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Related: Editorials & Other Articles, Issue Forums, Alliance Forums, Region ForumsFace masks with valves or vents do not prevent spread of coronavirus, CDC says
Of all the three-word phrases that this pandemic has popularized flatten the curve, six feet apart perhaps none has resonated as deeply as wear a mask. (Or, as Marco Rubio, the Republican senator from Florida, put it back in late June: Everyone should just wear a damn mask.)
Its one of the simplest and most effective ways to curb the spread of the coronavirus and save lives.
But, as a burgeoning number of advisories makes clear, not every mask is helpful.
In guidance updated late last week, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention warned against wearing masks with exhalation valves or vents, a type of face covering made for hot and dusty construction work that has become a popular pandemic accessory because of its seemingly high-tech design.
The purpose of masks is to keep respiratory droplets from reaching others to aid with source control, the agencys guidance reads. However, masks with one-way valves or vents allow air to be exhaled through a hole in the material, which can result in expelled respiratory droplets that can reach others. This type of mask does not prevent the person wearing the mask from transmitting COVID-19 to others.
https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/us/face-masks-with-valves-or-vents-do-not-prevent-spread-of-coronavirus-cdc-says/ar-BB17UZLr?li=BBnb7Kz
ProfessorGAC
(65,042 posts)This has been known for months, but it's wise to keep repeating it.
TreasonousBastard
(43,049 posts)there is the slim possibility that resonable thing like this would get some air.
And, of course, a few regulations about the sale of these things come to mind.
LisaL
(44,973 posts)Many homemade masks allow droplets to escape too. In that recently released study, what they were calling "valved N95" actually did better in releasing less droplets that some of other homemade masks.
Non valved N95 did the best. But CDC is not recommending that general public wore that, does it?
So we are at the mercy of whatever somebody decides to wear. And the neck gaiter mask was actually worse than no mask, and certainly worse than vavled N95. So we are going to be banning valved mask but still allow bandana masks or neck gaiter masks which don't do well at all?
CaptainTruth
(6,592 posts)That's what I did.
JustABozoOnThisBus
(23,340 posts)Not designed to filter the exhale.
I wear one when I cut the lawn, helps with allergies. But I'm not near anyone at that time.