Because the COVID-19 pandemic unfolds, official advice and data is consistently altering, and it can be troublesome to stay on high of the latest information.
At this point, it’s likely that you’ve seen some conflicting details about who needs to wear a masks, and whether or not masks can actually do anything to protect you from the coronavirus.
It’s important to be sure to’re getting the latest information, to make sure that you are protecting your self and your community adequately without hoarding resources in brief supply. Here’s the latest advice on whether or not it’s necessary to wear a mask to protect yourself or your community from COVID-19.
Who needs to wear a mask right now?
Between February 1, when this article was first published, and April three, when this article was final updated, the advice about masks issued by the World Health Organisation (WHO) and the Australian Government Department of Health has not changed.
Proper now, each the WHO and the Australian authorities say that healthy folks do not must wear a surgical mask.
“Most people will not benefit from wearing a surgical mask,” the Australian Department 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 have frequent, close contact with unwell people.”
“Folks with out symptoms who choose to wear a masks may be utilizing masks wanted for these groups where masks use is required.”
The reasons that totally different organisations and governments are considering modifications fluctuate, however they embrace recommendations that widespread wearing of face masks might have helped stem the spread of COVID-19 in some Asian countries, as well as increased information suggesting that folks contaminated with coronavirus may be contagious before signs appear.
Nonetheless, regardless of what you’re hearing from other countries, it is necessary to follow the latest advice from the Australian Government. That’s because the COVID-19 situation is not the identical in all countries, and there are some crucial variations to consider.
That pattern of spread in Australia right now is totally different to the pattern in some other international locations — in some places, the biggest risk will not 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 continuously reviewing the latest proof about the use of masks here. They’re additionally monitoring the masks provides presently available in Australia, and the demand for these masks by the teams that need them most.
Across the world proper now, there are shortages of personal protective equipment for many of the health care workers on the front lines of this pandemic. The provides available in Australia at any given time aren’t necessarily the same because the provides available in different nations right now, and we need to keep away from placing additional strain on these resources unless it is completely necessary.
Can I make my own masks out of a t-shirt or material?
You might have come throughout tutorials circulating on-line which show find out how to make your own protective masks out of an old t-shirt or piece of cloth.
Sadly, Professor McLaws and other specialists say that this is not proven to be effective.
“The development of a mask is very advanced, 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 want to make one, it’s not going to do any harm — so long as you don’t use it as an excuse to stop social distancing.”
What’s the very best way to forestall the spread of coronavirus?
Right now in Australia, the best way to stop the spread of coronavirus is to observe social distancing. You’ll find the latest authorities rules and suggestions on social distancing here.
And even in case you are wearing a masks, it is best to still be taking these social distancing requirements seriously. That means staying at home unless it’s completely necessary to exit, washing your arms frequently and with good method, and practising good hygiene.
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