Recently, a study from Duke University found that neck gaiters were not effective in preventing the spread of airborne infectious diseases.
Just one of many neck gaiter designs.
You can read about the Duke University study here.
While this may seem alarming, the evidence is inconclusive.
Another article from CNET breaks down why the study itself isn’t enough evidence to assume that neck gaiters are not effective.
Just a few months ago, a study by the University of Wisconsin found that neck gaiters were in fact *more* effective than other face coverings.
You can read more about that study here.
So, where does that leave us?
Well, both the Duke University study & the University of Wisconsin study are simple, small-scale studies that cannot be considered totally conclusive.
Without repeated results from multiple, larger-scale studies, we cannot draw any conclusions about what face covering are effective & what are not.
Right now, our best source of information is going to be from the Center for Disease Control & Prevention, as well as the local authorities.
Currently, the CDC suggests everyone wear face coverings, not as a personal protective measure, but as a way to prevent others from getting sick.
A surgical-style face covering.
(Note: the only face coverings that are suitable for preventing the wearer from getting sick are N-95 certified face masks and authentic surgical face masks).
The only two types of face coverings that the CDC does *not* recommend for preventing the spread of illnesses are 1. any masks or covering with vents / exhalation valves, and 2. face shields.
Until the CDC & local authorities make changes to their guidelines & requirements, we are going to continue following them and will consider the use of neck gaiters to be effective.
If these guidelines change & neck gaiters (or any other kind of face covering) are no longer officially recommended, we will make sure to change the face coverings used by the staff & members at GameChanger to another type that is still considered to be effective.
