As we face what seems like a never-ending loop of panic and fear regarding the current state of our world, we also face having to differentiate information we can and cannot rely on. Conspiracy theories have been growing in parallel to the CoronaVirus, and many are misleading people, causing more panic and confusion.

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       One of the biggest questions regarding the CoronaVirus is the use of masks and gloves to prevent the spread. While some say that the masks are a necessary item to use, others are more skeptical. Do they help?

According to researchers from the CDC, or Center for Disease Control and Prevention, masks are necessary to slow the spread of the CoronaVirus. Though they are not a replacement for social distancing and won’t stop the growth of the virus 100%,  masks do serve as a barrier and aid in slowing the disease. As of now, nations are putting efforts into flattening the curve of cases in an attempt to keep hospitals from overwhelming from a huge wave of cases. Masks are no doubt essential to this cause.

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       Having a sort of protection while going out into the public is vital. If you wear a mask and sneeze or cough, the germs are blocked by the protection. Others won’t be potentially infected, and vise versa. If another person coughs, their mask will prevent the pathogens from spreading. Infected people can often be symptom-free for up to 14 days from being exposed to the virus, and because of this, it is better to wear a mask. You may be infected and spreading the virus, though you don’t know it yet, and this form of protection is a crucial way to provide a barrier from you and others. As they always say: it's better to be safe than sorry.

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       There are three main types of masks. Firstly, the basic and most common surgical mask. Recommended by the CDC and WHO, The World Health Organization, they are one-time use masks that can be used for the grocery store, gas station, park, etc. These are the most commonly used by the general public, as well as doctors and nurses, as they sufficiently keep moisture and pollution out. The second is the homemade cloth mask. These can be made from old clothes and materials, and a great advantage to them is that they can be reused and washed. The homemade aspect can be tricky, however. It needs to be made sturdy and tight for its maximum effect. The third main type of mask is the N95 Respirator. These provide the most protection from the virus, and some types include a small opening at the front of this mask, filtering the air more efficiently. However, with this type of mask, there is skepticism. Due to its original industrial use, the mask is good for keeping outside elements out, but the person wearing it can still spread their germs. It is reliable for keeping you safe, but not so much so for the other people around you.

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       Due to the high demand for protection from the virus during these times, nurses, doctors, and other workers are in desperate need of more masks. It’s a good idea to create homemade masks and reuse them so that the health care workers can have enough surgical masks for their jobs. Donating unused masks is also a helpful approach, as hospitals are often running out of them.

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       Though they are necessary during this time, masks are not a replacement for social distancing and practicing safer habits. Wearing a mask is not an excuse to meet up with friends and neglect the newer systems surrounding interaction with others. Masks are merely a form of protection against the virus and can only slow the spread; they cannot stop the spread completely.

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       There are also many controversies with people refusing to wear masks due to their rights. This is dangerous and selfish, people need to recognize that the use of masks is not to disable people or hold them back, but to ensure the safety of them and the people around them during these uncertain times. Not wearing a mask because it is ‘ruining my outfit’ or ‘itchy and uncomfortable’ is not an excuse and puts people in a vulnerable position. If a mask seems too ‘uncool’, remember that there are lives on the line and that we are going through a global pandemic. Wear the mask, and don't make a big deal about it.

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       Masks are an important form of protection during this global pandemic we are going through. They help slow the spread of the CoronaVirus, which flattens the curve of cases and keeps hospitals from overflowing. Masks are vital to our society in this day and age, and everyone should use them when given the chance.