We all know that COVID-19 is a highly infectious virus. There are different ways to catch it. One of these is to breathe in droplets from a sick person who coughs or exhales them. Therefore, many people wonder whether it is safer to wear a medical mask when they go out or when they are in contact with other people. There is a lot of confusion on this argument and many contradictory opinions. Some researchers maintain that the virus is so small that it can permeate through these sorts of medical masks. Once the mask is wet it no longer offers sufficient protection.
This article hopes to shed light about the use of medical masks during this emergency period and adheres to the latest WHO guidance. Read on to learn everything you should know about when and how to wear a mask to protect you and other people from Coronavirus.
When to Wear a Medical Mask
Until the beginning of April, the World Health Organisation advised to wear a medical mask only in specific cases:
- If you have Coronavirus symptoms, such as a fever, cough or difficulty breathing, wearing a mask can help to prevent you from spreading the infection to other people.
- If you are healthy but you are taking care of a person with Coronavirus symptoms. You should wear the mask when you are in the same room as the sick person.
However the latest advice from the WHO appears to have changed slightly. The WHO now state that wearing masks is equally or more effective than social distancing, providing they are worn properly and people avoid infecting themselves when taking them on and off.
Please note: the WHO advises that there is a worldwide shortage of medical masks. Therefore, it is important to use them only in case of true necessity. Unnecessary wasting medical masks could mean they are no longer available for medical professionals, carers and other people who urgently need them.
To learn more about caring for someone with Coronavirus symptoms read this article from our archive.
How to Wear a Medical Mask
If you would like a copy of the above infographic, please email emma@firstaidforlife.org.uk
Before putting the mask on: thoroughly wash your hands. Use an alcohol-based hand rub or warm water and soap. This is to avoid you contaminating the mask with your hands and infecting yourself from the mask when it is put onto your face.
Inspect the mask to ensure it isn’t damaged in any way. Identify which side of the mask is the top (the one with the metal nose piece) and which is the inside (usually the white part).
Putting your mask on:
Put the lateral elastics around your ears and fit the mask to your face. Pinch the metal strip over your nose. Cover your nose, mouth and chin, and make sure there are no gaps between the mask and your face.
Avoid touching the mask when you are wearing it. If you do so by mistake, carefully wash your hands.
Taking the mask off:
Remove your mask touching only the lateral elastics over your ears and not the main body of the mask. Take the mask away from your face and discard it immediately in a bin that closes. Then, carefully wash your hands.
Remember that you should not use a medical mask more than once. Moreover, you shouldn’t wear it a prolonged time. Remove it as soon as it gets damp.
Final advice
Remember that masks alone cannot protect from COVID-19. You must combine them with hand hygiene and other preventive measures. Of course, our strongest possible advice is to stay at home, and remain more than 2 metres apart from other people. As stated by the UK Government and the NHS. To prevent the spread of the virus, only go out for emergencies or absolute necessity. Moreover, if you have coronavirus symptoms or if you are at high risk from coronavirus, you should always stay at home and avoid any social interaction.
You can find more information about the use of medical masks on the World Health Organisation Website.
Recent UK updates
As of 17th April, London Mayor Sadiq Khan has urged people to wear masks in public. He has called on the government to make them compulsory on transport in London during the coronavirus outbreak. Khan added that people should not buy surgical masks, but wear face coverings such as scarves, bandanas or reusable masks.
Khan said face masks should not be considered a substitute for physical distancing, but as a protective measure in instances where it was difficult to follow the guidelines – such as in shops or on public transport.
Anyone who is sick should wear a mask if they are outside for any reason. They should remain in their house, in isolation if they are ill.
Wearing a non-medical facial covering doesn’t necessarily limit your chances of catching the virus. Instead, what it does do, if you yourself are pre-symptomatic or asymptomatic, is reduce the chances of you giving the virus to somebody else.
The Government is going to revisit the evidence and research.
First Aid for life provides this information for guidance and it is not in any way a substitute for medical advice. First Aid for Life is not responsible or liable for any diagnosis made, or actions taken based on this information.
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