(CBS4) – Health experts say wearing a mask provides protection against COVID-19 for both the person wearing the mask and the people around them. Now we hear that wearing two masks can offer even more protection.
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The editor of CBS4 Medical, Dr. Dave Hnida, spoke about these reports in an interview on CBSN Denver.
“Specifically, what we are saying is that two masks can actually be equal to the protection you would get with N-95 masks, which is considered to be the best mask that exists without a complete respirator unit,” said Hnida.
He said that wearing a surgical mask with a cloth mask over it provides an extra layer of protection.
“The reason for this is that you end up getting more filtration of viral particles, it becomes more of an obstacle for the viral particle to make its way from the air to the nose and throat and then to the lungs.”
But three masks may be going too far, as this can interfere with your ability to breathe.
He pointed out that President-elect Joe Biden has been “double-masked” for many months, as have coaches at NFL football games.
“Even in my own family, when we have external contact – however limited it is – we wear a double mask. So the question is, ‘Is it effective?’ The answer is: ‘Yes’ and it is something that you can consider. “
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