WHAT MASK CAN AND CAN NOT DO
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Should we all be wearing masks? It’s the question on everyone’s mind amid the COVID-19 pandemic, which has infected at least 226,374 people in the United States as of Thursday, according to data compiled by Johns Hopkins University. The answer is not straightforward.
Here's what we do know:
- COVID-19 is believed to spread through respiratory droplets when an infected person coughs or sneezes, or from coming into contact with an infected surface and then touching your eyes, nose or mouth.
- Droplet transmission occurs when a person is in in close contact (within 1 m) with someone who has respiratory symptoms (e.g., coughing or sneezing) and is therefore at risk of having his/her mucosae (mouth and nose) or conjunctiva (eyes) exposed to potentially infective respiratory droplets.
- Transmission may also occur through fomites in the immediate environment around the infected person.Therefore, transmission of the COVID-19 virus can occur by direct contact with infected people and indirect contact with surfaces in the immediate environment or with objects used on the infected person (e.g., stethoscope or thermometer).
Wearing a mask is another way to help keep you protected against the virus. However, mask or no mask, failure to follow the illness prevention guidelines can increase your risk of exposure.
Surgical masks
Surgical masks are loose-fitting disposable masks that loop around the ears and cover the nose and mouth. Because they aren’t fitted on the sides, they don’t provide protection from airborne germs, according to the
Food and Drug Administration
.
However, surgical masks do stop larger droplets, splashes, saliva and respiratory secretions from spreading.
N95 respirators
N95 respirators are a different story — they are more protective because when used properly they are tight-fitting and filter out airborne particles. But according to the CDC, “these respirators are not used or needed outside of healthcare settings.”
Homemade Cloth Masks
The CDC recommends that the use of a simple cloth face covering when in a public setting to slow the spread of the virus should be used.
At best, “if you’re wearing a scarf around your face, or another homemade mask, then there’s a chance that your secretions will be contained in that as opposed to being spread to the environment,” said Angela Hewlett of the Infectious Diseases Society of America.
The Bigger Picture
- Putting on a homemade mask if you’re healthy could also dissuade you from touching your face, which is a common way the virus is spread.
- Using homemade masks also frees up more reliable medical masks for healthcare providers.
- Masks may be a tool to help us “flatten the curve,” but they can’t replace good hygiene and social distancing measures. Keep the six-foot distance, do not partake in unnecessary travel, stay in your homes, and keep washing your hands.
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Face Masks Frequently Asked Questions
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In light of new data about
how COVID-19 spreads
, along with evidence of widespread COVID-19 illness in communities across the country, CDC recommends that people wear a
cloth face covering
to cover their nose and mouth in the community setting. This is to protect people around you if you are infected but do not have symptoms.
When do you need to wear a cloth face covering?
A cloth face covering should be worn whenever people are in a community setting, especially in situations where you may be near people. These settings include grocery stores and pharmacies. These face coverings are not a substitute for social distancing. Cloth face coverings are especially important to wear in public in areas of widespread COVID-19 illness.
Do I still need to stay at least 6 feet away from people if wearing a cloth face covering?
Yes. Wearing cloth face coverings is an additional public health measure people should take to reduce the spread of COVID-19. CDC still recommends that you stay at least 6 feet away from other people (social distancing), frequent hand cleaning and other everyday preventive actions. A cloth face covering is not intended to protect the wearer, but it may prevent the spread of virus from the wearer to others. This would be especially important if someone is infected but does not have symptoms.
What type of cloth face covering should be worn?
Cloth face coverings can be made from household items or made at home from common materials at low cost.
Who should not wear cloth face coverings?
Cloth face coverings should not be placed on young children younger than 2 years of age, anyone who has trouble breathing, or is unconscious, incapacitated or otherwise unable to remove the cover without assistance.
Why is CDC recommending cloth face coverings instead of medical grade facemasks?
Surgical masks and N95 respirators are in short supply and should be reserved for healthcare workers or other medical first responders, as recommended by CDC guidance.
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Don't let fear take anymore air time in your mind!
Be Mindful on what you are feeding your mind. Information is important, but stay aware of the things that take your peace. Mindfulness means being aware of and controlling your experience.
Unlock the Wellworks Mindfulness E-Series and take control of your headspace!
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STAY SOCIAL WITH SOCIAL DISTANCING
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Increase your vulnerable sharing.
A friend of mine, sent a message out to people in his community, asking about their mental state on a scale of 1 to 10. Then, he shared the results regarding the people who were struggling (with their approval, I assume). Many people need to know that others are there for them and there is someone they can talk to. Seeing people show vulnerability can help others feel like they're not alone.
Reach out to someone who might need to hear that they are not alone -- your co-worker, your social media family, the delivery guy or girl who keeps you fueled so you can get work done. Share your feelings, too. If you approach this in a way that doesn't burden them, but helps them see your humanity, you'll be doing them a real service.
The coronavirus has introduced a
mentally draining situation
for all of us. But that means we can't just stand on the sidelines and lick our own wounds. Look at the other people around you, and offer what you can to help. If there's one good thing to come out of this, it will be our ability to care for each other.
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Schedule virtual People hour during lunch break
Focus on the personal, not business.
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Remember that we're all in this together.
Over the past few years (or, let's be honest, decades), we've been extremely divided because of politics, media challenges and generational differences. Let's use this crisis as an opportunity to not beat up on the other side; let's find some common ground and look out for one another.
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