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“If there is a shortage of face mask in the market due to COVID-19, can I make my own? Will it be able to protect myself and the people around me?” Benny is wondering whether cloth face mask is effective in preventing the transmission of COVID-19.
In fact, everyone is encouraged to put on a face mask in public especially when social distancing is difficult to maintain. The can prevent virus transmission through cough and sneeze droplets from person-to-person. Therefore, wearing a face mask not only lowers your risk from getting infected by COVID-19, but also prevents you from unknowingly spreading the virus despite having no symptoms.
Who Should And Should Not Wear A Cloth Face Mask?
Anyone who is unable to remove his or her own mask without assistance should not wear a mask. For instance, children under two years old, unconscious and incapacitated persons. This may pose a danger to the person, in the event of troubled breathing. Otherwise, everyone is recommended to wear a face mask in public settings.
In settings where resources are limited, surgical masks and N-95 respirator masks need to be reserved for those in the front lines such as healthcare workers.
Should I Wear A Face Mask Even If I Am Well?
Yes, many people affected by COVID-19 can have mild to no symptoms at all. This is usually seen in the younger people. Thus, it is recommended that everyone should wear a face mask in public settings, with or without symptoms.
Photo by Amelia Rose from Flickr
How To Use A Face Mask Correctly?
Putting On A Face Mask
- First, wash your hands with soap and water before touching your mask.
- Avoid touching the inner side of the face covering which is going to get in close contact with your nose and mouth.
- Put it over your nose and mouth. Make sure it is secured well under your chin and fit snugly against the side of your face.
- Make sure you can still breathe easily.
Using A Face Mask Correctly
Remember, COVID-19 spreads mostly from close contact, where droplets from coughing, sneezing, and talking can pass on from person-to-person within 6 feet. Therefore, the most important step is to maintain social distancing of at least 6 feet between people. Use a face mask to further lower our risk of inhaling these droplets. Note that the use of face covering should never replace social distancing.
Also, the virus can stay active on non-living surfaces such as doorknob, tabletop, car door handle, groceries, packaging, lift buttons etc. Because the virus may be everywhere, we are very likely to be contaminated with the virus especially our hands. Thus, the key step is to avoid touching our nose, mouth, eyes, and inner side of face mask with our hands. Also, wash our hands often before and after eating, sneezing, coughing, and using the washroom. On a caution note, do not hang your face mask around your neck or put it on your forehead. This risks contaminating the inner surface of your face mask.
Removing A Face Mask
- Untie the strings (if any) or stretch the ear loops to remove the face mask.
- Handle only by the strings or ear loops.
- Fold the outside corners together. The outer surface of your face covering may be contaminated.
- You may wash it together with other clothing in a washing machine.
- Be careful not to touch your nose, mouth and eyes. Wash your hands with soap and water immediately after removal.
Reusing and Washing Your Face Mask
Use gentle soap and the warm appropriate water temperature setting to wash your cloth face mask, particularly those who have filters sewn inside. The soap can kill the virus.
After washing, do not wring so as not to damage any filter, make sure to dry it completely. If possible, air dry it under direct sunlight or use the highest possible heat setting of dryer appropriate for your clothing. Drying in the sun can kill the virus.
Making Your Own Cloth Face Mask
Use tightly woven cotton such as quilt or cotton sheets to make your face covering. Make multiple layers of them to make it an effective barrier against cough and sneeze droplets. Also, make sure it is big enough to cover your nose and mouth completely and fits snugly over the sides of your face and under your chin. You may secure it with elastic ear loops or ties. Lastly, makes sure you can breathe easily when putting them on.
Content by National Center for Immunization and Respiratory Diseases from CDC
Conclusion
COVID-19 can spread through human droplets from person-to-person. The best way to prevent it is to practice social distancing, wearing a face mask in public settings, avoid touching our nose, mouth and eyes, and wash hands often. Homemade cloth face mask is effective in preventing the spread and can be reused. In settings where resources are limited, reserve the use of surgical masks and N-95 respirators for front line healthcare workers.
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References:
1. National Center for Immunization and Respiratory Diseases. Use of cloth face coverings to help slow the spread of COVID-19 [CDC]. U.S. Department of Health & Human Services. USA.gov. 2020. (Available from: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/prevent-getting-sick/diy-cloth-face-coverings.html; last updated on 2020 May 23; last accessed on 2020 June 18)
by Chang Xian
View all articles by Chang Xian.
