US government is stockpiling 300 MILLION coronavirus face masks as Gwyneth Paltrow dons one for a flight and stores sell out – but experts say only THIS type will protect you
The two most common types of face masks on the market are standard surgical face masks and N95 respirators
Surgical face masks will not protect against small virus particles and N95 respirators are not recommended to wear long term
Pharmacies across the country are running low and several celebrities such as Gwyneth Paltrow and Kate Hudson have been pictured wearing masks on planes
The US government currently has a stockpile of 30 million N95 surgical masks and estimates 300 million are needed, said HHS Secretary Alex Azar
But an expert says that most masks will not prevent people from becoming sick
By MARY KEKATOS SENIOR HEALTH REPORTER
DAILYMAIL.COM
27 February 2020
As the coronavirus outbreak continues to spread across the world, thousands of people are buying face masks to protect themselves.
Stores have been running low and even celebrities like Gwyneth Paltrow and Kate Hudson have pictured themselves wearing masks out of ‘paranoia.’
The US government even says that it is planning to stock pile 300 million masks in preparation.
The virus, also known as COVID-19, has now sickened more than 82,500 people worldwide and killed more than 2,800.
So will a mask actually prevent you from getting sick?
DailyMail.com breaks down the different types of masks out there, where to buy them – and why they probably won’t prevent someone from coming down with the virus.
THE DIFFERENT TYPES OF MASKS: FLIMSY PAPER ONES WON’T HELP BUT A HEAVY-DUTY N95 RESPIRATOR MIGHT
There are two common types of face masks: medical disposable face masks and the N95 respirator.
A standard face mask, which sells for about $1.50 each on Amazon, creates a barrier between the nose and mouth and any droplets or germs in the environment.
They are loose-fitting, disposable and not meant to be shared.
Face masks can prevent splashes and large-particle droplets but they do not ‘filter or block very small particles in the air that may be transmitted by coughs, sneezes or certain medical procedures,’ according to the US Food and Drug Administration.
These are not meant to be used more than once so if you are wearing this mask and it becomes soiled or damaged, throw it away and replace it with a new one.
The Rest…HERE
The N95 masks, most are wearing, are inadequate
I have recommended to friends, family, & work associates, several times over the last few weeks to buy at least a few boxes of N95 or N100 masks… after all you can always use them for working outside, mowing the lawn, etc….. but as of today (Feb 27, 2020) no one has lifted a finger to buy some or prep in any way…. & only one family is buying extra food, the rest either can’t afford too, or don’t believe anything bad will happen to them…. too many will die unnecessarily.