Why the US Recommends Wearing Masks Layered

[Image source=EPA Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Cho Hyun-ui] In the United States, experts are recommending wearing two masks layered to prevent COVID-19 infection. This is to reduce the risk of infection even slightly amid the spread of a variant virus that is 1.5 times more transmissible than the original virus.

On the 28th (local time), CNN reported, "Health officials say that wearing masks layered can increase the level of protection against the risk of COVID-19 infection."

Anthony Fauci, director of the U.S. National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, recently said in an interview with NBC News, "Wearing two masks layered is more effective," adding, "This is why double masking or wearing an N95 mask is recommended."

In fact, President Joe Biden wore a black cloth mask over a surgical mask at his inauguration on the 20th. Besides President Biden, Vice President Kamala Harris, Transportation Secretary nominee Pete Buttigieg, White House Press Secretary Jen Psaki, and African American poet Amanda Gorman, who recited at the inauguration, all wore two masks layered.

Research has shown that wearing a cloth mask over a surgical mask is effective in blocking the virus. Monica Gandhi, an infectious disease expert at the University of California, San Francisco, and Lindsay Marr from Virginia Tech explained that the surgical mask acts as a droplet filter, while the cloth mask adds an additional layer and helps the mask fit better on the face. According to the study, layering a cloth mask over a surgical mask blocks up to 70% of fine droplets and particles.

Why is double masking particularly recommended in the U.S.? The U.S. has N95 masks that block 95% of airborne particles. Like Korea’s K-94 masks, these are high-performance masks but have been supplied mainly to healthcare workers and emergency responders due to shortages. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) does not even recommend N95 mask use for the general public.

Some argue that the general public should also wear surgical masks. Tom Frieden, former CDC director under the Obama administration, emphasized the need for surgical masks, saying, "As more transmissible viruses emerge, our strategies must improve," according to Fox News.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.