Posted on February 20, 2021 at 12pm by Carol Tannenhauser
By Carol Tannenhauser
The New York Department of Health is recommending that New Yorkers wear two masks – one made of paper covered with a cloth – to better contain the spread of the coronavirus, Mayor Bill de Blasio and New York Health Commissioner Dr Dave Chokshi, jointly announced in the Mayor’s weekly press conference on Thursday.
This follows the recent launch of a CDC study, which found “that two masks are better than one to slow the spread of the coronavirus,” reported the AP. “The researchers found that the use of a mask – surgical or cloth – blocked about 40% of the particles that came towards the head that was breathing. When a cloth mask was worn on top of a surgical mask, about 80% were blocked. When the exhalation and inhalation heads were doubly masked, more than 95% of the particles were blocked … ”
The new orientation comes at a time when there is growing concern about the emergence of more contagious variants of the virus in the city. It has become a requirement in some New York courts. “Visitors to the Manhattan federal court and other buildings in the Southern District of New York are now required to wear two face masks or an FDA-approved N95 mask,” wrote the New York Post.
“Of all the things we learned in this crisis, perhaps the most profound is the power of a mask,” said the Mayor of Blasio. “What we are saying today is the time to double. Two masks are better than one. Double it. “
“Masks help us face the world and each other, but it is important that we charge ourselves correctly,” said Dr. Chokshi. “The strategies we are sharing today will help protect all of us from COVID-19.”
The Department of Health issued the following guidelines on proper selection and use of facial coverings:
Use a facial cover with two or three layers of material to prevent unfiltered air from passing through. A face cloth covering a disposable mask is also recommended. However, people should not wear two disposable masks. Using two of these masks does not help to improve the fit.
Use facial covers made of tightly woven fabric (fabrics that will not let light through when held against a light source). Facial covers should be made of breathable fabric (such as cotton) and not leather, plastic or other materials that make breathing difficult.
Do not use a faceplate with an exhalation valve, as this allows unfiltered exhaled air to escape.
Make sure that the facial cover fits comfortably on the sides of your face and completely covers your nose and mouth, without slipping. The freely adjustable facial covers allow respiratory droplets to enter and leak.
For New Yorkers at higher risk, the guidance recommends two masks or even consider higher grade masks, such as a KN95 mask, which is similar in design and function to the N95 masks used by healthcare professionals.