Wearing a face mask is still a valid choice for reducing COVID-19 infections – even if others do not.

Studies show that although wearing a mask is not 100 percent effective, there is no harm in wearing a mask.

Masking rules are being eased in Ontario, but experts say it’s still a smart choice to wear a face mask, even if others don’t.

This was outlined in an article in the latest issue of the Canadian Medical Association Journal (CMAJ), which discusses the concept of “one-way masking”. One-way refers to the fact that while wearing a mask, others do not.

Lauren Vogel’s article from CMAJ reviews new information from the CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) in the United States, which examines the effectiveness of facial coatings in preventing SARS-CoV-2 infection (COVID-19).

“Face masks work best to prevent the spread of SARS-CoV-2 when everyone is wearing it. But experts say it’s still worth wearing a mask to protect yourself, even if no one else does, according to a Vogel article.

“While public health reports tend to emphasize the importance of wearing a mask to protect others, numerous studies have shown that the right mask also protects the wearer,” the article continued.

This is timely because masking requirements have been removed in most situations in Ontario, and by June 11, most places in Ontario will be without masks.

In the summary of the effectiveness of wearing masks, the CDC report had three key findings:

1. Face masks or respirators (N95 / KN95s) effectively filter out virus-sized particles in the laboratory. The actual effectiveness of facial coatings in preventing SARS-CoV-2 infection has not been extensively studied.
2. Consecutive use of a face mask or respirator indoors in public is associated with a lower chance of a positive SARS-CoV-2 test result. The use of respirators with a higher filtration capacity is associated with the greatest protection compared to the lack of a mask.
3. In addition to keeping up with the recommended COVID-19 vaccines, the constant wearing of a comfortable, well-fitting face mask or respirator indoors indoors protects against SARS-CoV-2 infection; the respirator offers the best protection.

“Recent data from the United States has shown that people who have always worn a face mask in public are less likely to test positive for SARS-CoV-2 than those who have never worn a mask.” says in a CMAJ article.

“Better quality masks offered more protection. Wearing an N95 or KN95 respirator reduces the chances of infection by 83%, while wearing a surgical mask or cloth mask reduces the chances by 66% and 56%, respectively, ”the article continues.

In short, using a face mask is better than not having a mask, as long as the virus is still there.

The CDC also said that in most cases, people who believe in science are not harmed by wearing a mask.

“Research confirms that wearing a mask in most circumstances does not have significant adverse effects on the health of those who wear it,” the CDC study said. This includes studies of healthy hospital workers, the elderly and adults with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), all of whom report no minimal changes in oxygen or carbon dioxide levels while wearing a cloth or surgical mask during rest or moderate exercise. activity.

Scientific journals are careful to warn that no mask is a guarantee of infection safety. Studies show that a person wearing a mask can still be infected if they spend enough time (15 minutes to 75 minutes) in close company with an infected person.