With the COVID-19 pandemic mopping the globe many individuals are asking when can you use a face mask and how can you guard yourself against the novel coronavirus pandemic? The WHO (World Health Organisation) urges people to stay informed of the latest news on the COVID-19 outbreak.
Why wear a mask?
- If you are taking care of an individual with presumed novel coronavirus infection, then only you need to wear a mask.
- Always wear a mask if you are sneezing or coughing.
- Remember that masks are only efficient when used in combination with regular hand-washing with soap and water or alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
Do you wear a mask? Do you know how to use and dispose of it properly?
Mask: Put on, use, take off and dispose
- Ere setting on a mask, wash hands with water and soap or an alcohol-based sanitizer.
- Cover nose and mouth with a mask. Ensure that there are no spaces between the mask and your face.
- While using the mask, avoid touching it.
- As soon as the mask is damp, replace it with a new one. Avoid reuse of single-use masks.
How to remove the mask?
- Remove the mask from behind.
- Never rub the exterior of the mask.
- Chuck quickly in a closed dustbin.
- Clean hands with water, soap or alcohol-based sanitizer.
How to prevent the spread of novel coronavirus?
- Clean your hands regularly: Frequently wash your fingers with soap and water or an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
- Why so? Washing your hands with alcohol-based hand sanitizer or soap and water kills germs and viruses that could be on your fingers.
Social distancing
Maintain at least three feet (one-metre) distance amongst yourself and anyone who is sneezing or coughing. Why so? When someone sneezes or coughs, they spread small fluid droplets from their mouth or nose which may carry the infection. If you are close enough, you can inhale in the droplets, including the novel coronavirus if the individual coughing has the virus.
Also Read: Can Blood Of Coronavirus-Recovered Patient Treat The Infected?
Do not touch your eyes, mouth and nose
Why? Because hands touch several surfaces which can pick up diseases. Once infected, hands can carry the disease to your nose, eyes or mouth. From there, the infection can enter your body and can make you ill.
Practice respiratory cleanliness
- The World Health Organisation says to ensure good respiratory hygiene amongst the individuals around you. Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue or bent elbow when you sneeze or cough.
- Why so? Droplets spray the disease. By observing good respiratory health you guard the individuals around you from diseases such as flu, cold, and coronavirus.
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