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Wear a Mask
The dangerous upswing in cases of COVID-19 across the country - particularly in places like Santa Clara County that thought they had flattened the curve, but didn’t - is a reminder for us to be much more careful and wear a mask or similar face covering whenever we’re outside our homes.
It is also likely that we will need to do this for the rest of 2020 and longer.
There are many misconceptions (and actual disinformation or lies) circulating about why and how to wear a mask or other face coverings. These FAQs cover the most commonly-seen ones:
That said, the CDC’s face covering guidelines recommend that these folks should not wear a face mask:
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Children under the age of 2;
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Anyone who is “unconscious, incapacitated or otherwise unable to remove the mask without assistance”;
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People who have insurmountable problems breathing while wearing a mask;
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While communicating with someone who reads lips (although there also are clear masks available that may be a solution for working with deaf people).
Accommodating someone’s claim that they cannot wear a face covering or mask may be required under the ADA (it all depends on the circumstances), but that does not mean facilities must allow someone into their premises without a face covering, especially when required by public health authorities. Accommodations that obey mask regulations, like store curbside pick-up or delivery, are what the ADA specifies. Any document that claims an all-purpose ADA or medical exemption is fake.
It can be uncomfortable to wear a mask or face covering for extended periods of time. Elastic straps that go around the ears can irritate or stretch out. A clever solution to those problems is to sew buttons on a cap or headband, and loop the straps around the buttons instead. Several types of extenders that wrap around the back of the head can also improve the fit of elastic straps; another approach is to wear a mask that ties across the back of the head. Some people have found that using a silicone face mask bracket (Google the term “mask bracket” to see examples) helps with feeling claustrophobic, that the mask interferes with breathing or with sensory overload in folks with autism.
What kind of mask or face covering to wear?
Much has been written and said about what types of masks are best to protect their wearers and others from SARS-CoV-2.
Some sources advise against using the higher-rated N95 masks for everyday use because they’re in demand by healthcare workers and staff at places that require close contact with other people. Others argue that some people need N95 masks because of respiratory disease and/or to filter our smoke particles during California’s seasonal wildfires. If you do use a fiber N95 mask, be sure that it does not contain vents to send your breath out into ambient air. Many of these masks were intended for single use only; If you plan to re-use one, some sources recommend covering it with a washable cloth mask to extend its usable life.
However, current consensus among infectious disease experts seems to be that face coverings made from at least 2 layers of tight fabric, that securely cover nose and mouth without gaps, will cut down the transmission of droplets and aerosolized virus sufficiently when combined with staying six or more feet away from other people (who are not in the same household, since it’s impossible for nearly everyone to distance while sharing a home).
There are many different designs available for cloth masks. Among the patterns and instructions available to DIY, there are elastic-sided face masks, with pockets to add filters if needed; machine-sewn or hand-sewn versions - the possibilities are endless. There are even instructions available to improvise no-sew face coverings, like this from the CDC.
A tubular face covering (neck gaiter, “buff”, neck tube) folded to be at least double-layered, may work for a short period of time and in a pinch, but is not ideal for longer periods of time or regular use.
Mask fit
An ill-fitting mask can’t do the job. Especially if bad fit means that you’re constantly touching it when it’s on your face!
Be sure that it covers you from the bridge of the nose, around the chin, and close to the cheeks, as this video explains. Correct size is also important, especially in masks made for children; adults may need smaller or larger sizes, depending on the size of jaw and if the wearer has facial hair. N95 masks cover a smaller area of the face, and facial hair should not stick out around the edge, which means many mustache or beard styles are not suitable.
A wire sewn to the top edge can give a better fit around the bridge of the nose, as can custom-made metal strips (which are not 5G antennas, by the way!). There are a couple of different models of pre-made metal mask strips available for purchase, if your mask doesn’t have one already.
A better fit may resolve problems with glasses fogging up, but other tips or tricks may be needed.
Safely remove your mask and store it in between use. It’s tempting to keep a face mask in the car (or a pocket, or a purse) so it’s handy whenever you go out. It’s probably not an issue with a clean face mask, but it’s a bad idea to put the one you just used in your pocket or purse when it’s safe to take it off, because that simply shares any virus that may have collected on the mask with the contents of your pockets or purse or hand.
Instead, experts recommend taking face coverings off by holding the ties or the elastic only. Once off, slide it into a lunch - sized paper bag, folding the top of the bag closed, and carrying the bag inside for washing when you get home. (Some sources recommend putting used masks in a plastic bag, but that could collect moisture, maybe encourage mildew or extend the infectious life of any virus particles.)
And remember to wash or sterilize your hands before removing it and immediately afterwards!
Cleaning face masks
Face coverings should be cleaned after every wearing, which argues against leaving one in a car, purse, or bag to be re-used again.
Wash cloth masks after each outing, either in a washing machine (or by hand) and dry immediately. If you're hanging your mask up to dry, it’s preferable to expose to sunlight. If the mask contains a separate filter, remove it before washing and either trash it or wash separately according to instructions. For N95 masks, follow medical recommendations for reuse and for sterilizing.
(Caution: don’t try to sterilize any type of mask or face covering in a microwave. That’s another mask myth.)
Once a mask is clean and dry, you might wish to put it in a plastic ziplock bag to keep it virus-free while in your pocket, purse, or bag until you put it on again.
How many masks do I need?
Most people will need at least two (one available to wear while the other one is being cleaned). However, cloth face coverings of any type are less effective when they’re wet, so if you are likely to engage in activities while out that would raise a sweat, you’d need a back-up face covering for the same outing. If children are attending camp or daycare or school regularly, it might be wise to have several, to be sure of having a clean mask for each time they go out of the house.
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