Is it necessary to wear a mask outdoors? That depends on the situation.This remains controversial and unproven, however, and should not be assumed to be true. Do masks reduce the severity of infection? Because masks can reduce the "dose" of virus exposure, and because a lower amount of exposure might cause less severe infection, some have suggested that universal mask wearing might induce immunity with less lethal infections.Remember, not all children are eligible for vaccines and boosters, and anyone whose immune system is compromised by illness or treatments needs to be protected from COVID-19. In places where COVID-19 cases are substantial or high ( see maps), wearing a mask in public indoors may help protect you and prevent spread to others. Current evidence suggests that the person wearing a mask also reaps benefits, although the greatest benefit occurs when everyone wears a mask. Does wearing a mask protect others, the wearer, or both? A mask helps keep the wearer from spreading airborne viruses while breathing, speaking, or coughing.Here are a few of the most common and important questions for which we don’t have great answers just yet. Masks with vents or valves are also discouraged, as virus particles can more easily escape through them. Gaiters and bandanas may offer little protection and aren’t generally the first choice, because they were not designed to provide tight facial coverage and may have only one layer. What about tightly woven cloth masks with a wire bridge and at least two layers of washable, breathable fabric that completely cover the nose and mouth? These masks can be comfortable but offer less protection than N95 and KN95 masks. Some experts suggest double-masking if you’re using surgical or cloth masks. Surgical masks are helpful, but less protective, partly because they do not fit snugly. The CDC offers useful information on ways to spot counterfeit masks. Unfortunately, counterfeit N95 and KN95 masks have become common.
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