In response to the recent emergence of new COVID variants, the Centers for Disease Control & Prevention (CDC) has tightened its recommendations for wearing a mask. In addition to suggesting how to better fit your mask to reduce your risk, the health agency now suggests that certain risky places need better masks that provide better “fit or filtration”. Read on to find out more about the CDC’s new recommendations, and for another tip for the mask you need to know, go to If you see it on your mask, tell the FDA to throw it away immediately.
Based on a new study published in their Weekly report on diseases and deaths, the CDC has some suggestions that could reduce COVID aerosol exposure by up to 95 percent. According to the health authority, you can make a ‘double mask’ by laying a cloth mask over a surgical mask, or you can add something else on top of your mask to enforce the outer seal and prevent air leaks or gaps, such as a mask provider. or a sleeve made of pure nylon stockings.
“We know that universal masking works,” John T. Brooks, MD, medical officer for the CDC’s COVID-19 response, said recently The Washington Post. “And now these variants are circulating … whatever we can do to improve the fit of a mask to make it work better, the faster we can end this pandemic.”
While the CDC says there are still circumstances in which a simple cloth cover or medical mask will remain adequate, they have given four examples of destinations that warrant an upgrade of the mask. Read on to see where a better mask is a must, and to find out which masks to avoid, check out The CDC Warns Against Use This 6 Face Masks.
1
The grocery store
While the CDC recognizes that your regular mask can be good for ‘talking to neighbors when you’re outside and at least six feet away’, a trip to the grocery store is a different story. There you will probably encounter narrow corridors that complicate social distance and questionable ventilation systems.
Some experts believe that you should use the grocery store only as a last resort during this increased risk stage of the pandemic. “Buying five minutes in the grocery store is much better – six times better – than buying 30 minutes,” Tom Frieden, the former director of the CDC, recently told Vox. “Picking up groceries at the edge of the house is even better, and it’s even better to deliver them,” he added. And for more information on places you should avoid at the moment, find out where you catch COVID the most right now, says new study.
2
The doctor’s office
Although experts say that it is important not to skip the necessary medical appointments for fear of contracting COVID, this is one place where you definitely want to bring your best masking system.
Travel to the doctor’s office usually includes time with others in a waiting room, as well as close contact with medical staff in a smaller examination room. Being prepared with a well-fitting, very protective mask is essential to keep you as well as medical staff safe. And for more information on masks that do not fit the bill, go to The One Face Mask which according to the Mayo Clinic is ‘unacceptable’.
3
Your workplace
The CDC says that if you ‘have worked at a job where you are exposed to people who do not live with you and you can not always keep at least a distance from others than a distance from others,’ it is wise around an upgraded mask.
While assignments and other outings can put you at risk for a shorter period of time, most people who work on site have an increased risk for many hours of the day. Reduce the chance of infection by putting on masks or adding features that enhance the fit. And sign up for our daily newsletter for more COVID updates sent directly to your inbox.
4
Public transport
While outdoor travel such as hiking or biking can be a COVID-friendly solution for your commute, there are times when you may travel by public transportation, especially during these colder winter months.
As the CDC now recommends, you should wear a better than average mask every time you travel by plane, bus, train or other form of public transportation to, inside or outside the United States and in U.S. transportation centers such as airports and stations. ‘And if you’re anxious about when you can get vaccinated, then know that dr. Fauci says you will easily get an appointment with a vaccine after this date.