Explainer: How to properly wear a face mask to prevent COVID-19 infection
Face or nose masks or better still, masks in general have become the new norm in these trying times where everybody is trying to keep and stay safe.
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The World Health Organisation (WHO) announced that as one of the measures put in place to ensure safety and also to curtail the spread of COVID-19, it is important for everyone to don a facemask.
YEN.com.gh has however made it a point to explain how best to wear a facemask (traditional or surgical) to prevent the COVID-19 infection.
Source: UGC
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Surgical masks
A surgical mask is a loose-fitting, disposable mask that’s rectangular in shape.
When it comes to the surgical ones, it is important to note that a metal strip may be present at the top of the mask and can be pinched to fit the mask around your nose to prevent microorganisms from droplets, sprays, splatters, and splashes from getting to an individual.
Before putting on the mask, it is advisable to wash the hands for at least 20 seconds with soap and water, or rub your hands together thoroughly with alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
Source: UGC
How to wear it
It is also important to check for defects in the face mask, such as tears or broken loops to prevent spreading or catching infections
It is advisable to position the colored side of the mask outward it helps filter infections from getting to the individual.
If present, make sure the metallic strip is at the top of the mask and positioned against the bridge of your nose.
Traditional masks
Due to the surge in prices and how hard it is to get surgical masks, Ghanaians have however made it a point to improvise with fabrics to create a mask.
These masks mostly come with elastic bands just like the surgical ones that can be looped behind the ears or tied behind the head to hold it in place.
Source: UGC
How to wear it
For the traditional masks, if they have Earloops, it is important to hold the mask by both ear loops and place one loop over each ear and adjusting it to fit properly
1. If it comes with ties, the upper strings of the masks should be tied and secured in a bow near the crown of your head with the bottom strings securely in a bow near the nape of your neck.
2. Also if the mask comes with dual elastic bands, it is important to pull the top band over the head and position it against the crown of the head. Pull the bottom band over the head and position it against the nape of your neck.
3. It is also important to know that the bottom of the mask should be pulled over the mouth and chin.
4. When the mask is in position, it is advisable not to touch it with soiled hands or wet hands.
5. It is also important to note that when when wearing a face mask, one does not touch the mask once it’s secured on your face, as it might have pathogens on it
Things not to do when a mask is worn
Source: UGC
1. Individuals should ensure that the mask does not dangle from one ear
2. The mask should not be hung around the neck or pulled to cover the chin
3. Also, individuals are advised not to crisscross the ties
4. Single-use masks should not be reused.
READ ALSO: COVID-19: 20 Ghanaians die from disease in US
Meanwhile, in a bid to ensure that the spread of the novel coronavirus is minimised, the office of the Regional Coordinating Council outlined certain measures to be followed religiously.
After an emergency meeting held on Wednesday, April 22, 2020, to ensure compliance with President Akufo-Addo's directives, the REGSEC, in a statement signed by Ishmael Ashittey has called for the mandatory wearing of face masks in public.
The REGSEC stated that notices of "NO FACE MASK, NO ENTRY" should be visibly displayed at vantage points including offices, lorry stations, shops, markets, malls, banks, pharmacies etc.
READ ALSO: COVID-19: No face mask no entry into trotro, banks other places- REGSEC orders
Madam Yaa Botwe seems to have a lot to say about the novel "KWABENA-19" | #Yencomgh
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Source: YEN.com.gh
