OSHKOSH, WI (WTAQ-WLUK) – Experts say new COVID variants are more contagious. With these strains of the virus dialing up the pressure, does that mean we should be wearing two face masks?
Wearing a mask may not be the most favorite piece of our now-everyday wardrobe.
“You can’t breathe. It’s hard to, you know, and they fall off, and they’re kind of a nuisance,” said Denise Nelson of Oshkosh.
But, the fact is, experts say they work.
“That’s been studied,” said Dr. Robert Mead, family physician at Bellin Health. “Look at the different states that have instituted mask mandates – they have less virus and less cases of COVID-19 than states that don’t have a mask mandate.”
With concern growing over the new and more contagious COVID-19 variant, the question now is whether two is better than one.
Even this far into the pandemic, health experts are still advising that we don’t let up and, in fact, we should start doubling down. And maybe doubling down means doubling up.
One peer-reviewed study suggests wearing two masks could increase protection.
“The more layers you have on, the harder it is for a droplet, or airborne droplet, or aerosol is to get into your nose or mouth area,” said Mead.
While some FOX 11 spoke with aren’t fans of masks in general
“They say for they’re for the best, so you just gotta take it and run with it,” Nelson said.
Many just want to do their part, even if that does mean double masking.
“If it can help someone to not get sick, or myself not to get sick, I’m open to wearing a double mask,” Clinton Lyons of Oshkosh said.
And, whether you like it or not, agree or disagree with wearing masks, here in Wisconsin, it might just be a plus to wear one, or maybe even two of them.
“I think it’d be warmer in this weather!” said Nelson.
Medical experts say, if you choose not to wear two masks, the best one you can wear is an N-95 or surgical mask.
