Should I wear a mask to prevent getting Covid-19 and what type?

Wearing a mask potentially serves three purposes during the COVID-19 pandemic

1. It prevents you from unknowingly spreading the infection when you talk, sneeze or cough
2. It decreases your exposure to droplets or aerosolized virus
3. It may serve as a reminder not to touch your face when out and about. Of course, it could have the opposite effect if the barrier you are wearing annoys you, so make sure it fits comfortably

How effective a mask or barrier will be really depends on the circumstances. In a hospital or other location with a high probably of COVID-19 exposure, it is best to wear a surgical mask, at a minimum.
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When you are in a lower risk location (usually because you can keep your distance easily) like shopping for needed groceries, any covering made of tightly woven cotton will do, especially if it is double layered. This could be a bandana or a scarf or a home made mask. If you feel your sewing skills are up to it, I've posted  easy mask making instructions from the New York Times. We made these in our home (at least my wife did) and they work quite well.

Remember wearing a mask ONLY works if you also
-Keep social distance at all  times (6 feet minimum)
-Never touch your face without cleaned hands
-Wash your hands frequently (soap and water for at least 20 secs)
-wash all exposed surfaces (cell phones, door knobs etc)

See the attached file below to see how to make your own mask.

Revere P (Rip) Kinkel, MDProfessor of Clinical Neurosciences
Director of the Multiple Sclerosis Program
Clinical Neurosciences Director
University of California San Diego

mask.making.instructions.pdf
File Size:	218 kb
File Type:	pdf

Download File

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