July 09, 2020
For some people, wearing a mask – or not – has become a political statement. But if we consider the science, we know that wearing a mask is an easy way you can protect the people around you. You can have COVID-19 without realizing it. And if you spread the virus to someone else, that person may take it home and spread it to someone who would not do well fighting it off. Consider people who are older than 65 as well as people – young and old – who have chronic conditions like cancer, diabetes and heart disease. For them, this virus can mean critical illness or death.
We do many things to protect others from unnecessary harm. We don’t drink and drive. We don’t run stop lights. We don’t shout “fire” in a crowded theater. The same principle applies here. Wearing a mask in public protects everyone else from the germs that are released every time you breathe, talk, laugh, cough or sneeze. It’s as simple as that.
To protect yourself and the people you love, play it safe by wearing a mask. Here, experts at The University of Kansas Health System have answered a few frequently asked questions about masks.

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For more information on masks and other ways to protect yourself from COVID-19, visit our update page. Check back often for the latest news about the novel coronavirus.