Masks Work

by | Aug 27, 2021 | 2021, Family and Consumer Sciences, Health and Safety

Can you believe it? Here we go, again! The Covid-19 delta variant case surge is an unwelcome visitor for sure!

What works? What doesn’t work? I have always liked to err on the side of caution. Sound science is both prudent and responsible. Sound science says masks are necessary for our personal safety and the safety of those around us. In fact, with the dramatic rise in the number of Covid-19 delta variant cases, masks are being seen as necessary – in the workplace, in public, and at home in the event there is a contagious individual. The delta variant transmission rate is more easily spread than the original strain of Coronavirus. In fact, the Covid-19 delta variant:

  • Is more contagious
  • Might cause more severe illness than previous strains in unvaccinated persons

A protective face mask can help to reduce the spread of the COVID-19 virus.
Photo credit: Heidi Copeland

Public health experts advise mask protection. Wearing a mask works. What kind of mask?  A mask that is protective. Protective masks fit (your glasses do not fog), protective masks have a high filtration efficiency (materials, plus fit), protective masks have an extra layer of protection, and protective masks are large enough to cover both the nose and mouth at the same time and small enough to ensure large gaps do not occur. Protective masks should be comfortable enough for extended wear.

An efficient way to use what we already have is to double up – layer prevention strategies. Layering means wearing a cloth mask on top of a surgical mask or wear two cloth masks. Adding a filter also can extend the life of what we already own.

I’ve recently seen a few good mask hacks. One such hack involves using hair clips to hold the loops of the mask tightly at the back of the head and the other hacks tie the loops in such a way as to minimize any gaps on the side of your cheek, nose, and chin.

Although we are not quite back to square one, the ugly Covid-19 virus and its variants continue to rear their hideous head primarily through the air. If indoor space is shared – EVERYONE should be wearing a mask.

Let’s face it, we are relying on the decisions other people make. If everyone makes good decisions, we can bask in the glory that we did our part to help ourself and our neighbor.

Mask’s work.

For more information, visit:  https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/variants/delta-variant.html

Heidi Copeland
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