ARE TWO MASKS BETTER THAN ONE?
According to Dr. Anthony Fauci, the Director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, wearing two masks is common sense. Fauci told NBC News: “If you have a physical covering with one layer, put another layer on, it just makes common sense that it likely would be more effective”.
SHOULD I WEAR TWO MASKS?
The CDC has not issued official guidance on double-masking, however the evidence suggests two masks are likely more effective than a single mask. In situations where you are not able social distance, you may want to double up by wearing a cloth mask over a surgical mask or two cloth masks.
In the early days of the pandemic, medical workers were double-masking to try to extend the life of scarce N95 masks, which continue to be in short supply.
One drawback of wearing two masks is that the multiple layers of material could make it harder to breathe. If you already have trouble breathing while wearing one mask, adding another may not be the best option.
THE CDC NOTES WEARING ONE MASK IS BETTER THAN NOT WEARING ANY FACE COVERING. WEARING A FACE MASK IN PUBLIC HELPS PREVENT THE SPREAD OF COVID -19 – BUT ONLY IF WORN PROPERLY, COVERING BOTH YOUR NOSE AND MOUTH. STAY SAFE.
Stay Safe.
Wear a mask.
Wash your hands.
Watch your distance.
Sheila Birnbaum’s professional career has been devoted to enhancing patient care. As the Director of the Patient Advocacy Program at Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital (RWJUH), Hamilton, NJ, she instituted numerous programs, many which received statewide recognition, including several prestigious rewards.
