We have been wearing masks and covering our faces, specifically the mouth and nose, to protect ourselves against coronavirus. However, there’s still controversy and confusion surrounding masks. We have experts learning as much as they can about the virus every day and how much covering your face protects you and those around you.
Do the Masks Work?
Yes, they do! This is a definite answer. When wearing a mask, you protect yourself and others. The CDC restated that the virus is spread through aerosols. These are small droplets from the nose and mouth. They are so light and can suspend in the hair for hours, increasing the risk of someone else breathing them in.
Your mask protects you from another person’s respiratory droplets. With a mask, you don’t inhale respiratory droplets, and you don’t release them wither. It’s a win-win situation for everyone.
According to different studies, when an entire community masks up, the virus loses the power to spread from one person to the other. Remember, you don’t have to cough or sneeze to release large respiratory droplets. Even breathing or talking heavily releases aerosols which are smaller and lighter particles that travel farther than the recommended 6 feet and hang in the air for much longer.
Where and When Should You Wear a Mask?
With the vaccine distribution slower than expected, wearing masks can’t be overemphasized. Wear a mask when you get out anywhere in public. Take care of these places:
Crowded places. Sometimes, staying 6 feet apart might not be possible or safe if there are people surrounding you both indoors and outdoors. At the restaurant and bars, keep your mask on even between sips and bites. At the gym, have your face covered all the time.
Closed spaces. This is vital, especially in poorly ventilated spaces. Open all the windows to ensure there is ample airflow to let the outside air in to help lower the concentration of possible airborne virus. Mask up when in the elevator, offices, grocery stores, hair salons, churches, and school.
Close contact spaces. Sometimes you will be forced to get out and interact with people. Some are fully vaccinated, and others aren’t. It is wise that you mask up when you talk close to the other person or in a close contact setting.
Wearing a mask is safe for everyone especially if you aren’t fully vaccinated. COVID-19 is a new virus, and research is ongoing. There are many things we don’t know about the virus, including its variants. Ensure you mask up to protect yourself and those around you.
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