double masking “may do more harm”

A top infectious disease expert has warned that wearing two masks can “hurt more” if one of the face coverings is not worn properly.

Michael Osterholm, who was adviser to President Joe Biden’s transition team, said the problem arises with masks that have “already compromised fit or filtration”, allowing respiratory droplets to escape from the body. holes.

“If you add another mask, you can actually make it harder for air to flow through the two-tissue area, and then at that point more air leaks out the sides, which actually improves your ability to be infected. “Osterholm told NBC host Chuck Todd on” Meet the Press “Sunday.

Osterholm said there are cases where double-masking may be an effective tool against the coronavirus.

“But at the same time, there are many [where] you can do more harm, ”said the director of the Center for Infectious Disease Research and Policy at the University of Minnesota.

Osterholm said what was “very important” to him was to prevent people from wearing the mask under their nose.

“You know, it’s like fixing three of the five mesh doors on your submarine,” he says.

“We have to get people to start using them properly, that would help tremendously,” he added.

White House coronavirus adviser Dr Anthony Fauci said two masks were “probably … more effective.”