If you have this mask, buy a new one now, says the CDC

Mask or double mask? That has been the issue at the forefront of pop culture in recent weeks, after several participants in President Biden’s inauguration were seen wearing two masks, one superimposed on the other, and some health experts suggested doubling in response to the new strains of COVID-19 . But the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has not yet changed its official recommendation: the agency says that everyone should wear a mask – a single mask – with certain characteristics. But, how long has it been since you consulted these guidelines? Is your current mask supply still adequate? Keep reading to get the essential advice – and to ensure your health and that of others, don’t miss out on these Certain Signs that You Have Had Coronavirus.

Elderly woman with breathing difficulties
Elderly woman with breathing difficulties

Do not use masks “made of fabric that makes it difficult to breathe, for example, vinyl”. Also avoid those made of leather or plastic. “If you wear glasses, find a mask that fits your nose well or has a wire to prevent fogging,” says the CDC.

woman with dyed hair and glasses wears a black protective mask with a breathing valve.
woman with dyed hair and glasses wears a black protective mask with a breathing valve.

Do not use masks that “have exhalation valves or openings that allow virus particles to escape,” says the CDC. “The purpose of the masks is to prevent respiratory droplets from reaching other people to help control the source,” says the agency’s guidance. “However, masks with valves or unilateral vents allow air to be exhaled through a hole in the material, which can result in the expulsion of respiratory droplets that can reach other people. This type of mask does not prevent the person wearing the mask from transmitting COVID -19 to others. “

Doctor, nurse with face mask and blue nitride gloves sharing an N95 mask.
Doctor, nurse with face mask and blue nitride gloves sharing an N95 mask.

There is no need for masks “aimed at healthcare professionals, including N95 respirators or surgical masks,” says the CDC. “They are very difficult to breathe when you use them correctly,” said Rochelle Walensky, the new head of the CDC, in. CNN Town Hall. “They are very difficult to tolerate when you use them for long periods of time.”

Woman wearing a virus protection mask.
Woman wearing a virus protection mask.

From CDC guide to masks recommends that you choose a face mask that

  • Features two or more layers of breathable and washable fabric

  • Completely covers your mouth and nose

  • Fits perfectly on the side of the face, with no gaps

If you are wearing a scarf, balaclava or ski mask this winter, you should wear them over your face mask. The CDC advises that these accessories should not be used as a substitute for a mask.

“Everyone should be wearing a mask,” said Dr. Walensky during a CNN press conference at COVID-19 last week. “If you’re using a cloth mask, it should be a multi-layered mask, so that you have multiple layers of potential protection.”

After the city hall, Walensky tweeted: “Please #Using a mask to protect yourself and others from #COVID-19. Masks work best when everyone wears them, but they are no substitute for social detachment. Masks should still be used, in addition to being at least 6 feet away (especially indoors, close to people you don’t live with). The CDC’s latest scientific summary on masks, which listed several studies that show that community masking has reduced or prevented the spread of COVID.

Family with two children goes on vacation, wearing masks at the airport.
Family with two children goes on vacation, wearing masks at the airport.

Now is a good time to ensure that you have enough masks and that they are of sufficient quality: starting at 11:59 pm Eastern time on Tuesday, the CDC requires all travelers in masks, planes, ships, trains, subways, buses, taxis and hitchhikers – and in transportation centers such as airports, bus and boat terminals, train and metro stations.

woman wearing protective mask in front of the airport employee and checking the temperature
woman wearing protective mask in front of the airport employee and checking the temperature

As for you, do everything you can to avoid getting – and spreading – COVID-19 in the first place: Wear a face mask, get tested if you think you have coronavirus, avoid crowds (and bars and parties at home), practice social detachment, perform only essential tasks, wash your hands regularly, disinfect surfaces that are touched frequently and overcome this pandemic in the healthiest way, don’t miss these 35 places you’re most likely to reach COVID.

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