Wear or not? But the most important is the distance
Maintaining international cooperation to combat the COVID-2019 epidemic, China has published a coronavirus prevention guide.
Compiled on the basis of clinical data and the experience of physicians, the Chinese guide contains practical instructions for medical personnel on strengthening the immunity, individual sanitary safety, disinfection of premises, etc. Amid disputes over the necessity to wear a medical mask, this important issue which is a matter of special concern to civil society is also covered.
While on the one hand, a medical mask is a simple and effective way to protect against infection, on the other hand, its incorrect use not only does not protect, but also increases the risk of infection. The mask is effective only in combination with other preventive measures.
- If only a mask is worn, but the distance is not kept, and the hands are not washed, you’ll certainly get sick, as explained by Melita Vujnovich, World Health Organization representative to Russia. - The mask should not be wet. After wearing the mask two hours, it must be disposed of. Otherwise, you will be a source of infection.
Based on the above, it can be concluded that maintaining physical distance is more effective against infection than the medical mask. If a person is healthy, then wearing a protective mask is pointless. Patients with signs of acute respiratory viral infections must use it in order to protect others. Sneezing and coughing, the patient spreads the virus around him or her. The mask is also necessary in case of direct contact with infected people.
The preventive medical mask should fit tightly on the face, without any gaps letting access to the virus. It should be properly put on and taken off, holding the rubber bands at the back, without touching the front of the mask. In the standard three-layer mask, the inner layer performs a protective function. It equally well protects the mucous membrane of the mouth and nose, regardless of which side the mask is worn.
The worn preventive mask should in no case be touched with dirty hands, and much less it should be reused. Disposable masks should be disposed of immediately after taking it off. It is important to comply with hand hygiene before putting on and after disposal of the mask. The used mask is inserted into an airtight waste container and only then must be disposed of.
If you are just walking along the street, where sneezing and coughing people are not seen around you, then there is no need in mask. It is almost impossible to get infected in the fresh air.
