Maximizing Fit for Cloth and Medical Procedure Masks to Improve Performance and Reduce SARS-CoV-2 Transmission and Exposure, 2021
February 10, 2021 —
What is already known about this topic? Universal masking is recommended to slow the spread of COVID-19. Cloth masks and medical procedure masks substantially reduce exposure from infected wearers (source control) and reduce exposure of uninfected wearers (wearer exposure). What is added by this report? CDC conducted experiments to assess two ways of improving the fit of medical procedure masks: fitting a cloth mask over a medical procedure mask, and knotting the ear loops of a medical procedure mask and then tucking in and flattening the extra material close to the face. Each modification substantially improved source control and reduced wearer exposure. What are the implications for public health? These experiments highlight the importance of good fit to maximize mask performance. There are multiple simple ways to achieve better fit of masks to more effectively slow the spread of COVID-19.
Brooks JT, Beezhold DH, Noti JD, et al. Maximizing Fit for Cloth and Medical Procedure Masks to Improve Performance and Reduce SARS-CoV-2 Transmission and Exposure, 2021. MMWR Morb Mortal Wkly Rep. ePub: 10 February 2021. http://dx.doi.org/10.15585/mmwr.mm7007e1.
- Next story: Is the Livestock Industry Prepared for a Foreign Animal Disease Outbreak?
- Next in category: Comparison of Antimicrobial Resistance Profiles in Salmonella spp. from Swine Upon Arrival and Postslaughter at the Abattoir
- Previous in category: A Framework for Surveillance of Emerging Pathogens at the Human-Animal Interface: Pigs and Coronaviruses as a Case Study
- Previous story: Vote Today: District Director Elections Under Way