Do I have to wear a mask?
This is the easiest question to answer. It is your choice! But in some states and some circumstances, you will be breaking the law if you do not.
The regulations vary from state to state. The most recent guidance from medical practitioners and the CDC ( Centers for Disease Control) strongly indicate that we are all safer if we do.
Why should I wear a face mask?
On the best information available, it is clear that Coronavirus diseases spread most easily on airborne water droplets. For example, when an infected person sneezes or coughs. Wearing a face mask has been shown to restrict the spread of airborne diseases.
The problem is that a significant number of infected people are either unaware or display no symptoms. That could be you and me. We may be infectious, capable of innocently passing on the virus to anyone around us. If we wear a face mask ‘when it matters’ we are protecting our community, friends and colleagues, our families, and ourselves.
When should I wear a face mask?
First, how do they work?
Let’s not get too technical but they work as a two-way barrier. They protect the wearer by acting as a filter which reduces the chances of inhaling infectious airborne water droplets. More significantly they prevent ‘larger’ expelled droplets (the wearer’s coughs and sneezes) from evaporating into smaller droplets which would otherwise travel further and put others more at risk.
Read our article on The risk of infection by water droplets and touching infected surfaces.
Obviously, in the open air with nobody about, you don’t need a mask either to protect yourself or others. Conversely, the more enclosed the space and the larger the number of people the greater the good sense of ‘masking’. Different states have different rules but as the rules are increasingly relaxed, so the need for good sense becomes more important.
Most of us live in four distinct environments within which there are various levels of risk. Broadly speaking these environments are; home, travel, work, and leisure. Let’s take these in order: –
- HOME
If you have anyone in your household who has tested positive for the COVID-19 virus they must, so far as is possible be isolated and be masked at all times in the presence of a third party. Visitors to the premises should always wear a mask.
- TRAVEL
When you travel by public transport you will usually be in an enclosed space and in close proximity to strangers. In most states, masks and social distancing are enforced by law. Under any circumstances, it makes sense to wear a mask and maintain as much distance as practical.
- WORK
Working conditions are controlled by law in all states though there some variations. Your employer may not force you to work in conditions that breach these standards. Most experts now agree that wearing a mask lowers the risk of infection for the wearer and the possibility of infecting colleagues. This is especially true in meetings or when face to face interaction is essential, even when transparent screening is provided.
- LEISURE
This is the area that needs the greatest amount of ‘good sense’.
Leisure, entertainment (including bars and restaurants), and sports are regulated by their state but it makes good sense to avoid large crowds (especially indoors) and even at outdoor events to wear a mask and to avoid ‘pinch points’ such as entries and exits.
Why has the guidance changed?
It would be fairer to ask why the emphasis has changed. Back in February/March it was everyone’s first concern to protect those most at risk, namely members of the medical profession and other carers most likely to be exposed. Even then it was clear that masks would be the first line of protection. A shortage of supply colored the advice given to the general public. A greater understanding of the pandemic itself and the response to the potential demand for masks has been reflected in both the advice and the availability of suitable protection.
Does it matter how many people wear masks?
In an ideal world, everyone would wear a mask and maintain a social distance of at least 6 feet. We know that is not going to happen! Even if a few people live in an area where few others wear masks, you reduce your own risk of infection if YOU DO!
Research suggests that if 80% of the population were to wear masks the effect would be more beneficial than strict lockdown. Which would you prefer?
Do your bit – Stay Safe!
FOOTNOTE STAY SAFE – The closest analogy is the seatbelt in autos. In 1968 wearing a seat belt became law. Since then seat belts (and airbags) are reckoned to have saved 20,000 American lives (each year)! 90% of us belt up when driving – not because it is the law but because it ‘makes good sense’. THAT LEAVES 27 MILLION WHO LEAVE THEMSELVES AT RISK
In which states is it mandatory to wear a mask?
Please tell nw what law you speak of,there is no federal law and no state has passed a law that violates the constitution never mind ADA.
Spot on
Communism
Your right, it’s all about Control. The government wants to see who they can control. For people to think that all of a sudden the government cares about the people, is beyond gullible. Why haven’t masks been required during flu season, which kills many more. Wake up, your paving the road to losing your Freedom
It would be great if we could push the shield for those that have issues with the mask. It should be fine as long as our face is covered, those that can’t wear one and concentrate with their mouth and nose covered with the mask. I believe that if we could have other options, people would help with this next phase! Asking people that have PTSD with the covering of your mouth/nose, don’t think the health officials take this in to consideration? The shields make it more cleared to see you and me.
In the article, it addresses about coughing or sneezing to not spread the virus…they make it seem like we constantly either sneeze or cough on people we are around! False assumptions….
Just remember people Iran Iraq always wear masks before this and guess what they have COVID-19. This is Communist
So basically wearing a mask is beneficial because you say so. Forgive me, but I must have overlooked the new research you presented on the effectiveness of masks against covid. Like the article states let’s not get too technical just put on your mask, be quiet and don’t think too much.
I don’t believe in the virus. The covid and and the people that believe in it well that’s on you. You people should take governor Cuomo and stick it where the sun don’t shine. I’m sick of hearing about and sick of seeing people suffer by wearing a mask with a shield.
What are the long term affects of breathing in your own CO2 and diminishing your oxygen supply by wearing a mask? Past studies show that breathing more the 1000 ppm of CO2 are unsafe.
You say nothing about the struggles people wearing masks endure. Sore throats , being tired, acne, straining of their voice. Inhaling of one’s own germs and breath is not healthy nor good on the immune system. When the flu season arrives I wonder how many mask wearers will get the flu…none if the masks work. Should be a mild season. Here is something I have heard no one mention. If a person puts on a mask at work, takes it off each time for a drink of something, puts it on again, off again driving home etc is there not germs wherever you lay the mask being a table, car seat, in and out of a baggie which then the mask picks up even from your own hands and back on your face it goes with all kinds of bacteria and you are inhaling it all. I am surprised the government isn’t telling us to wear masks 24 hrs a day..give them time they will!
If we need to wear a mask because our droplets are so dangerous, then why do they stick a rod up your nose instead of stabbing the inside of your cheek?