The face masks capture the droplets dispersed in coughs, sneezes and breath which are the main transmission route of the new coronavirus. The World Health Organization has advised the citizens of the world that the face mask should only be worn if one is either caring for someone with suspected or confirmed Covid-19 infection, or if one is coughing or sneezing themselves and suspect they might have Covid-19.
Two types of masks are available in the market on various platforms like shopzal, viz. the surgical masks that are strips of fabric worn across the nose and mouth and then there are respirators which are closer fitting ones such as N95. They are good. But none of them offer complete protection against the infectious droplets.
On the other hand are the N99-rated masks that can give better protection but some people have complain that it is difficult to breath wearing them. The N’ is the rating of the mask referring to how much percentage of particles the mask is designed to block so the N95 mask stops 95 per cent and the N99 mask stops 99 per cent.
Any of the mask is effective only when combined with frequent hand washing and ‘no face touching’ policy. The hands need to be thoroughly cleaned with soap and water or an alcohol-based hand sanitizer before a mask is worn.
The mask should cover the mouth and nose. There should not be any gaps between face and the mask and the mask shouldn’t be touched at all. If and when the mask becomes damp it needs to be replaced and a new mask should be worn. The masks made for single use shouldn’t be reused.