Double masking helps filter out more particles, says Health DG

KUALA LUMPUR (Bernama): Double masking, or wearing a cloth mask on top of a medical-grade mask helps filter more particles than wearing a single cloth mask alone, says Health director-general Tan Sri Dr Noor Hisham Abdullah.

On Twitter, he shared infographics from the United States' Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) about a study which concluded that double masking can substantially reduce a wearer's exposure to Covid-19.

"Although it's not mandatory, together with the face shield, it gives maximum protection," said Dr Noor Hisham.

Another infographic he shared stated that an unknotted surgical mask was able to block 56.1% of particles, a cloth mask (51.4%), a knot and tucked surgical mask (77%) and double masking (85.4%).

According to the infographic, a surgical and a cloth mask should always be paired for double masking, and to avoid doubling up the same type of mask.

Another infographic stated that N95 masks do not need to be doubled up as it is the gold standard and it can create a proper seal on the face and filter 95% of particles.

The total daily Covid-19 cases recorded in the country reach another peak on Friday with 8,290 cases reported in the past 24 hours. – Bernama

Double masking (with a cloth mask on top of a medical grade mask) helps filter more particles than a single cloth mask alone. Although it’s not mandatory together with the face shield, it gives maximum protection. pic.twitter.com/gqXLNvXSr3 — Noor Hisham Abdullah (@DGHisham) May 27, 2021