Because the COVID-19 pandemic unfolds, official advice and data is consistently altering, and it can be difficult to remain on top of the latest information.
At this level, it’s possible that you’ve seen some conflicting information about who must wear a masks, and whether or not masks can truly do anything to protect you from the coronavirus.
It is essential to make sure you’re getting the latest info, to make sure that you are protecting yourself and your community adequately without hoarding resources briefly supply. Here’s the latest advice on whether or not it is necessary to wear a mask 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 last up to date, the advice about masks issued by the World Health Organisation (WHO) and the Australian Authorities Department of Health has not changed.
Proper now, each the WHO and the Australian government say that healthy folks do not must wear a surgical mask.
“Most people won’t benefit from wearing a surgical mask,” the Australian Department 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.”
“People without symptoms who choose to wear a mask could also be utilizing masks needed for these teams the place mask use is required.”
The reasons that different organisations and governments are considering adjustments fluctuate, but they include ideas that widespread wearing of face masks might have helped stem the spread of COVID-19 in some Asian international locations, as well as increased data suggesting that folks infected with coronavirus could also be contagious before signs appear.
However, regardless of what you are hearing from different international locations, it is necessary 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 international locations, and there are some essential variations to consider.
That sample of spread in Australia right now could be different to the sample in another nations — 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 Department of Health told The Feed that Australia’s Chief Medical Officer and knowledgeable committees are constantly reviewing the latest proof about the use of masks here. They’re additionally monitoring the masks supplies at the moment 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 many of the health care workers on the entrance lines of this pandemic. The provides available in Australia at any given time usually are not essentially the identical as the provides available in other countries proper now, and we need to avoid placing additional strain on these resources unless it is completely necessary.
Can I make my own masks out of a t-shirt or cloth?
You might have come throughout tutorials circulating online which show the right way to make your own protective masks out of an old t-shirt or piece of cloth.
Sadly, Professor McLaws and other consultants say that this isn’t proven to be effective.
“The development of a mask is very complex, and the more it filters out a particle the more expensive it becomes. A cotton mask is considered to have the lowest stage of filtration,” Professor McLaws said.
“However if you wish to make one, it is not going to do any hurt — so 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?
Right now in Australia, the very best way to prevent the spread of coronavirus is to observe social distancing. You can find the latest authorities guidelines and suggestions on social distancing here.
And even in case you are wearing a mask, it’s best to nonetheless be taking these social distancing necessities seriously. Which means staying at dwelling unless it’s completely necessary to exit, washing your fingers frequently and with good approach, and practising good hygiene.