Posted on 11 August 2020 by Gillian.
Why Should I Wear a Mask?
We're not scientists, but we do read a lot of scientific studies which all show that wearing masks can help reduce the spread of COVID-19. Here's some trusted information that we hope will convince you to wear a mask when in public settings and/or when physical distancing requirements cannot be met.
- You could have the novel coronavirus right now and not be aware of it (AKA you might be an asymptomatic carrier). If this is the case, wearing a mask will significantly reduce the potential of spreading the virus to others. If you want to know more about who should wear a mask, read this CDC article.
- Masks help prevent respiratory droplets (which carry the virus) from leaving your mouth/nose and entering someone else's respiratory system via inhalation. Just because you can't see respiratory droplets leaving your mouth, doesn't mean it's not happening - take a look at these research findings.
- Bill Nye did an experiment to show which face coverings work best - watch that here. Bill didn't talk about neck gaiters in his video, but this new article out today from the Washington Post says they might actually do more harm than good by breaking up bigger particles into many little ones that are more likely to hang around in the air longer. Crazy!
- Think that wearing a mask reduces your level of oxygen? There's no truth to that claim, according this U of T medical director. This ICU doctor went as far as running 35-kilometres in a mask to disprove the false claims. Although, some folks with pre-existing health conditions might be at risk if they wear a mask for too long. A physician and medical research in Toronto addresses that in this CTV article.
- Now that you know why wearing a mask is important, watch this video to see how to properly wear one.
- And now that you know how to put it on, come to the Library to get your own four-pack of disposable, non-medical masks courtesy of the Government of Alberta.