Coronavirus: “Everyone wears a mask” is gaining momentum, now let’s do it correctly

Apr 26, 2020 Dr Zulfikar Bux, Features / Columnists

By Dr Zulfikar Bux
Assistant Professor of Emergency Medicine

It’s now close to a month since the “everyone wears a mask” campaign was started in Guyana. It has caught on, and many have gotten onboard with it. It’s heartening to see organizations distributing masks free of cost to help as many as possible.
Worldwide, many countries are making it mandatory for their citizens to cover their face when they are in the public. The evidence is growing for the effectiveness of this simple intervention against the COVID-19 spread.
I have noticed many Guyanese using the mask when they are in public. I have also noticed too many persons moving around and quite a few of them are not wearing their mask properly. If we do not wear our mask properly, it may unsettle the plan to minimize the spread of the coronavirus.
Today I will discuss some important concepts when wearing a mask.

I CAN MOVE ABOUT FREELY ONCE I HAVE A MASK ON
This is not true. Many have a false sense of security that they are invincible once they have their mask on. Wearing a mask helps to minimize the spread of the coronavirus, it is not foolproof and you can still catch the virus if you are not careful. You still need to practice proper hygiene, which includes keeping your hands clean at all times. If you really want to stay safe, then stay at home. If you have to go out, then wearing a mask is the next best option.

ITS OKAY TO PULL MY MASK DOWN FROM TIME TO TIME
There is a trend where persons hang their masks on their forehead or chin when they are not in crowds. This is a bad practice. When you move your mask around your face, you risk spreading germs near your eyes, nose and mouth. When you are out, its best that you cover your nose and mouth all the time with your mask. Pulling it up and down will only increase your risk of getting an infection. Avoid touching your face at all cost. If you have to touch your face or mask, wash or sanitize your hands thoroughly first. Do not touch the outer part of your mask as there may be virus on it. Adjust it using the elastic earpiece attached to your ears.

WHEN CHOOSING A MASK, STYLE IS MOST IMPORTANT
While being in style and having fancy-looking mask is important for some, it should not be the main factor when choosing a mask. What is important, is to ensure your mask is made of 100% cotton or has a filter and it can sufficiently cover your nose and mouth. Having a mask that can be washed and reused is your best bet.

USING SURGICAL MASKS IN PUBLIC IS BEST
There is a shortage of surgical and N95 masks worldwide. If you are not trained and accustomed to wearing these masks, it will be difficult to wear them all the time in the public domain. Leave those masks for the healthcare providers who are trained to use them and have gotten accustomed to using them. Unlike cloth masks, it’s very difficult to reuse surgical and N95 masks. Once you spray or wash them, they lose their integrity and your chance of getting protection decreases. Its best that you use a reusable cloth mask made of 100% cotton.

ONCE I WEAR A MASK, IT DOESN’T MATTER IF OTHERS AREN’T
This is not true. You need to encourage and educate others about wearing a mask. You are still at risk if those around you in the public are not wearing a mask. Encourage and educate them of the need to wear a mask. While it is uncomfortable to wear a mask, it will be more uncomfortable if you get infected with the coronavirus.
If you can’t stand wearing a mask, then do not go out in the public. Find someone who is more responsible and can tolerate wearing mask to go out. When you start feeling uncomfortable with your mask on, think of it as a sign that you may need to go home, instead of taking it off.
The COVID-19 infection has changed all of our lives, mostly for the worse. We need to adapt to life with this virus until a vaccine/cure can be found. Staying at home, practicing good hygiene, and wearing a mask if we need to go out, is the best way for us all to survive this pandemic.

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