CDC: Double face mask more effective vs. COVID-19

The Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) of the United States recommends wearing a double face mask to effectively prevent coronavirus 2019 infection.

According to the new results of the CDC study, it is more effective to prevent the virus if the cloth mask is applied to the disposable medical mask.

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When only one disposable mask is worn, it can protect an individual by only 42% against droplets. This will increase to 92.5% if you combine the cloth mask over the medical mask.

The CDC also urged the public to make sure that face masks are fitted to prevent the virus from entering. They recommend using masks with nose wire to be a ‘snug fit’ and tie ear loops to protect the edge.

In February, a representative of the World Health Organization to the Philippines said there is no need to wear double surgical face masks.

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Also read: DOH to study if Filipinos need to wear double face masks

CDC: Double face mask more effective vs. COVID-19

Asked if it is necessary to wear two types of masks at the same time,  country representative Dr. Rabindra Abeyasinghe said: “It depends on what kind of mask you are wearing.”

“If you are wearing medical or surgical masks, we don’t think there is a necessity for two masks. I have seen some reports that say if you wear two masks, it is more protective. The question is where do you draw the line? You could say five masks could be more protective than two,” he said over ABS-CBN News Channel.

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The WHO official said what was important is to wear surgical masks properly and to not touch them frequently.

“We need to continue to follow hand hygiene, mask-wearing, cough etiquette, and physical distancing. These are the measures that will help us protect ourselves and our loved ones as we wait for the potential arrival of vaccines and an end to this pandemic but that is still a long road,” Abeyasinghe added.

The Department of Health (DOH) earlier said it will study whether it is appropriate for Filipinos to wear double face masks to effectively prevent the spread of COVID-19, especially since the new variant is already in the Philippines.