Confused about whether you actually need to wear a mask during thenew coronaviruspandemic?
Were not surprisedtheres been a lot of conflicting advice.
But then cities like Los Angelesstarted to recommendthat people wear nonmedical face masks when out and about.
Morgan Johnson
Homemadeis the key word here.
But how much, exactly?
And whats the best way to wear a homemade face mask for maximum protection?
Heres everything you gotta know.
Can a face mask really help you avoid the new coronavirus?
Data from the CDChas now shown that people cantransmit the virus at least a couple of daysbeforethey experience symptoms.
(These figures are inconclusive.)
That means we could accidentally infect others even if we dont think were sick.
Masks reduce that risk.
Chan School of Public Health, pointing toflu studiesthat have shown as much.
There isnt strong scientific evidence that homemade masks filter out enough particles to protect the people wearing them.
Its a common-sense precaution, Lipsitch says, adding that it should be at least partially protective.
Is a homemade mask better than a bandanna or scarf?
Whatever option you use can make sense as long as the material is thick but breathable, she adds.
With that said, homemade masks seem to have at least a few potential advantages over bandannas and scarves.
Making your own mask allows you to choose whichever material is available to you with the tightest possible weave.
Which fabric might that be, you ask?
The 2013Disaster Medicine and Public Health Preparednessstudy offers some clues.
When it comes to bandannas and scarves, it depends on what theyre made of.
(This testing found furnace filters to be the best material for this purpose.)
Still, its likely better than nothing, says Lipsitch.
This is what to remember when making your homemade mask.
TheNew York TimesandCNNalso offer helpful mask-making tutorials.
(In fact, large cities like Nice, France,have begunrequiring masks in public.)
Here are other tips you should follow to protect yourself and others.
Finally, yo, do your best tostay inside if you know youre sick.
Masks may offer some protection, but they arent foolproof.
