Throughout 2020, the CDC has continued their research on the effectiveness of face coverings in their efforts to mitigate the spread of the COVID-19 virus. The consensus for many months now has been that wearing proper a face covering is one of the key non-pharmaceutical interventions to protect those around you from catching the virus.

Now, an updated brief from the CDC indicates that wearing a face covering could be as beneficial to the individual wearing the mask as it is to those around them. What is unknown at this time is whether the CDC’s findings could have any repercussions at Disney World, who has regularly updated and tightened down on their own face mask guidelines and policies.

Evidence from the CDC, which was updated on their website on November 10th, states that “The prevention benefit of masking is derived from the combination of source control and personal protection for the mask wearer.”

The long-standing consensus was that wearing proper face coverings would protect others from any particles you may be carrying. Now, the CDC is updated their language to clarify that wearing a face covering does indeed increase protection for the mask wearer, too.

As we’ve learned since March, not all face coverings are created equal. The CDC reports that “Multiple layers of cloth with higher thread counts have demonstrated superior performance compared to single layers of cloth with lower thread counts, in some cases filtering nearly 50% of fine particles less than 1 micron.”

It is unclear how the updated brief could impact Disney World’s policies, which are already strictly enforced throughout the parks and resorts. While Disney has continuously reminded guests that face coverings must be worn at all times, it is possible that these updated findings could be reflected in new verbiage could be added to their signage, website, and elsewhere.

The CDC concluded their brief with a note that “Adopting universal masking policies can help avert future lockdowns, especially if combined with other non-pharmaceutical interventions such as social distancing, hand hygiene, and adequate ventilation.”

We will continue to keep an eye on health and safety information in the coming weeks and months, and we will keep you up to date with all the latest guidance!

Click here to read a full timeline of Disney World’s face mask policies!

Have you visited Disney World since the parks reopened in July? Share your experience with Disney’s face mask policies in the comments!

The post NEWS: Updated CDC Brief States Face Masks Protect the Wearer Too first appeared on the disney food blog.