After reaching record-high levels, the number of COVID-19 cases in the United States dropped dramatically in late January and early February. Experts attribute the drop to an increase in vaccinations along with continued mask-wearing and social distancing.
Until the majority of the country can be vaccinated, masks will still be with us for the foreseeable future. To that end, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) released new research and guidance recently to make your masks even more effective than they already were at preventing the spread of the coronavirus.
Glens Falls Center for Rehabilitation and Nursing has the details on two things you can do to make your masks up to 95% effective in preventing infectious droplets from going through your mask.
- Double Your Mask
A standard two- or three-layer cloth mask has been found to stop anywhere from 45% to 75% of droplets from passing through the mask. You can up this number to 95% by simply doubling up your mask. The CDC recommends wearing a standard disposable medical procedure mask and then topping that with a cloth mask over it. Another option is to wear a nylon covering over the procedure mask.
- Fitting Your Mask
The other way to achieve the 95% effectiveness number (without an N-95 mask) without having to double mask is by knotting the ear loops on a medical procedure mask and tucking in the sides. This eliminates the extra space in the mask for particles to enter and escape.
It’s also advised to select masks that have a nose wire that can be adjusted to create a more snug fit at the top of the mask.
To learn more about Glens Falls Center for Rehabilitation and Nursing and all of the services they offer, visit http://glens-falls-center.facilities.centershealthcare.org/.
