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Bill Gates expressed his point of view about masks on Wednesday, Sept.16, 2020. He said several things could have been done better on this pandemic. He recommends that people wear masks to prevent and slow down the spread of the virus.
To prevent and slow down the spread of the coronavirus, the CDC and WHO now recommend that people wear masks. Moreover, the journal Science Advances has published a report indicating masks will matters more when exercising in an enclosed space.
Wearing face masks is one of the remaining controversial topics six months after cities started shutting down.
The coronavirus is not a talking or singing disease. It is a coughing disease. Gates’ statements on wearing masks are something everyone must investigate.
Some of the most common causes of respiratory diseases are:
- Allergies, and low immune systems.
- Climate conditions and excessive air pollution. Exposure to excess smoke or other toxic material could include asbestos, harsh chemicals, dust, pollen, and fibers.
- Family genetics, for example, other family members who suffer from chronic respiratory diseases.
This virus has infected more than 29.5 million people worldwide and killed at least 935,000, according to data compiled by Johns Hopkins University. Could there be a second wave on the horizon?
Second Wave of Coronavirus
According to a report on Wednesday, June 10, Florida, Texas, and Arizona infection rates spiked shortly after the states reopened. Eric Toner of the Johns Hopkins Center predicts a new wave coming to parts of the country.
Florida reported 8,553 new cases, and Texas hospitalizations spiked 6.3 percent. In Arizona, new cases reached an all-time high of 1,187 on June 2. Scientists are baffled that some states have experienced this second wave, while others have not.
Gates Believes Wearing a Mask Is Wise
Gates is now trying to bring attention to this matter as he believes it will keep the effects of a second wave to a minimum. Many people that say “the masks do not stop the virus,” and there are others that say that it helps.
Unfortunately, those who disbelieve science are unlikely to listen to Gates.
His understanding that there are deniers who are quick to believe in conspiracy theories. Many of them choose not to wear masks, although it could save their lives. Maybe if there were better informed about the best mask to wear, people would make better-informed decisions:
- Masks work like walls; they prevent infecting others or being infected.
- A mask prevents sneeze droplets from getting into the air having the potential of infecting others.
- Masks filter small dust particles or microscopically harmful particles in the air.
- Some masks act as an air purifier. Masks like an electric purifier, N-9, N-99, etc., are used depending on their purpose.
Various Types of Masks
Three-layer blue surgical masks are most effective at preventing the spread of droplets.
Plain cotton masks must consist of at least four layers. Nylon blends and 100-percent polyester masks provide two to five times the efficiency when folded into two layers versus a single layer.
Many are using the same high-tech fabrics that are being used by sports performance companies. Nanofiber masks are super-small synthetic fibers that block microscopic particles while allowing for better airflow.
Other masks use moisture-absorbing materials and have a little bit of stretch to them.
Anne Rimoin, a professor of epidemiology at the UCLA Fielding School of Public Health, says, “You want one that fits over the mouth and nose and sits snug to the cheeks.” Being flexible enough to bend while moving is very important.
Coronavirus particles are approximately 0.125 microns, so it is essential to check to see what size particle a mask blocks.
Gates may be just another technological guru, but he may be on to something. He may be correct with his point of view about masks and a potential second wave of infections.
Written by Omari Jahi
Edited by Cathy Milne-Ware
Sources:
CNBC: Bill Gates: ‘We underestimated the value of masks;’ by Natasha Turak
Symptoms Checker: Respiratory Diseases: Symptoms, Causes, and Treatments; Aarzoo Saini
Men’s Journal: Experts Recommend the Best Masks to Protect Against COVID-19 When You Work Out; Ashley Mateo
New York Post: Second wave of coronavirus hits Florida, Texas, Arizona after reopenings; Natalie O’Neill
Feature and Top Image Courtesy of the collections of The Henry Ford, Dearborn, Michigan, USA. Photographer, Michelle Andonian – Creative Commons License
First Inset Image Courtesy of Marco Verch – Creative Commons License
Second Inset Image Courtesy of Tyrone Williams