Slow the spread of Covid
  • Wear a mask to protect yourself and others.
  • Stay at least 6 feet from others who don’t live with you.
  • Avoid crowds. The more people you are in contact with, the more likely you are to be exposed to the virus.

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What experts have to say

YOU MAY BE ASYMPTOMATIC

In March, the WHO published a report, which said (at that point) approximately 80 per cent of Covid-19 infections were mild or asymptomatic, while 15 per cent of cases were deemed “severe”.  Since the airborne virus is highly transmissible, a huge portion of the population with no symptoms will are unaware they are spreading the virus like wildfire.

Source: MSN

MASKS: THE BEST MEDECINE

According to Pulmonary Medecine Professor Junk Ki-Suck « Mask wearing is the best vaccine». The Korean expert went on to say that if both people in close proximity are wearing a mask, it provides 98.5% protection.

Source: Arirang News

Are you Wearing the Right Protective Cloth Mask?

Recent scientific studies show that even if your mask uses two layers or more of high quality cotton, it is still not good enough to protect you from the new and more transmissible Covid-19 variants. 

Figure 2 on the right shows that a 100% quilting cotton mask will only provide 40% filtration efficiency at best.  As researchers get a better understanding of the virus, guidelines around the planet are constantly realigned to follow the latest science. 

This is why the World Health Organizations (“WHO”) now recommends a minimum of 3-layers of material.  Cloth mask should now include one or two layers of spunbound 100% polypropylene as a barrier in addition to the inner and outer cotton shell.  Spunbound polypropylene is the same material used in N95 masks.  Its non-woven, electrostatic filtering capabilities and randomly oriented fibers (Figure 1, top A1 picture) make this product a much better candidate for medical use, and is machine washable when used between cotton. 

Studies show that a properly designed high-quality cloth mask can provide at least 90% of filtration efficiency.  Therefore, choosing the right mask for you and your loved ones is more important than ever. 

Sources:

1) Filtration Efficiencies of Cloth Mask Materials Used to Slow the Spread of SARS-CoV-2 

2) MIT Medical and 3) World Health Organization’s Technical Guidance.

Public agencies and their mask guidelines

WHO’s latest technical guidance, as of December 1, now recommends a 4-layer mask composed of two layers of 100% cotton and two layers of 100% polypropylene; and warns about stretchable fabric.

– Non-medical fabric masks consisting of two layers of
polypropylene spunbond and two layers of cotton have been
shown to meet the minimum requirements for droplet
filtration and breathability of the CEN CWA 17553 guidance.
– It is preferable not to select elastic material to make masks as
the mask material may be stretched over the face, resulting in
increased pore size and lower filtration through multiple
usage. Additionally, elastic fabrics are sensitive to washing at
high temperatures thus may degrade over time. 

Make sure to review the WHO’s Covid-19 Q&A.

CDC recommends that people wear masks in public settings, like on public and mass transportation, at events and gatherings, and anywhere they will be around other people.  They also recommend a 2-3 layer masks made of tightly women fabric.  The CDC does not recommend the following: one layer mask, masks with exhalation vent, scarf or ski masks, masks made from loosely woven fabric or that are knitted.  Gaiters must have 2 layers and face shield must be worn in addition to a face mask.

 Learn more about CDC’s Recent Studies and About Face Coverings.

According to the Secretary of Health Mask Order (July 25, 2020), WA State recommends at least one-layer mask on page 3.

 For purpose of this order, a face covering must:

– fit snugly around the sides of the face;

– completely cover the nose and mouth;

–  be secured with ties, ear loops, elastics bands, or other equally effective method;

– include at least one layer of cloth, although multiple layers are strongly recommended;

– allow for breathing without restrictions; and

– be capable of being laundered and machine dried without damage or change to shape.