Thread by @DearPandemic

1/ Q: What’s up with the new @CDCgov #mask study?

A: Good news, #doublemasking or tightening up ear loops works!

2/ Remember the key features of effective masking: #FILTERING & #FIT.

The @CDCgov released a new experimental study testing ways to improve mask fit for cloth & medical masks to reduce leakage around the edges. cdc.gov/mmwr/volumes/7…

3/ Using mannequin “headforms” & simulated #coughing they tested:

1️⃣ #Cloth #mask over a medical mask (double masking)
2️⃣ #Medical #mask with knotted ear loops & tucked in sides

4/ The experiment was able to test both source control (how well the masks blocked outward coughing) & exposure for the “receiver” breathing in #aerosols.

5/ Percent reductions in aerosol exposures for the “receiver” compared to no masks were ⚡IMPRESSIVE⚡:

😷 UNKNOTTED MEDICAL MASK (source/receiver):
no mask/mask = 7.5%,
mask/no mask = 41.3%
mask/mask = 84.3%

6/ 😷 KNOTTED/TUCKED MEDICAL MASK (source/receiver):
no mask/mask = 64.5%
mask/no mask = 62.9%
mask/mask = 95.9%

😷 DOUBLE MASK (source/receiver):
no mask/mask = 83.0%
mask/no mask = 82.2%
mask/mask = 96.4%

7/ 💥These experiments provide evidence that FIT can greatly improve the effectiveness of any mask you are wearing.

8/ 🤔 Caveats: While the experiment was designed to mimic conditions for transmission, it did not use real people/virus. These #s should be interpreted as a good indication that masks are able to block particles the size of SARS-CoV-2, but not precise measures of transmission.

9/
➡️ As we continue our marathon race of vaccinating towards population immunity, good fitting masks are great to help deny the virus new hosts.
➡️ The more we can create “dead ends” for the virus, the faster we can end this pandemic!

#StaySafe