The NYC Health Department is recommending that New Yorkers wear two masks—a paper one covered by a cloth one—to better stem the spread of the coronavirus, Mayor Bill de Blasio and NYC Health Commissioner Dr.

This follows the recent release of a CDC study, which found “that two masks are better than one in slowing coronavirus spread,” AP reported.

When a cloth mask was worn on top of a surgical mask, about 80% were blocked.

“Visitors to Manhattan federal court and other buildings in the Southern District of New York are now required to either wear two face masks or an FDA-approved N95 mask,” wrote the New York Post.

Two masks are better than one.

The Health Department issued the following guidance on the proper selection and use of face coverings:.

Use a face covering with two or three layers of material to better prevent unfiltered air from passing through.

A cloth face covering over a disposable mask, is also recommended.

However, people should not use two disposable masks.

Use face coverings made of tightly woven fabric (fabrics that do not let light pass through when held up to a light source).

Face coverings should be made of breathable fabric (like cotton), and not of leather, plastic, or other materials that make it hard to breathe.

Do not use a face covering with an exhalation valve as it allows unfiltered exhaled air to escape.

Make sure the face covering fits snugly against the sides of the face and fully cover both the nose and mouth, without slipping.

Face coverings that fit loosely allow respiratory droplets to enter and leak out.

For New Yorkers at greater risk, the guidance recommends two masks or even considering higher-grade masks, such as a KN95 mask, which is similar in design and function to N95 masks used by healthcare workers.

What a joke, still messing with crappy homemade/Etsy masks a year after the pandemic began.

As a recent NYT article pointed out, a single mask manufacturer has 30 million of them that the health care industry won’t even buy from him.

Multi-layered cloth masks are still the best option for most NYers.

If we can do free virus testing and free vaccine, we can sure do free medical grade masks.

Not true about N95 & KN95 masks being unaffordable.

My husband’s doc said, buy 6-10 N95 or KN95 masks, use one a day every 6-10 days, and let the others just sit in the open.

In the long run, a much more economical deal than buying those paper disposable masks?

It’s way more comfortable to wear a layered cotton mask against the skin, with a cheap surgical mask over it.

The surgical mask provides more protection and should be closest to the skin.

The cloth mask goes over it to ensure a better fit?

Personally I find having the tighter fitting surgical mask under the cloth is more comfortable and reduces fogging on my glasses