If you aren’t wearing a face mask already, you will be. The CDC has now asked people to wear nonmedical face masks as a “voluntary health measure” when in public. And as businesses in the US begin to reopen, many will require employees and patrons to don a face covering before entering.
Masks may take some getting used to, but the public health benefits are well worth it. Since the virus travels via respiratory droplets, face coverings help slow its spread. Remember, it’s possible to be infected with the coronavirus and show no symptoms. Wearing a mask signals to others that you care about their well-being – even if you don’t feel sick.
“One of the biggest mistakes people make is that they fidget with their masks.” Tara Parker-Pope, “How NOT to Wear a Mask”
The New York Times points out that mask wearing won’t feel weird for long: the more everyone wears a mask, the more accepted they will become. “If everybody has to wear a mask, there’s no stigma,” says Shan Soe-Lin, a lecturer at the Yale Jackson Institute for Global Affairs. “I would like to see it change social norms. In Hong Kong, it’s a good thing to see someone in a mask. If you’re sick, you put a mask on. You’re kind of rude to be coughing without a mask on.”
Following are links to resources for learning all about protective masks and the proper way to wear them:
“One of the biggest mistakes people make is that they fidget with their masks.” Tara Parker-Pope, “How NOT to Wear a Mask”
The New York Times points out that mask wearing won’t feel weird for long: the more everyone wears a mask, the more accepted they will become. “If everybody has to wear a mask, there’s no stigma,” says Shan Soe-Lin, a lecturer at the Yale Jackson Institute for Global Affairs. “I would like to see it change social norms. In Hong Kong, it’s a good thing to see someone in a mask. If you’re sick, you put a mask on. You’re kind of rude to be coughing without a mask on.”
Following are links to resources for learning all about protective masks and the proper way to wear them:
 | “A User’s Guide to Face Masks” The New York Times online. This plain-English article covers a lot of ground, so keep scrolling. It even includes a how-to video for making a mask from a tee-shirt – no sewing required. “How NOT to Wear a Mask” The New York Times online. Common mistakes to avoid while wearing the new wardrobe essential. “Use of Cloth Face Coverings to Help Slow the Spread of COVID-19” CDC. “Important Information About Your Cloth Face Coverings” Printable pdf from the CDC. Facts worth sharing from the Center for Disease Control. “What to Know Before Making Your Own DIY Face Mask” Popular Mechanics. Safety guidelines to help avoid cross-contamination. “Face masks in cars, stores, outside: Where you’re expected to wear a covering.” CNET: Health and Wellness. This feature will be updated regularly as more states adopt face mask mandates. And, here is a list of online sellers offering face masks: “Buy face masks online from 31 stores” CNET: Health and Wellness. |
RSS Feed