If you have this mask, buy a new one now, says CDC



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Hide or double the mask? It’s the question at the forefront of pop culture in recent weeks, after several attendees at President Biden’s inauguration were seen wearing two masks, one layered on top, and some health experts suggested. to double in response to new strains of COVID-19. But the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has yet to change its official recommendation: The agency says everyone should wear a mask – just one mask – that has certain characteristics. But how long has it been since you last looked at these guidelines? Is your current mask offering still up to the task? Read on for their essential tips – and to ensure your health and the health of others, don’t miss these sure signs you’ve had coronavirus before.

Senior woman having difficulty breathing
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Do not wear masks “made of fabric that makes it difficult to breathe, such as vinyl”. Also avoid leather or plastic ones. “If you wear glasses, find a mask that fits your nose tightly or a mask that has a nasal thread to limit fogging,” says the CDC.

woman with dyed hair and glasses wears black protective mask with breathing valve.
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Don’t wear masks that “have exhalation valves or vents that allow viral particles to escape,” the CDC says. “The purpose of the masks is to prevent respiratory droplets from reaching others to help with source control,” the agency’s guidelines say. “However, masks with check valves or vents allow air to be exhaled through a hole in the material, which can result in the expulsion of respiratory droplets that may reach other people. This type of mask does not ‘not prevent the person wearing the mask from transmitting COVID -19 to others. “

Doctor, nurse with face mask and blue nitride gloves sharing N95 mask.
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No need for masks “intended for healthcare workers, including N95 respirators or surgical masks,” says the CDC. “They are very hard to breathe when you wear them correctly,” Rochelle Walensky, the new CDC chief, said at. CNN Town Hall. “They are very difficult to tolerate when you wear them for long periods of time.”

Woman wearing anti virus protective mask.
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CDC mask guide recommend that you choose a face mask that

  • Has at least two layers of breathable and washable fabric
  • Completely covers your mouth and nose
  • Adapts perfectly to the side of your face, without any space

If you are wearing a scarf, balaclava or ski mask this winter, you should wear it over your face mask. The CDC warns that these accessories should not be worn as a replacement for a mask.

“Everyone should wear a mask,” Dr Walensky said during a CNN town hall on COVID-19 last week. “If you’re wearing a cloth mask, it should be a multi-layered mask, so that you have multiple layers of potential protection.”

After the town hall, Walensky tweeted: “Please #Wear a mask to protect yourself and others from # COVID19. Masks work best when everyone is wearing one, but they’re not a substitute for social distancing. Masks should always be worn in addition to being at least 6 feet apart (especially indoors near people you don’t live with). “She included a link to the Latest CDC science note on masks, which identified several studies showing that community masking reduced or prevented the spread of COVID.

Family with two children going on vacation, wearing masks at the airport.
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Now is the time to make sure you have enough masks and that they are of sufficient quality: Tuesday at 11:59 p.m. EST, CDC requires all travelers on planes, boats, trains, subways, buses, taxis, and carpools – and in transportation hubs such as airports, bus and ferry stations, railway stations and subways – wear masks.

Woman wearing protective mask while standing in front of airport worker and checking temperature
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As for you, do all you can to avoid catching and spreading COVID-19 in the first place: Wear a face mask, get tested if you think you have coronavirus, avoid crowds (and bars, and house parties), practice social distancing, only do essential groceries, wash your hands regularly, sanitize surfaces frequently affected and get through this pandemic to the best of your health, don’t miss them 35 places where you’re most likely to catch COVID.



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