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I have heard that people who refuse to wear masks are called “maskholes.” I don\u2019t like masking up then seeing healthy-looking people claiming a respiratory problem to avoid wearing a mask. As if I enjoy it! Although I did get carded when I bought beer the other day.\nWhether showing symptoms or not, those infected and recovering shed and spread the COVID virus. According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), the most dangerous phase is when the infected person is asymptomatic; in the 3 months after recovery, patients shed the virus in diminishing levels. According to the CDC and Dr. Fauci, the effectiveness of masks, if one of two people is shedding Covid, are: If both people mask and social distance: the chance of being infected is 4%. If one person is shedding viruses and only one of the two is masked, then the chance of infection is 40%. If neither person is masked, the rate of infection is 80%.
\nMasks should be worn over both the nose and the mouth. PERIOD. And don\u2019t touch the mask. Everyone over the age of 2 should wear a mask around people outside their bubble. Those age 2 and under should not wear masks or face shields because they can suffocate. Those with legitimate respiratory problems, a Covid comorbidity, should avoid situations where wearing a mask is advisable. Remove masks by the straps and wash hands afterward. Hot water wash and bleach are recommended. According to Healthline.com, wearing a mask can also reduce how sick you get if you contract COVID.
\nAccording to the CDC and World Health Organization (WHO), masks must be made of at least three layers of tightly-woven, breathable fabric, preferably cotton, and not knitted fabric. Masks must be washed after each use and swapped for a dry mask when they get wet from weather or condensation. In addition to having extra masks with you, I recommend having safety pins handy, for maskwear malfunctions.
\nFor more on the importance and care of masks, check out www.cdc.gov and www.who.int, and don\u2019t miss WHO Director-General Dr. Ghebreyesus\u2019 New Year Message on how important it is to prevent COVID shedding and spreading. Also, a quote by Dr. B. Calinawagan, a top Philippine cardiologist, calls attention to the fact that medical professionals are NOT the first line of defense but the last resort. Just Don\u2019t Be A Maskhole! Under those masks, we are all in this together!<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"