WEDNESDAY WORD: Face Masks and Face Coverings

Villains like Darth Vader and the Joker, and heroes like the Lone Ranger or Batman share one physical characteristic. Whether for evil or good, they all don the power and mystery of the mask! Only seven months ago, if you were asked you to name someone who wears a mask, besides your doctor or nurse, at least one of these superheroes or villains might have been top of mind. Today is different. Today, you’d most likely name your friend or family member, first—undoubtedly, you’d say yourself! Villains like Darth Vader and the Joker, and heroes like the Lone Ranger or Batman share one physical characteristic. Whether for evil or good, they all don the power and mystery of the mask! Only seven months ago, if you were asked you to name someone who wears a mask, besides your doctor or nurse, at least one of these superheroes or villains might have been top of mind. Today is different. Today, you’d most likely name your friend or family member, first—undoubtedly, you’d say yourself!

The over 9000-year history of the mask, steeped in cultural traditions, rituals, ceremonies, art and theatrics, is now part of our daily lives. Now more commonplace, whether professional, procedural or practical, masks and face coverings provide different layers of protection to help prevent the spread of COVID-19.

Knowing the difference:

•           MEDICAL FACE MASKS include surgical masks and respirators that are often manufactured with medical grade materials. These masks, considered Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), are designed to prevent contaminants from entering the face and filter 95% of airborne particles.

•           FACE COVERINGS are non-medical grade cloth “masks” and are not medical or surgical masks or respirators. Face coverings help reduce the risks of transferring germs and viruses to others.

No longer do we need to look to the Lone Ranger or Batman as examples of masked heroes. Whether in a face mask or face covering, today, our superheroes are our doctors, nurse, friends and family. Our superheroes include YOU!