Ever dreamed of going to a MASKerade? I have! But not like this…
Previously, face masks/coverings were only recommended for infected individuals or their caregivers, along with health care workers. However, the CDC and many states are now recommending that everyone should be using a facial covering or mask as they step outside, specifically in places where social distancing can be difficult.
Here’s the 411:
What does masking do?
Masks can help reduce the risk of infecting others around you. Recent evidence highlights that infected people that have no symptoms or haven’t yet developed symptoms can still transmit the virus to others. Therefore, masks are being recommended so that you can protect others from potentially spreading respiratory droplets expelled while talking, sneezing or coughing.
Side note: We’ll soon be seeing studies specifically addressing the SARS COV2 virus and its transmission with and without masks.
If I’m wearing a mask, can I skip social distancing?
Masking DOES NOT replace social distancing and hand washing. While masks can help reduce transmission, other methods of infection control should not be overlooked! Think of masking as a complement to the precautions we were all taking before (social distancing, hand washing, disinfecting high touch surfaces, not touching your face, and coughing/sneezing into a tissue or elbow)
Do I need to wear a mask when I’m running or exercising?
Let's be honest, wearing a mask while exercising can be miserable. While there are no specific guidelines when it comes to masking while exercising, my advice would be to run/exercise at a time and location where you’ll have minimal to no contact with anyone else. If you do live in an urban area and cannot avoid being around people, be mindful of social distancing, and keep a neck gaiter/mask/face covering around your neck so you can easily pull it up temporarily in case you pass by someone until you’re a safe distance away.
Remember risk of transmission is highest with prolonged exposure and within 6 feet of distance.
Who should not wear face masks?
Children under 2 years of age.
Anyone with underlying medical conditions that cannot tolerate a face covering due to difficulty breathing
Anyone who is incapable of putting on or taking off a face mask.
Can I keep wearing the same mask/face covering? No, one should have at least 2 face coverings they can rotate so that they can be cleaned to avoid self contamination and degradation.
How often should I be washing my face covering?
If you’re using a cloth based face covering (bandanna, gaiter, scarf), ideally washing it with hot water and regular detergent once a day is best. Make sure to dry it fully prior to using it again.
Do I have to wear a mask at home?
Unless a family member is sick, it is not necessary to wear a mask at home. In the event that you do have someone that is sick, everyone in the household should wear a mask when in contact with that person. The infected person should additionally stay in a separate room and have minimal contact with other household members.
What is the proper way to wear masks?
Wash your hands before putting on a mask with alcohol-based hand sanitizer or soap and water.
Cover your nose, mouth and chin with the mask and make sure there are no gaps between your face and the mask.
Avoid touching the mask while using it. If you accidentally do, wash your hands immediately.
To remove the mask, take it off from behind while holding the strings/sides (try not to touch the front of mask)
Store/wash immediately to avoid contamination of other surfaces (I keep mine next to our door in a paper bag), and wash or sanitize your hands.
Remember not to reuse or share masks/face coverings
As we begin to open our cities back up, let's be mindful of our actions to help prevent another COVID surge. Keep your masks on you!