As the COVID-19 pandemic unfolds, official advice and knowledge is consistently changing, and it can be tough to stay on top of the latest information.
At this level, it is possible that you’ve got seen some conflicting details about who must wear a masks, and whether or not masks can truly do anything to protect you from the coronavirus.
It’s essential to be sure you’re getting the latest info, to ensure that you are protecting yourself and your neighborhood adequately with out hoarding resources briefly supply. This is the latest advice on whether it is necessary to wear a masks to protect your self or your group from COVID-19.
Who needs to wear a mask right now?
Between February 1, when this article was first revealed, and April three, when this article was last up to date, the advice about masks issued by the World Health Organisation (WHO) and the Australian Government Division of Health has not changed.
Proper now, both the WHO and the Australian authorities say that healthy folks don’t must wear a surgical mask.
“Most people won’t benefit from wearing a surgical masks,” the Australian Division 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 choose to wear a mask may be using masks wanted for these teams the place masks use is required.”
The reasons that totally different organisations and governments are considering changes differ, however they embody recommendations that widespread wearing of face masks might have helped stem the spread of COVID-19 in some Asian international locations, as well as elevated info suggesting that folks contaminated with coronavirus could also be contagious earlier than symptoms appear.
Nevertheless, regardless of what you’re hearing from different countries, it is vital to follow the latest advice from the Australian Government. That is because the COVID-19 situation just isn’t the identical in all international locations, and there are some essential variations to consider.
That pattern of spread in Australia proper now could be different to the pattern in another countries — in some places, the biggest risk will not be 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 skilled committees are continuously reviewing the latest proof about using masks here. They’re additionally monitoring the mask provides at present available in Australia, and the demand for these masks by the teams that need them most.
Internationally proper 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 usually are not essentially the same because the supplies available in other international locations proper now, and we need to keep away from placing further strain on these resources unless it is completely necessary.
Can I make my own mask out of a t-shirt or cloth?
You might have come across tutorials circulating on-line which show methods to make your own protective mask out of an old t-shirt or piece of cloth.
Sadly, Professor McLaws and different experts say that this shouldn’t be proven to be effective.
“The development of a masks could be very complicated, and the more it filters out a particle the more costly it becomes. A cotton mask is considered to have the lowest level of filtration,” Professor McLaws said.
“However if you wish to make one, it’s not going to do any harm — as 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?
Proper now in Australia, the perfect way to forestall the spread of coronavirus is to observe social distancing. You’ll find the latest government guidelines and suggestions on social distancing here.
And even if you’re wearing a masks, it is best to nonetheless be taking these social distancing requirements seriously. Meaning staying at home unless it’s completely necessary to exit, washing your palms regularly and with good technique, and practising good hygiene.
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