To answer your questions, squarely, masks work. And they play a crucial part in curbing the spread of the coronavirus.  According to a study by Health Affairs, which compare the growth rate of COVID before and after masks were mandatory in 15 states in Columbia, they found out that masks contributed to the slowing down of the COVID-19. 

The masks’ primary work is to help contain large respiratory droplets that might prevent the virus from getting into the air, thus causing the virus to spread. 

Do All Masks Work?

Cloth Masks

Cloth masks help to trap those droplets that are released when you talk, cough, or sneeze. You can buy or make cloth masks from tightly woven sheets made from cotton. They are crucial in public settings when trying to curb the virus’s spread from getting transmitted.

N95 Masks

N95 Masks offer more protection because they can filter out small and large particles when you inhale. As the name dictates, they can block 95% of germs and can be disposable after use. 

Surgical Masks

The most popular facemask in circulation this period is that the surgical masks help protect your mouth and nose from the droplets. It also protects those around you from saliva and respiratory secretion. Concerning its effectiveness, an international research team found out that surgical and comparable cloth masks are 67% effective in protecting the wearer.

Who Should and Should not Wear Masks?

According to the CDC, everyone aged two years and older should wear masks. When you’re caring for someone who’s social distancing, you should also wear masks to avoid contracting the virus and spreading it. If you think you might have the virus and haven’t gotten tested yet, you should wear a mask too. 

The people who shouldn’t wear a mask are unconscious people or people who have trouble breathing, or people below two years.