COVID Cases Skyrocketing in the United States: Are Masks Really Working?

COVID Cases Skyrocketing in the United States: Are Masks Really Working?
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Hazel | Ellie Brown

In just under one year, COVID-19 cases in the United States have spiked from 16 cases in March 2020 to nearly 560,000 in this past week alone.

Everyone you know is probably either wearing a mask or telling you to wear a mask – but is that really what you should be doing?

Should you wear a mask?

The short answer: yes, of course you need to wear a mask! There are multiple studies by many notable scientists that tell you to wear them; wearing a mask is the best way to stave off the virus, aside from being in our homes 24/7.

Says who?

If you’re still not convinced, then here are some more reasons. According to the CDC official website:

“The CDC recommends that everyone wear a mask over their nose and mouth when in public, including on public transportation and in transportation hubs such as airports and stations. Masks slow the spread of COVID-19 because they help keep people who are infected from spreading respiratory droplets to others when they cough, sneeze, or talk. Medical masks and N-95 respirators are for healthcare workers and other first responders, as recommended by current CDC guidance.”

Are there options?

Here are some different options/alternatives to your standard mask. In general, N95 masks are intended for use by healthcare workers who come into regular contact with patients who have contracted COVID-19 because they are the most effective option – and they’re in short supply. Homemade masks, however, are perfectly viable options for daily use by non-healthcare workers – they work amazingly for blocking the transmission of the virus between two people who are safely at least six feet apart.

Here are some examples of masks you could use:

This is a face shield:

COVID Face Shield

Face shield’s must be used in addition to a normal mask in order to be the most effective. Those people who do wear them without the additional mask tend to be those who have a medical condition that prevents them from breathing effectively while wearing a mask (such as an elderly person).

This is a homemade mask:

COVID 19 Fabric Mask

Fabric store-bought masks and bandanas are similarly effective when worn properly. These are perfect for average people who are not constantly in contact with COVID-19 patients.

This is a paper/cotton surgical face mask:

COVID Surgical Mask

It is one of the most popular forms of face masks because it is easily accessible, being sold at more stores (and sometimes given out for free).

After reading all of this, I hope you can come to the same conclusion that wearing a mask is essential to helping our country and our world become safer.