NYC has adjusted its guidance on mask-wearing. Mayor de Blasio and Health Commissioner Dr. Dave Chokshi are now encouraging New Yorkers to wear two face masks to more aggressively protect themselves from the spread of COVID-19.
MASK UPDATE: @NYCHealthCommr now recommends wearing TWO face masks when you’re around people you don’t live with. Wear a cloth mask over a disposable mask to keep yourself and others safe. Make sure it’s over your nose and mouth.https://t.co/aT76BVLxyX pic.twitter.com/0SPThk2yoE
— City of New York (@nycgov) February 18, 2021
Keep wearing a face mask, NYC!
1. Two are better than one
2. Make sure it fits tightly over your face
3. Consider wearing higher grade masks
4. Wear a face mask at home if someone in your household has been exposed or tested positive for COVID-19. pic.twitter.com/Sg6mZDqYUS— Mayor Bill de Blasio (@NYCMayor) February 18, 2021
A recent CDC study found that a single mask only blocks about 40% of incoming particles, while a cloth mask on top of a surgical mask can block up to 80%.
The new guidance specifies that “If you decide to wear two face coverings, wear a cloth face covering over a disposable mask. Do not wear two disposable masks or a face covering over a higher-grade mask like a KN95.”
The City has also released this guide for further instructions.
[pdf-embedder url=”https://www.ilovetheupperwestside.com/material/media/2021/02/covid-19-two-face-coverings.pdf”]The issuing of this new guidance comes as NYC faces a vaccine shipment shortage due to the recent winter storms.
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