Two stylists in Missouri continued to go to work for several days this spring with symptoms of the coronavirus before testing positive for COVID-19. They combed 139 clients during that time. But they and their clients were wearing masks, and none of the clients developed symptoms, according to a new report released by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
The study is “very promising,” Dr. Ron Elfenbein, a Maryland emergency physician, said on CBSN Monday. “It shows again what I’ve been saying and what we’ve been talking about every week now, essentially, is that masks help. Masks work. We know that. There is data for it, and this is a great study to prove it.” “
The salon, in Springfield, Missouri, followed city ordinances that restricted seating in waiting areas to 25% of normal capacity and recommended social distancing and the use of face covers for employees and customers.
Both stylists wore a double-layer cotton face covering or surgical mask while working with clients, according to the report. They interacted with each other while one was symptomatic without masks during periods between clients. Clients reported using cloth face covers, surgical masks, or N95 respirators.
Of the 139 clients, 67 were evaluated for COVID-19 and all were negative. The others declined to be tested, but none reported developmental symptoms, according to the report.
Elfenbein admitted that it is “one of the limitations” of the study.
“They could possibly have been asymptomatic“, said.” But they did not show up for the test. Evidence was offered. They chose not to be tested. “
Another limitation is that none of the clients who saw the stylists before they were symptomatic were contacted, despite the fact that “virus clearance is at its highest during the 2-3 days before symptom onset”, the CDC said.
Still, the CDC said the report provides more evidence that facial coatings can help reduce the spread of the coronavirus.
“Company and city policies were likely important factors in preventing the spread of SARS-CoV-2 during these interactions between clients and stylists,” the CDC said in the report.
“The CDC recommends workplace policies regarding the use of facial wraps for employees and customers, in addition to daily monitoring of employee signs and symptoms, procedures for evaluating employees who arrive or develop symptoms on the job, and they post messages to inform and educate employees and customers. “
Elfenbein reiterated the importance of wearing masks properly over the mouth and nose.
“You don’t have to wear it at home. When you’re around other people, just put the mask on and wear it properly. It’s not a big deal,” he said.
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