Wearing masks can help communities slow the spread of COVID-19 when worn consistently and correctly by a majority of people in public settings and when masks are used along with other preventive measures, including social distancing, frequent handwashing, and cleaning and disinfecting.
How does a surgical mask help to prevent contracting COVID-19?
If worn properly, a surgical mask is meant to help block large-particle droplets, splashes, sprays, or splatter that may contain germs (viruses and bacteria), keeping it from reaching your mouth and nose. Surgical masks may also help reduce exposure of your saliva and respiratory secretions to others.
Can face coverings reduce the risk of COVID-19?
A study of an outbreak aboard the USS Theodore Roosevelt, an environment notable for congregate living quarters and close working environments, found that use of face coverings on-board was associated with a 70% reduced risk.
How do cloth face coverings and face shields protect against COVID-19?
Cloth face coverings and face shields are types of source control that provide a barrier between droplets produced from a potentially infected person and other people, reducing the likelihood of transmitting the virus.
What are the risks of wearing an extra mask during the COVID-19 pandemic?
Adding an extra layer or mask could block vision. Reduced vision could lead to trips, falls, or other injuries.
How long does COVID-19 survive on fabric?
A study published in found that at room temperature, COVID-19 was detectable on fabric for up to two days, compared to seven days for plastic and metal. However, when it was exposed to high heat, the virus became inactive within five minutes.
Does wearing a cloth mask over a medical one reduce exposure to COVID-19 more than wearing just one mask?
Based on experiments that measured the filtration efficiencies of various cloth masks and a medical procedure mask (6), it was estimated that the better fit achieved by combining these two mask types, specifically a cloth mask over a medical procedure mask, could reduce a wearer’s exposure by >90%.
Does wearing a mask harm your health?
No, wearing a mask will not harm your health even if you are sick with a cold or allergies. If your mask gets too moist just make sure you are changing it regularly.
Can I wear two disposable masks to protect against COVID-19?
Disposable masks are not designed to fit tightly and wearing more than one will not improve fit.
What is the primary purpose of wearing a mask during COVID-19?
Wearing a mask will protect those around you from infection. COVID-19 is spread from person to person by respiratory droplets, which are largely projected when you cough, sneeze, talk and sing. Cloth face masks act as barriers, preventing those around you from inhaling these droplets.
How often do I need to wash my COVID-19 face covering?
If you’re using a cloth face covering, you should wash it after every use. Just like other materials and pieces of clothing, they can become contaminated by bacteria and viruses in our environment and can cause an infection if they’re worn for a prolonged period of time without being cleaned.
