Masks: A must have

In the latest provincial health order, it was decreed that masks are mandatory in all indoor public spaces, such as grocery and retail stores.

Masks are also strongly recommended in workplaces where social distancing cannot be observed.

With masks becoming mandatory in most public spaces, there has been an increase in the number of protests, as well as individuals refusing to wear masks in stores and other inside areas.

Protests have occurred across the Okanagan since the introduction of the new order on Nov. 19. Protesters have said that the use of masks imposes on their personal freedoms, as well as using the protest as a platform to speak out against the government’s handling of the pandemic, and the upcoming vaccine.

What is the evidence behind the use of masks?

Research conducted by the CDC (link below) found that COVID-19 is spread predominantly by respiratory droplets generated when people cough, sneeze, talk and breathe.

The research suggested that the use of masks was particularly important for people who feel well, who may be infected but asymptomatic, and estimated to account for over 50% of transmissions.

Wearing a cloth mask helps to reduce the number of droplets emitted from the mouth and nose; this is called source control.

However, wearing a mask also helps to reduce inhalation of those droplets, meaning it also acts as a protection; this is called “filtration for personal protection.”

The research conducted by the CDC was largely based on observational and epidemiological studies, carried out across the globe in the last year since the beginning of the pandemic.

What type of mask is best?

Wearing a mask is likely to help reduce the risk of emission and inhalation of droplets containing COVID-19, overall reducing the risk of transmission. The next question is which type of mask works best?

There are three types:

• Non-medical (such as a cloth mask)
• Medical (surgical mask)
• N95 (a medical respirator mask).

The cloth mask has the least efficacy in preventing transmission of COVID-19, but are more readily available. They can also be washed and reused and are typically easy to breathe through.

The medical masks on offer are also comfortable and easy to breathe through, but haven’t been tested for protection against small particles. They do offer better protection for the wearer than cloth masks, when looking at the filtration for personal protection aspect.

The N95 mask isn’t readily available to the public, and requires training to fit properly. They offer the best protection against transmission, but are also uncomfortable to wear.

It’s likely that you’ll have a number of cloth masks, and potentially some access to surgical masks. For areas that are high risk, such as medical clinics, COVID-19 testing centres and high-risk workplaces, you’re best to use a medical mask.

However, for grocery shopping and other low risk errands, re-using your cloth mask is ideal.

What about the claim that masks reduce oxygen levels?

Masks are designed to be breathed through, and there is no evidence to suggest that using a medical or cloth mask reduces your oxygenation levels. Medical staff have worn masks all day for decades prior to the pandemic, with no adverse effect on their health.

Prolonged use of an N95 mask on someone with a pre-existing lung condition has been shown to cause a mild increase in CO2 levels. I you have pre-existing lung disease and are using an N95, please speak to your family doctor.

What’s the take home message?

Wear a mask!

Even though we don’t have masses of research on the efficacy of masks with COVID-19, weigh up the risks and benefits; there is no risk of negative health implications from wearing one, but it has the benefit of protecting yourself and others from droplets that spread COVID-19.

If you really don’t want to wear a mask or have a health condition that prohibits you from wearing one, don’t go to places that require one; stay home and stay safe.

Links to referenced sources:

https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/more/masking-science-sars-cov2.html

https://www.lung.org/blog/covid-masks

This article is written by or on behalf of an outsourced columnist and does not necessarily reflect the views of Castanet.