Local News
National Campaign Encourages People to “Mask Up” to Stop Spread of COVID-19
As the number of coronavirus cases continues to rise in Wisconsin and across the country, a new national campaign is encouraging people to wear masks or face coverings in public to slow the spread.
The “Mask Up America” campaign is backed by the Infectious Diseases Society of America – and Dr. Daniel McQuillen, a board member for the IDSA tells KFIZ News that wearing a mask is meant to protect those around you, along with yourself, from getting sick.
“When you wear a mask, about 95-percent of the particles you might put out – either by coughing or sneezing or talking really loud – will get trapped by that mask and never get to the other person,” McQuillen said. “So you’re talking about five percent – if that other person is also wearing a mask, the chance of a virus particle getting through and infecting them is really small.”
McQuillen says the basic measures to prevent against the spread of COVID-19 also apply – like hand washing, social distancing and staying home when you are sick.