Everything you need to know about the new double-mask trend

Covid-19 is having different mutations, and they are said to be more contagious, so facing the virus demands more precautions now, and this is where the double-mask came from. Wearing two masks is causing a buzz in the United States, so is it a good or bad idea?

The American support of wearing the two masks could’ve been a trend now, if it weren't for saving lives and Joe Biden would then be the chief influencer. The President of the United States never takes off his surgical mask, lined with a black fabric one, his trademark. On Inauguration Day in January, double-masked faces were omnipresent, beginning with those of Kamala Harris and Amanda Gordman. Tom Cruise also gave in to the sirens of layering on a shoot in Rome, last November, as well as Demi Moore, in Paris, at the end of January.

For all these celebs, wearing two masks aims to better protect themselves. In particular, against the newer, much more contagious versions of the virus, which have called into question the effectiveness of handmade fabric masks. And to face these mutants, scientific experts claim that so-called "category 2" models only filter 70%. In France, the government has called for no longer using them, following the opinion of the High Council for Public Health (HCSP) published on January 18, 2020. And recommends using only FFP2 (the most protective), surgical and so-called “category 1” industrial fabric masks.

Kamala Harris

"Common sense"

In the United States, they advocate both layers. And there is a reason for this: the shortage of FFP2 masks who are mainly reserved for caregivers. These recommendations were given informally by Dr. Fauci, the infectious disease specialist renowned for his expertise brought to the last seven presidents during their tenure. Putting the masks works like "a physical blanket that keeps droplets and virus out. If you add another layer, it makes good sense that it will be more effective, "he explained on the" Today "show on Jan. 25. What about other scientific advice on the effectiveness of layering masks? For now, the infectious disease specialist has not received the approval of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the US public health agency, which is awaiting the results of studies before taking the decision.

While waiting for the figures to speak on the effectiveness and the drawbacks (such as the difficulty of breathing when worn for too long), the double-mask does not hide its stylistic claim, giving a fashionable and personalized style decreasing the choice of the surgical model. And when it's not a fashion affair, it's a more political one hidden under the double layer. We remember the story between Donald Trump and the mask, a kind of "I love you, me neither". Claiming the wearing of the double mask can be seen as affirming a new style, a new policy, and a clear stance against the camp of the previous president.