Dr. Scott Levy, Chief Medical Officer of Doylestown Hospital, addressed the topic of mask wearing, an issue he continues to see much confusion about.

He suggested a visual cue, an umbrella, and its associated protection against getting wet, as a means of making an intelligent decision about when to cover up.

W for Who

Dr. Levy wants people to think about who they will be with when deciding about shielding their noses and mouths. An outdoor connection with a healthy 20-year-old is less of a risk than an extended, indoor visit with an ailing, elderly friend or relative. In this latter incidence, the mask is advisable to protect not the wearer but the higher-risk host.

E for Environment

As someone prepares to step outside the home, where he or she goes is an important consideration from a mask perspective. From a COVID-19 standpoint, a walk in the park is one thing; a three-hour performance in a crowded theater is another.

T for Tolerance

What is the individual tolerance for getting sick?

A young, healthy, vaccinated person with a higher tolerance against COVID may still be at risk going maskless, but he or she may be willing to take that chance. Individuals who are older or who have underlying comorbidities should consider wearing a mask more frequently.

More on Dr. Levy’s umbrella mnemonic is in his Facebook video, posted by Doylestown Health.