CHEARS

Ever since the first COVID-19 case reported in India on January 27, 2020 in Kerala, the government has urged public to wear mask, sanitize hands regularly, stay safe at home and also maintain social distance if outside.

• The reason behind this wearing mask is the Corona virus spreads from person to person by respiratory droplets produced when an infected person coughs/sneeze/talk.

• So wearing a mask can block these droplets and act as barriers from escaping an infected individual and landing on another person.

• According to Centre for disease control [CDC], about 50% of transmission happens before people develop any COVID-19 symptoms. So wearing a mask is an easy way to reduce the risk of unknowingly spreading the infection.

• Wearing a mask not only protect you from getting infected from others but also you will decrease chances of spreading infection to others if you have any.

• In absence of Vaccine and more effective therapies to treat people who are sick with COVID-19, the only preventive measure to control this pandemic is by wearing mask, hand washing and physical distancing.

WHY TO WASH YOUR REUSABLE MASK?

• Because the face mask itself can become contaminated to COVID and other viruses.

• And also the Humidity present after wearing a mask can become a medium for the growth of some fungus, bacteria, virus etc.

• The best way to avoid this contamination is by washing your mask every day.

• If you are using a cloth mask then wash it every day with soap/detergent under running water and let them dry completely under sunlight or dry it by hot dryer.

• If you are using surgical mask replace it after every use. Before disposing your surgical mask sanitize it or wash it properly, so that any contamination of virus can be cleansed of and can reduce unnecessary spread of diseases.

HOW TO STORE YOUR MASK?

• Store the mask in a dry area, where no dirt or wet area is present.

• If your mask is wet or dirty from sweat, saliva, or other liquids then store them in a plastic bag where no one can touch it until you wash them.

• If you are taking your mask to eat or drink outside your home make sure you place your mask in a hygiene place or else in your pocket or purse, or bag to keep it clean and safe.