As the situation in Victoria remains concerning, we have an update, sent to all purchasers of Cambridge Masks, but also of interest to everyone anywhere. Our understanding of the threat we face is constantly evolving, as we learn more and receive new information. The following was sent to all purchasers / enquirers today:
“Hi!
You are receiving this email as you purchased a Cambridge Mask, or expressed interest in purchasing a Cambridge Mask from us earlier this year.
It’s been a few months, and while we’ve updated the website, we didn’t send personal messages to purchasers letting them know that we raised a wonderful total of $1,327.58 for the Shoalhaven Bat Clinic from Cambridge Mask sales. Thank you for being a part of that effort!
We are writing now to let you know that in the last few months there’s been continual updating of understanding of mask use in the context of Covid19. One of the issues that has only recently come to our attention is the issue of masks with valves.
From the DHHS website:
https://www.dhhs.vic.gov.au/face-coverings-covid-19#how-do-i-wear-a-face-covering-correctly
“Make sure that your mask does not have holes or any unfiltered one-way valves. This can result in breathing out the virus if you have coronavirus (COVID-19).”
Unfortunately for this current context, Cambridge Masks (and most N95+ masks) contain a one-way valve. Cambridge masks are now supplying free “valve deactivators” from their website (https://cambridgemask.com/shop/accessories/valve-deactivator/) – these were not available when we placed our order and supplied masks back in January. However, as noted on the Cambridge Masks link above – the use of an N95+ mask with the valve deactivated is more strenuous, and we would advise that instead of the increased work required (and higher humidity) that you save your Cambridge Mask for next bushfire season or use in heavy pollution areas, and instead use reusable fabric masks (or disposable surgical masks at a pinch) for covid19 Source Control, as is currently being advised and legislated in many regions around the world. Even if your region is not currently suffering an outbreak, this could change and we recommend you prepare for that possibility. We felt it was very important to advise all purchasers or enquirers directly, as they may not be aware that their Cambridge Mask is not recommended, under updated advice.
We began making our own WeFu fabric masks for sale in April (http://www.wildilocks.com/masks4all) because Cambridge Masks had a massive backlog for orders and we wanted to help immediately, and we also have a DIY guide here (https://wildelan.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/wefumaskguide.pdf) if you’d like to make your own. The DHHS also has a mask pattern (https://www.dhhs.vic.gov.au/sites/default/files/documents/202007/Design%20and%20preparation%20of%20cloth%20mask_0.pdf), but we believe our mask pattern is more comfortable and less bulky to wear. We’ve made some adjustments in the recent weeks too, and the masks we are selling now have ear loops, stronger nose clip wire and extra-soft stretch cotton lining. They have a pocket for the removable NWPP filter layer, which can be replaced with PM2.5 filters for pollution (note: we do not stock these at this time & these DO NOT protect against viruses: NWPP is better for this). We also suggest and detail in the DIY guide, to coat the NWPP filter in salt crystals – we are not providing filters with this coating, as it is fairly labour intensive. It’s also a bit of a hunch on our part and not yet proven effective – but the science is very encouraging.
At the moment we are shipping fabric masks within 1 week of ordering, but this may change as demand may increase as people shift from disposable masks or masks that aren’t comfortable for all-day use. If you order our fabric masks and find them comfortable and good value, we’d hugely appreciate a review! Personally, I find them significantly more comfortable than Cambridge Masks, but then – I am a little biased! We have a range of fabrics which we intend to increase over time too.
We hope you appreciate this updated information and are staying safe in the uncertain world we’re now navigating.
Cass @ Wildilocks”
We have tentatively resumed seeing clients since the mandatory mask order came into effect, as we are confident that risk is now reduced and we should see this reflected in figures in about 7-10 days. While we encourage clients to stay home, we are also aware of the debilitating mental health effects of self isolation and know we play a part in keeping people feeling connected and less isolated, and we know the risk is extremely low of transmission in a salon context where both stylist and client are wearing masks.
Stay safe everyone!
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