Despite health experts claiming that the virus is only spread via "close contact" the recent spread of the disease to the general public is clearly evidence to me that it can be spread with only "casual contact" or even just breathing in an area where an infected person has sneezed or coughed. Even in the initial outbreak at the Metropole Hotel in Mongkok, some of the seven people who got infected merely visited the hotel or stayed on the same floor as Doctor Liu Jianlun who brought the disease with him from Guangdong. None of them knew Doctor Liu so they were unlikely to have come in close contact with him unless they shared an elevator together. OK, so that is a possibility. But the spread of the virus to 5 families living on different floors of a housing estate, a librarian, a bank staff, a bus driver, a subway (MTR) worker, and 2 police workers indicates that the virus can spread through more casual contact.
Previously, I had thought that wearing a mask only in crowded areas or where I could see someone nearby looking sickly or coughing or sneezing would be sufficient. Now, however, I am wearing a mask outside my home at all times because there is the possibility that, for instance, an infected person sneezes in an elevator and gets out. When I catch the elevator it is empty but end up breathing in the virus and get infected.
There are 3 big reasons why I'm not taking any chances and am wearing a mask out and am washing hands often:
Other evidence that the virus is highly contagious: doctors and nurses who know best how to avoid contracting the virus and have access to safety gear like masks and gloves got infected and several of them have died.
I am also following other recommended precautions — building up immunity by eating right (lots of fruits, vegetables, and proteins), getting adequate rest, and avoiding crowds.
Sure, the mask looks stupid and is very uncomfortable but it is better to be safe than... dead! People who aren't wearing masks are ignorant.
Posted by derek at March 28, 2003 12:08 AM