Here’s what experts say about whether it works.
Infectious Disease Specialist, Dr. Anthony Fauci:
“You know it’s probably because it’s a physical cover to prevent droplets and viruses from invading,” Fauci said. “So if you have a physical coating with one layer, if you put another layer on it, it only makes sense that it would probably be more effective.”
Air transmission expert, dr. Linsey Marr:
“Wearing two masks helps to improve the filtering ability of the mask in both directions, and so it helps you better and it also helps to protect others.”
While N-95 masks are still the gold standard because they block 95% of particles, they may be harder to find, and should be reserved for health professionals.
Researchers at Virginia Tech have found that the layer of two cloth masks can increase the number to between 50 and 75%, and wearing a three-layer mask can block up to 90% of particles, providing near N-95 protection.
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