What are the Benefits of Wearing a Mask in Public?

A reusable face mask is an essential form of protective gear in the face of a pandemic. It creates a physical shield that minimizes the chances of contracting an infectious respiratory disease, spread by direct contact or through the air.

This form of protective gear allows wearers a sense of freedom, so they can return to their daily routines, while still feeling protected against harmful and potentially-lethal airborne pathogens. Whether you’re visiting public spaces such as shopping malls, restaurants, hospitals, and entertainment centers, a face mask can reduce the rate of transmission by up to 75%. 

Yet, is that all there is to know about wearing face masks in public? Let’s find out below.

Types of Masks

First things first, what are the different types of masks available to you? Here’s a comprehensive list:

Medical-grade face masks

Medical-grade face masks are specifically designed for medical practitioners. As a frontline worker in the face of a global pandemic, these healthcare employees are exposed to countless potential COVID-19 patients on a daily basis and spend long hours in-contact with persons who test positive for the infection.

Medical-grade face masks are composed of two major categories: disposable surgical masks and N95 masks. This type of mask is designated for use by medical professionals in treatment arenas, such as hospitals or accident sites. 

Non-medical grade face masks and coverings

If you are not a medical professional, you can choose to wear a bandana, a cloth mask, or a lightweight mask. Unlike the medical-grade models, these masks are available in a variety of materials, styles, and prints. 

While the primary purpose of non-medical and medical-grade face masks are the same, they appeal to the masses differently. When used as directed, these masks are equally effective in minimizing the spread of a contagious respiratory virus. With this in mind, the public must fully understand face coverings of-choice and how to maximize their benefits. 

The Benefits of Wearing Masks in Public

It reduces the spread of contagious viruses

Face masks and coverings prevent the contaminated droplets of an infected person from entering your respiratory system. Likewise, if you are already infected with the virus, wearing a mask protects your loved ones from potentially contracting the disease through the ejection of droplets, which can be discharged via talking, coughing, and/or sneezing. 

Wearing a mask is also a great way to show respect and consideration for the health and safety of those around you. 

Effective in spaces where social distancing is nearly impossible

When you’re relaxing or working from the comfort of your own home, it is easy to exercise social distancing practices and stay safe from airborne illness. But when you venture outside your comfort zone and into the public arena, it is hard to enforce social distance guidelines among perfect strangers.

Unfortunately, you can’t stop a child from coughing in your direction, nor can you predict when or where a patron may cross paths with you and violate the CDC’s suggestion of six feet of distance. Because the public is an unpredictable entity, why take any chances? Wear your face mask at the grocery store, and go about your shopping, without having to be on high alert. 

A great new avenue for self-expression

It can be difficult adjusting to the world’s new reality of mandated mask-wear. If government officials are requiring face-mask use in public spheres, why not make it fun? 

If you approach mask-wear from an angle of fun and adapting personal style, you may be able to appeal to your toddlers, pre-teens, or teenagers who are resisting the new norm. Here are a few ways you can convince your loved ones that wearing a face mask is worthwhile. 

You won’t have to worry about applying makeup or shaving 

If you are stuck at home due to social distancing, you can sport the au naturel look for days. Use the mask to run errands, without anyone noticing your makeup-less complexion. Likewise, men who skip shaving for a day or two can fly under the radar by slipping on a mask.  

This method should be used sparingly and should never replace your normal hygiene routines. You should keep your face clean and moisturized, Even the routine mask-wearer should apply sunscreen daily, before wandering outdoors.

They can be a fashion statement

In the thick of a pandemic, you’ve likely stumbled upon an ad or website that features face coverings with eye-catching graphics or popping color pallets. Statement-making face masks can be a great way to entice the younger generation to incorporate stylish face coverings into their everyday routines.

If you’re looking for more custom designs, purchase a clear or white face mask from your favorite store. Then, send it over to your designer for some custom face mask art, or send your design specs to your retailer of-choice who can input a custom order.

You can conceal acne breakouts or skin imperfections

Did you wake up with an unsightly breakout or acne flare? Don’t worry. You can use any face mask to conceal blemishes or breakouts while they heal. 

You can conceal your facial expressions

Finally, if you want to maintain a covert demeanor in public spheres, a hidden bonus of your face mask is its ability to hide your facial expressions, Because protective face coverings only expose your eyes and a small section of your cheeks. you can smile, laugh silently, or even mourn, without outside observers noticing. 

So, the next time you have to deal with a stressful situation where a level of stoicism is required, your face mask will have you covered. 

Takeaways

Due to the incubation period of COVID-19, asymptomatic carriers may transmit the virus to those around them, without knowing it. That’s why wearing face masks in public is vital when grappling with a global pandemic. 

Despite a mask’s ability to slow rates of transmission, a face mask use is not a substitute for social distancing measures, the washing/sanitization of hands and household surfaces, or efforts to deter hand-to-face contact. Even routine mask-wearers must maintain high standards of personal hygiene.