8 Ways to Protect Yourself Against the Mutated COVID-19 Variants
Keep your masks ON
According to the CDC, experimental and epidemiological data has shown that wearing face masks can prevent the spread of coronavirus by as much as 50 percent. With the discovery of the new COVID-19 variants, health experts recommend ditching cloth masks and low-quality surgical masks and opting for higher quality face masks. High-quality masks have at least two layers of fabric, filter and fit your face well, not leaving any openings for the virus.
If you can’t purchase a better mask, then wear two masks instead of one, to increase the protection level against virus particles by 50% up to 75%. Doubling up is not necessary, however, if your mask already has two layers.
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Use hand sanitizer often
Good hygiene practices remain one of the best defenses against the virus, new variants included. According to CDC recommendations, wash your hands with water and soap for at least 20 seconds and apply hand sanitizer frequently; preferably, one with at least 60 percent alcohol.
Everyday activities like touching gas pump handles, elevator buttons or card pads can be risky, especially with the emergence of these highly contagious strains, so, keep a small recipient of sanitizer with you at all times, to use when water and soap are not an option.
