Lately, much chatter in the media, as well as talk heard ’round my neighborhood, leads to one simple question. Do masks prevent the spread of Coronavirus? The answer is yes. A recent study shows wearing masks could reduce the incidence of Coronavirus by 80% or more. Are masks perfect? No. Do they work really well? Yes.
Do Masks Prevent The Spread Of Coronavirus?
Recently Dr. Deborah Birx, the White House Coronavirus response coordinator, emphasized there is “clear scientific evidence” that masks work. On top of that, the Annals of Internal Medicine just published a landmark analysis of 64 studies finding that masks prevent the spread of Coronaviruses and other airborne illnesses.
Half Of Americans Stay Home Due To Coronavirus
The US is plowing ahead with opening businesses to restart the economy. Unfortunately, more than half of Americans don’t yet want to leave their homes to patronize these businesses. One simple way to address this problem is to commit as a country to wearing masks.
Is Coronavirus Spread Through The Air?
Furthering mask initiatives around the US, an esteemed panel of experts from the National Academy of Sciences (NAS) stated that because Coronavirus is aerosolized and lingers in the air, masks are a good option for preventing its spread. In their formal letter, the NAS panel let the current administration know that Coronavirus is transmitted not only through sneezing and coughing, but also by speaking and breathing. In effect, the Coronavirus is an airborne disease. This is why masks work, they prevent the virus from being emitted, or sprayed (heavily via sneezing, or lightly by breathing) from infected persons to others. Masks prevent the virus from spreading into and pooling in the air. For this same reason, it’s safer to be outdoors than inside, because in this scenario the virus is dispersed, rather than concentrated. Still, masks are needed both inside and outside to protect our population from infected individuals, prevent its spread, and open up our economy quickly.
Think Of Coronavirus As Glitter
It may help to think of Coronavirus as glitter. A mask is going to stop those who may have COVID-19 from efficiently spreading corona-glitter to others. In a recent article in the Washington Post, Joseph Allen from the School of Public Health at Harvard emphasizes that masks prevent the spread of Coronavirus very effectively. Getting this information out so that more people comply with wearing masks will unite our country around a cheap yet effective initiative that erases the false dichotomy between health and economics because it addresses both with fairly little effort.
What Types of Masks Are Protective Against Coronavirus?
Dr. Harvey Fineberg, head of the NAS committee that sent the letter on the effectiveness of mask use to the current administration, said he would wear a mask to the grocery store, and that among other options, items ranging from a bandana to a balaclava would work well in preventing the spread of Coronavirus. Handpicked by the current administration, Dr. Fineberg leads the NAS Standing Committee Requested by White House in Response to Coronavirus.
Masks Save Lives
I interviewed Dr. Todd Dorfman, Director of EMS for Boulder County Colorado about the use of masks to prevent the spread of Coronavirus. He states, “Face masks combined with other preventive measures, such as social distancing, help slow the spread of the disease,” adding, “Asking everyone to wear cloth masks can help reduce the spread of COVID-19 by people who have the disease but don’t realize it. Countries that required face masks early in the pandemic seem to have had the best success slowing the disease’s spread.” He pointed out that these countries also used testing far earlier and more frequently than the US at the outset of the pandemic in January.
To Mask Or Unmask
Unfortunately, asking our citizens to do the right thing when it comes to Coronavirus may not be that simple because mask use is now a very heated topic. Here in Colorado, a man walked into a restaurant in Aurora, just outside Denver. He was told he needed to wear a mask to be served. In response, he shot a restaurant employee. Thankfully, we can all agree that this extreme overreaction is not even close to an appropriate response under any circumstances.
Japan Used Masks To Prevent Spread of Coronavirus
On the other hand, an article in Forbes called New Study Shows That This One Thing Could Cause 80% Decrease in COVID-19 Cases, points out that while the US is slowly trying to reopen, Japan didn’t ever really close.
The Land of the Rising Sun has had no lockdown, no stopped subways and most businesses have remained open.
As of this writing, the US has suffered over 100,000 Coronavirus deaths, yet Japan has endured less than 1,000. While Japan’s population is around one-third of ours, they’ve suffered 1% of the deaths incurred here in the US. Why? One reason is that the Japanese have willingly used masks while waiting for a cure.
How To Use A Mask Properly To Prevent Coronavirus Spread
Dr. Dorfman pointed out that The Mayo Clinic has a simple, reasonable set of instructions for putting on and taking off a cloth mask:
- Place your mask over your mouth and nose
- Tie it behind your head or use ear loops and make sure it’s snug
- Don’t touch your mask while wearing it
- If you accidentally touch your mask, wash or sanitize your hands
- Remove the mask by untying it or lifting off the ear loops without touching the front of the mask or your face
- Wash your hands immediately after removing your mask
- Regularly wash your mask with soap and water in the washing machine, it’s fine to launder with other clothes
President Trump’s Surgeon General Recommends Wearing A Mask
It’s true, when there was a shortage, the Surgeon General, Dr. Jerome Robins, advised against the use of masks. This was when we were in the initial stages of Coronavirus, unprepared, and perilously short on personal protective equipment (PPE). However, he now not only recommends mask-wearing but has a video demonstrating how to make one.
Why Didn’t Vice President Pence Wear A Mask At The Mayo Clinic
Prior to his visit, the Mayo Clinic briefed the Vice President’s team on their mandatory mask-wearing policy. Unfortunately, he did not comply. During this tragic time with so many lives lost, and little to no way to properly grieve them, it is more important than ever to show patriotism by protecting our medical warriors in any way we can. More people have died in the last 2 months than in the Korean and Vietnam wars combined. We can easily protect our front line heroes at places like the Mayo Clinic with little to no sacrifice. Why not wear a mask in public? Especially when you cannot social distance.
Why Doesn’t President Trump Wear A Mask?
Perhaps this administration thinks it would be a show of weakness to don masks everywhere. However, it’s not too late to lead by example. It would demonstrate inspiring strength and bravery for our highest public officials to wear masks in public.
Will You Wear A Mask To Prevent The Spread Of Coronavirus?
Do masks stop the spread of Coronavirus completely? No. Are they perfect? No. But let’s not allow perfect to be the enemy of the good. Masks save lives. The important thing is that we don’t let nuances deter us from the most important public causes when it comes to health. Will you wear a mask?
Ellen Laken says
yes I will wear a mask. I do wear a mask.
Elana says
Thanks Ellen.
Wendy says
Not everyone can willingly wear a mask. I cannot place that kind of implement on my face without triggering PTSD. I am calm and careful and I will not frequent business that require me to wear one. I will be patient and kind to those that do. Its all anyone can ask. Be kind.
Elana says
Wendy, what a great comment with sentiments we can all agree on. I’m so sorry to hear that you have a medical condition that doesn’t allow you to wear a mask, I wear mine for you.
Renee Clark says
Thanks for this clear-eyed, well presented article.
Elana says
You’re welcome Renee.
Alison Bacus says
I just got the cute masks I ordered from Hyperfavor in Sheridan WY. They all have MS themes. One has Rosie the Riveter saying “we can beat MS”. The others have US flag emblem with the MS logo entwined. Who says being safe has to be boring! YES, with MS you can be sure I wear a mask in the grocery store and when I go to the pharmacy etc. I am healthy so far and intend to keep it that way. I have enough challenges already thank you! Stay Safe Elana.
Elana says
Thanks Alison! Those masks sound fun :-)
Linda says
I think it is important to remind people that some people have medical problems and cannot wear a mask. Emotions are running so high these days that those who are unable to wear masks are at risk of being verbally and physically threatened when they go out in public.
Elana says
Linda, threatening others is not acceptable. I wear a mask so that those with medical problems don’t have to.
DARLEEN M EDERER says
No, I won’t wear one unless I am told to. And stop worrying about others including the President. I am tired of people asking this stupid question. I thought more of you Elana. Why do you have to bring up such negativity? Let us all just breathe and go on with life. You are not the police. I just may unsubscribe your emails.
Elana says
Darlene, thanks for your comment and for sharing your thoughts here. I value everyone’s opinion, especially when it’s different from mine.
Sabrina says
Darlene, I agree with you re the mask situation. Masks are for those who are already ill and/or suffer from health issues and don’t want to transmit their germs, etc OR do not want to compromise their current illness. This is a heavy topic and I know Elana that your family has been affected by it. My condolences. There have been many in the medical field (actual professionals) that have suggested that masks do not do much or on the contrary may cause more harm. Check out some of Dr Rashid Buttar’s recent videos on YTube for some great info. re COVID19.
If you subscribe to Elana’s wonderful blog, you’re probably in ‘the know’ that there are always alternatives to what the mainstream medical news/staff recommend. I, myself am more of an alternative kinda girl. I usually go ‘against the flow’. ;)
Elana, my first thought was to unsubscribe but I do appreciate your amazing recipes which have blessed me and my family. So I’ll stick with it.
Stay healthy everyone.
Elana says
Sabrina, thanks for sharing your opinion here, very greatly appreciated. One thing that’s important to note is that many carry the virus and are asymptomatic as it incubates for up to 5 days or more. Wearing masks prevents people who don’t know they have the virus from spreading the virus. Thanks again for wishing everyone well! We all want to stay healthy and I love that we can agree on that :-)
Margie says
I will only wear masks when ask to. So much info on this is unnecessary. I believe politicians want masks to induce fear in people.
Elana says
Margie, thanks for your comment. I wear a seat belt without fear, and I wear a mask for those who cannot as well as our medical workers.
Martha Stevens says
Wow, she is just sharing her opinion. If you don’t happen to agree with it that is your choice. She is not spreading negativity, she is sharing information.
Elana says
Martha, thanks. That is my goal, to share information and write about the things I think about. And I understand that not everyone will agree with me, that’s what makes our country so great –we all get to have our own opinions and share them.
Lizann says
Come on. This is a small thing you can do to help. What is the issue? If you are going to A public place wear the mask, because it may not be about you, it is about others. It’s not a political statement. It is a human statement that says, I stand with you. Yes,I live in Michigan. Yes,I know people who have been afflicted, some with comorbidity factors, and people with absolutely no significant risk factors. My sisters brother-in-law died. I know several others who have been stricken. . My 25 year old son was sick. If my sons, whose study abroad, new careers, etc have been curtailed, can accept these challenges why can’t you?
Elana says
Thanks Lizann.
EsJayKay says
Elana was sharing her thoughts on this subject, not “policing” your life. Perhaps you should consider getting medical info from scientists and doctors (and not FauxNews).
Therese says
Finally an article that has convinced me to wear a mask. Thank you Elana!
Elana says
Therese, you’re welcome.
Star says
Not everyone is able to wear a mask due to health conditions. I applaud your attempt to get people to conform to wearing a mask, but you have to consider that not everyone is able to and shouldn’t be shamed for not conforming to the behavior you wish them to abide by. This is a key element left out what you wrote. I know you believe you’re doing a good deed by pushing this message on your blog, but the full truth matters! Shaming of people without masks will continue with articles like this as people are focusing more on what people are/are not doing, rather than why they are/are not doing it.
Elana says
Star, totally agree, if your medical practitioner advises you not to wear a mask due to health issues, it is best to comply.
MeMe says
Well said.
DARLEEN M EDERER says
Well said, Star. I agree. All the shaming needs to stop.
Elana says
Darleen, thanks for pointing this out! I could not agree with you more.
Emily says
As far as I can tell, there was no shaming involved. Only information. Elana, as a long time subscriber to your emails and reader of your blog, I appreciate you and admire your positive reply to negative comments.
Elana says
Thanks Emily, nice to get your sweet comment as I’ve spent hours this evening reading and responding to all that are here. I enjoy the diversity of opinions, because I love learning and part of that is being challenged as much as possible!
Kathleen McCarthy says
Very helpful information. Thanks, Elana.
Elana says
Kathleen, you’re welcome,
Jill says
Great post! And yes our family is definately wearing masks!
Elana says
Thanks Jill.
JohnN says
Elana, I do not wear a mask because I take vitamins, eat healthy, take probiotics which as you know ensures a healthy gut and strong immune system. I believe in fresh air and sun shine. I keep my distance from people who appear ill or cough and hack a lot. I am very concerned about civil liberties and I want to know at what point do you think it will be safe to no longer wear a mask? Who will be that authority that you will believe?
Elana says
John, I take vitamins, eat healthy, and wear a seat belt. I wear a mask to protect others and that makes me happy, I understand that you are concerned this is an infringement of your civil liberties and I truly appreciate you sharing that here!