Time to Make a Face Mask: New York Times

Advice on face masks has evolved throughout the COVID-19 pandemic. East Asians have long worn such masks, protecting against flu viruses since 1918 and then SARS in 2003. But US health experts suggested the masks were unnecessary. “The world is running out of face masks for health care workers, which is one reason American officials, including the surgeon general, have warned members of the public against buying their own masks,” explains Farhad Manjoo, for the New York Times. “Contrary to what American officials told us, many studies show that widespread mask-wearing might be a very effective complement to hand-washing, social-distancing and other measures to mitigate the pandemic.” Health officials in East Asia maintain that masks worn by people with symptoms can contain the spread, especially in small, crowded or poorly ventilated spaces. Sewing groups and survivalists share online patterns for masks easily made with household materials. Manjoo concludes, “At least two peer-reviewed studies show that while DIY masks are not nearly as effective as commercial masks made for health care workers, they are far better than nothing.” The New York Times has removed the pay wall for its coronavirus coverage as a public service. – YaleGlobal