Initially, individuals were told not to wear face masks. This was intended to preserve personal protective equipment for health professionals on the front lines of COVID-19 care. But now it is more important than ever that everyone do their part and #MaskUp to stop the transmission of COVID-19. As the U.S. continues to grapple this new normal of wearing masks as part of their daily attire, patients might have questions.
With âunderstandable confusion about masks because the recommendation changed,â JAMA Associate Editor Preeti Malani, MD, sat down with us to discuss some questions patients might have about managing risk and wearing masks during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Why is it important to wear a mask?
âThis is a simple way to prevent respiratory droplets from going into the air and landing on other people,â said Dr. Malani, the chief health officer and professor of medicine in the Division of Infectious Diseases at the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor. âWhen we talk or cough, we create droplets, and so the cloth-based covering can help keep the droplets from traveling.â
âThereâs an increasing body of evidence that suggests this is a really important way to reduce spread,â she said.
For example, at a hair salon in Missouri, two hairstylists who had COVID-19 saw 139 clients. However, both hairstylists and all clients wore face masks. As a result, no symptomatic secondary cases were reported. Adherence to the face-covering policy likely mitigated the spread of the virus, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
âAnytime youâre out and about that youâre not in your own backyard or by yourself walking, you could end up in a situation where youâre really close to people,â said Dr. Malani. âEven outdoors, itâs helpful and what I suggest is just carrying the mask with you.â
Additionally, âitâs a respectful, empathetic, kind gesture that says, âI care about everyone around me and about the health system not being overwhelmed and I believe in science and evidence,ââ she said.
CDC Director Robert R. Redfield, MD, explained the protective value of face masks during a recent episode of âConversations With Dr. Bauchner.â
How often can I use the same mask?
Patients might be unsure of how often they can use the same mask. But âif the mask is visibly soiled,â it is a sign that it is time to get a new one, said Dr. Malani.
However, âitâs OK to wear the mask for a day or two, depending on how much youâre out and about,â she said. âIf youâve been out in the heat walking around, itâll probably be time to remove it and wash it, so having a few masks on hand makes sense.â
The CDC offers advice on using cloth face coverings to help slow the spread of COVID-19, as well as how to make and wash masks.
Who should not wear a mask?
âFor little kids two and under, there would be a safety issue, and kids up to age five would have a hard time wearing a mask,â said Dr. Malani, adding that this also includes âanyone who is otherwise unable to remove the cloth face covering without assistance.â
For example, âthe frail elderly would also be a population where you wouldnât want to necessarily put a face covering on them,â she said. âItâs a case by case basis.â
When visiting family, do I need to wear a mask?
Many people have been connecting with their family through FaceTime, Zoom or other platforms. However, if a person can visit their family, it raises the question of if a mask is needed.
âIt depends on the situation, but it is probably a good idea if you are visiting familyâparticularly those with high riskâto wear a mask,â said Dr. Malani. âItâs better to be safe.â
Are gyms safe to visit?
âGyms are difficult to make completely safe,â said Dr. Malani, adding that while they are opening in some states, they remain closed in most.
âItâs really difficult to distance everyone enough there and also to prevent droplet formation because in some of the vigorous exercise that happens in a gym, you canât safely wear a mask,â she said. âFor people that have high risk, I would continue to advise that individuals exercise at home or outdoors and wait on the gym.â
While âa lot of people canât wait to get back,â it is vital that everyone âpays attention to the preparation thatâs been done in the gym,â said Dr. Malani. âHave they moved the equipment to where itâs far away? Are there barriers? Are people wearing masks? Is there adequate hand hygiene?â
Additionally, âit really has to be in a setting where thereâs not a lot of community spread,â she said.
Is it safe for my child to play outside with a friend?
âChildren need to be with other children,â said Dr. Malani. âMy advice is to allow your child to play outside with other childrenâpreferably just one child at a time.â
It is also important that parents make sure to âask about the childâs exposure and the familyâs practices,â she said. âItâs important for their well-being to have connection with other kids, but itâs also important to make sure that the other families are following guidelines very carefully.â
The children should also âbe instructed to wash their hands and to not get too close to each other as much as they can avoid it,â said Dr. Malani.
Can I have an outdoor gathering?
People are vying for time with their families and friends. When asked about outdoor gatherings, Dr. Malani recommends that people âlimit the size and make sure people can truly physically distance.â
âThere have been a large number of outbreaks that have been linked to family barbecues and picnics,â she said, adding that while âit is safer outdoors than indoors,â proper preventive measures are key.
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