MASK FAQs: Here's some science behind the changing recommendations for wearing #facemasks in public
Should everyone wear a #mask in public?
- Guidelines continue to change locally and nationally. We will continue to follow these updates with you.
Consider wearing a mask in public if: 1) you are at high risk for complications from the virus, 2) there are high infection rates in your area, 3) you live in a densely populated area, 4) your essential duties put you in contact with confirmed or suspected #Covid_19 cases
What is the benefit of wearing a mask in public?
- Evidence suggests wearing a mask decreases the spread of virus from individuals who have no symptoms of illness but are still capable of spreading the virus.
Are there any risks to wearing a mask in public?
Some are: 1) forgetting the importance of social distancing, 2) touching your mask and therefore your face, 3) contaminating your hands when you take off your mask, and 4) diversions of masks from high risk places like hospitals to lower risk community settings.
Masks will not stop the spread of all virus droplets. Please remain at home as much as possible, AND DEFINITELY IF YOU ARE SICK. #SaferAtHome#SelfIsolation
If wearing a mask, be sure not to touch the outside while wearing or when taking off. #handwashing remains extremely important. Medical grade masks should be reserved for health personnel and high-risk community members. nature.com/articles/s4159…
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1/ Q: Has almost everyone been infected with COVID by now?
A: Recent estimates suggest around 58% of the population in the US and over 70% in England have been previously infected, with BIG increases during the Omicron wave.
3/ ➡️ During the Omicron wave from December 2021-February 2022, this estimate increased from 33% to 58%.
➡️ Rates vary a lot by age, ranging from 33.2% for those over age 65 to 75% for those under age 18.
2/ Not likely. If your kids are suddenly getting sick a lot, this is likely due to “catching up” on exposures rather than a weakened immune system.
3/ Many families w/ young kids have been hunkered down for the better part of 2 years– a good % of a young child’s entire life. While isolation had *many* downsides, we can agree that not having to suction snot out of infant noses or clean up norovirus puke was a happy upside.
1/ Q: Are cases peaking? That means it’s all downhill from here, right?
A: Sort of…. Remember that even if cases come down as quickly as they rise, there will be as many cases *after* the peak as before (think area under the curve).
2/ ➡️ And if the downward slope is *slower* than the rise, we will see *more* cases during the decline from a surge.
3/ Burning fast could be a silver lining of super transmissible #Omicron. Cases rose & fell quickly in S. Africa (w/ hospitalizations & deaths still lagging). The UK appears to have turned the Omicron corner. Many US states appear past their peak in cases, w/ regional variation:
Unfortunately, this includes New Year’s Eve plans. The perfect storm of a new variant & holiday get-togethers is hitting communities & health care w/ FORCE! Testing is in short supply.
3/ Health care is under extreme pressure with surging cases. If you can avoid even one additional contact, you are helping. This is a temporary and urgent request (from a health care provider).