Masking or double masking? That was the question at the forefront of pop culture in recent weeks, after several attendees at President Biden’s inauguration saw two masks, one layered on top of the other, and some health experts suggested doubling in response to new COVID-19 strains. But the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) hasn’t changed its official recommendation: The agency says everyone should wear a mask – a single mask – that has certain features. But how long has it been since you consulted those guidelines? Is your current mask stock still in order? Read on for their essential advice – and to ensure your health and that of others, don’t miss these Signs You’ve Already Had Coronavirus.
Do not wear masks that are “made of a material that makes breathing difficult, such as vinyl”. Also avoid leather or plastic ones. “If you wear glasses, find a mask that fits snugly over your nose or a mask with a nose wire to prevent fogging,” says the CDC.
Don’t wear masks with “exhalation valves or vents that allow virus particles to escape,” the CDC says. “The purpose of masks is to prevent breath droplets from reaching others to aid in source control,” the agency advises. However, with masks with one-way valves or vents, air can be exhaled through a hole in the material, which can result in expelled droplets of breathing that can reach others. This type of mask will not prevent the person wearing the mask from transmitting COVID. others. “
No masks that are “intended for health professionals, including N95 respirators or surgical masks,” the CDC says. “They are very difficult to breathe in if you wear them properly,” Rochelle Walensky, the new head of the CDC, added. CNN town hall. “They are very difficult to tolerate if you wear them for a long time.”
The CDCs guide to masks recommends that you choose a face mask that
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Has two or more layers of breathable, washable fabric
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Completely covers your mouth and nose
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Fits perfectly against the side of your face with no gaps
If you’re wearing a scarf, balaclava, or balaclava this winter, you should wear it over your face mask. The CDC cautions that these accessories should not be worn as a substitute for a mask.
“Everyone should wear a mask,” said Dr. Walensky last week at a CNN town hall on COVID-19. “If you’re wearing a cloth mask, it should be a multi-layered mask so you have different layers of protection.”
After City Hall, Walensky tweeted, “Please Wear a mask to protect yourself and others from #COVID-19. Masks work best when everyone is wearing one, but they are no substitute for social detachment. Masks should still be worn and they should be kept at least 6 feet apart (especially indoors with people you don’t live with). “She added a link to the CDC’s latest scientific letter on masks, which listed several studies that found community masking reduced or prevented the spread of COVID.
Now is a good time to make sure you have enough masks and that they are of adequate quality: As of 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time, the CDC requires all travelers on planes, ships, trains, metros, buses, taxis and carpoolers – and in transportation centers such as airports, bus and boat terminals, train and metro stations – wear masks.
As for yourself, do everything you can to avoid getting – and spreading – COVID-19 in the first place: Wear a face mask, get tested if you think you have coronavirus, avoid crowds (and bars, and house parties), practice social distance, only run essential errands, wash your hands regularly, disinfect frequently touched surfaces, and get through this pandemic in your healthiest way to come, don’t miss this one 35 places where you are likely to catch COVID.