The State of California Governor's office recently advised its citizens a seemingly impossible task during this global pandemic, with 'masking on' while eating in public places. Governor Gavin Newsom faces heavy criticism and comedic reactions from the public who are also wondering how to make this possible.
The Novel Coronavirus enforced strict laws and regulations among the world's citizens, asking them to stay at home, observe quarantine and lockdown protocols, wearing personal protective equipment such as masks, and frequent sanitation whenever touching foreign objects. These are some ways COVID-19 has changed the lives of the public; however, the State of California does not stop there.
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The Office of the Governor of California: Mask In Between Bites
The Office of the Governor of California (@CAgovernor) recently tweeted a 'COVID-19 Diner Tip 1' that asks the public to mask-up 'in between bites.' This feat is seemingly impossible as the only pathway for the food to the body is through the mouth.
Going out to eat with members of your household this weekend? Don't forget to keep your mask on in between bites. Do your part to keep those around you healthy. #SlowtheSpreadhttps://t.co/snYe5v55Rw pic.twitter.com/Y4fcDO5Zke — Office of the Governor of California (@CAgovernor) October 3, 2020
Facial masks were conceptualized to fully protect the lower region of the face from foreign fragments, down to the smallest particles. Three-ply masks effectively filter against molecular particles, primarily against viruses and airborne diseases. What the governor of California asks is seemingly impossible, even for non-Californians who saw the tweet. Food is bigger than those particles that face masks aim to protect against. Masking in between bites is a challenge for citizens, especially in enjoying their food while eating out.
The Public's Reactions and Opinion on Masking while Eating
Several Twitter account holders noticed the tweet that currently has 552 likes and 4,100 retweets and quotes. Governor Newsom's office tweet indeed gathered attention that is mainly negative and confused on how to do the entire 'masking in between bites.' Martin Dennison (@MartinLDennison) reacts to the tweet by asking if the governor's advice was 'risk-assessed.' While eating, the public to remove their face masks and put it on again after taking a bite. Dennison asks whether touching the face mask and the food several times were accounted for.
CDC guidance... touch the mask as little as possible and wash hands as soon as you remove it... so each bite of food, you have to get up and wash hands, but that means putting the mask back on to go wash hands... let’s stick with not touching our masks while food is at the table! pic.twitter.com/AKQglJwKVF — Martin Dennison (@MartinLDennison) October 3, 2020
According to the CDC, masks should be touched by the public as little as possible to protect the hands from picking up the filtered particles. The masks' surface holds everything that the user wants its body to be protected from. Touching the mask then grabbing food is a red flag and might contaminate the food.
How Should It be Done? Suggestions
Since health is the primary concern, people should limit themselves from touching their masks and face to protect the virus's hands. The human hands are one of the most 'at risk' part of the body as it places itself on several objects that may hold the virus.
Suggestions
- Limit Eating Out - Stay at home as much as possible, or order take out.
- Reduce Touching the Mask and Face - Do not frequently touch the face and mask; removing and placing back the cover may bring more harm than good.
- Wash and Sanitize Hands before Eating - If eating out cannot be avoided, make sure to wash hands and dry thoroughly. Cleaning hands go a long way from contaminating food.
- Practice Social Distancing, even at restaurants - stay at least six feet away from another human being, despite being acquaintances or family. If the restaurant has a close-seating layout, ask to distance yourself from others.
This article is owned by Tech Times
Written by Isaiah Alonzo
