As the COVID-19 pandemic unfolds, official advice and information is continually changing, and it may be troublesome to stay on high of the latest information.
At this point, it is likely that you’ve got seen some conflicting information about who needs to wear a mask, and whether or not masks can truly do anything to protect you from the coronavirus.
It’s essential to be sure to’re getting the latest data, to ensure that you are protecting yourself and your community adequately with out hoarding resources in short supply. Here’s the latest advice on whether it is necessary to wear a masks to protect yourself or your neighborhood from COVID-19.
Who needs to wear a masks proper now?
Between February 1, when this article was first published, and April 3, when this article was final updated, the advice about masks issued by the World Health Organisation (WHO) and the Australian Government Department of Health has not changed.
Right now, both the WHO and the Australian authorities say that healthy people do not must wear a surgical mask.
“Most people is not going to benefit from wearing a surgical masks,” the Australian Department of Health advises. “Masks are of benefit to people who are unwell so they don’t cough on others, and health care workers who’ve frequent, close contact with unwell people.”
“Folks without symptoms who select to wear a masks may be utilizing masks wanted for those groups the place masks use is required.”
The reasons that different organisations and governments are considering changes fluctuate, however they embody options that widespread wearing of face masks could have helped stem the spread of COVID-19 in some Asian countries, as well as increased info suggesting that individuals infected with coronavirus may be contagious before signs appear.
Nevertheless, regardless of what you are hearing from different international locations, it is necessary to observe the latest advice from the Australian Government. That’s because the COVID-19 situation isn’t the same in all nations, and there are some essential differences to consider.
That sample of spread in Australia proper now’s different to the pattern in another international locations — in some places, the biggest risk just isn’t travellers, but the transmission of COVID-19 from unknown sources in densely populated cities.
A spokesperson for the Australian Division of Health told The Feed that Australia’s Chief Medical Officer and knowledgeable committees are continually reviewing the latest evidence about the usage of masks here. They’re additionally monitoring the mask supplies at the moment available in Australia, and the demand for these masks by the groups that want them most.
The world over proper now, there are shortages of personal protective equipment for most of the health care workers on the entrance lines of this pandemic. The provides available in Australia at any given time are usually not essentially the identical as the supplies available in different nations proper now, and we have to avoid putting further strain on these resources unless it is completely necessary.
Can I make my own masks out of a t-shirt or cloth?
You may need come throughout tutorials circulating online which show the way to make your own protective mask out of an old t-shirt or piece of cloth.
Sadly, Professor McLaws and other consultants say that this is not proven to be effective.
“The development of a masks could be very complicated, and the more it filters out a particle the more expensive it becomes. A cotton mask is considered to have the bottom level of filtration,” Professor McLaws said.
“But if you wish to make one, it is not going to do any hurt — so long as you don’t use it as an excuse to stop social distancing.”
What’s the most effective way to stop the spread of coronavirus?
Right now in Australia, the very best way to prevent the spread of coronavirus is to observe social distancing. Yow will discover the latest authorities guidelines and recommendations on social distancing here.
And even in case you are wearing a mask, it is best to still be taking these social distancing necessities seriously. Which means staying at home unless it’s completely essential to exit, washing your arms commonly and with good method, and practising good hygiene.
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