Why you should wear face masks at the grocery store

As restrictions ease all over the globe, face masks continue to remind us of the Coronavirus. The value and quality of homemade face masks as regards its functionality continues to be questioned, debated, and researched.

For most people, the last few months have been quite challenging staying indoors with family; trying to get work done by virtual means at the same time making efforts to homeschool the children; just doing all that is possible not to go outdoors. Although there are times you will need to get to the grocery store for some necessary items. Though many have found using the delivery service as a better and safer choice; though this is helpful, there are times the long wait does not work nor fit into your schedule and you will just have to go to out to be able to make your plans for the day a workable one.  So, having to visit the grocery store in person necessitates that you adhere to all safety precautions.  The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention currently changed their endorsement for wearing face masks outdoors.

Is putting on face masks to the grocery store necessary?

Health Authority strongly advises wearing cloth face masks in public places where physical distancing is difficult to adhere to, like gas stations, grocery stores, and pharmacies. VanSant s also advised that individuals should always have a cloth face mask on them because you can never tell when you might come in close contact with people outside your family; hence the reason it is compulsory that you put on your face mask when going outdoors. The CDC authorizes putting on of masks when going out to public places like the grocery store or pharmacy. This is because many individuals infected with the Coronavirus do not show any symptoms. What this means is that it is possible to infect others with the virus without ever knowing it.  It is also possible that symptomatic patients are contagious before their symptoms begin to manifest.

The CDC guidance advisory also requires people to put on face masks when in transit buses or other forms of public transit. Masks are vital for workers at pharmacies, personal services, gyms, grocery stores, bars, and restaurants.  Ride-sharing services and retail stores are also mandated to ensure that employees wear face masks. Restaurants are required to ensure that their dining areas conform to the physical distancing guidelines; six feet apart. Just in case you decide to go on a walk, it is advised that you should still have your face mask with you peradventure you find yourself having to walk on a narrow path or alley where physical distancing is challenging; however outside the aforementioned, you are required to maintain the physical distancing rule though the risk of transmission is minimal outdoors, the fact remains that you have no absolute control over close people get to you, hence the reason for a face mask.

It is crucial to note that putting on a mask outdoors helps avert the transmission of the virus from you but is not so effective at protecting you from other individuals. Your cloth face mask will intercept any droplets from your sneezing, talking, or coughing from getting to other in individuals. Hence, in simple translation, it means I put on a face mask when I go out to safeguard you, and you do the same when you go out to safeguard me.

Type of face masks to put on

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the Coronavirus transmits from individual to individual through respiratory droplets of an infected individual's sneeze, cough, or talk. Dr. Janine VanSant, medical director of infectious diseases at Santiam Hospital, affirmed that masks catch the droplets that are released when you breathe, keeping them from polluting surfaces. In summary, you must put on masks around one another to safeguard yourself and those around you. The CDC said cloth face masks will not stop people from inhaling the respiratory droplets which carry the coronavirus, but it might keep the wearer from spreading the virus to others.

It was further said that cloth face masks can assist you in preventing you from touching your face and can act as an optical reminder to practice social distancing.

The CDC has endorsed the use of using a cloth face mask or homemade mask when going outdoors. Surgical and N95 respirator masks are in slow supply and are kept in reserve for healthcare officers and frontline workers.  When making your homemade mask ensure it is made out of a breathable, cotton fabric. If you conclude to make your mask, you can make from the fabrics you already have at home. According to scientists and experts, after research, they discovered that the most effective cloth face masks are made from pillowcases, and cotton T-shirt fabric.

Staying safe

The best way to safeguard yourself is not just by putting on of face masks but also ensuring that you adhere to physical distancing rules; taking deliberate caution to avoid crowds and by staying at least 6 feet away from other individuals. It is very important to know that face masks is not a replacement for physical distancing. Putting on a mask is the last option when you need to go outdoors especially to crowded places like the grocery store or pharmacy.  It is pertinent that you keep in mind that you are still at risk of contracting coronavirus if you get in close contact with others, whether or not we are wearing a mask.  Just in case you are above the age of 60 or have an underlying medical issue, it much better and wiser to consider ordering your groceries or watch out for grocery stores with senior shopping hours, along with ensuring that you put on your face mask; and maintain a regular hand washing culture and daily washing of your face mask is ultimately compulsory as recommended by CDC, hence the reason, to have quite a number for daily use.