California health officials updated the state's mask guidance today, urging everyone to consider wearing two masks instead of one, to prevent the spread of COVID-19.
With the emergence of more contagious variants and vaccine supply still lagging, Governor Gavin Newsom says it's time for Californians to double mask, until a higher proportion of the population is vaccinated:
"This is not the time to spike the ball. There's no mission accomplished sign behind us. We really have to work through this next six to eight/nine weeks, the next 100 days, until we get to that abundance frame with the vaccines.''
The new state guidance brings California in line with the CDC, which promotes wearing a cloth mask over surgical or disposable one. A February CDC study found that wearing two masks could reduce COVID-19 exposure by over 90%.
Those face coverings should also be tight fitting, and free of gaps that could allow any respiratory droplets to escape or enter.
It's important to note which masks you should be wearing over one another. For those details, we recommend reading the California mask guidance here and here and the CDC's mask tips here.
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