Everything you need to know about face masks
Wearing a mask in public, hand washing and physical distancing help slow the spread of COVID-19.
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The COVID-19 pandemic is not over. In the absence of vaccines or medicines to stop COVID-19, one of the best methods to slow the spread of the virus is to wear a face mask, alongside handwashing and practicing physical distancing. Masking up is a cheap, effective way of limiting the transmission of the disease. And while it’s not a cure-all (physical distancing is still key), Science shows that the more people that wear masks in public, the more we can slow the spread of COVID-19.
How do face masks help prevent the spread of COVID-19?
COVID-19 is transmitted from person to person through respiratory droplets produced when an infected person coughs, sneezes, or talks. These droplets can land in the mouths or noses of people who are nearby or possibly be inhaled into the lungs. Masks provide a simple barrier to help prevent these respiratory droplets from spreading in the air. You should wear a mask to protect others in case you have the virus, and you should wear a mask to protect yourself.
Do children need to wear face masks?
According to the World Health Organization (WHO) children may be less affected, but they have a greater number of contacts in school and in public areas. Further studies are underway to assess the risk of infection in children and to better understand transmission in this age group, but the WHO recommends that children over age two should wear masks in community settings were physical distancing is not possible.
Parents should take the time to teach their children that along with handwashing and physical distancing, wearing a face mask can help protect everyone and is a way to show kindness and caring.
If I am wearing a mask I do not have to practice physical distancing?
Wearing a mask is just one step in preventing the spread of COVID-19, and should also be practiced with:
• Maintaining a physical distance of at least one metre
• Frequent handwashing
• Staying home if you do not feel well
STEPS FOR WEARING A MASK
FACE MASK TIPS
MASKS ARE ONLY EFFECTIVE IF YOU WEAR THEM THE RIGHT WAY
WHAT TYPE OF MASK SHOULD YOU WEAR?
Confused about what type of mask you should wear? Here is a guide to help you understand the differences between the two types of masks that WHO recommends to help prevent the spread and transmission of COVID-19.
Fabric masks
- Act as a barrier between the mouth and nose and the surrounding environment.
- Are intended for use in community or public settings where there are COVID-19 cases and where physical distancing cannot be maintained, in places such as grocery stores or on public transport.
- Are not recommended for people from vulnerable populations such as those who are 60 or over or those with underlying medical conditions – those individuals should be wearing medical masks.
- Can be homemade from garments, scarves, bandanas, or items made from t-shirts or other fabrics.
- Should be washed daily.
Medical masks
- Act as a barrier between the mouth and nose and the surrounding environment.
- Are intended for use in community or public settings where there are COVID-19 cases and where physical distancing cannot be maintained, in places such as grocery stores or on public transport.
- Are recommended for those caring for a sick person, people who have COVID-19 symptoms, people from vulnerable populations such as those who are 60 and over and those with underlying medical conditions.
- Are for single-use only. Should be safely discarded when mask is damp or damaged.
Tip: A mask alone cannot protect you from COVID-19. Wearing a mask should be part of a comprehensive package of other infection control measures including handwashing, practicing physical distancing and staying home if you feel ill.
HOW TO MAKE YOUR OWN MASK
Remember when you wear a mask you are protecting others, and when others wear a mask they are protecting you.
