(Newswire.net — December 18, 2020) —
Mask mandates may be coming to the United States next year in an effort to slow the spread of the COVID-19 virus that has taken lives and disrupted livelihoods across the nation. As part of his 100-day plan to fight the coronavirus pandemic, President-elect Joe Biden has said he will sign a federal mask mandate on day one of his administration.
“I’m absolutely convinced that in 100 days we can change the course of the disease and change life in America for the better. My first 100 days, I’m going to ask for a masking plan. Everyone for the first 100 days of my administration to wear a mask,” Biden said during a recent press conference. “The mask mandate would be enforced wherever possible under the law, including federal buildings, interstate travel, and other jurisdictions controlled by the federal government.”
Additionally, Biden vowed that on day one he would “follow the science” when dealing with the pandemic, and health officials have found wearing a mask can help curb the spread of the novel virus. Since the spring of 2020, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) as well as health experts have encouraged mask wearing as an effective way to curb the virus’s spread. Taking this mandate, a step further, the CDC recently recommended that people wear masks at all times while outside their homes.
From what we know, COVID-19 mainly spreads from person to person through respiratory droplets. Those infected with the virus can spread it to others through coughing, sneezing, talking, shouting, or singing. These droplets land in the mouths or noses of people who are nearby, or they may breathe them in directly.
Masks work as a simple barrier to help prevent respiratory droplets from spreading to others. Studies show that masks reduce the spray of droplets when worn over the nose and mouth. Simply put, masks prevent droplets from traveling beyond the mask. Wearing the right mask properly along with handwashing regularly, not touching your face and following social distancing guidelines will increase effectiveness. It is recommended that each person keep up with the best health and personal hygiene practices to help defeat this virus.
Everybody should wear a mask while in pubic, even if you do not feel sick. This is because several reports have found that people with COVID-19 who never develop symptoms (asymptomatic) and those who are not yet showing symptoms (pre-symptomatic) can still spread the virus to other people. The main function of wearing a mask is to protect those around you, in case you are infected but not showing symptoms.
The Most Important Face Mask Features
Choosing the right mask is just as important as wearing it at all times while in public. The most effective masks are built with a hydrophobic outer layer to disperse droplets before they can penetrate deeper layers. Ensuring the mask has a tight weave or filtered middle layer for added protection to block transmission will add protective integrity. It is advisable to wear a mask with an inner protective layer that is hydrophilic to wick moisture away from the nose and mouth.
One of the highest quality, most durable masks available today are designed with Nano-Silver Technology, which are made by Boomer Naturals. The Nano-Silver technology integrates antimicrobial features into the mask to help protect from a wider variety of immunity-threatening particles. This is useful for anyone searching for everyday face masks and is especially helpful for those with compromised immune systems or at-risk populations.
According to infectious disease expert Dr. Christina Madison, Boomer Natural’s Nano-Silver technology face masks can provide significant safeguards over other forms of face masks.
“Not all masks are made equal, and everybody should have a high-quality mask that meets the World Health Organization recommendations. Boomer Naturals face mask is a highly effective laboratory tested mask with three tightly woven fabric layers in addition to the Nano-Silver technology,” said Dr. Madison.
The Least Effective Face Mask
Grabbing an old t-shirt from your closet or digging out a neck gaiter from your hiking and fishing gear was initially the best and fastest way to create a layer of protection around your mouth and nose. However, the more we’ve learned about the virus, the better equipped we are to make more knowledgeable choices. Unfortunately, neck fleece and bandana are the least effective face masks. A study published in Science Advances showed these two options are actually the least effective coverings to wear for protection against coronavirus. Fleece doesn’t have the wicking power to keep moisture from building up. This creates added risk for the wearer and the people around them. Bandanas are also not a great choice. A bandana’s construction does not cover the face effectively leaving space around the nose area exposed by now fitting snug.
Whether you believe the science or not, it is time to put personal preference aside and wear a mask while in public for the next few months. Masks are just another accessory to have fun with while keeping you, your family, and your community safer from the spread of a deadly, infectious virus. Let’s finally rid of this virus and get back to the freedoms we all enjoy.