As a result of the findings of a study recently released in the Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report, the Centers for Disease Control (the “CDC”) has updated its guidance concerning the most effective masking techniques to afford protection against COVID-19 transmission. A copy of the study dated February 10, 2021 Maximizing Fit for Cloth and Medical Procedure Masks to Improve Performance and Reduce SARS-CoV-2 Transmission and Exposure, 2021 can be downloaded here: https://excelsioradvisory.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/mm7007e1-H.pdf.
Specifically, the CDC recommends a layered masking approach. Layering can be accomplished either by:
- using a cloth mask that has multiple layers of fabric; or
- wearing one disposable mask underneath a cloth mask making sure that the second mask pushes the edges of the inner mask against your face.
The CDC has published a pictogram Improve How Your Mask Protects You that lays out the latest masking recommendations. A copy of the pictogram can be found here: https://excelsioradvisory.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/Improve-How-Your-Mask-Protects-You-_-CDC.pdf.