Since March 2020, the conversation around masks has been a constant in our lives. As I sit down to write this, we’re on the brink of a full year since masks became an everyday necessity. Yet, a surprising number of individuals, including some politicians, continue to question their efficacy in combating COVID-19.
Initially, I found wearing a mask quite uncomfortable. However, it has since become as routine for me as donning a hat or jacket when I leave home. Now, as we face a new phase of the pandemic with more transmissible variants, it’s crucial that we put an end to the debates and enhance our masking practices.
This isn’t just some random individual sharing opinions on social media. Recent reports highlight that several European nations are encouraging their citizens to abandon cloth masks in favor of medical-grade options due to the rise of more infectious variants. Germany recently mandated that anyone using public transport or shopping must wear either an N95 or a surgical mask. Austria followed suit with similar guidelines, while France is advising its citizens to switch to N95 or surgical masks.
In a recent article by the Washington Post, U.S. health experts are finally advocating for the public to take similar precautions, despite the CDC not yet updating its official recommendations. The article notes that some experts are now suggesting purchasing high-quality KN95 or N95 masks, which were previously discouraged to conserve supplies for healthcare workers.
The impetus for these changes largely stems from new variants originating from the U.K., Brazil, and South Africa, which carry a significantly higher viral load. This means that an infected person can spread more virus when they sneeze, cough, or even talk, increasing the risk of transmission. Harvard epidemiologist Dr. Mark Thompson explained it this way: “In just under two weeks, you could see twice as many infections. Within a month, that could escalate to four or five times as many.”
Given the increased contagiousness of the virus, it’s imperative to make the most of the protective measures we have at our disposal. Experts agree that the N95 mask is the most effective. Research conducted by Duke University has shown that N95 masks lead the pack in terms of efficacy, followed by surgical masks, and then multi-layered cotton masks. To quantify this, N95 masks filter out 95% of potentially infectious particles, while homemade cloth masks may only filter out as little as 26%.
Consider this: if you had to enter a room with someone confirmed to be infected with COVID-19, would you prefer a mask that gives you a 5% chance of infection or one that raises the risk to 74%? Personally, I would opt for the N95 mask without hesitation, especially knowing that variants can be 50% more contagious.
Ultimately, the goal is to prevent the virus from entering our bodies and to safeguard those around us. COVID-19 is insidious, and we cannot always identify who may be carrying the virus without showing symptoms. Therefore, if you need to venture outside, make sure you’re doing everything possible to protect yourself and others. This means wearing the best mask—or masks—available.
Recently, Dr. Alice Morgan, a prominent public health advisor, recommended that if N95 or surgical masks are unavailable, individuals should consider double masking (wearing two masks at once): “If you layer a physical covering, it just makes sense that it would enhance effectiveness.” Additionally, Virginia Tech engineering professor Leah Sanders suggested that individuals can create their own three-layer masks by placing a filter, such as a cut-up vacuum cleaner bag, between two snug-fitting fabric masks.
We can conquer this virus together. Vaccines are slowly being distributed, but in the meantime, we must maximize the tools at our disposal. So, step up your mask game as if lives depended on it—because they truly do.
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In summary, as we confront more contagious variants of COVID-19, it’s imperative to enhance our masking strategies. Transitioning to high-quality masks such as N95 or double masking can significantly reduce transmission risks. Let’s take proactive steps to protect ourselves and our communities during this critical time.
Keyphrase: Upgrade Your Masking Strategies for COVID-19
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