When and how to use masks

When and how to use masks

• Before putting on a mask, clean hands with alcohol-based hand rub or soap and water.
• Cover mouth and nose with mask and make sure there are no gaps between your face and the mask.
• Avoid touching the mask while using it; if you do, clean your hands with alcohol-based hand rub or soap and water.
• Replace the mask with a new one as soon as it is damp and do not re-use single-use masks.
• To remove the mask: remove it from behind (do not touch the front of mask); discard immediately in a closed bin; clean hands with alcohol-based hand rub or soap and water.

How to Wear Medical Masks: Essential Guidelines and Myths Busted Understanding When to Wear a Mask Wearing a medical mask is a key component in preventing the spread of COVID-19, but it’s essential to use it correctly and understand when it’s necessary. Here’s a detailed guide on how to use masks effectively, and the myths surrounding their efficacy.

1. When Should You Wear a Mask?
   • Taking Care of a COVID-19 Patient: If you are healthy but in close contact with someone who has tested positive for COVID-19, wearing a mask is crucial to protect yourself and others.
   • Coughing or Sneezing: If you are exhibiting symptoms such as coughing or sneezing, wearing a mask helps prevent the spread of respiratory droplets that can carry the virus.
2. Complementary Measures:
   • Hand Hygiene: Masks are most effective when used in conjunction with regular hand washing or the use of an alcohol-based hand rub. Ensure you clean your hands frequently to reduce the risk of virus transmission.

How to Use and Dispose of Masks Properly

1. Proper Usage:
   • Fit and Coverage: Ensure the mask covers both your nose and mouth completely. The mask should fit snugly against the sides of your face without gaps.
   • Avoid Touching the Mask: Once in place, avoid touching the front of the mask. If you need to adjust it, do so by handling the ear loops or ties.
2. When to Replace the Mask:
   • If the Mask Becomes Wet or Soiled: Replace it with a clean mask as soon as it becomes damp or visibly dirty. Wet masks are less effective and can become breeding grounds for bacteria.
   • Dispose of Single-Use Masks Properly: Single-use masks should be discarded in a sealed trash container. Avoid throwing them on the ground or in open bins to prevent contamination.
3. Reusable Masks:
   • Cleaning Reusable Masks: If you are using a reusable mask, wash it regularly according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Generally, reusable masks should be washed after each use, especially if they become damp or dirty.

Can Masks Protect You from Coronavirus? Myths and Facts

1. Effectiveness of Masks:
   • Droplet Protection: Masks are effective at capturing respiratory droplets, which are a primary route of transmission for COVID-19. Studies suggest that wearing a mask can provide about five times more protection compared to not using any barrier at all, although effectiveness may vary.
   • Limitations: While masks are a valuable tool in reducing transmission, they are not a foolproof solution. Tiny viral particles, or aerosols, can still penetrate masks, and transmission can also occur through the eyes.
2. Masks in Various Settings:
   • Daily Activities: For everyday activities like walking around town or taking public transport, wearing a mask might offer limited protection compared to other preventive measures. However, it is still a good practice in crowded or enclosed spaces.
   • High-Risk Situations: Masks are particularly important in high-risk situations, such as when you are in close contact with someone who is infected or when you are in environments with poor ventilation.
3. Masks for Health and Social Care Workers:
   • Healthcare Settings: For health and social care workers, masks are crucial in preventing the spread of COVID-19 while treating patients. Both the patient and the caregiver should wear masks to reduce the risk of transmission.
   • Family Caregivers: If you are caring for a family member who is ill with COVID-19, both you and the patient should wear masks to minimize the risk of spreading the virus within the household.