We know you can hardly wait to remove the masks and get rid of them once and for all, but we have bad news. It’s time to add layers of mask! Health officials have begun recommending wearing two masks to help curb the dizzying number of coronavirus cases spreading across the country.
"Doubling or combining a washable fabric mask with a surgical mask has several benefits. In addition to comfort and reuse, there is also the benefit of being an effective viral barrier," says Kathleen Jordan, senior vice president of affairs. medical in Tia.
You can use a fabric mask and a surgical mask on top.
"The fabric mask can be washed and covers the side gaps often created by surgical masks, and allows the user to reuse the surgical mask that has better filtering power," says Dr. Jordan.
Why should I wear two masks?
"We now have virus variants that are even more contagious and we have a very high prevalence in many of our communities - we need to wear the right mask," says Jordan, adding that dual masks are a good idea.
"A surgical mask is about 80% effective in protecting against splashes, which is a very large protection, but it is not a 100% complete," says Edgar Sanchez, infectious disease expert at Orlando Health. "So if you add another mask on it, the effectiveness increases."
Experts recommend that if you are walking in a space where you are unlikely to encounter many people, you probably do not need to wear two masks. But if you are in an enclosed or crowded space, such as an airport or taxi, it is a good idea.
And remember, regardless of whether you have one or two masks, make sure they completely cover your nose and mouth, so that there are no large gaps on the sides of your mouth and you can breathe enough not to be tempted to remove it.
Adapted from Glamor
