Misconceptions About Face Masks and COVID-19

COVID-19 is a new virus and scientists are constantly updating information regarding its spread, symptoms and how to treat it. It’s hard to keep up with the latest discoveries and new recommendations on how to prevent the spread of the virus. There is a lot of debate related to face masks and their effectiveness, when should you wear them, which type should you wear, do they work? As research related to the disease continues to evolve, it’s important to clear up common misconceptions regarding face masks and stay up to date on new recommendations by health organizations.

Cloth Face Masks Don’t Work

At the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic there was confusion about which types of masks helped stop the spread of the disease, many people believed that only N95 masks and surgical masks worked. However, the CDC is now recommending that everyone should wear a mask or face covering and that N95 respirators should be reserved for use by health care workers. A face mask that completely covers the mouth and nose areas can help prevent the spread of the disease. A homemade face mask may not prevent a healthy person from contracting the disease, but it does prevent COVID-19 positive people from easily spreading the disease to others.

You Only Have to Wear a Face Mask in Large Gatherings of People

The CDC recommends wearing a face mask or cloth face covering in public settings where social distancing is difficult, such as grocery stores or workplaces. Many businesses are even refusing to serve customers if they are not wearing a face mask. The appropriate use of a face mask is also necessary for it to be effective, face masks should:

- Completely cover both face and nose

- Fit snugly against the side of your face

- Be made of multiple layers of fabric

- Allow for comfortable breathing without restriction

The use of a face mask use should also be enforced in workplaces, especially ones with close quarters. Employers should provide the necessary equipment and enforce safety measures to prevent the spread of the disease. If you suffered the loss of a loved one from a COVID-19 infection and their employer did not enforce enough safety measures to prevent an infection, contact a wrongful death attorney to discuss if legal action against the company is available.

Social Distancing is Not Necessary When Wearing a Face Mask

Wearing a face mask doesn’t automatically make you immune to contracting or spreading the virus. Face coverings or face masks are just one way to keep yourself safe, but they should be combined with frequent hand washing and social distancing. Even if you’re wearing a face covering, avoid touching your face and wash your hands or use hand sanitizer as often as possible.

Wearing a Face Mask Will Make You Sick

Some people believe that wearing a face mask allows CO2 to accumulate which will make it harder to breathe and could make you sick. Most people will only wear their face masks for a few hours or short periods of time (except for healthcare workers), so it’s unlikely for them to experience shortness of breath or other symptoms related to breathing high quantities of CO2.

If you are unsure about how to prevent a COVID-19 infection, what its symptoms are or other questions regarding the virus, make sure you obtain information from credible sources such as the CDC, WHO or local government officials. Misinformation about the virus could put you and loved ones at risk of an infection.