On Tuesday, the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) issued its strongest guidance yet that mask-wearing can protect both those who wear them, and those with whom they come in contact. Initially it was thought masks would primarily protect those with whom mask-wearers came in contact.
From the new CDC guidance:
SARS-CoV-2 infection is transmitted predominately by respiratory droplets generated when people cough, sneeze, sing, talk, or breathe. CDC recommends community use of masks, specifically non-valved multi-layer cloth masks, to prevent transmission of SARS-CoV-2. Masks are primarily intended to reduce the emission of virus-laden droplets (“source control”), which is especially relevant for asymptomatic or presymptomatic infected wearers who feel well and may be unaware of their infectiousness to others, and who are estimated to account for more than 50% of transmissions.1,2 Masks also help reduce inhalation of these droplets by the wearer (“filtration for personal protection”). The community benefit of masking for SARS-CoV-2 control is due to the combination of these effects; individual prevention benefit increases with increasing numbers of people using masks consistently and correctly.
The CDC says anybody 2 year old or older should wear a mask.
The CDC article has several examples of how mask-wearing is effective. One example was of 2 symptomatically ill hair stylists who interacted for an average of 15 minutes with each of 139 clients during an 8-day period, Of 67 clients who agreed to be interviewed, none developed COVID-19. The stylists and all clients universally wore masks in the salon as required by local ordinance and company policy at the time.
Another example showed that even on a 10-hour flight, a COVID-19 infected person who wore a mask did not spread the virus.
Former and future Mayors agree that wearing masks is important and set the example.
Former Hawaii County Mayor Billy Kenoi and his wife Takako:
Hawaii County Mayor-elect Mitch Roth:
Attached photo is 3 1/2-year-old Brodi Bracken, photo by his Mom Sue Bounnharaj-Bracken