Yes, they do! Wearing a mask in public is essential in slowing the spread of COVID-19, particularly until an effective vaccine can be distributed.
Our team at AFC Urgent Care Chattanooga explains why below.
What Do Masks Do?
Masks limit the amount of respiratory droplets in the air and protect the wearer’s nose and mouth from contact with other droplets, splashes and sprays that may contain germs.
The World Health Organization and the CDC now include face masks in their recommendations for slowing the spread of the virus. While masks can feel inconvenient to wear at times, they really do work.
Other Reasons Why You Should Wear a Mask
- Masks may help prevent people who have COVID-19 from spreading the virus to others.
- Masks are most likely to reduce the spread of COVID-19 when they are widely used by people in public settings.
- Wearing a mask is important because you might not realize you are contagious with the coronavirus or another sickness.
- Wearing a mask now will increase the chances of not having to wear one later.
What Kind of Mask Should I Wear?
As of right now, the CDC recommends wearing cloth masks in public. Other masks like surgical masks and N95 masks, while they work well, are considered essential medical supplies and should be saved for healthcare workers.
The benefit of a cloth mask is that it can be washed and reused. Make sure to regularly wash your cloth mask with soap and water by hand or in the washing machine. It’s also fine to launder it with your other clothes.
A Few Mask Exceptions
- Children younger than 2 years old
- Anyone who has trouble breathing without a mask
- Anyone who is unconscious, incapacitated or otherwise unable to remove the mask without assistance
Remember to mask up! If you have been showing COVID-19 symptoms, visit AFC Urgent Care Chattanooga’s website for more information on how to schedule a COVID-19 test.
