IMPORTANCE OF FACEMASK

IMPORTANCE OF FACEMASK

Wearing a face mask protects you and others from the spread of the coronavirus. It is one of the healthy reflexes that protects us all from the virus. You use a face mask to cover your nose and mouth. When you sneeze, cough or talk, droplets fly around. The face mask blocks the droplets. That way, there is less risk of making someone sick. In other words, wearing a face mask is primarily about protecting others.

How should your face mask be worn?

• Always wash your hands with soap and water before touching the face mask.

• Remove mask from the dispenser or box and make sure the masks do not have any holes or tears.

• Make sure you determine which side is the top and which is the front of the mask, so you can properly wear the mask.

• Face masks with ear loops: hold by the ear loops and put the loops around each ear.

• Face masks with ties: bring mask to your nose and place the ties over your head to secure with a tie.

• Face masks with bands: hold mask to your nose and pull the top strap over the crown of your head and pull the bottom strap over your head so its at the nape of your neck.

• Pull the mask over your mouth and chin

Surgical mask

A surgical face mask is a form of personal protective equipment (PPE) that generally fits loosely over the nose and mouth. These masks shield against large cough or sneeze droplets, splashes, or sprays, but they cannot protect against smaller droplets. People should refrain from sharing these masks, which can come with or without a face shield. Researchers acknowledge that the single use of a medical mask is not always feasible but note that it is preferable because long-term use and reuse could lead to self-contamination.

Respirators

These masks have tangled fibers to filter pathogens in the air, and they fit very close to the face. The edges form a seal around the mouth and nose. The general public should not use these masks as they are in critical supply. Only healthcare workers should use them.

Cloth face coverings

People can make these masks using a variety of fabrics and items of clothing, including scarves, bandanas, T-shirts, and pillowcases. A tightly woven cotton fabric is most suitable.

Research on various fibers, including cotton, silk, chiffon, flannel, and various synthetics, showed that a combination of different fabrics was most effective.

What fabric should use to make a fabric mask?

• Use thickly woven fabrics, which provide the best protection.

• Use fabrics that are easy to breathe through, such as cotton.

• Use fabrics you can wash at 60°C.

• Avoid using fabrics that are too stiff, too warm or irritating.

• Use 2 to 3 layers of fabric.

• Use two different colours so you can easily see which the inside of your mask is and which the outside is.

How do you store the clean facemask?

Do not leave your face mask lying around at home. Choose a permanent, clean place for your clean masks. Do not touch the clean face mask once this has been washed and never touch it on the inside.

Who Should Not Wear a Cloth Face Covering?

Cloth face coverings should not be worn by:

• Children younger than 2 years old

• Anyone who has trouble breathing

• Anyone who is unconscious, incapacitated, or otherwise unable to remove the cloth face covering without assistance