OMAHA, Neb. (KMTV) — The fight with coronavirus is now nearly one year old and the problems caused by the pandemic are often overwhelming. But health officials say they are still struggling to get some people to wear a mask.
We all know the virus can be spread via our nose, throat and lungs. That is why it is recommended for everyone to wear a mask.
The transmission can occur in a number of ways.
The one consistency throughout this pandemic is the recommendation by the CDC for people to wear masks and wear them properly, meaning the mouth and nose should be covered.
As not all masks are created equal, the more layers the better.
With vaccines currently being distributed, health care professionals say now is not the time to stop wearing a mask as transmission occurs on a spectrum.
"On the one end, you have droplets, which are those big hunky things that come out when you sneeze or cough. Those are so heavy they drop to the floor within three feet, that's why we recommend six feet. On the other hand, we have airborne, which are the very small particles. How much is droplets versus airborne is what people are arguing about, but the thing is, masks work with both,” said Dr. Jeanne Marrazzo with the Infectious Disease Society of America.
She says you will also want to assess the risk level of the area you are in and if necessary you can wear two masks if that is what makes you feel more comfortable, or use the inserts that go inside of the masks.
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