During the coronavirus pandemic, a much greater emphasis was placed on wearing face masks, and this continues to be the case. It is also the case that almost everyone is now wearing them, and some countries have even made them compulsory in shops and on public transport. We’ve heard a lot about how beneficial and important they are for our health, and the health of others, and that the measures being taken to promote their use are crucial. However, you might have wondered what they specifically do to help us. In this article, we will discuss the benefits of wearing a face mask. 

• Stopping The Spread

There is not much scientific evidence available yet regarding the spread of COVID-19 and how it is transferred from person to person. There are also a large number of people who may have the disease whilst being without symptoms, or not yet showing symptoms. Being around these people can put you at risk, particularly if you belong to a vulnerable group. That’s why it’s good practice for everyone to wear a mask, even if you don’t feel unwell. A mask can stop you from expelling drops into the air by coughing or sneezing, and this can help prevent others from catching the virus. This is even more important in areas where distancing regulations cannot be fully observed, such as in small spaces or on buses and trains.

• Preventing A Second Wave 

Now that lockdowns are steadily being relaxed, there is a risk of a new rise in the number of cases and deaths as a result of people mingling more in public. To stop this from becoming a reality, wearing masks is crucial. We can often touch our faces accidentally whilst outside, and potentially transfer bacteria into our bodies. This can lead to the virus spreading rapidly. 

• Protecting Yourself 

Because there is no way of knowing whether the people you come into contact with someone who has COVID-19 or not, wearing a mask can reduce your likelihood of getting infected whilst you’re outdoors. You should use a high-quality face mask such as an N95 model, as this keeps out smaller particles that other masks do not filter out. In Austria, infections were reduced by 90% when masks were made mandatory by the government. This shows how useful they can be for people concerned about becoming sick. Masks also prevent any sneezes or coughs by others from being breathed in, which is important given that particles of bacteria can hang in the air for a long time and can travel for almost 30 feet. 

• Conclusion 

Wearing a face mask is not merely a random choice, but something that could make the difference between you catching the virus or not, and between the virus spreading or receding. Each worn mask goes beyond the person wearing it because the whole community is protected. It’s worth remembering that this situation will not last forever, but it will be prolonged if people do not protect themselves.