In Costa Rica, businesses that require face coverings for entry allow either a mask or a shield – “mascarilla” or “careta”, in Spanish. Which one is better protection for you and others? Most experts agree that masks are much more effective in stopping the spread of the coronavirus COVID-19.
Commented infectious disease expert Luis Romero on the radio show “Nuestra Voz”, “I don’t know who invented or where the idea came from that masks or visors were the same. A visor is a good complement to a mask for those wanting heightened protection against contagion via the eyes, or from accidentally touching one’s face. But a visor must never replace a mask.” Romero went on to criticize the Costa Rican government for waiting so long to require face coverings at bus stops, where people tend to huddle together unmasked. Laws were already in place for wearing face coverings in super markets, stores and offices, and while riding the bus.

Romero made a controversial statement that waiting so long to implement mandatory face coverings at bus stops could well be why Costa Rica saw such an uptick in confirmed COVID cases in July. Since the bus system is subsidized by the government, it is a very popular way to travel around town. Romero also stated that face masks should be of higher quality and thickness to be truly effective. Thin, poorly fitted masks are not very effective, he said.
Romero explained that COVID-19 is transmitted via aerosols, tiny particles of saliva that linger in the air, floating to the bottom of visors, then drifting into the environment. Masks tend to absorb these particles, but the ideal protection seems to be wearing both mask and visor.

Many people find face shields more comfortable than masks. Dr. Paul Roumeliotis, medical officer of health for Eastern Ontario explains, “The evidence we have is that although face shields are better than nothing, they’re not as good or effective as a mask that is tightly wrapped around the chin and over the nose. Masks are more effective because they keep the respiratory secretions in more effectively.” Masks can be purchased almost everywhere, and personalized to your taste. The best are made of high-quality cotton, preferably 2-3 layers. Blue store-bought masks are a good second choice.

A preliminary analysis of 194 countries found that places where face coverings were NOT recommended saw a 55% weekly increase in COVID deaths per capita after their first case was reported, compared with a 7% increase in countries with cultures or guidelines supporting mask wearing. Face coverings are clearly the new normal worldwide.
Mother’s Day is coming up soon – find your Mom a multi-layered, attractive mask to keep her safe

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