01-26-2022, 05:12 AM
Can face masks help slow the spread of the coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2) that causes COVID-19? Yes. Face masks combined with other preventive measures, such as getting vaccinated, frequent hand-washing and physical distancing, can help slow the spread of the virus.
The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends fabric masks for the general public. If you’re fully vaccinated and are in an area with a high number of new COVID-19 cases, the CDC recommends wearing a mask indoors in public and outdoors in crowded areas or when you are in close contact with unvaccinated people. People who haven’t been fully vaccinated should wear face disposable masks indoors and outdoors where there is a high risk of COVID-19 transmission, such as crowded events or large gatherings. The CDC says that surgical N95 masks should be reserved for health care providers. Respirators such as KN95s and non-surgical N95s can be used by the general public when supplies are available.
Also called surgical masks, these are loosefitting disposable masks. They're meant to protect the wearer from contact with droplets and sprays that may contain germs. A 3ply medical disposable mask also filters out large particles in the air when the wearer breathes in.
vProper use, storage and cleaning of masks also affects how well they protect you. Follow these steps for putting on and taking off your mask or disposable glove:
Wash your hands immediately after removing your mask and protective garment.
Regularly wash cloth masks in the washing machine or by hand. (They can be washed along with other laundry.)
And don't forget these precautions:
The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends fabric masks for the general public. If you’re fully vaccinated and are in an area with a high number of new COVID-19 cases, the CDC recommends wearing a mask indoors in public and outdoors in crowded areas or when you are in close contact with unvaccinated people. People who haven’t been fully vaccinated should wear face disposable masks indoors and outdoors where there is a high risk of COVID-19 transmission, such as crowded events or large gatherings. The CDC says that surgical N95 masks should be reserved for health care providers. Respirators such as KN95s and non-surgical N95s can be used by the general public when supplies are available.
Also called surgical masks, these are loosefitting disposable masks. They're meant to protect the wearer from contact with droplets and sprays that may contain germs. A 3ply medical disposable mask also filters out large particles in the air when the wearer breathes in.
vProper use, storage and cleaning of masks also affects how well they protect you. Follow these steps for putting on and taking off your mask or disposable glove:
Wash your hands immediately after removing your mask and protective garment.
Regularly wash cloth masks in the washing machine or by hand. (They can be washed along with other laundry.)
And don't forget these precautions: