaiters or buffs) do not work well at blocking droplets from your mouth and nose. If you have a mask with a vent or valve, check the inside of the mask. If you see fabric inside that covers the valve or vent, then the mask is OK to wear. If you see the vent or valve from the inside of the mask, you should not wear the mask because droplets from your mouth and nose can pass through the valve as you exhale.
So if you're breathing system is too weak to wear a mask (you should be in a bipap at this point) there are guidelines of how you should be operating, and if you can't wear protective gear during the pandemic, the advice is avoid the pandemic.
The protective gear works. Interact with people with covid a lot and only a few of our staff have gotten it, and it was from outside the hospital not wearing PPE or social distancing.
One of my buddies is really into president Trump, says less than 10000 people have really died of covid, and that it is less dangerous than seasonal flu. It is funny that people are believing this stuff based on political belief. People with asthma can't wear masks because of this political belief. He can't wear a mask either, not because of asthma, but because it interrupts the breathing system created by god, which is about as valid of a reason given what we know.
Panic attacks are real and do not feel good. They are worse with asthma. Uncontrolled anxiety + asthma = stay in right now. If you're less healthy or viable as a human at this time then you should cover your ass.
The crux of the issue is whether the government can compel citizens to follow medical advice, even if that goes way over your head, as it did, because you perseverated on a Fox news talking point instead of the argument lol.
This post was edited by Skinned on Oct 8 2020 05:23am