Evidence-based Information from Trusted Sources

Amid the COVID-19 crisis, we are all urgently looking for ways to protect ourselves, our relatives, and friends from this global health emergency. While some official sources report that only those having symptoms should wear a mask, others state that everyone regardless of the presence of symptoms should wear a mask.

So, what exactly should we do? Should we all wear masks to protect ourselves from this deadly virus?

Should You Wear a Face Mask?

The WHO recommends using a face mask in the following instances:

• When taking care of an infected person.
• If you have flu-like symptoms.
• If you work as a healthcare provider and will be in direct contact with COVID-19 patients.

However, on the 4th of April, the CDC changed the recommendations about face masks. The CDC now firmly recommends that every healthy person should wear a cloth mask because there is evidence that doing so can slow down the spread of COVID-19.

The Importance of Wearing a Face Mask:

1. Masks Prevent You from Spreading the Virus by Blocking Respiratory Droplets & Saliva

COVID-19 can live for several days inside the nose, throat, and lungs of an infected person. When a person is infected with COVID-19, the virus can be expelled through cough and sneeze. If at that moment, instead of coughing into the air and spreading the virus around, that person wears a mask; most of the viral droplets will be blocked and trapped within the mask itself.

Wearing a face mask prevents you from spreading the virus to your relatives, friends, and anyone in your surroundings.

2. You Can Spread COVID-19 Even If You Don’t Have Symptoms

Even if a person does not have symptoms, he can still spread the virus to others around him. These persons are referred to as asymptomatic carriers. Asymptomatic carriers can carry COVID-19 for 1 to 14 days before showing symptoms.

3. Face Masks Can Protect You from Catching the Virus

There is growing evidence that wearing face masks can also protect you from catching the virus if you don’t already have it. However, this depends greatly on the type of mask you use. A cloth mask won’t directly protect you from catching the virus but, some respirators do give some level of two-way protection.

However, different masks have different levels of effectiveness. We’ve compared the 3 commonest types to help you figure out which one suits you best.

Types of Masks & Their Effectiveness:

For high-risk exposures, positive pressure suits are the best choice.

What the Experts Say?

• A study carried out by scientists from the University of Hong Kong confirmed that the novel coronavirus could be transmitted from person-to-person without showing symptoms.
• A letter published by the New England Journal of Medicine identified another case of asymptomatic COVID-19 transmission that started in Germany and was transmitted outside Asia.

Sometimes, when an infected but symptomless person sneezes or simply talks, the viruses are packaged into air droplets and are transmitted to others. According to recent research published in March 2020, the virus can float in the air for up to 3 hours after being expelled.

This means that anyone who comes into a closed, poorly ventilated room can breathe in the COVID-19 hanging in the air.

If everyone starts wearing masks, then even if they are symptomless carriers, there will still be a barrier to block infected droplets from escaping their nose and mouth.

Guidelines for Wearing Face Mask:

How do you properly use a mask? Follow the steps below:

• Clean your hands, either by washing with soap and water or by using an alcohol-based Hand Sanitizer.
• Before putting the mask on, inspect it for any tears or holes.
• Locate the metal strip in the mask. This is the top of the mask.
• Orient the mask so that the colored side faces outward, or away from you.
• Place the top part of the mask on the bridge of your nose, molding the metal strip to the shape of your nose.
• Carefully loop the elastic bands behind your ears or tie the long, straight ties behind your head.
• Pull the bottom of the mask down, ensuring that it covers your nose, mouth, and chin.
• Try to avoid touching the mask while you’re wearing it. If you must touch or adjust your mask, be sure to clean your hands immediately afterward.
• To take off the mask, unloop the bands from behind your ears or undo the ties from behind your head. Avoid touching the front of the mask, which may be contaminated.
• Promptly dispose of the mask in a closed garbage bin, thoroughly cleaning your hands afterward.

In closing, here’s what you should retain about face masks:

• The CDC now recommends healthy people to wear masks made up of
• Wearing a mask does not give you 100% guarantee that you won’t catch COVID-19.
• Face masks are only effective when used in combination with regular hand washing and social distancing.

Let’s break the chain! Stay Safe!