Mask-wearing, its benefits, and whether or not to do it, is a topic some people still choose to debate, more than eight months into the COVID-19 pandemic. It’s easy to understand why people have questions about the ever-evolving recommendations and policies, but that’s how science works! Experts deliver findings to their best possible conclusions, and then other scientists poke and prod at those results until they can be improved upon.

After months of observing and studying the virus, the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), a leader in the worldwide scientific community, continues to recommend universal mask-wearing for everyone that can do so safely. The CDC’s guidelines are very clear in their encouragement of universal mask-wearing, and their recommendations were recently updated to reflect evidence that potential health benefits go to both the wearers, and the people who are at risk of exposure.

Love Thy Neighbor

The official word on mask-wearing, from the beginning of the pandemic, was that wearing a mask in public primarily protects the community-at-large. This was true because over 50% of coronavirus transmission comes from asymptomatic carriers. When those asymptomatic people are masked, then their droplets are less likely to reach others. For this to work best, everyone needs to wear a mask, as if they are already carrying the virus.

The evidence that masks can stop the spread at the source has been observed in both clinical settings and among the general population. Studies are also showing that masks can offer protection to the wearer.

To Thine Own Self Be True

The results of these studies have fluctuated as to how many particles different types of masks can block, but the CDC recently determined that enough evidence was available to confidently advertise this benefit.

“Studies demonstrate that cloth mask materials can also reduce wearers’ exposure to infectious droplets through filtration, including filtration of fine droplets and particles less than 10 microns.”

We’ve never seen a micron, but we’re pretty sure they are very small! But remember that the ability of a mask to block out the coronavirus can be impacted by the quality, type, and quantity of the materials. You can learn more in our article on the best face mask materials.

All Together Now

The main takeaway from the most recent CDC bulletin is that the most effective way to stop the community spread of the coronavirus is for everyone to wear masks, along with practicing social distancing and washing our hands frequently. They say it best:

“The community benefit of masking for SARS-CoV-2 control is due to the combination of these effects; individual prevention benefit increases with increasing numbers of people using masks consistently and correctly.”

In addition to wearing a mask, it is crucial to protect your mask and keep it clean. For instance, what happens with your mask when you are in a position to safely remove it? You don’t want to set it down just anywhere or shove it in your pocket or purse, risking contamination. 

This is where maskSAFE comes to the rescue. Our sleek and stylish face mask holder protects your mask from cross-contamination and can extend the mask’s life. It’s also a sustainable choice for the eco-conscious mask-wearer, a far better alternative to using and discarding countless paper and plastic bags. There’s so much you get when you get maskSAFE!

- the maskSAFE Family