Since masks catch the droplets and therefore concentrate any virus particles that may be present, if you can't keep your hands away from your face then you're safer not wearing a mask at all. And let us not forget that we're swinging giant bars of steel at each other. You have to do what you have to do, but fencing is an innately hazardous sport. Don't obsess about masks to the point of distraction because a virus isn't the only thing might put somebody in the hospital.
This is frankly, unhelpful. Yes yes we're swinging steel bars at each other but we still take pains to minimize the risk to ourselves and others. Similarly a face mask isn't intended to protect you, it's to protect others. If you are touching your face and then communal items or gear the presence or absence of a face mask will have little effect. However the mask will greatly reduced airborne droplets which will help to protect others. And that is the key, slowing airborne transmission. Spreading via contact is prevented by not touching other people or their gear.
Great idea for a video; thanks!
Since masks catch the droplets and therefore concentrate any virus particles that may be present, if you can't keep your hands away from your face then you're safer not wearing a mask at all. And let us not forget that we're swinging giant bars of steel at each other. You have to do what you have to do, but fencing is an innately hazardous sport. Don't obsess about masks to the point of distraction because a virus isn't the only thing might put somebody in the hospital.
This is frankly, unhelpful.
Yes yes we're swinging steel bars at each other but we still take pains to minimize the risk to ourselves and others. Similarly a face mask isn't intended to protect you, it's to protect others. If you are touching your face and then communal items or gear the presence or absence of a face mask will have little effect.
However the mask will greatly reduced airborne droplets which will help to protect others. And that is the key, slowing airborne transmission. Spreading via contact is prevented by not touching other people or their gear.