THINK TWICE BEFORE WEARING A FACE MASK

COVID-19 has become a pandemic and is widespread around the world. According to  the World Health Organization, there are nearly 512701 confirmed cases of COVID-19 and it also accounts for 23495 deaths around the globe (as on 28th March 2020). This dramatic virus outbreak resulted in the shutdown of several organizations and industries around the world. COVID-19 caused panic in the minds of people and people started buying face masks to prevent the virus from entering their body. But are we aware of several facts which are to be known before using the masks? Here is a list of things which are to be followed for effective usage of face mask.

There are certain procedures to be followed before using Face masks or Surgical masks 

IF YOU WEAR A MASK, THEN YOU MUST KNOW HOW TO USE IT AND DISPOSE IT PROPERLY

A disposable face mask is designed only for single time usage. Don’t wear the same mask daily. For effective usage of mask, hand-sanitizer is a necessary thing. Before wearing the mask, make sure your hands are clean. So, wash your hands effectively with alcohol-based hand sanitizer for at least 20 seconds.  

On wearing the mask, make sure there is no gap between your face and the mask. Also, the mask should cover your nose and your mouth. Never touch the mask once you wear it. In case of touching the mask, clean your hands with the hand sanitizer. 

While removing the mask, make sure you remove it from outside. Don’t touch the front-side of the mask as it may contain infectious germs. After removal of mask wash your hands effectively with hand sanitizers.

The microorganisms and dust particles stick to the outer surface of the mask

Your job is not complete without the disposal of the used mask. The masks used in the hospitals will be collected in the bins and finally they are incinerated as they are more toxic in nature. But the masks used for household purpose will not be that toxic. So, it can be disposed as other general household waste. Yet it will be effective if these used masks are properly sealed in a plastic bag so that the spread of microorganism can be stopped. 

Above all, it is advised by health experts that wearing masks will not be beneficial for healthy people. Healthy people purchasing the face masks will result in depletion of mask supply for the sick people who need them desperately.  So, buy a mask only when you are coughing or sneezing, or when you’re about to face someone who is sneezing or coughing. Also, we should know that there are several kinds of masks which are used for several purposes like N95 respirators, P100 masks, Cloth mask etc. and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention does not recommend usage of masks to protect oneself from respiratory diseases including COVID-19. Additionally, wearing masks reduces the intake of air which subsequently reduces the Oxygen intake. This will be much hard for the patients who have breathing problems. So, it is advisable for them to remove masks whenever they are alone. Also, change your masks routinely as the pores get blocked easily as days get passed. 

Yet the prevailing situation needs better  health precaution. On the positive side, it has been stated that the spread of the virus can be reduced 70% on wearing a face mask. So, several governments have made it compulsory to wear mask in public places.

USE MASKS ONLY IN NECESSARY SITUATIONS