Using a scale starting at 100, which is how many droplets come from a person without a face covering, researchers gave each type of face covering a score.
Unsurprisingly, a properly fitted N95 mask transmitted less than 0.1 percent of particles, while neck gaiters actually appeared to spew more droplets than someone wearing no face covering. Researchers speculated that the material used on the neck gaiter sheared larger droplets into smaller ones.
The neck gaiter industry (apparently this is now a thing) was quick to point out that neck gaiters come in many different types of materials and thicknesses and can be folded for added protection. The researchers stressed that the purpose of their article was to show a way to easily test face coverings not necessarily to provide a definitive ranking of their effectiveness.
They did, however, provide a ranking of different types of coverings, which you can see in the article. Three-ply cloth masks were better than two-ply and one-ply. Cotton performed better than other fabrics.
Perhaps the biggest take away is that covering your face does reduce droplets that could infect other people. We all emit droplets when we cough, sneeze, talk, yell, sing and breathe. The fewer droplets we emit, the fewer people we will infect. The fewer people that get infected, the slower the spread. So please continue to mask up, layer up and keep your distance from others.
Masks vs “coverings”
On a side note, early on in the pandemic questions came up about N95 masks vs surgical masks vs cloth face coverings. At the time, I asked our fire chief about it. First of all, we want to leave medical grade masks to those most at risk. Some people have N95 masks in their emergency kits already. If so, it’s fine to use them, but keep in mind they might not provide the level of protection you think they do. That’s because they must fit perfectly.
The Fire Department does fit tests for all its personnel where they basically put on their N95 mask and then are exposed to different smells. If the person wearing the mask can detect the smell, the mask doesn’t fit well enough. Most likely, your off-the-shelf N95 masks won’t fit you perfectly either. It will provide some protection but not at the level you expect.
Economic relief
Governor Gavin Newsom devoted yesterday’s news conference to the topic of economic relief. For every day the shutdowns continue, businesses are facing more and more hardships. We are feeling this here in Carlsbad too.
You can read about the latest state efforts to “stabilize California’s economy, businesses and workforce, aid workers and employers, and create equitable growth across the state’s economy.” Next Tuesday we’ll be providing our latest COVID-19 response update to the Carlsbad City Council, including proposals from our Economic Revitalization Ad Hoc Subcommittee.
In addition to our local partnerships and loan programs, our staff has streamlined the permit process for businesses to move outdoors. We have currently approved more than 50 free and low costs permits, and 10 more are in the works.
In the meantime, federal stimulus talks continue, and the president has signed executive orders meant to help provide economic relief.
I’ll report out on this in greater detail next week.
As we head into what is projected to be a warmer than normal weekend, please consider visiting our local businesses and take advantage of their new outdoor operations. They need our support more than ever.
When you do head out, please don’t just follow, but be a model for the health precautions needed to slow the spread. Even if you’re 6 feet from others, consider wearing your mask anyways or at least have it on display around your neck.
Our community has always been known as a friendly place where people care about each other. The way to show that now is by covering your face, avoiding gatherings, especially indoors, and giving people plenty of room in stores, on sidewalks and other places.
Our actions are having an effect. Please keep up the good work.
Scott Chadwick
City Manager
