CDC: Wearing A Mask During Prolonged Exposure Won’t Prevent Infection
“Wondering what @cdcgov really thinks about masks? Their guidance on quarantining after exposure to someone with #covid explicitly states whether the infected OR exposed person wore masks doesn’t matter,” former New York Times reporter Alex Berenson tweeted Sunday.
“My mask protects no one. So does yours. Thanks for clearing that up, CDC!” he added, accompanied by screenshots of the CDC’s guidelines.
— Alex Berenson (@AlexBerenson) August 23, 2020
CDC states that “data to inform the definition of close contact are limited.” Factors “to consider” when defining close contact are duration of exposure, proximity to an infected person, and whether or not that person is presenting symptoms. Data for what a prolonged exposure is are iffy; however, longer than 15 minutes can be considered an operational definition, according to the CDC.
“This is irrespective of whether the person with COVID-19 or the contact was wearing a mask or whether the contact was wearing respiratory personal protective equipment (PPE),” the CDC states.
The guidance goes on to say masks “may” help people who are infected with the coronavirus from spreading it, but adds that “there is less information” if masks protect a person coming into contact with someone with the virus.
“While research indicates masks may help those who are infected from spreading the infection, there is less information regarding whether masks offer any protection for a contact exposed to a symptomatic or asymptomatic patient,” the guideline states. “Therefore, the determination of close contact should be made irrespective of whether the person with COVID-19 or the contact was wearing a mask.”
The CDC also notes that the public has not been trained on how to use PPE properly, and so it is not certain if such equipment protects them from exposure.
“Because the general public has not received training on proper selection and use of respiratory PPE, it cannot be certain whether respiratory PPE worn during contact with an individual with COVID-19 infection protected them from exposure. Therefore, as a conservative approach, the determination of close contact should generally be made irrespective of whether the contact was wearing respiratory PPE, which is recommended for health care personnel and other trained users, or a mask recommended for the general public,” the guideline states.
Wearing face masks to stop the spread of the coronavirus has sparked debates across the country this summer. The CDC and leading U.S. doctors, such as Dr. Anthony Fauci, have advocated for the use of masks, saying they are crucial in defeating the virus.
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Source: technocracy.news
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