SAN DIEGO (KGTV) — A new experiment getting national attention shows that simply talking can leave droplets that linger in the air for more than eight minutes. It's renewing support for wearing masks.
There is a growing debate on exactly how effective masks are in preventing the spread of the coronavirus.
But a new study published by the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America, explains how small speech droplets can linger in the air for eight to 14 minutes, spreading germs, possibly including COVID-19.
Local lawmakers have made wearing facial coverings mandatory when heading outdoors. But 10News found many of our viewers are struggling with this new norm.
One caller left a voice message saying:
"I'm just bothered more and more by how many many people are wearing their face masks just over their mouth and not over the nose."
Here are eight hacks to help you follow mask rules while staying comfortable.
HOW TO PROPERLY WEAR A MASK
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends wearing facial coverings that cover both the mouth and nose. So when you wear a mask, hook the straps on your ears, pinch your hose, and drag it down. The CDC says more protection is better than none.
HOW TO IMPROVE THE FIT OF A MASK
Scientists say gaps in the mask open up access for germs to travel to and from you. So a snug fit is essential. So what do you do when masks are too big?
- Hack #1: Criss-crossing the ear loops can tighten the fit.
HOW TO AVOID EAR PAIN CAUSED BY ELASTIC EAR LOOPS
Many people complain about the irritation ear loops cause. One woman asked her local Facebook group:
"Does anyone make cloth masks that loop around the back of the head as opposed to the ears?"
- Hack #2: Get a paperclip. Hook the sides to the ear loops, and make the mask into a headband.
- Hack #3: Sew buttons on a baseball cap, right above where your temples would go. Use those to hook the ear loops instead.
HOW TO PREVENT GLASSES FROM FOGGING UP
Breathing into a mask while wearing glasses can lead to condensation forming.
- Hack #4: Pinch your nose and place your glasses over your mask. Your nose piece should help block the fogginess.
HOW TO GET CHILDREN TO WEAR MASKS
A 10News viewer left a voice message saying:
"My daughter… I would like her to wear a mask, but I can't. She doesn't like a mask on her face."
San Diego County Health officials made it mandatory for children older than two-years-old to wear masks. But many kids do not like the constraints of covering their faces. Experts say first, find something that fits.
- Hack #5: Get an adult size mask and make it into a headband, as mentioned above. Use either a paperclip or a clothespin to hold the ear loops together in the back of the head.
- Hack #6: Zig-zag fold the edges of an adult-sized surgical mask—staple and tape the sides to make it fit smaller faces.
- Hack #7: Have children pick their favorite fabric and sew a small size. Or have them draw their own designs on the outside of the smaller surgical mask. The more hands-on, the more likely children will want to wear it.
- Hack #8: When going out, tell them they are going to a masquerade party.
We hope these hacks help your mask-wearing experience.
