During this time of uncertainty as the COVID-19 pandemic continues to rage on and the many factors that prove to be perilous to public health it is essential that we find and stick to practices that support physical distancing measures duly set in place for our protection and to people that surround us.
From the time the unprecedented outbreak has been first reported, the usage of face masks has served as a vital practice that added a layer of protection among people of all walks of life. However given the demand, shortage of masks followed suit. From single use surgical masks to the N95, supplies have started wane after consumers raided stores out of fear.
In effect, authorities have issued advisories to allow what little supply was left to to frontliners. Hence the rise of the use of washable masks that people have started to adapt.
Yes! Staying at home is, and will always be the best way to guard oneself from contracting the disease. But given our present situation, not everyone can stay shut in to wait the pandemic out. Washable face masks, as a useful alternative, allowed us to continue to be protected.
In doing so, ABS-CBN Ligtas Pilipinas sa COVID-19 shares some measures to keep in mind in using cloth masks.
1. Wash your hands when putting on and removing the mask.
Remember that you’re putting the mask near your face, and you wouldn’t want to contaminate it. The rule of thumb is to make sure that your hands are clean whenever you would hold your masks. Also, be careful and make sure that you handle the masks only in the ear loops only. The same goes when you are done using them.
2. Don’t share masks.
Stick to your washable mask and never ever allow anyone else to use them or vice-versa. This is, of course, applicable even to your family, relatives, and friends. Doing so will not only put everyone at risk of passing on the virus, this is also just outright unsanitary and may cause other health issues.
3. Clean your masks properly.
Make sure that you are properly disinfecting your masks with every use. When cleaning, make sure that you are using a mixture of detergent and bleach or disinfectant. As soon as it shows any sign of wearing out, assess when you need to replace your mask.
Keep in mind that using cloth masks is just an added layer of caution–one that doesn’t keep you safe from getting infected. Wearing your cloth masks does not mean that you are protected. You should still observe recommended social distancing that the world has been following.
The fight against the pandemic is far from over and we owe it to the frontliners, who are front and center in this war waged against the virus to do our part–even as simple as staying at home and being vigilant and well-informed.
Stay safe!