Recent events have left some questions as to whether they should wear two masks instead of one or whether there should be a specification for the masks worn.
As of Monday, the Austrian government is asking all residents to wear N95 in retail stores and supermarkets and on public transport. It is said that cotton and cloth masks are not enough.
The idea of double masking became really evident during the events in Washington this week. Some political officials did, such as former presidential candidate Pete Buttigieg. White House Press Secretary Jen Psaki doubled her first media conference.
A New York Times report last week suggested it would be a good idea for everyone to use N95s. They are designed to block 95% of small particles.
Dr. Jake Deutsch, emergency physician and chief officer of CURE Urgent Care New York City, told NY1 that if you don’t have a mask like an N95, a second coat is always helpful.
“Having a less favorable mask, maybe just a surgical mask or something you did at home, putting a second coat or barrier as an extra layer of protection is never a bad thing,” Deutsch said.
“We want to make the air move in a pattern that is kind of wavy, twisted and transformed to block the particles, and the finer the quality of the material, the less likely the particles that the virus worries about will pass through,” and then having two layers will be like a second layer of protection to prevent transmission, ”he continued.
Deutsch also said that no matter how many masks are worn, it is important how they are worn, such as making sure the nose is covered.
“When it comes to masking, it’s as good as the level of protection you have and if you use something sophisticated, like an N95 or just a piece of cloth, it’s really about how you use it and the circumstances on it. that allows that barrier to work, ”he said.
Proper exposure is also important. Deutsch said the masks should be removed from the side, not from the nose down, to avoid exposing any virus particles from the mask to the face.
He also said that cloth masks should be washed every day and fit properly.