For many, face masks have become second nature, and experts are urging Americans to not give up and stay vigilant. With unfinished COVID-19 vaccinations and variants spreading across the globe, the country is vulnerable and Ohio is not out of the woods.

Dr. Dee Banks with Northeast Ohio Infectious Disease Associates said there's no scientific evidence behind doubling masks, but agrees it cannot hurt.

Dr. Anthony Fauci, Chief Medical Advisor, said, "If you put another layer on it just makes common sense that it likely would be more effective."

If you're wearing a cloth mask, some experts now recommend upgrading.

Former Centers for Disease Control Director Dr. Tom Frieden tweeted, "Consider upgrading from a cloth mask to a surgical mask, or from a surgical mask to an N95/KN95/equivalent if available. Better masks may help reduce risk from more-contagious strains."

Banks said there's no question medical-grade masks are more effective since they're created under quality control, but she said there also needs to be enough supplies for front line workers. 

She adds an upgrade won't do any good if people aren't wearing masks properly and said masks must be hugging the nose with no gaps on the face. 

She said you can't replace a medical-grade mask since there's no way of knowing how good of quality other masks are. 

Dr. James Kravec, Chief Clinical Officer of Mercy Health Youngstown, said if you are wearing a cloth mask, make sure the fabric itself has double layers. 

Banks said with top medical officials making new mask recommendations, it's a good sign there could be new CDC guidelines on the horizon.