During the COVID-19 pandemic, face masks, such as surgical masks and cloth masks, are employed as a public and personal health control measures against the spread of SARS-CoV-2. In community and healthcare settings, their use is intended as source control to limit transmission of the virus and also for personal protection to prevent infection. Properly worn masks both limit the respiratory droplets and aerosols spread by infected individuals and help protect healthy individuals from infection.
An effective, well-fitted mask helps contain your respiratory droplets and particles—through which the virus spreads—and protects you from those spread by others. How well a masks works depends on both the material the mask is made of and how well it fits and seals to your face. Respirators are designed to help reduce the wearer’s respiratory exposure to airborne contaminants such as particles, gases, or vapours. Respirators and filters must be selected based on the hazards present.
Masks may make the air feel “stuffy”, but there is no change to the levels of oxygen or carbon dioxide a person will breathe in. If you feel you have a medical concern that limits your ability to wear a non-medical mask, discuss your concerns with your health care professional. Read our guidance on ‘Infection prevention COVID 19 Test Kits and control during health care when coronavirus disease (COVID-19) is suspected or confirmed’. The AAP strongly recommends that all individuals over the age of 6 months receive the COVID-19 vaccine. Additional layered prevention strategies may also be important depending on individual and community level risk.
There’s no question among credible experts that masks help reduce the risk of viral transmission. One CDC study released in February found that, between two properly masked or double-masked people, the risk of one giving the other a virus was cut by over 95 percent. These face masks COVID 19 Test Kits are constructed from three layers of nonwoven fabric and have an adjustable nose bridge and elastic ear loops. You can purchase them in sets of 50 or 100, as well as colors from Black to Pink. The masks also come in patterns, individually wrapped options and children’s sizes.
Patients are encourage to wear a medical mask, so either blue or yellow mask would be acceptable for them. If you work in the PAC and not in a patient care area, you also may wear either mask. Non-medical masks can reduce the volume of aerosols and microorganisms that reach others when you cough, sneeze, laugh, or sing.