As the COVID-19 pandemic unfolds, official advice and information is continually changing, and it may be troublesome to stay on prime of the latest information.
At this point, it’s possible that you’ve seen some conflicting information about who needs to wear a mask, and whether or not masks can really do anything to protect you from the coronavirus.
It’s necessary to be sure to’re getting the latest information, to ensure that you’re protecting yourself and your community adequately with out hoarding resources briefly supply. Here is the latest advice on whether or not it’s a necessity to wear a masks to protect yourself or your community from COVID-19.
Who must wear a mask right now?
Between February 1, when this article was first published, and April three, when this article was final updated, the advice about masks issued by the World Health Organisation (WHO) and the Australian Authorities Division of Health has not changed.
Proper now, both the WHO and the Australian government say that healthy individuals don’t must wear a surgical mask.
“Most individuals will not benefit from wearing a surgical masks,” the Australian Department of Health advises. “Masks are of benefit to people who find themselves unwell so they don’t cough on others, and health care workers who have frequent, shut contact with unwell people.”
“People without signs who choose to wear a masks could also be utilizing masks needed for those groups where mask use is required.”
The reasons that completely different organisations and governments are considering changes vary, but they embody solutions that widespread wearing of face masks may have helped stem the spread of COVID-19 in some Asian international locations, as well as increased info suggesting that people contaminated with coronavirus could also be contagious before symptoms appear.
Nevertheless, regardless of what you’re hearing from different nations, it is vital to observe the latest advice from the Australian Government. That is because the COVID-19 situation just isn’t the identical in all nations, and there are some crucial differences to consider.
That sample of spread in Australia proper now’s totally 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 Department of Health told The Feed that Australia’s Chief Medical Officer and skilled committees are continuously reviewing the latest proof about using masks here. They’re also monitoring the mask supplies at present available in Australia, and the demand for these masks by the groups that want them most.
Internationally right now, there are shortages of personal protective equipment for lots of the health care workers on the front lines of this pandemic. The provides available in Australia at any given time are not necessarily the identical as the supplies available in other international locations right now, and we need to keep away from placing further strain on these resources unless it is completely necessary.
Can I make my own masks out of a t-shirt or fabric?
You might need come across tutorials circulating online which show methods to make your own protective mask out of an old t-shirt or piece of cloth.
Unfortunately, Professor McLaws and different specialists say that this just isn’t proven to be effective.
“The development of a mask could be very complex, and the more it filters out a particle the more expensive it becomes. A cotton masks is considered to have the lowest level of filtration,” Professor McLaws said.
“However if you want to make one, it is not going to do any harm — so long as you do not use it as an excuse to stop social distancing.”
What’s the best way to prevent the spread of coronavirus?
Right now in Australia, one of the best way to stop the spread of coronavirus is to observe social distancing. You could find the latest government guidelines and suggestions on social distancing here.
And even if you are wearing a mask, you must still be taking these social distancing necessities seriously. That means staying at residence unless it is completely necessary to go out, washing your hands often and with good method, and practising good hygiene.
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