Can’t mask all the time but still want to protect yourself and others?
Masking in these three locations can still make a difference!
We at PHAN strongly recommend that everyone mask when they’re in public indoor spaces, outdoor spaces that are very crowded, or private spaces where other folks are present who have not been practicing mitigations. But we know it’s not always practical or feasible to mask in all of those situations. If you have to limit your masking, we recommend focusing on three places that will make the most difference for you and for other people, especially others who are immuno-compromised:
- Grocery stores
- Healthcare settings
- Mass transit
People who are immuno-compromised tend to avoid going out to places they don’t have to. They also tend to avoid going to places where they know they would have to take off their mask and be around other masked folks, like restaurants. But they cannot avoid going to a few places, especially grocery stores, doctors’ offices and hospitals, and mass transit.
GROCERY STORES
Everyone needs food so everyone needs groceries. While many people can get groceries delivered, many others don’t have that option or can’t afford it. Masking at the grocery store will help protect those folks.
HEALTHCARE PROVIDERS
Folks who are immuno-compromised tend to have to visit doctors and hospitals more often than average. Those locations also tend to draw in others who are sick. Masking at healthcare settings just makes loads of sense for you, for them, and for the providers.
MASS TRANSIT
Immuno-compromised people have to go to work and many of them will take mass transit. Transit can be very dense with people who have to go to their own jobs while sick, and mass transit may not have filtered or vented air. Masking on transportation will protect you and others.
Again, we strongly recommend that you mask up in any setting where other people are close by and the air is not filtered or vented. But if you can’t mask all the time, masking in these three settings – grocery stores, healthcare providers, and mass transit – can make a huge difference for yourself and for others who are vulnerable.
