Stepping Out During Pandemic? Do’s and Don’ts For Wearing A Face Mask While In Public

Wearing a face mask has become mandatory in public spaces in many countries since the Coronavirus has begun as it is a precautionary step to keep yourself-protected as well as an effort to break the chain of the spread of coronavirus but, face masks aren’t a new phenomenon as in many countries such as Japan, Korea it was often seen that people would wear face masks when they stepped out of their homes to keep themselves safe from the dust and pollutants. On the other hand in India especially in the Northern side, every year people were compelled to wear face masks so that they could breathe easily amidst the smog that got caused because of the burning of the fields in neighbouring states like Haryana, Rajasthan and Punjab.

So face masks have existed even before the pandemic hit us but at that time wearing a face mask was about one’s choice whereas, now wearing a face mask is a necessity as through this simple precautionary step we shall be able to keep ourselves as well as people around us safe.

The WHO has recommended that in these challenging times of the pandemic we should only step out of the house if it is essential and while being in the public spaces we should bear in mind that we need to wear a protective layered face mask while maintaining social distancing with others. But, now as many countries have initiated the process of unlocking as an attempt to normalize the situation it becomes furthermore pertinent that we take all the necessary precautions such as wearing a face mask at all times while we are in public spaces such as offices, grocery stores, shopping malls and public transportation.

PROTECTIVE LAYERED FACE MASK v/s CLOTH MASK?

Many times people say that the point of wearing a face mask is to only cover their nose and mouth which is true, but the main aim to cover the mouth and nose is to protect our respiratory system from being exposed to the slightest encounter of the airborne diseases and viruses. Therefore, covering the mouth and nose with a cloth mask cannot be as effective as covering them with a face mask that is made of protective layering.

The protective layered face masks are built with 5 layers or 6 layers that prevent the viral droplets to enter our mouth or nose whereas, the cloth masks may not be effective to be a barrier for these droplets to enter, therefore, it is advised that one should wear a face mask that is made of protective layering as it gives a strong safety valve against being exposed to dust, smog, pollutants, airborne diseases and virus.

On the other hand, one also has to understand the difference between surgical masks and protective masks such as N95 face masks as both of these are considered the highest safeguarding face masks but considering the crucial circumstances around us, we must not hoard up the surgical masks that are specifically made for the medical professionals.

As we know that the medical professionals are constantly fighting against the coronavirus, therefore, the need of surgical masks is more for them rather than for us, which is why it is advised that one can wear the N95 masks for their personal use and leave the surgical masks only for the medical professionals who are putting themselves ahead every day to curb this pandemic for the safety of everyone.

HOW TO MAINTAIN SAFETY WITH FACE MASKS?

Wearing a face mask is a safety step in itself but to maintain the safety of face masks there are some do’s and don’ts that one has to bear in mind such as:

The General Do’s

1. Firstly avoid going out unless it is very essential.
2. Secondly, if you have to go out then keep practicing social distancing even when you are wearing your face mask in the public.
3. Maintain at least a distance of 6 feet from others in the public.
4. Wear a mask at home if you have an elderly person at home or someone whose immunity is weak.
5. Wash your face masks thoroughly with regular detergent and warm water and dry it completely before reusing again.

The Face Mask Do’s

1. Make sure that your protective face mask has layers of tightly-woven fabric that protects you but also lets you breathe easily.
2. Make sure that your face mask fits you completely snuggling to your nose and mouth without leaving any gaps, as even a small gap is enough for the infectious droplets to enter your respiratory system and harm you.
3. Make sure your hands are thoroughly washed whenever you wear or remove your face mask.
4. Wear your face mask properly i.e. know which side is the top and bottom of the face mask.

The Don'ts

1. Do not put a face mask on children below 2 years of age and on anyone who has breathing problems or on someone who is unconscious, incapacitated or cannot remove the mask by themselves.
2. Don’t use the surgical masks as they are exclusively designed for medical professionals and there shouldn’t be any shortage in availability of these surgical masks for the medical professionals.
3. While eating do not pull down the face mask on the chin; remove it properly and after eating touch the mask again, only after washing your hands thoroughly with soap and water.
4. Do not wear a face mask that is not clean or has any tear or damage.
5. Don’t go out when you are sick or when you have fever or cough.

Therefore, while practicing the above mentioned do’s and don’ts of wearing a face mask in public it is also important to understand that adjust wearing a face mask isn’t important but to wear only protective layer mask so that one doesn’t get exposed to harmful substances existing in the air, which is why one can trust N95 face masks from trusted and certified brands.