Everyone should wear 3-layer mask in public to prevent spread of COVID-19: WHO

According to WHO’s new guidelines, fabric masks should consist of at least three layers of different materials. Know how to choose the right mask to protect yourself and others from COVID-19.

By: Longjam Dineshwori | | Updated: June 8, 2020 12:26 pm

Researchers say respirators and multi-layer masks are more protective than single-layer masks.

Wearing a mask is a must to protect yourself from COVID-19 or prevent spread of the virus, but the type of mask also matters. For better protection, use a three-layer fabric mask, says the World Health Organization (WHO). Also Read - Does COVID-19 impact your menstrual cycle? Here’s the truth for you

In its new guidelines released on Friday, the organization has made it mandatory for everyone to wear a three-layer fabric mask in public to prevent the spread of the infectious disease. It has also made medical masks compulsory for all people working in clinical areas of a health facility. Also Read - How to sterilize N95 masks using a microwave

The agency advises that in areas with community transmission, people aged 60 and older and those with underlying conditions should wear a medical mask in situations where physical distancing is not possible, and all others should wear a three-layer fabric mask. The new recommendations are based on the findings of a research commissioned by the global health agency that found that face protections, including respirators or medical masks, can result in a large reduction of transmission of COVID-19. The study also suggested that respirators and multi-layer masks are more protective than single-layer masks. Also Read - Psoriasis injection for COVID-19 patients: How does it work?

WHO’s new guidance on cloth masks

The organization recommends that cloth or fabric masks should consist of at least three layers of different materials: an inner layer of an absorbent material like cotton, a middle layer of non-woven materials such as polypropylene (for the filter) and an outer layer of a non-absorbent material such as a polyester or a polyester blend.

According to WHO officials, the recommended fabric combination “can actually provide a mechanistic barrier” and prevent contaminated droplets from people infected with COVID-19 from going through and infecting others.

Precautions for using non-medical masks

WHO officials also reiterated that face masks must be worn correctly, cared for and kept clean to ensure that they are effective. “People can potentially infect themselves if they use contaminated hands to adjust a mask or repeatedly take it off and put it on, without cleaning hands in between,” WHO Director-General Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus explained in the advisory.

Here are some dos and don’ts of using non-medical masks:

Wash your hands with soap and water before wearing the mask
Make sure your mouth, nose and chin are covered
Before removing the mask, clean your hands
Remove the mask by straps behind the ears or head
Do not use a loose or damaged mask
Do not wear a dirty or wet mask
Do not share your mask with others

Protect yourself and others from COVID-19

Wearing a mask alone will not protect you from COVID-19, you need to follow other precautionary measures. Make sure you, and the people around you, follow these precautions suggested by the WHO –

Regularly and thoroughly clean your hands with an alcohol-based hand rub or wash them with soap and water.
Maintain at least 1 metre (3 feet) distance between yourself and others.
Avoid going to crowded places.
Avoid touching eyes, nose and mouth.
Cover your mouth and nose with your bent elbow or tissue when you cough or sneeze. Then dispose of the used tissue immediately and wash your hands.
If you have symptoms such as cough, headache, mild fever, stay home and self-isolate until you recover.
Seek medical attention if you develop a fever, cough and difficulty breathing. Make a call in advance and follow the directions of your local health authority.
Keep yourself up to date on the latest information from trusted sources, such as WHO or your local and national health authorities.

Published : June 8, 2020 12:22 pm | Updated:June 8, 2020 12:26 pm

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