Masks appear to be dramatically effective in slowing down the spread of coronavirus. But is a cloth mask enough? Do we have to wear two masks? And what about the N95 medical face covers?
Although the transmission of the virus has slowed sharply in Los Angeles County, the risk of spreading the disease remains high – and the presence of new, possibly more contagious variants only increases the risk.
Cloth masks
There has been a debate over whether cloth masks provide enough protection. Experts say they are definitely better than not wearing a mask at all, but there may be better options.
The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recently recommended that people wear masks with two or more layers of breathable material.
If you wear a cloth mask, the CDC says to look at these characteristics:
- Tightly woven fabrics, such as cotton and cotton blends
- Breathable material
- Two or three layers of material
Less effective types of masks are:
- Made of loosely woven fabric, such as loose knitwear
- Made of material that is difficult to breathe through (such as plastic or leather)
- Those with a single layer
Avoid the following:
- Masks made of fabric that makes it difficult to breathe, such as vinyl
- Masks with exhalation valves or openings, which allow virus particles to escape
Double masks
Wearing two masks is becoming more common.
Los Angeles County Public Health Director Barbara Ferrer said during an information session Wednesday that “you will now see many more people who are actually double masking.”
She said it’s practical, a little thoughtful ‘to add an extra layer between your breathing drops and the rest of the world. ‘
One way to double mask is to first put on a medical mask and then cover it with a cloth cover, Ferrer said.
During an appearance in this week’s show “Today”, dr. Anthony Fauci, the country’s leading expert in infectious diseases, said: “If you have a body coat with one layer, you put another layer on it, it just makes common sense that it will probably be more effective.
“That’s the reason,” he said, “you see people doubling down or doing a version of an N95.”
A scientific advisory group in LA County is examining the data regarding whether double masking is effective and in what settings.
KN95 versus N95
Another option is the KN95 mask, which is medical but manufactured to a Chinese specification. It’s probably more effective than cloth face covers, Ferrer said.
One advantage of KN95 masks is that it can be easier for the public to use than the gold standard breathing mask used by medical professionals in the US, the N95 mask.
Although N95 masks are very effective, they especially need to be applied to the wearer to maximize their effectiveness, Ferrer said.
If an N95 mask is used, it can also have a shortage of health workers. Ferrer said the province’s scientific advisory group should review the guidelines of government experts in the field of masks and other emerging sciences.
“I will remind people that we are completing our review of the literature, the studies and what OSHA has to say about this,” Ferrer said, referring to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration.
Ferrer emphasizes, however, that Angelenos must follow the guidelines for public health already used regarding the wearing of masks.
With vaccination still not enough, she said taking personal steps to limit the spread is the surest way to improve conditions so the province can reopen additional businesses and enable more students to return to the classroom stop.
“If you care about our children, if you care about our small businesses,” she said, “we need you to follow public health guidelines at all times.
‘Just because some sectors have reopened does not mean that the risk of transfer has disappeared. It did not. ”
Vaccines
Even getting both the required doses of the existing vaccines does not mean that you should stop wearing a face mask or follow other infection prevention protocols.
“There is currently not enough information to say whether or when the CDC no longer recommends that people wear masks and avoid close contact with others to prevent the spread of the virus that causes COVID-19,” the agency said on its website. writing.
If you get both doses of the currently available vaccines, although it is very effective in protecting you from diseases, it can not prevent you from becoming an asymptomatic carrier of the virus and infecting other people with it, officials say. Further study is needed to determine.