Five Mistakes People Make When Wearing Face Masks.

As the COVID-19 pandemic continues to bite deep into the society, we have deemed it fit to gist about the “not-so-funny” ways people wear their masks. While the masks make us very uncomfortable sometimes, health professionals recommend we wear them often and correctly when out in public. The intention is to minimize the spread of COVID-19. Researchers have found that carriers may be able to transmit the virus for days without showing symptoms, and wearing masks may reduce our exposure to the virus. While we hope for the pandemic to be over, let’s follow this health expert counsel to avoid making the most common mistakes when wearing face masks. These are regular errors we make daily and should try to avoid them.

1. Face mask only covers your mouth/tip of your nose.
According to health experts, wearing a face mask to only cover your mouth keeps you at risk of becoming ill or making someone else ill. Also, if an infected person’s mask is just covering the mouth, respiratory droplets can emanate and cause further spread. If the mask doesn’t cover your nose, you also risk contamination from the mask itself, which collects germs and droplets on its exterior. Place the face mask on the bridge of your nose, to create the best seal. Placing the face mask at the tip of your nose gives enough room for air to penetrate. That’s why health professionals recommend that the mask sits on the bridge of our nose and not at the tip.

2. You're taking it Off Wrong.
When you're done wearing the mask for the day, there's a chance you could contaminate yourself taking it off. Always wash your hands before taking off the mask. Do not touch the centre of the mask. Take it off holding the strap and dispose of immediately. Afterwards, wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water as the virus on your mask could get on your hands.

3. You Think All Masks Are the Same
Different masks have different uses. The surgical mask filters out 95% of bacteria and viruses if they are correctly fitted to your face. This is what healthcare workers are using to better protect themselves when caring for sick patients. A surgical mask is designed to contain your droplets to help protect those around you. However surgical mask is quite expensive now so while you opt for other ones, choose that which gives you optimum protection.

4. Wearing the Wrong Size
If the mask you're wearing doesn't fit, it's not effective. If it's too small, you're either leaving your nose or chin exposed. Virus particles can get in through the side openings. The mask should be snug against your face! This goes for kid masks as well.

5. Pulling the mask under your chin or off to the side while in use
You should not remove the facemask until you have returned home and are ready to dispose of it or wash it. When in public, do not take off the mask and put it back on, pull it down towards your chin or remove one ear loop to keep it to the side. While wearing a mask may get stuffy, removing it prematurely can expose you to the virus.

Now we know better how to properly wear a face mask, share these with friends and loved ones who need to know. Remember sharing is caring.

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