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Face coverings have become a part of daily life during the coronavirus pandemic, but even the most well-intentioned wearer makes some common mask mistakes. Local public health and mask design experts weigh in to clear the air.

Face coverings, which have become politically controversial, are one of many ways to reduce viral transmission, according to local, state, national and international public health agencies. They are also required under Colorado law. But their effectiveness varies by the type of material and the human element – how people wear them. A few tips and tricks could help people understand how and why to wear masks.

“We understand that guidance regarding face coverings/masks has changed over the course of this pandemic,” said Claire Ninde, San Juan Basin Public Health spokeswoman. “However, there is significant scientific evidence that wearing face coverings combined with social distancing and frequent hand washing is very effective prevention against COVID-19.”

As of Monday, 55,341 Coloradans had tested positive for COVID-19, according to the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment. In the five-county region of Southwest Colorado, the positive test results include 237 in La Plata, 121 in Montezuma, 45 in Archuleta, two in Dolores and two in San Juan.

The virus spreads through respiratory droplets when people are near each other. Masks are just one of many ways to reduce that transmission. Experts also recommend regular handwashing, using hand sanitizer, staying 6 feet from others, gathering outdoors not indoors and limiting group sizes.

People still make mistakes when wearing face coverings, such as leaving their nostrils exposed or touching the front of the mask after use. With frequently shifting policies, keeping up with the latest public health order can be confusing.

“I just want people to know the basics because I see so many well-intentioned people not doing it quite right,” said Susan Atkinson of Durango, who researched a mask design for frontline health professionals and first responders as part of a Maker Lab Durango effort. The group distributed almost 10,000 masks in two months.

What’s the latest mask-wearing policy in Colorado?People are required to wear nonmedical face coverings over their nose and mouth when they are in public indoor spaces, according to a public health order issued Friday.

A public indoor space is any enclosed indoor area that is publicly or privately owned, such as a business. It doesn’t apply to a person’s residence.

“As a society ... it takes a lot to make even small changes across the board. I’m proud that Colorado is a state that has a mask ordinance and was proactive,” Atkinson said.

Who is exempted from the order?You’re exempted from the order if you are:

A child age 10 and younger.Someone who cannot medically tolerate a mask.Hearing impaired or communicating with someone who is hearing impaired.Seated at a restaurant.Exercising alone.Receiving a personal service that requires temporarily removing the mask.Temporarily removing a mask for identification purposes.In a public safety role.Officiating a religious service.Giving a speech for broadcast or an audience.How many types of masks are there?There are a variety of face coverings that help prevent viral transmission. For example, there are tightly fitting N95 respirators with a subset called surgical N95 respirators. There are also more loosely fitting surgical masks.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, along with CDPHE and SJBPH, recommend cloth face coverings for the general public. The CDC does not recommend the general public use medical masks, face shields or masks with one-way vents or valves.

“Some cloth and disposable masks come with an exhalation valve at the front. The valve makes it easier to breathe out, but it also releases unfiltered air, so it doesn’t protect others if you’re contagious,” said Ninde in an email to The Durango Herald.

Which nonmedical face-covering materials work best?SJBPH and the CDC said two-ply, tight-weave cotton masks with a pocket for a filter are more effective than some synthetic materials.

Atkinson offered a few tips for gauging your mask’s effectiveness. For gator masks and buffs, she recommended people use a two-ply fabric instead of a one-ply fabric.

“Hold it up to a bright light. If you see light between the fibers, it is not a good filter,” she said.

What’s the right way to put on and take off masks?SJBPH said to place the straps of a mask over the ears or tie behind the neck. A well-fitting mask is important: make sure the face covering fits snugly over the nose, mouth and cheeks without gaps.

Once on, do not touch the face covering. To take it off, handle it by the straps and avoid touching the front of the face covering, said both Ninde and Atkinson.

“You think it’s just a no-brainer. You just put it on, right?” Atkinson said. “But there is a way to do it, especially taking it off, because it could be contaminated.”

How do you care for a mask?People should wash cloth masks after every use, Atkinson said. She recommended a machine wash or hand wash with soapy hot water, then air drying, machine drying or ironing it. She also suggested storing the mask in a paper lunch bag when not in use.

“Tossing it onto your car seat or a purse could potentially spread infection,” she said.

Disposable masks are for one-time use and should not be cleaned and reused.

Any tips for making masks more comfortable?Atkinson offered some do-it-yourself solutions to cure common issues, like fogging glasses and irritated ears.

People who wear glasses should use a mask with a nose crimp to keep moist air from exiting up to the glasses. If people don’t have a mask with a nose crimp, they can sew in a piece of pipe cleaner or wire. Another trick: washing your lenses with soapy water, Atkinson said.

Wearing a mask all day can irritate the ears or be difficult to manage for those who have hearing aids, Atkinson said. She suggests using a mask that attaches behind the head, or connecting ear loops behind the head using paper clips or an additional strap.

What are common misconceptions about masks?One misconception is that face coverings can’t protect people against the virus, Ninde said. Wearing a face covering protects others in case the wearer is sick, and there is new information that demonstrates that mask wearing can protect the wearer as well.

Some people are concerned about health limitations and increased carbon-dioxide levels from wearing a mask, Ninde said.

People with normal lungs, even people with underlying chronic lung disease, should be able to wear a non-N95 face covering without affecting oxygen or carbon-dioxide levels, she said, referencing the American Lung Association.

How do I sort out conflicting information about masks?Try looking at multiple sources and seeking the most up-to-date information.

“SJBPH understands that in trying to sort out information regarding a novel virus, guidance can change,” Ninde said.

The public health department turns to the most recent leading science and follows the guidance of state and national agencies, such as CDPHE and the CDC.

Atkinson didn’t go to one place to get her information when she was researching the design for the best homemade mask for frontline workers. She looked at the CDC, read numerous articles from multiple sources, sought first-hand information from researchers and looked at local information from SJBPH.

I’m concerned about a policy violation. What do I do?People who have public health complaints should go to https://forms.laplata.co.us/Forms/PHO.

smullane@durangoherald.com