As the COVID-19 pandemic unfolds, official advice and information is constantly changing, and it may be difficult to remain on prime of the latest information.
At this level, it’s likely that you have seen some conflicting information about who must wear a mask, and whether or not masks can actually do anything to protect you from the coronavirus.
It’s necessary to make sure you’re getting the latest data, to ensure that you’re protecting your self and your community adequately without hoarding resources in brief supply. Here is the latest advice on whether or not it’s necessary to wear a masks to protect your self or your community from COVID-19.
Who needs to wear a masks right now?
Between February 1, when this article was first printed, 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, each the WHO and the Australian authorities say that healthy folks do not need to wear a surgical mask.
“Most people is not going to benefit from wearing a surgical masks,” the Australian Division of Health advises. “Masks are of benefit to people who find themselves unwell so they do not cough on others, and health care workers who’ve frequent, close contact with unwell people.”
“Folks with out symptoms who select to wear a mask could also be utilizing masks needed for these teams the place mask use is required.”
The reasons that totally different organisations and governments are considering changes range, but they embrace options that widespread wearing of face masks may have helped stem the spread of COVID-19 in some Asian countries, as well as elevated info suggesting that people contaminated with coronavirus could also be contagious earlier than symptoms appear.
However, regardless of what you are hearing from different nations, it is important to comply with the latest advice from the Australian Government. That’s because the COVID-19 state of affairs shouldn’t be the identical in all countries, and there are some crucial differences to consider.
That pattern of spread in Australia right now’s different to the sample in some other international locations — in some places, the biggest risk isn’t 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 expert committees are always reviewing the latest evidence about using masks here. They’re also monitoring the mask supplies at the moment available in Australia, and the demand for these masks by the teams that want them most.
Across the world right now, there are shortages of personal protective equipment for many of the health care workers on the front lines of this pandemic. The supplies available in Australia at any given time will not be necessarily the same as the provides available in other international locations right now, and we have to avoid putting further strain on these resources unless it is absolutely necessary.
Can I make my own mask out of a t-shirt or fabric?
You might need come across tutorials circulating on-line which show the way to make your own protective masks out of an old t-shirt or piece of cloth.
Sadly, Professor McLaws and other experts say that this is not proven to be effective.
“The development of a mask may 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 stage of filtration,” Professor McLaws said.
“But if you wish to make one, it is not going to do any harm — as long as you do not use it as an excuse to cease social distancing.”
What’s the perfect way to forestall the spread of coronavirus?
Proper now in Australia, the best way to forestall the spread of coronavirus is to follow social distancing. You could find the latest authorities rules and suggestions on social distancing here.
And even if you are wearing a mask, you must nonetheless be taking these social distancing necessities seriously. Which means staying at residence unless it’s completely necessary to go out, washing your palms commonly and with good technique, and practising good hygiene.
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