As the COVID-19 pandemic progressed and numbers started to climb, many people started wearing masks in public. Many cities and states issued mandates that still require people to wear masks before entering certain businesses, in addition to maintaining a six-foot distance from others. Some people have taken mask wearing a step further, donning them for walks around the neighborhood and when they get in their cars.
There are two ways to look at wearing a mask whenever you step out the front door of your home. Some people may be high risk and want to be as safe as possible, while others live in fear and want to do everything in their power to avoid contracting the virus. Both ways of thought and the pursuant actions help limit the spread of the virus, but this article’s focus is whether or not masks are necessary while driving.
Should You Wear A Mask While Driving?
According to Centers for Disease Control & Prevention (CDC), you should not wear a mask while driving a car. It is beneficial to wear a mask in public settings, including grocery stores, pharmacies, restaurants, gas stations, or any place where community-based transmission is easy. When it comes to masks in the car, there are some stipulations.
- If you are alone in the car or driving with members of your immediate household, masks are not necessary while driving.
- Traveling with someone else who isn’t a family member or doesn’t live with you? It’s best to wear a mask in the car to be safe.
- If you take a ride share service, wear a mask.
- Are you transporting someone who is sick or unhealthy? Both of you should wear a mask in the car.
- If you are a driver for a restaurant or food delivery service, it is reasonable and respectful to keep your mask on until after you deliver the food.
Is It Dangerous To Wear A Mask In The Car?
Many people complain that wearing a mask interferes with healthy breathing. Some symptoms can include dizziness or fatigue, but the severity of the symptoms will depend on the mask you wear. Research shows that N95 respirators can be dangerous for certain groups, especially children. The fact that they don’t fit right on children’s faces can get in the way of healthy breathing. The N95 respirator mask tested great against coronavirus, but it does make it more difficult for the wearer to breathe.
Tips For Breathing Easy With A Mask On
For many people, breathing with a mask on is not a problem. For people with underlying health conditions, especially respiratory disorders, wearing a mask is extra important, but it can impede breathing. Use the following tips to help breathe more easily while wearing a mask:
- Only use a mask when necessary, such as going out for essential items, grocery shopping, or any time when social distancing is not possible.
- Check the fit of the mask because it may need to be looser so it is less intrusive to your breathing. If the bottom of the mask is loose, the carbon dioxide you exhale can escape out of the bottom.
- Get masks that you can shape around your nose, for example, masks that have a thin wire to adjust the fit. This helps the mask stay on your face, but it allows the bottom of the mask to fit loosely.
One last thing to keep in mind is that if you do wear a mask while driving, make sure that it does not reduce your field of vision. The mask should cover your nose and mouth, but it should not block your eyesight.
