While more than 94 million people have voted already in the 2020 presidential election, amounting to more than 67% of 2016's overall turnout of 138 million votes.
"Face the Nation" moderator Margaret Brennan spoke with former Food and Drug Administration Commissioner Dr. Scott Gottlieb last week for insight on just what masks work best and are safest for those looking to vote on Election Day.
Gottlieb said when it comes to masks that afford you the protection you need from others during the COVID-19 pandemic, it's quality that matters.
"A cloth mask may be 10% to 30% protective. A surgical mask, a level-two or level-three surgical mask, procedure mask, maybe about 60% effective. An N95 mask or an equivalent like a KN95 mask, which is the Chinese equivalent, that could be 90 to 95% protective," Gottlieb said.
But let's be real, sometimes you just need a disposable mask. They’re one-use, so you don’t have to worry about laundering them (who has the time?); if you misplace them, it’s no big deal, something that’s particularly pertinent for kids (or their forgetful parents); and you can get packs in a variety of colors, to switch it up depending on your outfit choice that day.
Face masks continue to be "one of the most powerful weapons we have to slow and stop the spread" of COVID-19, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, so you might as well stock up. Disposable face masks often come in packs of 50 to 100, and the cost typically breaks down to way less than $1 per mask, so they're budget-friendly, too.
The best thing? You can find tons of different disposable masks all available at the click of a button through Amazon. Whichever one you choose, make sure your mask fits snugly against the face, covers your nose and below the chin, has multiple layers of fabric—ideally at least three—and is secured with ear loops or ties.
"If you want to mask to afford you a level of protection, wear a higher quality mask.