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Do I Need to Wear a Mask?

This is a question we’ve been asking right along with all of you. Currently, the CDC recommends that these individuals wear a mask:

  1. People who have COVID-19 and are showing symptoms to protect others from the risk of getting infected
  2. Health workers
  3. People caring for someone infected with COVID-19 in close settings

But as we all know, things are changing rapidly. As of March 30th, two arguments were shared by leading government agencies:

  1. Dr. Robert Redfield, Director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), confirmed that they are reviewing guidelines on who should wear a mask. The biggest reason for this is that the proportion of individuals who are infected but asymptomatic could be as high as 25%. These people won’t show any signs, like a fever or cough, for up to 48 hours after they’re infected. If everyone is wearing a mask, the 25% carrying COVID-19 will infect far fewer people around them.
  2. Dr. Anthony Fauci, the Director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID), has expressed concern that the recommendation to arm everyone with a mask could cause even worse shortages of N95 and other medical masks for health care workers who need them most.

The CDC does have a solution for this need for balance:

During a public health emergency, face masks may be reserved for health care workers. You may need to improvise a face mask using a scarf or bandana.

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

When searching for a mask please keep in mind that our UV masks were NOT designed to prevent the transmission of airborne illnesses or viruses. If they were, we’d be sending them to healthcare professionals, toot sweet! Our Ultimate Coverage masks, bandanas and gaiters were created to protect against 98% of UVA/UVB rays and are essential for those seeking serious sun protection. 

If you are in need of added protection, you can create a mask at home. One of our This is Brave warriors, Bethany, who is immunocompromised and must wear a mask, has been making masks for herself, her children and healthcare workers. Here are some of the tips and tutorials she is using to help prevent the transmission of COVID-19 and other viruses.

Regional Medical Center recommends these fabrics: 

  • Outer lining: denim, duck cloth, canvas, twill, tightly woven fabric
  • Inner lining: cotton, cotton-blend non-stretch fabric
  • Avoid: Polyester or less breathable fabrics

See Bethany with her daughters modeling their new masks:

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