We all need to wear a mask in public

A facemask worn over the mouth and nose impedes the transmission of viruses such as SARS-COV-2 (Coronavirus). It acts as a barrier to prevent fluid droplets that contain the virus from being expelled into the air by the sneezes and coughs of an infected person. It also reduces the amount of these droplets that a nearby uninfected person will inhale.

The efficacy of a mask depends on how it is made and what it is made of. Highly effective medical grade masks like n95 masks are currently in short supply and needed by medical workers. Moderately effective hand-made masks are a stop-gap solution that can protect the general public.

Anyone and everyone can make and wear a simple mask. Together we can dramatically decrease the transmission rate of COVID-19.