IN THIS POST
– Types of Face Masks
– When to Wear a Face Mask
– The Right Way to Wear a Face Mask
– How to Wear a Face Mask with Glasses
The officials from the World Health Organisation (WHO) and the Centers of Disease Control (CDC) have deemed wearing face masks in public spaces as one of the most effective ways to slow down the spread of novel coronavirus after social distancing. Needless to say, as the number of COVID-19 cases in Pakistan continues to rise, face masks and coverings have become a necessity. Whether you are going out to buy groceries or visiting the bank, it is imperative that you wear a face mask properly and maintain at least a 6-feet distance.
Of course, wearing a face mask in sweltering heat is not an easy task – especially if you live in the southern region of the country. However, it is more important than ever to listen to the experts and follow all preventive measures that might protect you and your loved ones against this unprecedented challenge that has affected millions across the globe.
Since a lot of people appear to be genuinely confused between different types of face masks available both online and at pharmacies, we’ve brought you a simple guide explaining how to correctly and safely wear a face mask – along with a special tip for those who wear glasses.
Types of Face Masks
There are three main types of face masks that are currently available for sale across Pakistan.
- N-95 Respirators
- Surgical Masks
- Fabric Masks
Before we discuss how to wear a mask as a preventive measure against coronavirus pandemic, let’s talk about each of these masks and who should use them.
N-95 Respirators
Also known as particle respirator masks, N-95 respirators are suitable for doctors, paramedic staff and other health care professionals battling on the front lines of the potentially deadly virus.
These masks are disposable and fit tightly around the mouth and nose. If worn correctly, can effectively block out up to 95 percent of small airborne particles, according to experts.
Surgical Masks
Since N-95 respirators are a little hard to find at local pharmacies and are slightly expensive, surgical masks are your next best option.
These masks are usually available in blue and green colours with white borders. Surgical masks are also disposable and shield the people wearing against the large droplets discharged from a sick person’s mouth when they cough or sneeze. However, since they fit loosely against your mouth and nose, they are not much effective against small particles and other germs.
Those who are sick with flu or any other disease must wear a surgical mask every time they step out of the house.
Fabric Masks
Fabric masks might not be as good as surgical masks, but they can still work as a shield between a healthy and a sick individual.
These masks are low-cost and usually fashioned from new or recycled fabric. As per the recommendation of the CDC, adding a coffee filter between the two layers of fabric helps make these masks more effective against the spread of coronavirus.
They must also be washed on a regular basis with soap and warm water after every use.
More importantly, you can simply make a fabric mask at home instead of buying one from the store.
Please remember that wearing face masks is only useful if you are also following other precautionary measures, such as frequently washing your hands with soap and water for 20 seconds and practising social distancing.
When to Wear a Face Mask
It is imperative to wear a face mask when you go out. Of course, owing to the ongoing lockdown imposed to slow down the spread of coronavirus in Pakistan, you can only visit a handful of places for the time being.
For instance, you must always wear a surgical or a fabric mask while visiting the grocery store to stock up for the COVID-19 lockdown. Similarly, every time you visit a pharmacy, bank or hospital, you must make sure you are covering your face.
As health officials have pointed out, wearing a face mask is much more important for potentially infected and sick folks, as they can easily transmit the virus to another person. So, if you or someone you know has tested positive for coronavirus or is showing any symptoms, make sure they don’t leave the house without wearing a mask.
How to Wear a Face Mask Correctly
There are certain dos and don’ts of wearing a face mask to prevent coronavirus.
Here is a step-by-step explanation of the right way to wear a face mask:
Step 1: Wash your hands with water and soap for at least 20 seconds before drying them with a clean paper towel and then throw it away. If soap and water aren’t available, you can use a hand sanitiser with at least 60 percent isopropyl alcohol to clean your hands.
Step 2: Pick up the face mask by its loops and secure them tightly around your ears. In case of a surgical mask, make sure the exterior blue or green side is facing away from your mouth and nose. Also, the edge with the bendable metal wire must be placed at the top of your nose.
Step 3: Make sure the mask covers your nose and mouth by pulling it around the base of your chin and tucking it underneath your face. This will keep you from constantly touching the mask to adjust it.
Step 4: Once the mask is placed properly on your face, use your thumb and index finger to pinch the bendable metal wire around the bridge of your nose.
Step 5: Wash your hands again and do not touch your face at all.
Now that we’ve discussed how to correctly and safely wear a face mask, let’s talk about the right way to remove it.
Step 1: Wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, as explained above.
Step 2: Pull off the ear loops to take off the face mask. Make sure you don’t end up touching the interior of the exterior of the mask, as it may be contaminated.
Step 3: In the case of surgical masks or N-95 respirators, you can dispose of them by throwing them in the trash. On the other hand, fabric masks can be reused after being washed thoroughly.
How to Wear a Face Mask with Glasses
If you wear glasses due to poor eyesight, you must have already noticed how wearing a face mask can completely fog up your vision.
Wearing face masks in public settings is imperative to slow down the spread of this unprecedented virus that debilitated the entire world, but it can also be quite uncomfortable. Of course, working through a blurry vision is 100 times better than getting sick, but if you are having a hard time navigating through the aisles of your local grocery store with fogged-up spectacles, then here is a trick that might help you out.
As it turns out, soapy water can stop your glasses from fogging up while wearing a face mask.
Therefore, before you wear a mask and leave your home, wash your glasses with a solution of liquid soap and water. Then, instead of running them through clean water, leave your glasses out to air dry before gently cleaning the lenses with a soft cloth or tissue paper to get rid of any soap residue. You can then put them on and notice the result immediately.
Now, regardless of which type of face mask you are wearing, your glasses won’t get foggy at all.
Meanwhile, if you want to find out more about how the government is tackling the coronavirus outbreak in Pakistan, stay connected to Zameen Blog – the best lifestyle and real estate blog in Pakistan.
In case you or anyone around is showing symptoms of COVID-19, here is a list of hospitals and labs in Pakistan that are testing people for coronavirus. Furthermore, here are some protocols that you must follow while entering your home during the coronavirus outbreak.
If you want to share any tips or suggestions regarding the correct way to wear a face mask, feel free to send us an email on blog@zameen.com.
You can also subscribe to our newsletter on the right to receive the latest updates about the construction and real estate industry in Pakistan.
Disclaimer: Zameen.com does not guarantee in any way that wearing a face mask will protect you from any viral disease, including COVID-19. The information mentioned in the article above has been gathered from trusted sources, such as the CDC and WHO.
