Wearing a mask is one of the effective ways to reduce the spread of COVID-19. But, there is still a lot of misinformation out there. Read these mask myths debunked to protect you and your employees. 

#1 Wearing a mask can cause a dangerous build-up of carbon dioxide.

There is no science supporting the statement above. According to Amanda Valyko, M.P.H., the director of infection prevention and epidemiology at Michigan Medicine, CO2 particles are extremely small, unlike viral loads, and CO2 can pass through masks, even N95 masks.

#2 Wearing only plastic face shields provide adequate protection from COVID-19 as a face mask

Experts recommend plastic face shields only to supplement cloth face coverings, not to substitute the masks. Because droplets in the environment can still be inhaled through the open areas around the plastic visor.

#3 If employees are wearing masks, we can have in-person meetings and gatherings like we did pre-COVID

According to the CDC and OSHA, face coverings are not a substitute for social-distancing measures. Wearing a mask will limit the droplet spread, but that doesn’t eliminate the virus. Social distancing AND wearing a mask is the most effective combination for slowing down the spread of COVID-19.

#4 If someone in our office tests positive for COVID-19, we should immediately disinfect their workspace

If anyone in your facility is proven sick, as CDC recommends, the area used by the sick person should be closed off, and if possible, wait for 24 hours before cleaning or disinfecting.