Originally Posted by
paolo64
Regardless of the efficacy of masks, as contemplated by Trueblu and others, there is a far greater acceptance of using them in a number of Asian countries, including China, Taiwan, Japan, Korea and Thailand. They have been used for many years, way before SARS, in part as a device to reduce transmission, but also as a courtesy to others, a statement: “I’m ill, don’t get too close”. In the west we’ve continued to cough, sneeze and splutter..mask-less, putting others in the firing line. On occasion when I’ve used them outside Asia, I’ve had lots of weird looks...and been asked if I’m having chemo. I suspect we’ll see them used more widely over the next few weeks ( at least if they can be found..)
Japan has a history of wearing masks while sick before SARS but for HK, the trend really started from SARS. After SARS, quite a few things have changed. People wear masks while they are sick so that they won't infect others. This was especially prevalent the first few years after SARS. Another is the use of sharing chopsticks. In the old days, everyone have their own chopsticks and use those to pick up food in the middle of the table since most Chinese food are served family style. Nowadays, people almost always use sharing chopsticks that are in the middle of the table for people to pick up food and their own individual chopsticks for eating. We do this even at home.
HK and those countries who went through SARS have no qualms wearing masks. While they are uncomfortable, they helped to stop the spread of the virus and everyone does it here. Am sure Europe and the US will change their behaviors after this virus. People can ..... and moan about wearing masks all they want but when they realize their and their family's lives are on the line, behaviors will starting changing and social pressure will build.