The “new normal” is quickly becoming just plain old “normal”, and nothing has symbolised that more than the adoption of the face mask.
2020’s most worn fashion accessory has been part of public debate since the global pandemic hit the mainstream media, and, almost a year on, still divides opinion.
Let’s take a look at this divisive face cover and debunk a few of the most popular mask myths.
1. Masks don’t stop the spread of the virus
The science is in, and a lot of it for that matter. Every credible scientific research study you could possibly find agrees on one thing: masks stop the spread of the virus.
Scientists have gone as far as to build 3D modelling tools that have recreated known COVID-19-spreading events, analysing how the virus spreads from a single person and infecting an entire room. The effectiveness of masks in all situations immediately reduced infection rates by up to 50% in most common situations.
2. Wearing a mask means I’m totally safe
Unfortunately, wearing a mask is one of several measures we all need to take to reduce our chances of catching the coronavirus. The same 3D modelling that demonstrated the effectiveness of masks also showed that any enclosed space requires constant ventilation to ensure that the occupants remain safe.
This means that if you’re sitting in a closed-off room or vehicle without good ventilation, whether you’re wearing a mask or not, your risk of catching the virus increases.
If you want to protect yourself from the virus:
- Make sure you’re wearing a mask.
- Practice good social distancing.
- Wash your hands regularly for at least 20 seconds.
- Ensure that there’s always clear, consistent ventilation in any room or vehicle you’re in.
A prime example would be travelling on public transport. Make sure the windows are open in the vehicle at all times. This will go a long way in keeping you safe.
3. Home-made cloth masks don’t work
Masks work, regardless of the type of mask. This means that any form of a mask is better than none at all. However, there are some masks that work better than others. For example, the medical-grade N95 masks are regarded as “the gold standard”, but can be hard to find.
Any cloth covering you use as a mask works, but there are a few things to keep in mind:
- The shape is important. Make sure the mask covers your face effectively, and try to look for one that has a large area around your mouth and nose. Make sure it fits tightly around the edges but the shape creates a larger breathing zone around your mouth.
- Ventilated masks aren’t better. The popular masks you see with ventilation valves on the side can be worse than cloth masks because more often than not the filter in the vent is old or missing. This just means there’s a big hole for particles to enter and exit!
- Get a multi-layered mask. The reason masks work well is because particles of various sizes cannot travel through the fabric. By having multiple layers to your mask, you create a denser maze for the particles to travel through. The more you have, the thicker the maze and the more particles the mask will catch.
Masks have been proven to help slow the spread of the virus and keep both you and those around you safe. Keep wearing a clean mask, social distancing and washing your hands regularly. If you want to add an extra layer of protection during these difficult times, consider GetSavvi Health medical insurance for you and your family.
While no one can say for certain what the future holds, the best that you can do is protect yourself and the ones you love. Get more information about GetSavvi Health medical insurance by clicking the link below or calling 0861 18 92 02.
Find out more today about GetSavvi Health medical insurance.
References:
https://www.businessinsider.com/science-debunked-6-myths-about-masks-stop-believing-them-2020-8?IR=T
https://www.mayoclinichealthsystem.org/hometown-health/speaking-of-health/debunked-myths-about-face-masks
https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2020/10/30/science/wear-mask-covid-particles-ul.html
https://english.elpais.com/society/2020-10-28/a-room-a-bar-and-a-class-how-the-coronavirus-is-spread-through-the-air.html