Introduction
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is warning people to replace any cloth face masks that have elastic ear loops. The CDC says that these masks are no longer effective in preventing the spread of the coronavirus. The CDC recommends that people use masks with ties or ear loops that can be tightened and secured to the head. This article will discuss why the CDC is recommending this change and what types of masks are best for preventing the spread of the virus.
If You Have This Mask, Get a New One Now, CDC Says
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is urging people to replace any cloth face masks they have that are made of a certain type of material. The CDC says that masks made of a certain type of polypropylene material are not effective in preventing the spread of the coronavirus.
The CDC says that masks made of polypropylene, a type of plastic, are not effective in preventing the spread of the virus because the material is too porous. The agency recommends that people replace any masks made of this material with a cloth face covering that is made of two or more layers of breathable fabric.
The CDC also recommends that people wash their cloth face coverings regularly and avoid touching their face while wearing them. The agency also recommends that people avoid sharing their face coverings with others.
The CDC’s recommendation comes as the number of coronavirus cases continues to rise in the United States. The agency is urging people to take steps to protect themselves and others from the virus, including wearing a face covering when in public.
The CDC’s recommendation is just one of many steps people can take to protect themselves from the virus. Other steps include washing your hands often, avoiding close contact with people who are sick, and staying home if you are feeling ill.
To masks or to double masks? That is been the query on the forefront of popular culture in latest weeks, after a number of attendees at President Biden’s inauguration have been seen sporting two masks, one layered atop the opposite, and a few well being consultants recommended doubling up in response to new COVID-19 strains. However the Facilities for Illness Management and Prevention (CDC) hasn’t but modified its official advice: The company says everybody ought to put on a masks—a single masks—that has sure traits. However how lengthy has been because you consulted these tips? Is your present masks provide nonetheless as much as par? Learn on for his or her important recommendation—and to make sure your well being and the well being of others, do not miss these Positive Indicators You have Already Had Coronavirus.
Don’t put on masks which are “made of cloth that makes it arduous to breathe, for instance, vinyl.” Additionally keep away from ones product of leather-based or plastic. “If you happen to put on glasses, discover a masks that matches intently over your nostril or one which has a nostril wire to restrict fogging,” says the CDC.
Don’t put on masks that “have exhalation valves or vents which permit virus particles to flee,” says the CDC. “The aim of masks is to maintain respiratory droplets from reaching others to help with supply management,” the company’s steerage reads. “Nevertheless, masks with one-way valves or vents permit air to be exhaled by way of a gap within the materials, which can lead to expelled respiratory droplets that may attain others. One of these masks doesn’t stop the individual sporting the masks from transmitting COVID-19 to others.”
No want for masks which are “supposed for healthcare staff, together with N95 respirators or surgical masks,” says the CDC. “They’re very arduous to breathe in if you put on them correctly,” stated Rochelle Walensky, the brand new head of the CDC, at. CNN City Corridor. “They’re very arduous to tolerate if you put on them for lengthy durations of time.”
The CDC’s information to masks recommends that you simply select a face masks that
- Has two or extra layers of breathable, washable cloth
- Utterly covers your mouth and nostril
- Suits snugly towards the aspect of your face, with none gaps
If you happen to’re sporting a shawl, balaclava or ski masks this winter, you need to put on it over your face masks. The CDC warns that these equipment shouldn’t be worn as an alternative choice to a masks.
“Everyone needs to be sporting a masks,” stated Dr. Walensky throughout a CNN city corridor on COVID-19 final week. “If you happen to’re sporting a material masks, it needs to be a multi-layered masks, so that you’ve a number of layers of potential safety.”
After the city corridor, Walensky tweeted: “Please #WearAMask to guard your self and others from #COVID19. Masks work finest when everybody wears one, however they aren’t an alternative choice to social distancing. Masks ought to nonetheless be worn along with staying at the least 6 ft aside (esp. indoors round individuals you do not stay with).” She included a hyperlink to the CDC’s newest scientific temporary on masks, which listed a number of research displaying that group masking has diminished or prevented the unfold of COVID.
Now is an efficient time to be sure you have sufficient masks, and that they are of ample high quality: As of 11:59pm Jap time on Tuesday, the CDC is requiring that every one vacationers on airplanes, ships, trains, subways, buses, taxis, and ride-shares—and at transportation facilities equivalent to airports, bus and boat terminals, prepare and subway stations—put on masks.
As for your self, do all the things you’ll be able to to stop getting—and spreading—COVID-19 within the first place: Put on a face masks, get examined for those who suppose you’ve got coronavirus, keep away from crowds (and bars, and home events), apply social distancing, solely run important errands, wash your palms frequently, disinfect steadily touched surfaces, and to get by way of this pandemic at your healthiest, do not miss these 35 Locations You are Most More likely to Catch COVID.