Wearing a mask is the best way to protect ourselves and the people around us from COVID-19. However, there are still many people who have not used masks correctly to stop the spread of coronavirus. The following 10 mistakes are also the most common mistakes. Let’s see if you also made any of these mistakes!
1. Not Washing Hands Before And After Removing Mask
Many people do not wash their hands before and after taking off the mask. Experts emphasize that washing your hands before wearing a mask can prevent pollutants from entering the mask, and you must wash your hands after removing the mask so that the virus cannot be transmitted.
2. Does Not Cover The Nose With The Mask
Wearing mask but exposing noses is actually as dangerous as not wearing a mask because we may inhale a large amount of virus through our nose. A study showed that the cells in the nose are more likely to be infected by the coronavirus than cells in the lungs and larynx. This shows how important it is for a mask to cover the nose. In the unlikely event, if we sneeze at someone else, we will spread the virus and infect other people.
3. Not Washing Face After Removing Mask
Many people have found acne on their faces after wearing a mask for a long time. Although washing your face does not stop the spread of the virus, washing your face frequently can prevent the growth of acne. The dermatologist recommended that everyone to use a mild, non-irritating facial cleanser to cleanse the face after removing the mask in order to moisturize the skin.
4. Share The Mask With Others
Masks cannot be shared because saliva, bacteria and viruses are hidden in the mask when we breathe. These microorganisms will be transferred to the mouth of others when you share the mask with others. Therefore, experts do not recommend that anyone share masks. If it is a reusable mask, make sure that it has been cleaned before sharing to others.
5. Clean Disposable Masks
In order to save money, some people do not discard the disposable mask after using it. Instead, they wash it with soap and dry it. However, disposable masks can only be used once (regardless of the length of time) and they must be discarded after use. That is because the ability to filter particles in the disposable mask has declined after use. If worn for a whole day, then it has lost its protective effect. In addition, when the disposable mask is cleaned, too much moisture will cause the fibre to break, so its efficacy is also reduced.
6. Reusable Mask Without Washing
Reusable masks must be cleaned after each use so that they can remain hygienic and effective. According to a consumer survey conducted by a textile technology company in 2020, 80% of the survey participants did not wash after wearing reusable masks each time, and 8% of the survey respondents said they did not wash at all. If these reusable masks are not washed for two weeks, their effectiveness will be greatly reduced. This is because sweat, grease and droplets will accumulate on the mask. It will then produce an unpleasant odour and cause breathing difficulties.
7. Wear A Mask With Valves Or Vents
According to the CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention), masks with one-way valves cannot stop the coronavirus. Masks with one-way valve allow the air to move through the small holes, so there is still a chance to spread droplets from the respiratory tract to others. This type of mask is more suitable for construction workers to use, which can protect them from breathing in harmful particles. However, it is not an ideal choice to prevent the spread of infectious diseases. Cloth masks are more effective than those with valves or vents.
8. Wear The Mask On The Wrong Side
When wearing a disposable mask, be sure to pay attention to the colour on both sides of the mask. The lighter side should be inside, and the darker side should be outward. Ordinary surgical or disposable masks have a three-layer structure. The outer layer is designed to block water droplets, while the middle layer blocks particles, while the inner layer absorbs moisture. The inner layer of the disposable mask is in direct contact with our nose and mouth. This layer helps to keep the mask dry by absorbing moisture and stop pathogens. However, if worn from the inside to the outside, the exhaled water droplets will not be absorbed, and the wet mask will lose its ability to stop pathogens. Hence, we must ensure that disposable masks are worn correctly to perform their functions.
9. Touch The Outer Layer Of the Mask When Removing The Mask
Many people tend to touch the outer layer of disposable masks when they remove them. This is risky because the outer layer of the mask may contain viruses. If you touch it, the virus may stick to your hands. If you then forget to wash your hands and touch your face, nose or eyes after removing the mask, it may cause the virus to enter the body. The safest way to remove the mask is to simply hold the ear cord and pull it off. After completing this procedure, wash your hands immediately.
10. Did not store the mask properly
Ideally, the mask should be kept in a safe place so that no one else has a chance to touch it. Therefore, it is not recommended to place the mask in public. Clean and dry masks should be stored in a new paper bag (or mesh fabric) until they can be used. Dirty reusable masks should be stored in plastic bags until they can be washed. This also prevents the transmission from the hands to the eyes, nose and mouth area.
As long as we prevent ourselves from doing these 10 mistakes, we can stay away from the virus. After using masks, remember NOT to throw it in public areas because this action would fasten the spread of the virus. The health of the people would be endangered when they come into contact with used masks, especially those that have respiratory excretions on them.
Let's Be A Responsible Citizen!
