How Effective Is a Face Mask Against COVID-19 if You're the Only One Wearing It?

Several states havereinstated mask mandatesfollowing a surge in COVID-19 cases.

I would either double up or wear a good three-ply surgical mask, Flores said.

When Do Face Masks Work Best?

Covering the nose and mouth can help prevent viral particles from entering the body, she said.

Face masks work best when everyone in a given environment is wearing them.

But masking can offer some protection even when just one person is wearing one, too.

If you’re wearing a mask and no one else is, does it help you?

And I have to say, looking back, it seems clear.

People who work in high risk options, who are immunocompromised or older often need more protection than others.

Yes, there is protection, she added.

You do the very best it’s possible for you to.

But again, the other things apply.

Flores said she doesnt expect people to have to follow rigid masking protocols forever.

But until case rates and hospitalization rates decline, it doesnt hurt to be cautious, she added.

When that happens, that’s when you might relax, Flores said.

But the time will come where we can land and get off and have some fun.

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2021;4(1):e10163.

doi:10.1002/mds3.10163

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