CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas — New data from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention show double masking can significantly improve protection.
The CDC said layering a cloth mask over a medical procedural mask, such as a disposable blue surgical mask, can block more than 92% of infectious particles from escaping by creating a tighter fit and eliminating leakage.
Corpus Christi Director of Public Health Annette Rodriguez said wearing two masks gives you the extra protection you need, especially for those who have chronic medical conditions.
“Those individuals that are older, that if they get COVID-19 they would end up int the hospital," Rodriguez said about who double masking would benefit most. "I think it's so important for those individuals to use much protection if they have to leave their home."
Rodriguez said it's been tough to enforce state laws requiring people to wear one mask under the state mandate. With the CDC’s new recommendation to wear two masks, it is not a law the city will enforce, but it is recommended.
“But we are not going to implement it, that is something that would come from the governor, the governor has already implemented a mandatory mask-wearing,” said Rodriguez.
Sarona Winfrey, spokesperson for La Palmera Mall, says her facility will continue to follow the local and state requirements for face masks.
“If somebody decides they want to wear two or three masks now that is their personal choice and certainly we are not against that," Winfrey said. "But it is not a requirement unless a state or local office makes it so.”
If you choose to wear two masks, one of the proper ways to wear them is to make sure you are wearing a medical procedure mask then fitting a cloth mask over it. Then. knot the ear loops and make sure the extra material is close to the face.
The CDC study said these steps could reduce transmission by more than 95%.
“Protect yourself, stay at home if at all possible, if not possible double mask it when you go out and keep distance from other people,” said Rodriguez.
For more information and ways to stay protected, visit the CDC website here.
For more information on the La Palmera Mall guidelines visit their website here.
