We have all learned a great deal about the novel coronavirus, COVID-19, in a short period of time. And the more we learn, the better recommendations health and governmental officials can offer to help “flatten the curve”. But, with so much information being released each day, it can be hard to keep up with current guidelines.
There is no question that the United States has an unparalleled health care system that can help patients with the most complex medical conditions. However, our “high-tech” capabilities must not make us complacent that we are accustomed to preventing the droplet-based spread of a highly contagious respiratory virus. Ironically, residents of countries with greater degrees of crowding, more variable public health standards and more experience with recent epidemics such as SARS and MERS may be more accustomed to good behavioral practices and personal protections against viral illness. Wearing face masks is a critical part of this equation and may have been instrumental in slowing the spread of COVID-19 in mainland China.
It is important to note that the most effective methods to slow the spread of coronavirus are hand washing, avoidance of contaminated objects, and proper social distancing. In addition to these practices, the most recent recommendation advised by the Center for Disease Control is public use of cloth face coverings. With all the confusion surrounding this topic, I will address the proper use of face masks for the public, where to get them, and how to wear and clean them.
Why is CDC now recommending the public use of face masks?
The most important measures to reduce the risk of public infections are maintaining social distance and avoidance of congregating. In addition, it has been important for healthcare associates and infected patients to wear face masks to reduce the risk of transmitting COVID-19 in healthcare facilities. This reflects the fact that close face to face encounters, like caring for a sick patient, can result in significant exposure to coronavirus. In contrast, most public and social encounters are less likely to result in such an exposure.
We have become increasingly aware that a significant portion of individuals with coronavirus have minimal or no symptoms. Even those who eventually develop symptoms can transmit the virus to others before realizing they’re sick. The virus can spread through people in close proximity by speaking, coughing or sneezing. In light of these new findings, CDC now recommends wearing cloth face coverings in public settings where it may be difficult to maintain six feet of social distance. That includes when visiting essential businesses like grocery stores and pharmacies, where people interact in close contact with a cashier.
Which type of mask should you wear?
With the limited supply of masks nationwide, we must ensure personal protective equipment is readily available in medical settings to protect the healthcare workers and patients who are at highest risk. That is why it is crucial to understand the difference between three types of face masks: N95 masks, surgical masks, and cloth face coverings. Cloth face coverings fashioned from household items such as bandanas, scarves and the like, are being recommended for public use. While disposable surgical masks are fine if you already have them, the general public does not necessarily need N95 or surgical masks and there is a concern that widespread consumer consumption could lead to supply shortages for healthcare workers.
While not medical grade, cloth face masks have been shown to help protect others from you, in the event that you are unknowingly infected. They can also offer an important cue not to touch your face, something we’re all in the habit of doing more than we realize. However, it is important to remember that cloth masks do not protect you from becoming infected from someone else. That is why we can’t let them give us a false sense of security—we must still practice safe, social distancing and proper hand washing.
How to properly make and use a cloth face mask
If you choose to wear a cloth face mask, there are many ways to make one for free at home. For example, you can cut a t-shirt to create ties that go behind your neck and head. If you’re handy at sewing, you can cut rectangles of cotton, run elastic through the hem to create ear loops, and sew it together. A third method is to place a coffee filter inside a folded bandana and use hair ties as the ear loops. More information about homemade face masks can be found at the Center for Disease Control and Prevention.
Cloth face coverings should fit snugly and comfortably against the side of the face, while allowing for breathing without restriction. Make sure to wash your hands before and after putting your face mask on. Never touch the front of the mask—only handle it from the sides or straps and be careful not to touch your face while doing so. If you need to take your mask off, put it on a clean surface or in a bag. Furthermore, it is important to wash the mask at the end of the day or when you get home. You can put it in a pillowcase and toss it in the washing machine. Alternatively, you can soak your mask in a bowl with warm, soapy water and vinegar for twenty minutes, rinse it well, wring it out and hang it to dry (or dry it inside a pillowcase in the dryer).
Where to get cloth face masks
If you don’t want to make your own, some local businesses such as tailors and boutiques are making and selling face masks. You can also buy them on websites like Amazon and Etsy. But, be careful of these sites as quality varies, and the masks may not be made according to CDC guidelines. They can also be very expensive as supplies are low.
Finally, I am excited to share a new, innovative way for Jacksonville area residents to receive free, CDC-recommended cloth face masks. Through the “Masks4Jax” movement, large-scale manufacturers and local businesses have come together to make masks readily available in our community. Starting this week, 30,000 masks will be donated to local restaurants. Simply order takeout from one of the participating locations, and you’ll receive two free face masks with your order. This is a great way to help support local businesses and help flatten the curve of coronavirus infections in our local community. Visit Masks4Jax.com to find the steadily growing list of participating restaurants. As we come together to combat this very serious pandemic, remember that cloth face coverings help the most when everyone wears them: “I wear my mask to protect you, and you wear your mask to protect me.”
Dr. Anthony Magnano is a Ponte Vedra Beach resident and local cardiologist. For more information about the Masks4Jax movement and where to receive free face masks, visit Masks4Jax.com.
