Mask up! Wear, where and why it matters
August 30, 2020
Mary Ann Yehl, D.O.
Acting Medical Director, AtlantiCare Primary Care Plus and AtlantiCare Health Solutions
In early March I was grocery shopping and noticed the woman in front of me in the checkout line was wearing an N-95 mask. I politely mentioned to her that it was upside down. She decided to continue wearing it that way. Was she protecting others from the spread of COVID-19?
Have you seen someone take off his mask to sneeze or cough? Was that protecting others?
You’re at an outdoor restaurant and you notice another diner has her mask pulled down around her neck while she eats. Does this prevent spread of the virus?
My patients, family and friends are asking about whether and why they need to wear a mask.
We’ve learned much about this novel coronavirus – including about masking – over the six months. Studies have shown wearing the right mask the correct way is one important way we protect others from COVID-19. It’s also how others protect us. At AtlantiCare we are requiring all staff, providers and patients to wear a mask at our sites. This is one of the many steps we are taking to protect them and our community.
Material, fit, and cleanliness of this face covering matter. So does actually wearing it and doing so correctly.
Cloth masks should include at least two layers of cotton fabric or material that is a blend of cotton and polyester or of cotton and polypropylene. If you’ve bought a single-ply mask made of nylon or other material that touts your favorite sports team or complements your favorite outfit, please don’t use it.
Masks made from fleece, spandex or knitted material do not provide adequate protection. Please refrain from tying a bandana around your head or a wearing a gaiter around your neck and pulling it up to cover your mouth. A recent study showed wearing gaiters could be worse than wearing no mask at all.
Wear a mask that is comfortable and that fits you snuggly, with no gaps. Readjusting masks that are too big or small can lead you to touch your face – including your eyes, nose or mouth. This can spread germs. Refrain from pulling it down under your chin or dangling it from your ear. It should be on correctly or off your body.
Choose a mask with a nose bridge that can be worn one way and wear it right-side-up. A mask worn upside down doesn’t provide adequate protection and could actually cause you to spread infection. Masks that can be worn either way often to provide a protective fit.
If your cloth mask is wet or dirty, wash it. If your disposable mask is wet or dirty, throw it into the trash. Dispose of any mask that is ripped or otherwise damaged.
Wash your hands or use sanitizer that is at least 60 percent alcohol based before putting on your mask or placing a mask on a child. Then touch only the strings or loops, not the front of the mask, when putting it on. Use the strings or loops to take off the mask and wash your hands after doing so.
We know washing our hands, maintaining physical distance and wearing masks are three of the most critical ways we prevent spread.
I’ve heard from many people that they’re happy some clothing items have become optional as we spend more time at home and practice physical distancing.
Masks are not optional. Always wear one in public places.
Learn more about the importance of wearing masks by visiting the CDC’s website.
