Understand the Purpose Behind Your Mask
The coronavirus is a respiratory virus, which means it spreads through microscopic droplets that leave the mouth or nose when we talk, sneeze, or cough. So, this means that if you’re standing near someone who is infected with COVID-19, and neither one of you is wearing a face mask, it is highly likely that the virus will spread to you.
By covering your nose and mouth when you go in public, you will be protecting others. You must remember, even if you do not feel sick you may be an asymptomatic carrier of the virus and accidentally spread it to others.
When should you wear a mask?
The Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends wearing a face-covering anytime you go out in public. This means you should wear a mask when you are around anyone who does not live in your household.
When you go out to do simple things such as grocery shopping, it will be hard to stay a safe distance away from people at all times. The virus could spread to you if you walk past someone and they speak while not wearing a mask. Having a face covering on will help prevent spreading when you can’t stop people from being close to you.
Many people believe that you do not need to wear a mask in outdoor spaces. However, if you cannot stay six feet or more apart at all times, you need to have a face covering. While it is easier for the virus to spread in enclosed spaces, it is completely possible for it to spread outdoors too.
How to correctly wear a mask
The most important part of wearing a mask is to make sure it is covering both your mouth and nose. Masks will only be effective is they are covering you’re mouth and nose.
The virus spreads when you breathe in the infected droplets through your nose or mouth. If you wear the mask correctly, the particles from another person’s mouth or nose will be less likely to get ingested into your body. On the other hand, if a mask is worn incorrectly, you are putting yourself at risk for ingesting the infected droplets and ultimately contracting the coronavirus.
At the end of the day, we’re all in this together. We all need to come together and help each other to keep everyone safe. Wearing a mask is one of the easiest and most effective ways to prevent the spread of the coronavirus. You never know who you’ll be around when you choose to leave your house. By wearing a mask, you could be saving a life.
