In the first post of this series, we discussed general resources healthcare providers can use to share reliable information about COVID-19 with their patients. This week, we will tackle masks. These resources are divided into two categories: why masks work and mask advice for parents. Hopefully these resources will aid you in providing accurate, useful advice to patients.
Why Masks Work
UCSF “Still Confused About Masks? Here’s the Science Behind How Face Masks Prevent Coronavirus”
- Article published by the University of Southern California. Explains why masks work. Discusses CDC guidance, evidence, reducing community transmission, and types of masks.
Stanford “5 Questions: Stanford Scientists on COVID-19 Mask Guidelines”
- Common mask questions answered by Stanford researchers and co-authors of an article in Nanotechnology Letters assessing the filtering and breathability of various household fabrics often used to make masks.
CDC “Considerations for Wearing Cloth Face Coverings”
https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/prevent-getting-sick/cloth-face-cover-guidance.html
- CDC guidance. Includes a video and sources.
PBS: “How Well Do Masks Work?
https://www.pbs.org/video/how-well-do-masks-work-ke2qje/
- Seven-minute video demonstrating how and why masks work.
MIT: “Do cloth masks actually work?”
https://medical.mit.edu/covid-19-updates/2020/07/do-cloth-masks-work
- Response to a study finding cloth masks are ineffective in high-risk situations. Examines the study parameters and explains why it isn’t relevant to everyday mask use by non-healthcare workers.
Mask Advice for Parents
NCH “Mask Safety 101: Why You Shouldn’t Mask a Baby”
NCH “Masks and New Routines: Helping Children with Special Needs During COVID-19”