<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD HTML 4.0 Transitional//EN" "http://www.w3.org/TR/REC-html40/loose.dtd“>
By Katie McCallum | Houston Methodist
April 7, 2020 – To wear a mask or not to wear a mask? This question has sparked discussion since the onset of the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.
In the initial phase of the pandemic, health officials advised healthy individuals to refrain from using face masks, as these are vital medical supplies needed by healthcare professionals. There was also concern that wearing a mask might give some individuals a false sense of security, leading them to venture outside their homes more than necessary and neglect social distancing guidelines.
As the COVID-19 situation escalated, advice from health authorities on facial coverings adjusted accordingly. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) now recommends wearing cloth face coverings in public settings, particularly in areas experiencing significant community transmission.
If you’re uncertain about the mask guidelines and seeking clarity, here are four essential points regarding the updated recommendations for face coverings.
Reasons for the Shift in Face Covering Guidelines
Early in the pandemic, we recognized the importance of preventive measures to avoid COVID-19 infection, such as washing hands, practicing social distancing, and frequently disinfecting surfaces that are often touched.
As the virus spread, it became clear what safety steps to take if someone is exhibiting signs of COVID-19, including proper cough etiquette and self-quarantine.
But what if you are infected and unaware?
It is increasingly understood that individuals can transmit COVID-19 even when they show no symptoms, which has several implications. First, symptoms can appear anywhere from two to 14 days post-infection. During this time without symptoms, those you interact with closely are at risk of contracting the virus. Second, some individuals infected with the virus may never exhibit symptoms. Dr. Robert Redfield, the director of the CDC, has stated that a considerable portion of infected individuals remain asymptomatic—possibly as high as 25%.
Public health experts have discovered that asymptomatic individuals are more common than initially thought, and they do indeed contribute to the spread of the virus.
In summary, even if you feel unaffected, you could still be infected and unwittingly transmitting COVID-19.
With this knowledge, the CDC now advocates that the general public utilize cloth face coverings to help mitigate the spread of coronavirus—especially in regions with community transmission. This guidance primarily aims to prevent asymptomatic individuals from inadvertently spreading the virus to healthy individuals rather than solely protecting the wearer.
Understanding Cloth Face Coverings
Now that we recognize the rationale behind the changed face covering recommendations, let’s discuss what constitutes an appropriate face covering.
A cloth face covering is a fabric-based mask that you create at home from common materials, like a bandana or an old t-shirt.
It’s crucial to note that cloth face coverings are not equivalent to surgical masks or N-95 respirators, which are essential supplies that should be reserved for healthcare professionals. If you have unopened surgical masks or N-95 respirators, consider donating these critical personal protective equipment (PPE) items to your local hospital.
Guidelines for Properly Wearing Face Coverings
If you need to craft your own cloth face covering and are unsure where to begin, you’re not the only one. Thankfully, the CDC provides guidance for making various types of homemade cloth face coverings, including methods that require just scissors and an old t-shirt. There are also directions for sewn cloth masks and bandana masks using rubber bands and a coffee filter.
Regardless of the type of homemade cloth face covering you select, keep these do’s and don’ts in mind:
Do make sure it fits snugly against your face while covering both your nose and mouth.
Do ensure it stays securely in position (consider using rubber bands if needed).
Do include multiple layers of fabric.
Do wash it regularly in the washing machine.
Don’t let it restrict your breathing.
Don’t touch your eyes, nose, or mouth while removing it, and wash your hands afterward.
Don’t use a mask that has lost its shape or function after being washed.
Additionally, cloth face coverings are not advised for certain groups, including:
Children under age 2.
Individuals who have trouble breathing.
Individuals who cannot remove the mask without assistance.
Remember Social Distancing is Still Essential
While cloth face coverings are advised to help slow the spread of COVID-19, this new recommendation does not replace the need for social distancing or any existing stay-at-home orders.
Social distancing remains the most vital community-based strategy we can adopt to “flatten the curve,” helping to protect high-risk individuals and alleviate demands on the healthcare system. Epidemiological modeling shows that COVID-19 cases could surge if social distancing measures are relaxed or not maintained in the upcoming weeks.
Thus, even if you have a cloth face covering prepared, it’s crucial to continue limiting your time at home as much as possible and maintain a distance of six feet from others when you do go out.
Worried You May Have COVID-19?
If you are experiencing symptoms indicative of COVID-19, you can consult with a Virtual Urgent Care provider any time. The provider will help assess whether testing is necessary and guide you on the next steps.
For more information, visit https://www.houstonmethodist.org/blog/articles/2020/apr/coronavirus-what-you-need-to-know-about-the-new-cloth-face-covering-recommendations/
