Scientists Point Out That Wearing Masks These Days Is No Longer a Choice, It’s a Necessity

BuzzAugust 25, 2020

We bet at some point during the past few months you would have wondered if masks can really help hinder the spread of Coronavirus. Well, to put all doubts to rest, we’d like to bring forth what scientists have recently established.

According to research, masks do help prevent the spread, but only when used with other preventive measures such as frequent hand-washing and social distancing.

So, shed your inhibitions about the benefit of wearing face masks; by putting them on, you may save several lives, including your own. And, of course, you would indirectly encourage others to wear them too!

Read – When and how to use masks

Unsplash | Scientists say wearing masks is necessary to stop the spread of Coronavirus

So, why didn’t experts recommend masks at the start of the pandemic?

During its initial phase, the possibility and extent of COVID-19 spread from infected people wasn’t known. It was also not understood that some people could have COVID-19 and still not show any symptoms (such people are known as asymptomatic). Since no-one correctly understood that both groups could transmit the virus to others without even knowing it, masks didn’t seem to be of great importance.

But with the identification of the virus in-depth, it became clear that exactly the opposite was true. Researchers found that this preventive measure alone severely reduced the number of infections; by more than 78,000 in Italy from April 6 to May 9 and by more than 66,000 in New York between April 17 and May 9.

Countries that made people mandatorily wear masks, take tests, and stay quarantined early in the pandemic have succeeded in slowing the spread of the virus dramatically.

Unsplash | They cite the examples of countries that have curbed infection spread through good practices

Be it surgical or self-made, do consider wearing a face mask regularly

Surgical masks and N95 masks are scarce, and their use should be restricted to healthcare providers. People who aren’t suffering from the virus or aren’t coming in contact with infected people can wear slightly less high-end masks. Enter cloth face covers that are easy to find or manufacture, and can be washed and reused!

Read – 24 Face Masks We Actually Like to Wear

Masks can be made from readily available materials, such as dense cotton fabrics. And instructions for making them are easy to find online.

It’s noteworthy that masks were a source of concern recently due to the World Health Organization’s statements, which was skeptical about them. But the organization later changed its stand and recommended that they better be used in public places to reduce the spread of the infection.

Unsplash | If you don’t prefer surgical masks, get creative and make your own mask!

Wrapping it up

Remember that wearing face masks is useful only if it’s accompanied by frequent hand-washing and not touching the face. You should also avoid as much as possible touching the mask. If it becomes wet, replace it with a new one, and try not to wear the masks intended for single-use repeatedly.