My announcement that I was running with a mask got a LOT of comment (from all sides) earlier. It’s in response to changes in the state of the pandemic and the transmissibility of the virus. Worth unpacking 1/goodness knows

First I posted the photo after a couple of interviews this week in which mask use outside was discussed in the context of surging infections due to the variant B.1.1.7. Here's one https://t.co/fyzz8rKnXb
And then this with RTE where were talked about mask use in the context of the situation in the Republic of Ireland, where cases are surging. I commented that I run with a mask. Hence the tweet

https://t.co/P3tC6NYWAa
Some asked “why are you doing this outside?” – I know where they’re coming from. Risk of transmission is MUCH lower outside. If all contacts were outside there probably would not *be* a pandemic. But it's also not nil
https://t.co/gTxywkPqFf
and remember this is also about solidarity. Seeing a person wearing a mask is a sign that they are looking out for you and not just themselves, because masks greatly reduce the risk of transmission https://t.co/k0yjAePH1w
and there's this too. The law. I'm not altogether sure I agree with it as phrased. But I sure as hell have bigger fish to fry https://t.co/eUv8GT6JgQ
BUT the context of this is the variants of the virus that are more transmissible. One is rampant in the UK, and growing in Ireland. THAT is the context for the discussion – what more can we do to stop a yet more infectious virus?
These may not have been identified where you live, but they will likely grow there and become more common over the next couple months. Like this says, so get ready now. https://t.co/AlEmZA1lbq
Nearly a year ago I pinned the tweet - Don't panic, do prepare. Still true. Rather than panicking or being fatalistic, this means we have to step up infection control. That includes masks outside. So I am stepping up. And showing that I am stepping up in the hope you will too
(Btw I don't *like* running wearing a mask. but it's far from impossible. You can also wear one on your chin and pull it up as you get close to other people esp when running in less crowded areas)
Masks are a small inconvenience in all but quite limited, specific situations. Being triggered by this seems… odd for people who would probably not like to view themselves as easily shaken. And would like masks in other contexts where they were more macho and transgressive
Don't know how to reach those folks. But won't stop trying.

/end
PS those who want to know I was wearing a KF94 from Facefit, which people who know more about masks than I do recommend. There are *many* other options

More from Society

The Nashville Operation - A Battle in the War

A thread exploring the Nashville bombing in the context of the 2020 Digital War (via SolarWinds) against the United States perpetrated by our enemies, likely China, Iran and/or Russia.


SolarWinds Hack

A digital "Pearl Harbor" moment for the United States, whoever was responsible had access to the keys to the kingdom for months during 2020, including sensitive military infrastructure. This is war!

SunGard + SolarWinds

SolarWinds software company is owned by same company that owns SunGard, which essentially provides data center services. A secure place to host internet servers with redundant power and "big pipe" data connections.

https://t.co/U3P3SrrkM1


SunGard Data Center

In Nashville, around the corner from their "big pipe" connection, AT&T. Like any data center, highly secure. Only authorized personnel can enter, and even fewer can access the actual server rooms. Backup generators are available in case of power failure.


If the SunGard hardware was being used to "host" critical command and control software related to SolarWinds, the US powers would be very interested in gaining special access keys that are stored on the hard-drives of specific servers.

You May Also Like