April 22, 2021

Here's the answer for the questions about double masking from yesterday's All-College Meeting.

According to new guidance from the CDC, yes you should double mask to provide increased protection for COVID 19. The guidance is based on a lab study, published in MMWR, which used masked and unmasked dummies that released aerosol particles from a mouthpiece when they were simulated to cough or breathe. The study found that wearing a multilayered cloth mask over a surgical mask or wearing a tightly fitted surgical mask substantially increased the level of protection for both the mask wearer and others.

When double masking, the CDC recommends wearing a snug cloth mask over a surgical mask. Surgical masks provide better filtration, but tend to fit loosely. Cloth masks close any gaps and provide another layer of protection. Surgical masks are sometimes called medical masks or medical procedure masks.