As the COVID-19 pandemic unfolds, official advice and knowledge is constantly altering, and it may be troublesome to stay on prime of the latest information.
At this point, it’s probably that you’ve got seen some conflicting details about who must wear a mask, and whether or not masks can really do anything to protect you from the coronavirus.
It’s vital to make sure you’re getting the latest information, to ensure that you are protecting your self and your community adequately with out hoarding resources in brief supply. Here’s the latest advice on whether or not it’s necessary to wear a masks to protect yourself or your group from COVID-19.
Who must wear a masks proper now?
Between February 1, when this article was first published, and April 3, when this article was last up to date, the advice about masks issued by the World Health Organisation (WHO) and the Australian Government Department of Health has not changed.
Right now, each the WHO and the Australian authorities say that healthy people do not have to 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 find themselves unwell so they don’t cough on others, and health care workers who have frequent, close contact with unwell people.”
“Individuals with out signs who select to wear a masks could also be utilizing masks wanted for those teams the place masks use is required.”
The reasons that totally different organisations and governments are considering adjustments vary, but they embrace suggestions that widespread wearing of face masks may have helped stem the spread of COVID-19 in some Asian international locations, as well as elevated info suggesting that folks infected with coronavirus could also be contagious before symptoms appear.
However, regardless of what you’re hearing from different international locations, it’s vital to comply with the latest advice from the Australian Government. That is because the COVID-19 situation will not be the identical in all nations, and there are some crucial differences to consider.
That pattern of spread in Australia right now could be totally different to the pattern in another countries — in some places, the biggest risk shouldn’t be travellers, however 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 expert committees are continually reviewing the latest proof about the use of masks here. They’re additionally monitoring the masks supplies presently 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 most of the health care workers on the front lines of this pandemic. The supplies available in Australia at any given time are not essentially the identical because the supplies available in different international locations right now, and we need to keep away from putting additional strain on these resources unless it’s completely necessary.
Can I make my own masks out of a t-shirt or cloth?
You might have come across tutorials circulating on-line which show learn how to make your own protective mask out of an old t-shirt or piece of cloth.
Unfortunately, Professor McLaws and other specialists say that this is just not 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 masks is considered to have the bottom 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 don’t use it as an excuse to stop social distancing.”
What’s the best way to forestall the spread of coronavirus?
Right now in Australia, the very best way to prevent the spread of coronavirus is to apply social distancing. You will discover the latest government guidelines and proposals on social distancing here.
And even if you’re wearing a mask, it is best to still be taking these social distancing requirements seriously. Meaning staying at house unless it’s completely essential to exit, washing your arms repeatedly and with good approach, and practising good hygiene.
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