Get in loser, we’re wearing two masks now
Wearing two face masks, or at least two forms of face covering, gives you significantly greater protection against Covid-19, a study published by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has found.
The American study comprised a series of experiments using machines to generate aerosols, it found that 92.5 per cent of cough particles can be blocked by one three-ply surgical face mask and one tree-ply cloth mask.
This is a huge increase from the protection provided by a single surgical mask, 42 per cent, and a cloth mask, 44.3 per cent.
With new variants of the coronavirus arriving in the UK, now is a sensible time to upgrade your mask.
John Brooks, chief medical officer of the CDC, said: “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,” he said.
“We are looking at all the ways we can enhance our prevention measures.”
If for whatever reason your are unable to wear two masks, there are a number of ways you can make wearing one mask more effective. The CDC website advises that firstly, you should make sure it fits your face snugly.
Secondly, choose a mask with multiple layers, in order to keep your droplets in and others’ out.
If possible, wear a mask with a nose wire, to prevent air escaping out the top. A pair of glasses sitting on top of a mask would go some way to helping in this regard, failing a nose wire.
You can also add layers underneath the mask, like a snood.
