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.
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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?
sara teigman says
I understand that wearing a mask makes complete sense to you and is backed by media sources and the CDC. As thorough as your fans would like to believe you are on this subject – it is crucial to check the background of your sources regarding any kind of conflicts of interest and their moral integrity vs. the sources that say the complete opposite – that in fact, wearing masks is a dangerous notion for many different reasons. Most important is to understand that we are in this together. Just as I know that you have no ulterior motive to promote mask-wearing at this time, I know that I don’t. I do know that the Washington Post is mainstream media and MUST be questioned as far as their conflicts of interest just as Deborah Birx.
One very brilliant, honest, experienced and courageous doctor – Dr, Russell Blaylock explains clearly many of the dangers associated with mask wearing. I’m sure you can find his very well researched opinion on that – including the risk of viruses entering the brain because they are not able to be eliminated easily through the mouth and nose. There is ONE truth that works for now as it did before the news of the spread of this bioweapon. This should NOT be the “new normal” that you may be encouraging to all our detriment. We must unite and boost our respective immune systems. Encourage people to take proper supplements and precautions to boost immunity but people were NOT meant to wear masks/muzzles to avoid smiling at each other. Please do the kind of research we know you to do. This is said out of love for you and all good and decent people. We have a mindbloggingly intricately designed immune system and this bioweapon is very weak – we need to grow up and stop the fear. Please listen to Dr. Bruce Liption and Dr. Joe Dispenza and read their books. Who really wants to live in such nonsensical fear?
Elana says
Sara, love how frank you are here and that you are so thoughtful and kind in posting a divergent opinion. One thing I’m trying to understand is why you think this administration would appoint someone like Dr. Birx who would have a conflict of interest. I have followed Dr. Lipton since 2003 and also enjoy Dr. Dispenza, did not realize they are anti-mask. Whole-heartedly agree, we all need to keep our immune systems strong, but when you have loved ones die from COVID-19 who had strong immune systems it can be eye opening. I pray for you and yours that this does not happen.
Julia says
I so strongly agree with you Sara!!
Nechama says
While the “masks” reduce the expulsion of droplets of vapor, possibly containing a virus, they do not prevent one from getting sick from the virus. Also, wearing a “mask” too much during the day, is a counter health risk because it does not allow enough of the carbon dioxide to be emitted from one’s breathing to escape the “mask”. This CD is harmful and reduces the effectiveness of one’s immune system. So, periodically when wearing one outside to do errands, it is recommended to release it to allow air flow to enter between the “mask” and one’s mouth/nose. Personally, once a community reaches “herd immunity” the masks are not necessary. Do search this info online. Try this site: https://childrenshealthdefense.org/ news/the-risks-vs-benefits-of-face-masks-is-there-an-agenda/ (omit the space to link)
Elana says
Thanks Nechama.
Ann says
I love your cookbooks, Elana! Thanks for all your great recipes!
I just learned about this website today: TheHealthyAmerican.org
A different point of view about masks than yours!
So glad we live in the greatest country in the world with the freedom to choose!
My motto: “In God we trusts; all others bring data!”
May I respectfully say that I think of your posts as a “pocket of wonderfulness” and I break from controversial topics; hope it continues to be mostly that!
Cheers!
Elana says
Ann, thanks so much for sharing this. Many other readers are providing links to these types of sites that discourage mask wearing and promote taking hydroxychloroquine as prophylactic for COVID-19. Over here we’re sticking to non-toxic remedies and masks are at the top of the list –especially when it comes to results, i.e., Japan.
Jayme says
Thank you for talking about this. We wear masks. We’re teaching our kid to be safe and not touch it and let us know if they need an “air break”. We know masks can prevent transmitting the virus and we know they are safe to wear. We’re using this as a chance to teach our child to think of the health of others and to take part in their own health.
Elana says
Thanks Jayme.
Nancy A Paine says
THANK YOU SO MUCH for this well written and well researched article, Elana! I shared it on Facebook. I agree 100% with everything in it.
Elana says
Thanks Nancy, appreciate you spreading the word!
Shari says
Thank you Elana. Very informative and timely!
Elana says
You’re welcome Shari.
Juliana McLean says
Here in small town Canada my quilting friends and I have made hundreds of masks. We donated to care facilities, food banks and anyone who wanted them. We asked for food bank donations and have given close to $1,000 to local food banks in our area. There are many designs and we have experimented with finding the most comfortable ones to wear. We believe in their ability to help prevent the spread of the virus.
Elana says
Juliana, thanks for all you do!
Christine Litherland says
Thank you for the information. Especially helpful about washing and not touching the mask as one is wearing it. Stay healthy you do a good service to others.
Elana says
Thanks Christine.
Melody says
Georgia Doctors have been on the radio here on 2 seperste occasions warning people who are Healthy NOT to wear a mask as it can create health issues in a Healthy person.
Elana says
Melody, thanks for sharing this. Very sad, especially when we know that Japan has not had to close down because of wearing them.
Karen Poynter says
I would like to share this article but I can’t seem to get it to load. Is anyone else having trouble? Thank you
Elana says
Karen, it’s loading over here, can you LMK if you’re still having trouble with it? Thanks!