The practice of wearing a mask to decrease the transmission of germs has a long history in some countries. But for many families, 2020 will be remembered as the year they put on a mask for the first time. COVID-19 cases are on the rise again with the highly contagious Omicron variant. And all experts agree the best way to protect yourself and others is to get your vaccine, and mask up!
Taking precautions and wearing a mask over your nose and mouth when you travel is still essential, on planes, buses, trains, taxis, and other forms of public transportation. A number of countries that had relaxed mask mandates have reinstated them. Two years into the pandemic and we still continue to need protection for ourselves and others by adapting to various mandates, including the use of face masks. Thus, getting into a safe face mask routine is a good habit to pick up. Here is all that you need to know about how to wear this very important accessory.
What Type Of Mask Should You Get?
• COVID-19 spreads through respiratory droplets that people expel when they talk, cough or sneeze. While research is ongoing, we now know that the virus can be spread by people not showing symptoms, meaning some people can be contagious and not even realise it. Recent studies have revealed that virus droplets cannot be blocked by a cloth handkerchief, a silk or cotton mask or even by a surgical mask.
• The World Health Organization recommends masks made up of three layers:
1. An inner layer of absorbent material such as cotton
2. A middle layer of non-woven material such as polypropylene
3. An outer layer of non-absorbent material, such as polyester or polyester blend
• The most effective masks in the market are the N95 or KN95 mask, made from non-woven fabric, topped up with a layer of protection.
• Masks with exhalation valves should be avoided. These valves let unfiltered air escape, making them less effective for preventing the transmission of diseases like COVID-19.
Buying N95 Or KN95 Masks In India
• N95 respirators always carry an approval marking by NIOSH – a federal research agency based out of the United States.
• National agencies like Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) also certify similar respirators, their testing guidelines are different.
• Only a NIOSH certified mask is considered an N95 across the world, while other versions of the model with similar efficiency go by different names in different countries like FFP2 in Europe.
Masking Up The Correct Way
• Wash your hands for at least 20 seconds if using an alcohol-based hand rub, or at least 40 seconds if using soap and water, before putting on the mask.
• Adjust the mask to securely cover the mouth, nose and chin, leaving no gaps on the sides.
• Avoid touching the front of the mask and not pulling it under the chin.
• Store the mask in a bag or container, and do not share the mask with others.
• Double mask if possible. If you like decorative masks wear it above the N95 mask.
• Check it for tears or holes. Don’t wear it if dirty or damaged.
• Make sure it is comfortable to breathe.
When taking off a mask
• Wash hands before taking off the mask.
• Take off the mask by removing it using the elastic loops or ties. Avoid touching the front of the mask.
• Wash your hands after removing the mask.
• Fabric masks should be washed after each use and stored in a clean bag.
• N95s are single-use and should be disposed in a closed bin.
Maintaining Your Masks
• N95s masks are disposable and should be thrown away after they become wet or dirty or after a day of use.
• If you also use a cloth mask, wash it frequently, ideally every day you wear it. They should be washed and dried at a high temperature or air-dried. Boiling them for 10 minutes with some detergent or using bleach to decontaminate them can also be useful.
Don’t Lower Your Guard
Social distancing remains one of the most important practice to protect yourself from getting COVID-19. A face mask is not an alternative to abandon social distancing, frequent handwashing or vaccination.