Close to 40 states are reporting the B.1.1.7 strain of Covid-19, more popularly known as the UK variant, and there are at least two other variants-South African & Brazilian-that are starting to make the rounds. And, these are just the ones we known about.
Viruses mutate all the time, so the goal is to try and reduce the spread as quickly as possible with vaccination and prevention measures such as social distancing, hand washing and most importantly masking.
Note that as of Feb. 2 masks are required on planes, buses, trains and other public transportation while traveling in the US. This includes transit hubs such as airports as well as train or bus stations.
Also note that even if you are fully vaccinated, you still need to wear a mask and follow the prevention measures of social distancing and hand washing. Here’s why.
The two vaccines currently being used showed some effectiveness two weeks after the first shot (around 51%) with maximum effectiveness (around 95%) two weeks after the second dose. In short, not 100% effective. Also, the jury is still out whether someone who is fully vaccinated could spread the virus if they become infected. They may not show any symptoms but the potential is there they could still spread the virus. Then there are the mutant strains, which are still being researched. So until more is known, everyone is being required to mask.
Have to admit, I’m loving masking as for the first time ever, I haven’t had a cold or flu all year. Further, as I walk and hike a lot, my teeth no longer hurt due to the cold. Yup, the mask works better than gaiters and scarves.
This past Wednesday, The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention released new research that found wearing a cloth mask over a surgical mask offers more protection against Covid-19, as does tying knots on the ear loops of surgical masks. Those findings prompted new guidance on how to improve mask fit.
The important factor here is that you have a well fitting mask that keeps droplets from going out or coming in. The quickest way to test the effectiveness of your mask is light a match or candle and then try to blow it out while wearing your mask. A good face mask shouldn’t even move the flame. The other test is whether your glasses fog up when you wear a mask. If they fog up it means your mask doesn’t fit properly over your nose.
Masks to Avoid
- Any mask with a valve
- Gaiters
- Bandanas
- Any mask that makes your glasses fog up.
Testing a Surgical Mask: Test a 3 ply surgical mask as follows:
- Hold the mask with the outermost layer facing upwards. Pour some water on it. If the innermost layer is dry the mask is doing its job.
- The candle/match test as noted above
- Set a match to the middle layer . The fabric should melt and slowly disintegrate. If it catches fire and burns, it could be an indication of poor fabric quality
Mask fitter
To Improve
fit
- Use a mask with a nose wire
- Use a mask fitter or brace over a disposable mask-Note these go over the mask snugging the material up against your nose, cheeks and chin. Fixthemask.com sells mask fitters made of silicone. They cost $15 each. This same site provides a downloadable stencil you can use to cut your own brace out of a sheet of rubber. The Badger Seal is a DIY mask fitter designed at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. It takes a few minutes’ time and work to assemble, but materials only run $1 per mask. You can download the instructions here.
- If your mask fits snugly over your nose, mouth and chin, you will feel warm air come through the front of the mask and will be able to see the mask material move in and out when you breath.
- Add layers of material-wear a cloth mask over a disposable mask
Do not double up disposable masks and don’t use a mask over top a KN95.
Learn more CDC’s Improve How Your Mask Protects You
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