SWFL doctor urges staying masked, but doesn’t recommend doubling up

Florida is leading the country in the most cases of the COVID-19 variant, with 50 currently. Now more than ever, doctors are urging the public to mask up and stay vigilant.

One Southwest FLorida doctor says that although you may think wearing two masks would add an extra layer of protection, it’s not really needed. You typically see healthcare workers double-masking because one mask is being re-used. Most Lee County residents WINK News asked about the idea seemed to feel it would be too much.

“I do think it is excessive,” said Kimberly Thomas. “One mask is already hard enough to breathe in. Two? I would have to catch my breath.”

“I think two masks is excessive, one maybe N-95 is fine, and there’s plenty available these days,” said Bruce Schulbaum.

Doctor Rebekah Bernard recommends the general public double-mask out of precaution if they are sick. The big concern right now is the speed of the vaccine rollout. Bernard says if we don’t administer the shots fast enough, she’s worried it may give the virus mutation more time to spread.

“That’s exactly my concern,” Bernard said. “I feel like we need to get this vaccine out to as many people as possible before they have a chance to be exposed. If this virus’ infectiousness is higher, this new strain… the time is really of the essence.”

Bernard says this new strain is something to keep a close eye on, especially as the cases increase. For now, doctors believe the current vaccines will protect against it.

“These vaccines should be effective against this new strain; the problem is the timing,” Bernard said. “The question is whether or not enough people will be vaccinated before they are exposed to the virus, and we know that this new strain seems to be more infectious.”

However, Dr. Anthony Fauci said in a recent interview that wearing two masks “makes sense,” and that it “likely would be more effective.”