If I don’t have a mask, what is the best way to cover my face when I go outside?
Anika H. Ahmed, MD
As a physician I can tell you that the main purpose of keeping your face covered, especially your nose and mouth, when outside during the COVID-19 pandemic, is a win-win situation for both you and the people around you. The honest truth is that the people wearing the cover are keeping the people around them protected. Each time a person speaks, tiny droplets can spew out on the breath and the novel Coronavirus can be transmitted through droplet infection to others. One does not only need to cough or sneeze to transmit the virus. A good laugh or even simply speaking can push the coronavirus out in spittle and infect the people who are within a few feet.
Initially, the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) had not encouraged wearing a mask while outside for the sole reason of saving masks for health care workers dealing directly with the severely affected COVID-19 patients. Now, with more masks being manufactured and made available to the general public, the guidelines have changed to recommend wearing a mask in public. This is especially important in close settings like a grocery store, pharmacy, or a salon. Masks serve the purpose of keeping the nose and mouth covered. If masks are not available, one should make good use of bandanas, scarves, cloth napkins, and even clean T-shirts. Any fabric that will cover your nose and mouth will serve the purpose of minimizing droplet infection and preventing the spread of the Coronavirus. Whatever fabric is used to cover the nose and mouth, it must be clean and tied firmly so that it does not slip and does not need to be adjusted frequently. An exposed nose and mouth while outside can actually increase the risk of getting Coronavirus infection as frequent touching with hands that have touched other outdoor public surfaces can actually transmit Coronavirus straight to the host. The length of the fabric should be such that it can be tied and knotted securely. If a longer length is not available, then all shorter pieces of fabric used to cover the nose and mouth must be secured with rubber bands around the ears or with simple safety pins and bobby pins.
However, one needs to be mindful of covering their face only if one is expecting to interact with other people in close settings. If you are going for a run, hike, or bike ride solo and at a distance of over six feet from others, you do not need to wear a mask. Even going for a walk does not require wearing a mask, unless one expects to interact with neighbors and friends in close proximity.