Why did the CDC update mask recommendations?

The Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) did a study that showed that wearing a surgical mask underneath a cloth mask can block more than 90 percent of virus particles. It’s the first report that compares how good different mask-wearing techniques are at protecting the people who wear them, and the people around them.

How does it work? The surgical mask acts like a filter, and the cloth one adds the extra layer and helps with the fit.

How do you do it? Easy. Wear a medical or surgical mask underneath your cloth mask. The top mask will make the bottom one fit better and keep you – and others – safer.

Can you just wear two surgical masks? No. They’ll gap, let in other people’s respiratory droplets and let yours out. It’s not only about layering, but also about proper fit.

90% protection from viral particles is nothing to sneeze at.