Remember the basics of mask usage

Re: “Mask protesters should waive free medical care,” letter, July 23.

I admire the letter-writer’s commitment to serving the interests of public health, but it seems necessary to remind ourselves of the limitations of face masks.

Masks cannot protect you from contracting viruses and will not prevent you from becoming infected if respiratory droplets from a sick person contact your eyes or other mucous membranes.

Public heath officials have reiterated this on numerous occasions.

The only thing a mask will do is partially contain your own droplets if you cough or sneeze, thereby reducing the possibility of transmitting the virus to others if you are infected yourself.

Respiratory droplets that are large enough to be infectious will fall to the ground within two metres after being expelled, hence the accepted social distancing parameters.

In British Columbia masks are suggested for indoor spaces where the two metre rule cannot be followed. Masks are not mandated in other areas where distancing protocols can be maintained.

Excess mask-wearing time can lead to dangerous CO2 build-up causing headaches, dizziness and decreased mental functioning, along with rebreathing of exhaled particulates and bacteria.

Masks are a useful measure to decrease droplet transmission under certain circumstances, but they aren’t a panacea and certainly shouldn’t be fodder for social shaming and opprobrium, whether you choose to wear one or not.

Dr. Richard Lambert Victoria