Double COVID mask: are 2 masks better than 1? Doctors weigh

CHICAGO (WLS) – Since the pandemic took hold, convincing everyone to wear a mask has been a challenge.

And now, with a more contagious variant of COVID-19 detected in the United States, the question arises as to whether people should double their protection.

Former presidential candidate Pete Buttigieg was seen wearing two masks during the inauguration.

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“I approach this as I approach a Chicago winter,” said Dr. Michelle Prickett, of Northwestern Medicine. “If I’m going to stay outside for long, I’ll layer.”

Dr Prickett said a double mask warrant is not necessary. Instead, she says, mask yourself according to your surroundings.

“If you’re going to the grocery store, and it’s going to be curbside, then maybe a smaller mask will do,” Dr Prickett explained. “If you walk into the grocery store and it will take you an hour to get there, you might want to think about a double mask because there will likely be more people in the store.

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Health experts say wearing a mask is still one of the best safety measures to slow the spread of COVID. Dr Robert Citronberg of Advocate Aurora Health said wearing just one good quality mask is enough.

“The ideal mask is a three-layer mask with two layers of fabric and then a filter inside,” Dr. Citronberg said. “This is the best type of mask you would wear. I recommend against wearing single-layer fabric masks and neck warmers.”

And in many cases, masks have become a fashion statement. At the Humboldt House boutique in Humboldt Park, they recently stocked up on creations from local artists after they nearly sold out at Christmas.

Experts say that in the long run, it comes down to being cautious. If you are using two masks, you can remove one if it gets too much. Just make sure the one on your face is of good quality.