CDC advises double masking for better protection against Covid-19

Source Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

Feb. 11, 2021

The CDC's new guidelines recommend masks with a nose wire that can be adjusted for a snug fit, and to use a mask fitter or brace to better seal a mask. And the CDC says evidence now suggests that combining a cloth mask over a surgical mask could dramatically reduce both the spread of the virus to others and exposure to the virus oneself.

Updated guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends that Americans wear two masks. A new study found that doubling up can improve mask performance against Covid-19 by about 50%.

The CDC's new recommendations suggest using masks with a nose wire that can be adjusted for a snug fit, and to use a mask fitter or brace to better seal the mask.

Additionally, the CDC said evidence now suggests that combining a cloth mask over a surgical mask could dramatically reduce both the spread of the virus to others and exposure to the virus.

Visit the CDC to learn more about face coverings.