City Pulse

Face masks have become essential accessories in the effort to contain the spread of COVID-19. But it’s critical to wear this protective gear appropriately, keep it clean and dry, maintain hygiene and take adequate precautions to protect yourself and others from COVID-19.

Why Wear a Face Mask

Cloth masks on the face creates a physical barrier that helps reduce the spread of COVID-19. When someone talks, coughs or sneezes, they may release tiny drops into the air that can infect others. 

The cloth mask protects the wearer’s nose and mouth from droplets and sprays of body fluids released by others and also reduces the number of germs that the wearer releases. 

How to wear a face mask

• Choose the correct mask. A cloth mask made of cotton is ideal in a community setting. It’s reusable, biodegradable and contributes less to the landfill
• The mask should cover your nose and mouth adequately and comfortably
• Ensure there are no gaps on either side of the mask, adjust to fit
• Ensure your mask is clean before wearing it
• Wash your hands before wearing the mask
• Change the mask after six hours or as soon as it becomes wet

Don’ts

• Don’t touch or adjust the mask once it is on your face. This can lead to contamination 
• Don’t take the mask on and off
• Don’t leave the mask hanging from the neck
• Don’t wear it for longer than four hours
• Don’t touch your eyes, nose or mouth when removing the mask
• Don’t do heavy workouts while wearing a face mask
• Don’t place the mask on children under the age of two
• Don’t reuse disposable face masks

How to remove a face mask

• Clean your hands with soap and water or hand sanitizer before touching the mask
• Don’t touch the front of the mask as it’s more prone to contamination. Only touch the ear loops/ties/band to remove the mask
• Safely pack a disposable mask before throwing it into the trash
• If it’s a reusable cotton mask, wash it properly.  Masks should be washed and dried at a high temperature. Boiling them separately for 10 minutes with some detergent can be a useful option. Using bleach to decontaminate them can also be useful

Disposing of a mask

• Cloth masks can be reused. However, it needs to be washed properly. Boiling them, using bleach to decontaminate them can be useful. It needs to be air-dried. Using cloth masks is an ideal option as it is biodegradable and contributes less to the landfill.
• Surgical mask and N96 Respirators – Carefully pack the disposable surgical mask in tissues and drop it in the reject waste bin. Sanitize hands after disposal

Picture Credits: WHO

For more information visit: https://www.who.int/emergencies/diseases/novel-coronavirus-2019/advice-for-public/when-and-how-to-use-masks