Let me start by giving my appreciation to retail workers that have chosen or may not have a financial choice to work in our supermarkets, hardware stores, restaurants, etc. during this pandemic. If it was not for them there would be panic and starvation. Thank you, thank you and thank you.
As customers of retail establishments, we need to do our part to protect these workers that are vital to us. There are many ways that the WHO and CDC have recommended to limit the spread of SARS-COV-2. We can limit the number of retail trips we take, follow the social distancing guidelines at stores, and wear face masks. Over the past month, in my limited view, I think that Americans have done a great job with self-quarantine. Now that some states have begun to increase the number of retail establishments that we can visit, I am concerned that we are not closely following guidelines and rushing back to normal. What I observed on Sunday in Greenville, SC at both a grocery and hardware store were people standing in line just a couple feet apart and less then 20% of people wearing face masks.
In combination with social distancing, wearing face masks should decrease the number of transmissions to retail workers, other patrons and yourself. I have not found a controlled study to say that face masks reduce the spread of SARS-COV-2 by x%; although, a study was conducted and published in PLOS ONE in July 2008 titled “Professional and Home-Made Face Masks Reduce Exposure to Respiratory Infections among the General Population”.
SARS-COV-2 can be spread through air-borne water droplets that are expelled through sneezing (> 20 feet), coughing (> 6 feet) and normal exhalation (5 feet not including air circulation). Wearing a mask does not provide 100% protection because masks, even N95, do not have a perfect fit and inhaled/exhaled air will follow the path of least resistance, which will be the gaps between the mask and your face. However, wearing a mask will either trap or reduce the distance that the water droplets will travel. Masks should not apply to only people who are exhibiting symptoms of COVID-19 as asymptomatic carriers can also spread the virus and may be coughing or sneezing due to other reasons such as seasonal allergies.
Therefore, if, like myself, you are grateful to retail workers who are providing us items for survival or comfort, please continue to be diligent until a time comes that we are confident that we are at the tail end of the pandemic curve.
Article written by Russell Ballard
President & Principle Consultant, Ballard EHS Consulting
Guiding and supporting clients through environmental, health and safety and ISO management consulting.