How Masks Help
Masks Are the Key to Stopping the Rise
COVID-19 can be transmitted via respiratory droplets, which may become airborne when an infected person coughs, sneezes or even breathes within a few feet of someone else. The virus can also settle onto surfaces, where it may survive long enough for other people to pick it up and transfer to vulnerable areas like the nose, mouth and the outer surface of the eyes (conjunctiva). So masks, by slowing the rate of droplets leaving the mouth and nose, can help reduce the viral load in the air and therefore reduce the number of virus particles on surfaces, but only if everyone does their part.
Masks Are the Key to Stopping the Rise
Choosing the Right Mask
The materials a mask is made from and the tightness of the fit on the face are both important factors; getting either wrong will significantly reduce the mask’s effectiveness. The most current research suggests a combination of fabrics. The best seems to be making the mask from one layer of cotton along with two layers of polyester/spandex chiffon as the different types of layers are more effective than using one single fabric.
This is because different types of fabrics work in different ways to block virus particles: Cotton creates a physical barrier, while chiffon creates an electrostatic barrier. The combination of both offers a better chance of trapping more particles and therefore protecting everyone around us.
Masks Are the Key to Stopping the Rise
I wear my mask while in public for 3 reasons:
1. HUMILITY
I don’t know if I have COVID
as it is clear that people can spread
the disease before they have symptoms.
2. KINDNESS
I don’t know if the person I am near has a kid battling cancer, or cares for their elderly mom.
While I might be fine, they might not.
3. COMMUNITY
I want my community to thrive, businesses to stay open, employees to stay healthy.
Keeping a lid on COVID helps us all!