Face Mask: Why, When & How to Properly Use

Due to recent COVID-19 pandemic, almost every person on earth needs protection against the highly infectious respiratory virus. The use of face masks has become become a vital protective instrument to people for avoiding being infected; however, while a majority of us do indeed use it, it doesn't immediately mean that we know why, when and how to properly use it. That is why we'll be discussing these topics on this article.

Why Should You Wear a Face Mask?

Severe acute respiratory syndrome corona virus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) can be transmitted through respiratory droplets over short distances or through direct contact with an infected person’s secretion. Wearing a face mask offers protection against COVID-19; moreover, if you have an existing respiratory tract infection, it also helps prevent the spread of the illness. If masks are properly worn, they become an strong and effective tool in reducing the spread of the virus.

However, wearing a mask is just one way to help prevent the spread of COVID-19. What is most important is to follow good hygiene. Clean hands frequently with soap and water or with alcohol-based hand rubs. Be sure to always wash your hands after sneezing, coughing, cleaning the nose; going to the toilet; and before touching your eyes, nose and mouth, or preparing food; moreover, you can build up your body’s immunity by developing a healthy lifestyle - eat healthy, get plenty of rest, exercise, and don't smoke.

When Should You Wear a Mask?

Although only those who frequently have close contacts with infected victims are required to wear face masks, we still recommend everyone to wear one for your own safety. The following high-risk individuals are required to wear a mask:

• When you exhibit respiratory infection symptoms.

• When you care for patients with respiratory infection symptoms.

• When you have been in close contact with confirmed or suspected COVID-19 patients

• Whenever you visit clinics or hospitals.

• Health care workers in clinical settings.

• Whenever you handle food.

• When you are a public transport operational staff.

• When you are in a crowded or poorly ventilated place.

• When you are a student and a staff at school. (Except during P.E. lessons or in a well-ventilated and spacious location with no short distance and face-to-face activities.)

• When you frequently go outside or you are outside most of the time.

How to Wear a Face Mask

1. Wash your hands with soap and water or alcohol-based rubs before touching the mask.

2. Get a mask from the box and make sure that there are no tears or holes on both sides of the mask.

3. Determine which edge of the mask is the top. The edge of the mask that is bendable is the top and is meant to mold to the shape of the wearer’s nose.

4. Determine which side of the mask to wear. The colored side of the mask is usually out front and should face away from you, while the white side touches your face.

5. Since there are different kinds of face masks, follow the directions below for the type of mask you are using.

• Face Mask with Ear loops: Hold the mask by the ear loops then place a loop around each ear.

• Face Mask with Ties: Bring the mask to your nose level and place the ties over the crown of your head and secure it with a knot. Then, take the bottom ties and secure it with a knot at the nape of your neck.

• Face Mask with Bands: Hold the nose piece or top of the mask at fingertips, allowing the headbands to hang freely. Bring the mask to your nose level and first pull the top strap over your head so that it rests over the crown of your head then pull the bottom strap over your head and let it rest at the nape of your neck.

6. Pinch the stiff bendable edge to mold to the shape of your nose.

7. Pull the bottom of the mask under your mouth and chin.

Pointers for Using a Face Mask

To prevent yourself from being infected by COVID-19, you need to know a couple of things in order to ensure that you’re really using your protection properly and effectively; follow these simple pointers:

• Wash your hands before and after you wear a face mask. Masks are only effective when used in combination with frequent hand washing using soap and water alcohol-based hand rub or soap and water.

• If you are healthy, you are only required to wear a mask if you are taking care of a person with COVID-19.

• Wear a mask if you are coughing or sneezing.

• Your mask should not only cover your mouth but also your nose.

• After wearing a mask, properly dispose of it immediately. Don’t forget to wash your hands after.

• Avoid touching the mask while you’re using it, since this can transfer the virus to your hands. Before you do, wash your hands with soap and water or alcohol-based hand rub.

• Remove your mask from behind, then discard it immediately in a closed bin. Do not touch the front of your mask.

• Do not re-use a single-use mask. You should change it with a new one as soon as it dampens.

We have been providing establishments with Disinfecting Services for many years. Sanitizing has always been one of our fields of expertise.

For more information, please do not hesitate to call the undersigned on our HOTLINE no. (02) 89855103; office landline no's. (02) 87437376; mobile no's. (0922) 8394545; (0921) 3094545 or Email us at klinpix.disinfection@gmail.com.