If you leave home in the midst of a pandemic coronavirus, you are probably wearing a face mask. However, you should note, there is a big difference between wearing a mask and wearing a safety mask.
Here are 7 signs that your face mask is no longer safe and needs a new one as soon as possible.
1. The mask is torn.
Masks can provide full protection only if they are intact. If you see visible gaps, or even just a worn-out mask, see that the mask is done.
The whole point about the face mask is that it provides a physical barrier to stop the virus, or if you carry the virus, it will retain and prevent contact with others. The holes will allow viruses to enter and exit.
2. You touched the mask after touching a potentially contaminated surface.
If you have touched a potentially contaminated surface – such as the handle of a shopping cart or the door handle – and then touched any part of the mask other than the strap face, it should be considered as well. is the surface that has been contaminated.
The more often you go out, or the more crowded the area you go to, the more thinking about washing your face mask should be when you get home. And if you get home, wash it right away.
3. You are new to taking care of the sick.
If a member of your family or someone you are treating is infected or suspected of having corona virus, it is time to wash your face mask or replace it with a disposable medical mask. According to the CDC, porous materials such as fabric masks need to be washed in the most appropriate setting and then completely dried.
4. You wear a mask when you have corona virus symptoms.
Although there is evidence that the coronavirus can only last for a few days on the surface, if you have recently been infected with the corona virus or suspected of being infected, it is best to change the disposable mask or wash the fabric mask. to keep yourself and others safe.
5. You recently touched the mask after coughing or sneezing.
The corona virus spreads through respiratory secretions, meaning you can easily spread it through sneezing or coughing. If you recently touched your face mask after coughing or sneezing into your hands before having a chance to wash your hands, then it’s time to put it in the washing machine, or throw it away, if it’s disposable. This is true even if you don’t know you have the disease: A significant proportion of people with corona virus have no symptoms.
6. The mask does not cover the mouth and nose.
Not only does the mouth need to be covered to keep you and the others safe, but the nose too. If your face mask does not fit your face enough to cover your mouth and nose (and preferably your chin), then it’s time to get a new one.
7. Masks have only one layer.
Although a self-sewing mask can be neatly sewn, if it has only one layer of fabric, it does not provide the required level of protection. To provide adequate protection for you and others, the mask requires multiple layers of fabric, according to the CDC. If you don’t have one, it’s time to get a new one.
