Wearing a mask ‘clearly reduces transmission’

If Alabama residents follow the new statewide order to wear masks or face coverings in public, they can make a big difference in the record-breaking spread of COVID-19, USA Health physicians say.

“I am very positive about the state’s requirement of masking in public,” said Errol D. Crook, M.D., Abraham A. Mitchell Chair and professor of internal medicine at the University of South Alabama College of Medicine. “Wearing a face covering clearly reduces transmission and, as a result, keeps people healthy and working, and enjoying their lives.”

Last week, Alabama joined more than half the states in implementing a mask requirement for individuals when they are in public or close contact with others. USA Health has required all employees to wear masks while at its healthcare facilities since early April.

Health officials have pressed for universal masking after learning that both the viral load peaks in the days before symptoms begin and that speaking is enough to expel the virus-carrying respiratory droplets into the air. USA Health’s masking policy states that masks and face coverings decrease the risk of COVID-19 infection by achieving source control.

“The mask helps in preventing you from spreading the virus to someone even if you are not showing symptoms,” Crook said. “When you go out to a grocery store or other place of necessity, wear your mask and stay six feet apart from other individuals – and wash your hands.”

He added that there is no evidence that wearing a mask leads to health problems.

Brittany Brown, R.N., M.S.N, director of operations for internal medicine at USA Health, advises choosing a mask that fits snugly and is comfortable. “In support of the efforts to reduce the curve by wearing a mask, we should try and have some fun, find a favorite design or color, be creative and make the best of the mandate,” she said.

Brown offers these tips for wearing masks:

1. Clean your hands before touching the mask.
2. Inspect the mask for damage and cleanliness.
3. Adjust the mask to your face without leaving gaps on the sides.
4. Cover your mouth, nose and chin.
5. Avoid touching the mask once it is in place.
6. Clean your hands before removing the mask.
7. Remove the mask by the straps behind the ears or head.
8. Store the mask in a clean plastic resealable bag if it is not dirty or wet, and you plan to reuse it.

She also offers these cautions:

1. Do not use a mask that is damaged.
2. Do not wear a loose mask.
3. Do not wear a mask under the nose.
4. Do not wear a dirty or wet mask.
5. Do not share a mask with others.