Update from the Medical Advisory Group, August 20, 2020
Facial Coverings
Facial coverings and masks are an effective tool to prevent the potential spread of illnesses like COVID-19. In order to be effective, facial coverings and masks should have a snug fit and ideally consist of two or three layers of material (e.g. two-ply or three-ply). While fitted N-95 masks provide the best level of protection, these are in short supply and generally should be reserved for health care workers. Similar levels of protection can be achieved with surgical masks, three-ply masks, or two-ply masks consisting of a layer of polypropylene and cotton or two layers of cotton, and two layers of polypropylene.
Gaiters, bandanas, neck fleeces, scarves and masks with exhalation valves should not be used given potentially increased risk of aerosol transmission associated with these types of facial coverings.
Make sure you wash your hands before donning a mask, place it over your nose and mouth, make sure it fits snugly so air is passing through the mask and not around the sides of the mask, and make sure you can breathe comfortably.
Judy Platt MD, Director of Student Health Services
Ann Zaia PhD, CNP, SM, MSN, MHA Director of the Occupational Health Center
Carrie Landa PhD, Associate Director of Student Health Services
Davidson Hamer MD, Professor of Global Health and Medicine
This notice has been posted to the Research Support site for informational purposes only. The Medical Advisory Group does not sit within the Research & Clinical Working Group or the Office of Research.
Please note that according to the research recovery guidance as of August 2020, cloth facial coverings should not be worn in labs. Laboratory personnel should remove their face covering before entering the lab and wear a surgical/medical mask along with the other required PPE for lab work. Surgical masks do not replace the use of a respirator. Lab workers required to use a respirator such as an N95 must wear them for appropriate protection. Learn more in this guidance from EHS.