Why wear a mask?

Unfortunately, there has been a lot of conflicting information regarding masks. We recommend wearing a mask when out in public. COVID-19 is primarily spread through the air. When you stand in close proximity to someone infected with COVID-19, you inhale the viral particles. COVID-19 viral particles often aerosolize, or suspend in the air for long periods of time. Health care workers caring for COVID-19 patients must wear certain masks, often termed N95s. But why is wearing a mask recommended outside of the hospital or clinic setting? As we learn more about COVID-19, we have found that there are large numbers of infected individuals who either never show symptoms or are presymptomatic. These asymptomatic individuals may stand unknowingly by you at the store, church or farmer’s market, silently spreading the disease. However, when both parties wear a mask, the risk of transmission decreases significantly!!!! True, most masks are not as effective as the N95s required of health care workers. But, cloth and surgical masks do help stop the spread of larger respiratory droplets. Wearing a mask to work or run errands may seem uncomfortable. But, by wearing a mask you are protecting others around you. Please be kind.