"
Governor Tim Wolf recently signed a mandate ordering that masks be worn in public to limit the spread of COVID-19. But you may be wondering what masks even do.
Face coverings are actually the best defense we have against the spread of the virus until a vaccine is formulated. So our team at AFC Urgent Care Northern Liberties wants to take a few minutes to talk through why.
How Does COVID-19 Spread?
To really have a good understanding of why masks are being mandated, you need to understand how COVID-19 is spread. COVID-19 is a type of the coronavirus that spreads from person to person through airborne particles.
These airborne particles are emitted into the air when an infected person sneezes, coughs, talks or even just breathes. The transmission can occur even if the person doesn’t have any symptoms, which is why masks provide a layer of protection against infection.
COVID-19 Symptoms
- Fever or chills
- Cough
- Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
- Fatigue
- Muscle or body aches
- Headache
- New loss of taste or smell
- Sore throat
- Congestion or runny nose
- Nausea or vomiting
- Diarrhea
How Do Masks Help?
OK, the virus transmits from one person to another when an infected person emits those airborne particles. If every person in public wears a cloth face covering, those particles stay pretty much inside of the covering, limiting their spread into the air you’re breathing.
While it’s not foolproof protection, masks have been shown to greatly reduce the spread of COVID-19. That’s why they’re our best defense against the virus until there’s a vaccine.
Other Ways to Limit the Spread of COVID-19
- Stay home whenever possible.
- Avoid large gatherings or crowds.
- Stay at least six feet away from others when out in public.
- Wash your hands regularly with soap and water for at least 20 seconds at a time.
- Disinfect commonly touched surfaces in your home, car and workplace often.
- Avoid touching your face with unwashed hands.
If you believe you have been exposed to COVID-19, we are offering COVID-19 testing at our urgent care center. Visit the AFC Urgent Care Northern Liberties website to learn more or to schedule a testing appointment.
"
