As the COVID-19 pandemic unfolds, official advice and data is consistently altering, and it can be troublesome to remain on top of the latest information.
At this level, it’s possible that you’ve got seen some conflicting details about who needs to wear a mask, and whether masks can really do anything to protect you from the coronavirus.
It is important to be sure you’re getting the latest data, to make sure that you are protecting your self and your group adequately without hoarding resources in short supply. Here is the latest advice on whether or not it’s necessary to wear a mask 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 printed, and April 3, when this article was final updated, the advice about masks issued by the World Health Organisation (WHO) and the Australian Government Division of Health has not changed.
Right now, each the WHO and the Australian authorities say that healthy folks do not have to wear a surgical mask.
“Most people will not benefit from wearing a surgical masks,” the Australian Division of Health advises. “Masks are of benefit to people who are unwell so they do not cough on others, and health care workers who have frequent, close contact with unwell people.”
“Individuals without signs who choose to wear a masks could also be utilizing masks wanted for those groups the place mask use is required.”
The reasons that totally different organisations and governments are considering adjustments fluctuate, but they embrace strategies 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 individuals contaminated with coronavirus may be contagious earlier than symptoms appear.
Nonetheless, regardless of what you’re hearing from different international locations, it’s important to follow the latest advice from the Australian Government. That’s because the COVID-19 situation shouldn’t be the same in all international locations, and there are some crucial variations to consider.
That sample of spread in Australia right now’s different to the pattern in some other international locations — 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 constantly reviewing the latest proof about using masks here. They’re also monitoring the mask provides at present available in Australia, and the demand for these masks by the teams that need 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 supplies available in Australia at any given time usually are not necessarily the identical as the provides available in other countries proper now, and we need to avoid putting additional strain on these resources unless it is absolutely necessary.
Can I make my own masks out of a t-shirt or cloth?
You might need come across tutorials circulating on-line which show how to make your own protective mask out of an old t-shirt or piece of cloth.
Sadly, Professor McLaws and other experts say that this shouldn’t be proven to be effective.
“The development of a mask is very complex, and the more it filters out a particle the more costly it becomes. A cotton mask is considered to have the bottom level of filtration,” Professor McLaws said.
“However if you wish to make one, it isn’t going to do any harm — so long as you don’t use it as an excuse to cease social distancing.”
What’s one of the best way to prevent the spread of coronavirus?
Proper now in Australia, the best way to forestall the spread of coronavirus is to practice social distancing. You will discover the latest government rules and proposals on social distancing here.
And even if you’re wearing a masks, it is best to nonetheless be taking these social distancing requirements seriously. That means staying at house unless it’s absolutely necessary to go out, washing your hands recurrently and with good method, and practising good hygiene.
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