FDA "approved" KN95 masks available on Amazon - $4 each

In my various explorations of next-level masks I found this one on Amazon (Via Rolling Stone, the acting public health division of the US government [1]):

https://www.amazon.com/Powecom-Protective-Non-Medical-Efficiency-Authorized/dp/B087M2T7NP

Currently $4/each with Prime. That price is typical for next level masks, prices are falling fairly quickly though.

Powecom shows up on the FDA n95 alternative list: Appendix A: Authorized Imported, Non-NIOSH Approved Respirators Manufactured in China (Updated: August 14, 2020) as Guangzhou Powecom Labor Insurance Supplies Co., LTD

We keep these for higher risk situations, such as visiting people even older than us (apparently they exist) or taking a drive share ride.

I think availability is rising quickly and prices are falling, I expect they'll drop below $3/mask in the next  few weeks.

After months of seeking better masks we are now getting the sort of thing China has had since January. We are learning about our options not from the failed American state, but through the efforts of the last remnants of American journalism.

MAGA.

[1] Contrary to this article physicians reuse N95s. We wear them one day, leave them in a hot dry place for a week, and wear them again.

COVID Cancellation: The fight with Delta from May 1 to Aug 20, 2020

The COVID battle with Delta

1. May 1, 2020: Delta canceled a flight for daughter and I to Korea. I spoke with the Delta rep and was told we'd receive a full refund. But trouble was already brewing.
2. We were in Delta database for refund until, one day, we were not.
3. We sent complaints to DOT, MN Attorney General, and American Express
4. July 11, 200: American Express responded to our objection and refunded two tickets.
5. DOT said they'd referred our complaint back to Delta.
6. Delta refunded ONE ticket
7. American Express reversed their refund on both tickets. I tried to appeal but the appeal process said I had to phone (which is very hard to do on my schedule).
8. I replied to the DOT and Delta/DOT email addresses that one ticket remained. 
9. I was unable to get more help from AMEX. 
10. Aug 20, 2020: Delta notified a second refund and a few days later it was in my AMEX account.

There are class action suits against Delta and other airlines. Our struggle went on for almost 4 months.

My guess is Delta was managing its cash flow by paying its debts slowly. I suspect high mileage customers with flight insurance received early refunds -- because Delta knows the insurance companies would go after them. Then high mileage customers and major business buyers. After that it's who complains the most and longest. 

Delta fought payment pretty hard. I though it was over in July when AMEX refunded us, but I saw the paperwork Delta sent AMEX. They really didn't want to pay. 

In the end I think the DOT complaint did the trick. I never heard from the MN state attorney general.

I hope the class action suits succeed.