Understanding how COVID-19 spreads
Coronavirus COVID-19 spreads via droplets which are expelled when an infected person coughs or sneezes. These droplets may be inhaled by different individuals or land on surfaces that different individuals might touch after which ingest by touching their eyes, nose or mouth.
The way COVID-19 spreads has led to strict guidelines on medical masks being worn in hospital and care environments to stop the virus spreading and being passed on to healthcare professionals.
Nevertheless steering on whether or not face coverings ought to be worn by the overall inhabitants as well appears less clear with guidance varying in several international locations around the world.
Who’s being advised to wear face coverings?
In England, Scotland and Northern Ireland, people are being advised to consider wearing face coverings* in enclosed public spaces where social distancing is more troublesome, eg on public transport and in shops. Individuals in Wales usually are not advised to wear face coverings, although they’ll select to wear one if they wish.
In all countries within the UK, face coverings in public spaces are a personal alternative and are usually not compulsory.
*Face coverings aren’t the identical as medical or surgical masks. Face coverings cover the nostril and mouth and are made of breathable fabrics, resembling cotton.
The benefits of face coverings
The evidence on the usage of face coverings is proscribed, however they could be of some benefit when worn in enclosed public places where it is more troublesome to comply with social distancing rules.
The European Centre for Disease Prevention and Management(link is external) (ECDC) has said that the use of face coverings in public places might reduce the spread of infection locally when worn by individuals who won’t realise they’re infected. This is why some countries are encouraging individuals to wear them in public places.
So face coverings don’t protect you; they protect others you may come into contact with, if in case you have the virus and don’t realise it yet.
The risks of wearing face coverings
The use of face coverings by the general public more widely in the community could carry additional risks.
If everyone wears them there’s concern it may create a false sense of security leading folks to neglect different social distancing measures – like regular handwashing and keeping at the least meters away from others.
As well as this, face coverings need to be used safely with a view to be effective. If used incorrectly there’s a risk of self-contamination. Anyone wearing a face covering ought to understand learn how to wear, remove and wash them within the right way.
Finally, there may be also the risk of a shortage of medical masks for health professionals if everyone is advised to wear a face covering.
If you happen to do decide to wear a face covering, the UK government has recommended that people use their own face coverings fairly than medical masks. This is to prevent any shortages of medical masks for the health and social care professionals who want them most.
How can I make my own face covering?
You might use existing gadgets of clothing like bandanas or scarves. Alternatively, some individuals are making their own using numerous textiles like cotton fabric.
The UK authorities has issued guidance on the right way to make and wear your own face covering(link is exterior). Alternatively, there are various patterns and tutorials available free of charge online (like this one(link is exterior)).
If you are making your own face covering, consider the number of layers, the breathability of the material, its water repellence qualities, and the shape and fit of the mask.
Keep up with other social distancing measures
It’s vital to remember that face coverings aren’t a replacement for other social distancing measures.
Preventative measures like physical distancing, hand hygiene and avoiding contact your face, nostril, eyes and mouth should proceed to be followed too. These are simplest at reducing the spread of COVID-19.