Experts Say Double Masking Is More Effective

We're already a year into the pandemic but we're still learning new ways to help prevent the spread of the virus. According to the Wall Street Journal, a study published by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has indicated that "wearing a double mask or fitting a single mask more closely on the face substantially reduces the risk of infection."

During a series of laboratory experiments, the CDC concluded that wearing a three-ply medical or surgical mask under a three-ply cloth mask helps block 92.5 percent of particles from a cough. As for a single surgical mask, it can only prevent cough particles from spreading by 42 percent, while a cloth mask can only block 44.3 percent.

A number of medical and engineering experts recommend for people to upgrade their masks because "new variants of the virus are spreading around the country, particularly one that is significantly more transmissible than the currently most common strain." Other experts advise that people should wear N95 masks, which help filter out around 95 percent of small particles.

"Masking is one of our most potent means for not only the epidemic and its effects on human health and the economy, but also for slowing viral evolution," said John Brooks, chief medical officer of the CDC's COVID-19 response. "We are looking at all the ways we can enhance our prevention measures."

However, Dr. Brooks stated that it isn't certain whether single or double masks work differently against the new variants. "Whatever we can do to improve the performance of masks right now will speed our control of this pandemic," he added.

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