5 Ways to Make the Most of Your COVID-19 Mask
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by
PHS
Are you wearing your COVID-19 mask? Masks aren’t just for superheroes anymore! In the time of COVID-19, even the average joe can help save lives simply by donning a piece of fabric on their face. To make sure you join the ranks of the virus-fighting league, however, there are five crucial basics to remember.
Pick the Right COVID-19 Mask
In the fight against COVID-19, it’s important to remember that you’re not a professional but a virus-stopping vigilante. Save the surgical masks and N95 respirators for our medical professionals and wear a non-medical mask.
Along with regularly cleaning your hands and keeping a safe distance from others, the World Health Organization recommends wearing a non-medical mask whenever physical distancing (keeping at least two metres away from others in public) is not possible.
The good news is that you can make your own mask! Making your own can be a fun form of self-expression as well as in the interest of health. Make the homemade cloth mask that is two layers of breathable fabric. It should fit snugly over top of your nose and mouth and lay securely against your face, leaving no gaps. People have gotten really creative with how they have been securing these straps but it’s most common to have loops that fit over your eyes. There are plenty of free online tutorials to help!
Keep it clean
Just because there aren’t a lot of comic book scenes where Spiderman thoroughly washes his spidey suit, that doesn’t mean it didn’t happen. Preventing the spread of COVID-19 is all about cleanliness. Washing your hands with soap and hot water for at least 20 seconds before putting on your mask is important.
You should not continue to reuse a mask if it is moist, dirty or damaged. If your mask can be washed, it should regularly be put in the washing machine with other items using a hot cycle with laundry detergent.
No special soaps are needed and the mask should be dried thoroughly before being put back on your face. If your mask is not reusable, it needs to be thrown out and replaced as soon as it gets slightly wet, dirty or crumpled.
Don’t take it off
Just because you don’t have a secret identity to protect, that doesn’t mean you can remove your mask whenever you feel like it. When out in public, it is important to not remove your mask to talk to someone or leave it hanging from your neck or ears.
Masks act as barriers and reduce the chance of spreading respiratory droplets to others. So, keep it on your face as much as possible and don’t touch it with your hands. You should also never share your mask with others.
Once at home, or in a safe space, be very careful in removing your mask. Don’t touch your eyes, nose, or mouth while taking it off. Wash your hands immediately after taking it off. Place it directly into a washing machine or bag with other clothes to be washed, and then thoroughly clean and dry it.
Don’t judge others
Keep your droplets to yourself and your judgement. Masks are not suitable for everyone and spreading kindness is something we could all use more of during these difficult times.
Non-medical masks are not recommended for children under the age of two years old or people who suffer from an illness or disability which makes it difficult to put on or take off a mask. They are also not suitable for those who have trouble breathing.
Know the limitations
We’d all love to do our part to put an end to this villainous virus but unfortunately masks are not a cure and won’t prevent you from getting COVID-19.
Wearing a non-medical mask is not a replacement for proven measures like regular hand-washing, physical distancing, and limiting non-essential travel. Non-medical masks are not regulated and have not been tested to recognized standards. Follow common standards and use breathable fabrics. Do not use the same fabrics as surgical masks or respirators. They are not designed to seal around the nose and mouth.
Nevertheless, if you need to go out and are able to safely wear a mask, consider it your duty. It’s one of many ways that we can be superheroes in our own community. At Progressive Housing Society, we have workers on the front lines every day making an impact on the lives of those who are facing adversity. If you’re waiting for the call to make a difference, consider joining our team of volunteers or staff today!
