Coronavirus: After all this time, mask wearing is still the simplest and best lifesaving option

Oct 04, 2020 Dr Zulfikar Bux, Features / Columnists

By Dr. Zulfikar Bux
Assistant Professor of Emergency Medicine,
Vanderbilt Medical Center

I can recall early in the pandemic when I introduced the “everyone wears a mask” campaign, many were divided. Over time, science has proven that the more persons wear mask, the less likely the disease will spread among them. Today, we are at the crossroads as we need to work together to combat the surge in cases before it overwhelms us. As I brainstorm effective and efficient ideas to help curb the spread, mask wearing still stands out as the simplest but yet, most effective option to achieve this goal.

REVISITING THE SCIENCE BEHIND MASK WEARING
The coronavirus (SarsCov2) is transmitted primarily through air droplets that are released into the air when an infected person speaks, cough, sneeze or make loud sounds with their mouths. Should that infected person cover their mouth and nose with a mask, the virus will be trapped and cannot easily escape into the air to infect others. Those who are not infected can add another layer of protection by also wearing a mask which will provide an additional barrier in the event that small amounts of the virus escape the infected person and comes their way. Numerous studies have confirmed this fact; populations with higher mask wearing compliance has lesser infection rates. Experts are proving that populations with over 50% mask wearing coverage, have effective control of the coronavirus spread.

WE DON’T HAVE TO HIDE
While we currently do not have control of the disease spread, it doesn’t mean that we have to go into lockdown and hide until the virus is gone. We can survive as a people if we all wear our masks when we are out and about. All it takes is for a national effort to ensure everyone wears a mask in the public domain. If we do this and we do it well, then we can return to some semblance of normalcy and sustain our livelihoods.
WE ARE SIMPLY “BUYING TIME”
We have not found a cure as yet for this disease and it will definitely be with us as we go into 2021. Experts are working on various vaccines and we should have a fair idea of their effectiveness before the year is out. Mass distribution of effective vaccines to help eradicate this disease will take us into late 2021 if all goes according to plan. We therefore need to avoid the virus and “buy time” until we can fully eradicate it. It is now clear that the cheapest way to “buy time” is to invest in mask wearing. Can you imagine that if all of us in Guyana were to invest in this mask wearing scheme, then we wouldn’t have to worry about this virus? This investment is currently better for Guyana than any other investment including the much touted “oil deals”.

LET’S ALL INVEST IN THE 3 WS.
We can win the fight against COVID-19 by practicing the 3 Ws:
• Wear a mask
• Wash your hands
• Watch your distance—stay at least 6 feet away from others
So, the fight against this pandemic cannot get simpler than this. These are investments that have been proven to work and are as inexpensive as it can get. Whether you are an economist, a medical professional or an average Joe going about your life, it will be irrational for you to not have a part in such investments. Invest in the betterment of Guyana; invest in the 3 Ws!

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