Using Personal Protective Equipment To Stop COVID-19 – 3 Steps For Wearing Face Masks
Since most places are now entirely open, they require people to wear face coverings to prevent the spread of COVID-19. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the World Health Organization endorse cloth masks for the general public.
According to health experts, the use of personal protective equipment can significantly reduce the spread of COVID-19.
It is essential to consider that surgical masks and N95 respirators should be preserved for health care workers.
There is much scientific evidence that wearing PPE, including face masks, can prevent the spread of SARS-CoV-2 viruses. That’s why everyone older than two years should wear face masks in public areas and around people who don’t live in your household.
Face masks might be optional if you are outside by yourself, away from others, or around people who live in your house.
Some of the most common benefits of wearing a face mask include:
Protects You and Those Around You
According to health experts, COVID-19 spreads primarily from person to person through respiratory droplets. Usually, these droplets travel into the air when you talk, shout, sing, sneeze, or cough.
The main problem is that when these droplets land in someone’s mouths or noses, they can easily breathe them in and get sick.
Face masks work as a barrier to stop the respiratory droplets from reaching other people. It’s essential to understand that covers can reduce droplets’ transmission when adequately used over the nose and mouth.
If you are wondering who should use a mask? The answer is simple; face masks work best when everyone wears one.
It’s essential to keep in mind that using a face mask is not a substitution for physical distancing. Make sure to stay at least 6 feet apart, especially when indoors around individuals who don’t live with you.
Another PPE you should always carry with you is a hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol to use whenever you don’t have access to soap and water. Wash your hands and use sanitizer before touching or removing the mask.
The Do’s And Dont’s Of Face Masks
- Do use it if you’re around people to protect you and yourself.
- Don’t use it if it is damp or damaged.
- Do cover your mouth and nose with the face mask. It is not a good idea to wear it around the chin.
- Do not wear loose-fitting masks.
- Do wear a mask when you are on public transport.
- Do not touch the front or back of the mask. Always wash and sanitize the hands before touching or removing the face cover.
- Do not share your mask.
- Do avoid masks with valves.
3 Steps To Wear A Face Mask
- Step 1 Wash your hands before you put on and off the mask, and every time you touch it.
- Step 2 Ensure the face mask covers the nose and mouth.
- Step 3 Once you take off the mask, store it in a clean plastic bag. We recommend washing it every day if it’s a cloth mask or disposes of a medical cover in a trash can.
Which Type of Masks Should Be Use
Some personal protection equipment, like masks, work better to stop the spread of COVID-19 than others. If you’re not a healthcare practitioner, avoid using N-95 respirators as they should be conserved.
Always select a face mask that fits properly. There should not be a large gap around the sides of the face. If you’re wearing a cloth cover, make sure it is made with breathable fabric such as cotton.
It is a wise idea to select a fabric that does not let light pass through. That’s why you should choose a mask with two to three layers.
It is not recommended to use masks with exhalation valves or vents. And avoid wearing a scarf or ski mask as a face cover.
Other Types Of PPE
Besides face masks, there are other types of PPE, such as face shields or goggles. Never put a plastic face shield on newborns or infants.
Wearing face shields and goggles should not be used as a substitute for masks. Keep in mind that googles do not cover the nose and mouth, and face shields have large openings below and around the face, where respiratory droplets may escape and travel to others around you.
Stay safe and use a face mask!