Wear a mask | Learn about masks | Prevent coronavirus

As the COVID-19 outbreak spreads around the world,Masksor face masks are becoming more important than ever. While many Asian countries have long adopted the practice, scientific studies now show that wearing masks is effective in curbing the spread of the virus, making mask wearing more common and sometimes mandatory in parts of the world where it was not previously worn. Here's what you need to know about masks and why you should wear them.

How masks prevent the spread of COVID-19 and other viruses

Many people's misunderstanding about masks is that they can prevent them from getting sick. Most masks will not prevent you from being infected by airborne viruses, however, masks are meant to prevent you from infecting other people. Wearing a mask correctly, maintaining good hand hygiene and social distance are the key steps to protect you and others around you.stay healthyThe best way to do this. When we talk, breathe, sneeze or cough, the mask prevents the spread of saliva and respiratory droplets containing bacteria and viruses. Since the COVID-19 outbreak, many studies have confirmed that wearing a mask is one of the most effective ways to help prevent the spread of the virus.

Different types of masks

There are three main types of masks. The price and availability of each mask varies, and it is recommended to wear a surgical mask or a fabric mask in public.

N95 respirators: These masks are more expensive than surgical masks and tend to be in smaller supplies, but they are generally more effective than other types of masks due to their fit and design. Therefore, these masks should be reserved for use by medical professionals. N95 respirators became more well-known during the SARS outbreak in 2003. N95 protective masks are tightly fitting disposable masks that can filter out at least 95% of droplets and aerosols.

Surgical/Medical Masks: These disposable masks were originally made for doctors, dentists, and surgeons to prevent the spread of germs and viruses from doctors to patients. They are non-sealed and usually have three or more layers. Although effective at filtering out larger particles from the air, they are looser and therefore more likely to allow air and pollutants to flow out of their edges.

Fabric masks: These masks are often handmade from a variety of materials and can vary in shape, fit, and performance. These masks are appealing because they can be made from more organic materials and can be reused. Some fabric masks may even come with an additional filter. Studies have shown that fabric masks, especially those made with multiple layers of cotton, are almost as effective as surgical masks in slowing the spread of the virus. Now, the CDC also recommends that ordinary people wear fabric masks. In one study, different fabric materials and thicknesses had filtration rates ranging from 49% to 86%.

Why should we wear a mask?

Now, the CDC and the World Health Organization (WHO) recommend that the public wear masks in public. Although not always recommended, science has begun to link masks to reduced transmission of the coronavirus and other diseases, leading to more governments and businesses adopting mask mandates. This is especially important during the coronavirus pandemic because asymptomatic carriers of the virus are so common, meaning you can be infected with the virus and not have any visible signs or symptoms.

In many parts of Asia, such as Hong Kong, where wearing masks in public has become almost universal, the spread of the virus has remained low given population density and minimal lockdowns or social distancing measures. In the United States, where transmission rates have been high and mask-wearing generally low, a study in fifteen states, including the District of Columbia, looked at the virus after mask-wearing was mandated. Studies show that the spread of the virus slowed significantly after mask mandates were implemented.

In an experiment using high-speed video recordings, it was demonstrated that even when a person is just talking, hundreds of droplets between 20 and 500 microns are produced, but when the mouth is covered with a simple fabric, almost all of the droplets are blocked. Additionally, another study showed that the spread of flu or cold viruses was significantly reduced when people who were unwell wore masks.

Because the COVID-19 virus is so contagious, it’s more important than ever to take these mask recommendations seriously to keep your friends, family, and especially the immunocompromised and at-risk people safe. By wearing a mask, you can prevent others or their loved ones from contracting the COVID-19 virus.

Hygiene tips for wearing masks and staying healthy

Wash your hands often with soap for 20-30 seconds. If you are unable to wash your hands, use hand sanitiser (with at least 70% alcohol) after touching any public areas.

Try to avoid going to public places or any social gatherings.

If you must go to public places, always wear a mask and avoid crowds and maintain social distance (minimum 1.5 meters) as much as possible.

Wash and/or sanitize your hands before and after putting on or taking off your mask.

Make sure the mask covers your mouth and nose. Do not wear it under the nose or chin.

Make sure the mask fits snugly behind your ears.

Do not touch while wearing a mask.

Disposable masks should generally only be worn once. Wearing them more than once increases the risk of spreading germs.

If you remove your mask to eat or drink, place the mask in a bag or appropriate container to avoid contaminating other surface areas. Put on a mask immediately after eating/drinking.

If you accidentally touch the mask, wash or disinfect your hands.

Fabric masks should be washed regularly with soap and water. Fabric masks can be hand washed or washed with other clothing.

For fabric masks, once soiled, they should be placed in a sealed bag until they can be washed.

Be sure to wash your hands after removing the mask.

For disposable masks, please ensure they are disposed of properly.

Masks are not a substitute for social distancing or good hand hygiene.

Do not allow anyone who has trouble breathing to wear a mask.

Do not let children under two years old wear masks.

For children who are not used to wearing masks, let them get used to wearing masks intermittently at home. This will help children get used to wearing masks when out in public or returning to school when masks are mandatory.

Combined with good hand hygiene and social distancing, wearing a mask is a cheap, simple, sustainable and effective way to help control the spread of the COVID-19 virus.