CDC updated guidance: masks protect wearer from COVID too

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has again adjusted its guidance on wearing a mask. The organization has strengthened its previous recommendation urging Americans to wear masks. The CDC now says wearing one protects you from coronavirus too, not just the people around you.

In Washington State, cases are surging.

“The situation with COVID-19 in Washington State is extremely serious. We have more cases than we’ve ever had,” said Dr. Paul Pottinger, a professor of infectious diseases with UW Medicine. “Wintertime is respiratory infection season, but frankly, this is a much bigger spike than I was anticipating,” he said.

As cases rise nationwide, the CDC issued updated guidelines on wearing masks. The agency now says masks provide “filtration for personal protection” by blocking incoming droplets.

The previous guidance from July urged all Americans to wear masks but suggested the main benefit was to protect others.

Infectious disease doctors like Pottinger hope the science and CDC guidance can convince anyone who is still in doubt.

“There is no question that masks work,” Pottinger said. “If you cover your face, your chance of catching or transmitting COVID is dramatically less.”

The CDC cited studies saying masks reduce the risk of transmitting or catching the virus by more than 70%.

The agency also specified a new fabric that can help – saying silk “may help repel moist droplets and reduce fabric wetting.”

Pottinger reminds you of what to look for in a mask.

“Can I see through it? I can’t see daylight coming through it - I like that. We’re looking for a tight weave and multiple layers,” he said. Pottinger also said some people might need a nose wire to adjust the seal.

But masks alone won’t stop the surge in cases.

Pottinger and health officials statewide say people must cancel any plans to gather inside for the holidays.

“I strongly recommend people dramatically change their Thanksgiving plans. It really should stay in within the nuclear family,” Pottinger said.

He’s concerned about hospitals getting overrun or public health officials needing to roll back phases, but he’s hoping people hear the warning.

“It’s in the hands of the people,” he said.

Pottinger also reminds you – in this cold and flu season, a mask will also protect you from other respiratory viruses spread through droplets, like the cold and flu.

In the new mask guidance, the CDC also pointed out the economic benefit of mask-wearing. An analysis showed if just 15% more people in the U.S. wore masks, it could prevent the need for lockdowns and reduce losses by up to $1 trillion.

Cox Media Group