The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) have issued new recommendations to combat the spread of the deadly coronavirus, including the infectious strains.
On Wednesday the CDC released A new report describes that wearing tight-fitting surgical masks or double masks can drastically reduce COVID-19 transmission.
Scientists discovered that if two people wear surgical masks with lumps near their faces – or both wear a cloth mask over a surgical mask – exposure to the virus is reduced by over 95%.
“The data in this report underscores the finding that a good fit can increase the overall effectiveness of the mask,” the authors wrote. “Several simple ways to improve the fit have been shown to be effective.”
Photo courtesy of the CDC
During a “simulated breath test,” the study also found that surgical masks blocked 42% of COVID-19 particles for the person wearing them, and cloth masks blocked 44% of the particles. The report went on to say that 83% of COVID-19 particles are thwarted when a wearer puts a cloth mask over a surgical mask, increasing protection.
Coronavirus deaths have increased in the United States since November, and although they are falling, the numbers are still high. Officials also warned that the UK variety could become the dominant strain in America by March. These new findings are due to growing concerns about the three new, highly contagious variants that were first identified in South Africa, Brazil and the UK. All three have now been actively reported in the United States.
According to the APM Research Lab, “Indigenous and black Americans have continue to suffer the highest actual loss rates, closely followed by the Pacific islanders. “
Perhaps wearing double masks will lower the infection and death rate of the virus for everyone– –especially black Americans.
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