Masks are a part of our daily lives now, and until viable treatment and a vaccine for coronavirus and COVID-19 are widely available, masks are one of the most effective ways we can prevent the spread. Particularly due to the prevalence of asymptomatic carriers, wearing a mask while around others, even if you don't feel ill or think you have been exposed, is imperative. 

Mask Coverage

It's important not only to wear a mask, but to do so properly. To be effective, your mask should cover your face from the bridge of your nose and wrap around your chin to ensure a snug fit with minimal gaps for air to escape unfiltered. The most current research indicates that the COVID-19 virus is mostly spread through respiratory droplets - microscopic particles that exit our nose and mouth while breathing - so it's important that both mouth and nose are fully covered by your mask. Your mask should remain securely over your nose and mouth for the entire time you are in an indoor public space or while outside and unable to physically distance. While at Equilibrium please do not remove your mask unless directed by your provider.

Material

The most effective material for a non-medical mask is high-thread-count cotton in multiple layers. Thinner cotton, other fabrics, and masks that are only 1-ply did not perform well in peer-reviewed studies. Masks that have a pocket for an additional filter to be inserted can be very effective as well. Other attributes to consider in your face masks include comfort and breathability, and how well the mask fits your face. Your mask should fit close to your face to prevent air from escaping unfiltered out the sides. Ideally, you should not touch the mask once it's on your face, so the more comfortable it is the better.

Masks with Exhale Valves Do NOT Prevent Disease Spread

Some masks have a little plastic piece embedded in the fabric which is a one-way valve. That means it closes when you breathe in, so pathogens can’t get in through it. But when you breathe out, this valve opens, creating a doorway for your exhalation to leave the mask. When wearing a mask with a valve, your exhale breath is not being filtered. Your mouth is essentially an open exhaust. N95 Respirator and other masks with an exhale valve are intended for use in construction, industrial, and mining work to protect workers from particulate matter, not disease control. They protect the wearer, but they do not protect others, including the providers at Equilibrium.

At this time Equilibrium does not have adequate PPE to treat patients without a mask or patients with masks that do not comply to our regulations. Equilibrium providers are not equipped to treat patients with the following:

• Single-ply masks

• Bandanas

• Scarves or other cloth wraps not intended for the purpose of particle inhibition

• Masks with a valve or perforation of any type

• No mask

If you do not have a compliant mask, we will provide you with one for a suggested donation of $8.

Masks Are Only Part of the Equation

Please note that masks do not replace physical distancing and hand washing. While wearing a mask you should still distance yourself from others by at least 6 feet and frequently wash your hands with soap and water for a duration of at least 20 seconds.