Masks Vital, But Not Only Factor in Preventing Infection

Marcelo Coyi

As we enter the third year of the COVID-19 pandemic, a lot of people are wondering how much longer we will need to follow protocols, especially keeping our masks on. In fact, a lot of us are really tired of having to wear these. But as a member of the COVID-19 Task Force, Doctor Marcelo Coyi, points out masking matters. But he reminds us that there are other factors at play when it comes to your exposure to COVID-19 and whether you will get it or not.

Dr. Marcelo Coyi, Member, COVID-19 Task Force

“It is not only the mask. It is a whole behaviour that prevents the infection. Remember this thing is going in phases. You want to prevent infection. These are the public health measures that everyone knows about. The masking is just one of them. Whether you get it or not, depends not only on that, but the exposure. The viral load. How much of it you are getting and how long you are in contact with this person. It depends on the person’s immune system. If you have any disease that decreases your immune system, and what I mean is not just a disease but age. You are at a higher risk. It is a combination of factors. I don’t think you can just say only one. But certainly, masks have been shown to be effective in preventing infection.”