A leading infectious disease expert has warned that wearing two masks “can cause more harm” if one of the face covers is not worn correctly.
Michael Osterholm, who was an advisor to President Joe Biden’s transition team, said the problem arises with masks that have an “already compromised fit or filter capacity” that allows breathing droplets to escape from holes.
“If you put on another mask, it can make it even more difficult for the air to move through the two-fabric area, and at that point it causes more air to leak down the sides, making you more infected.” Osterholm told NBC anchor Chuck Todd on Sunday “Meet the Press”.
Osterholm said there are instances where double masking can be an effective tool against the coronavirus.
“But at the same time there are many [where] you can do more damage, ”said the director of the Center for Infectious Disease Research and Policy at the University of Minnesota.
Osterholm said it is “very important” to him to prevent people from wearing the mask under their noses.
“You know, that’s like fixing three of the five screen doors in your submarine,” he said.
“We need to get people to start using these properly, that would help a lot there,” he added.
Dr. Anthony Fauci, White House coronavirus adviser, has said two masks are “likely … more effective.”