Do’s and Don’ts of Proper Mask Use

Health experts have announced that wearing a face mask can curb the spread of COVID-19. The face mask is considered a crucial accessory in preventing the proliferation of the virus.

Since COVID-19 is a respiratory virus, it spreads through droplets. These droplets leave your mouth and nose when you talk, yell, or cough.

If you’re with someone who has COVID-19, and none of you is wearing a mask, you’re more likely to acquire the virus. On the other hand, if the infected individual has a face mask, the chance of the droplets spreading to someone else is smaller and make sure to also have hand sanitizers within reach.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention encourages all people to wear face masks when going to public places like malls and grocery stores.

WHAT IS THE PROPER WAY OF HANDLING FACE MASKS?
Face masks play a huge role in stopping the virus from spreading. Having said this, it’s important to know the proper ways of wearing and handling them.

Here are the do’s and don’ts in wearing face masks:

DO’S

1. Use a mask created with multiple layers. It’s ideal to use a mask with two to three coatings. Pick a washable and breathable fabric as well.
2. Clean your hands with soap and water before wearing and after removing the mask. Alcohol and sanitizer are excellent alternatives.
3. Hold the mask in its straps when putting and taking it off.
4. Wash the mask using a washing machine or hand wash with hot water every day. Make sure it dries well.
5. A disposable mask should be used once. Put it in the trashcan after using it.
6. Keep the mask in a neat and dry area.

DON’TS

1. Don’t put a mask on a child under two years of age or someone who has difficulty breathing or is unconscious. The same rule applies to the disabled or someone who’s unable to remove the mask without help.
2. Don’t put the mask on your forehead or chin when eating or drinking. Take it off completely instead.
3. Don’t wear a mask that isn’t properly washed, ripped, wet, and distorted.
4. Don’t remove your mask while you’re outside.
5. Don’t touch the mask when removing it. Always use the string or strap when taking it off. You can put yourself in danger of exposure if you don’t take the proper measures when taking off your mask.
6. Don’t allow the mask to provide a false sense of protection. Take note that you can still get the virus by touching your eyes.
7. Don’t forget to continue to take other preventive steps like social distancing and washing of hands.

There are two purposes of wearing a mask: to protect the wearer from transmission by others and to protect others from contamination by a wearer who may be ill.

Wearing a face mask is a vital means to reduce the spread of the global pandemic. Regardless if you’re positive or not, you have to wear a face mask to be safe and keep your hands clean by washing them or applying hand sanitizers. While wearing a face mask is effective, you still have to do necessary actions such as the washing of hands and social distancing.

Remember to follow the quarantine guidelines in your place and always stay at home if possible.