As the COVID-19 pandemic unfolds, official advice and information is continually altering, and it can be tough to remain on high of the latest information.
At this point, it is probably that you have seen some conflicting information about who needs to wear a mask, and whether masks can actually do anything to protect you from the coronavirus.
It is important to be sure you’re getting the latest information, to make sure that you are protecting your self and your neighborhood adequately with out hoarding resources in brief supply. This is the latest advice on whether it is necessary to wear a mask to protect your self or your neighborhood from COVID-19.
Who needs to wear a masks proper now?
Between February 1, when this article was first published, and April 3, when this article was last updated, the advice about masks issued by the World Health Organisation (WHO) and the Australian Government Department of Health has not changed.
Right now, both the WHO and the Australian authorities say that healthy people do not have to wear a surgical mask.
“Most people is not going to benefit from wearing a surgical mask,” 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 may be utilizing masks wanted for these groups the place masks use is required.”
The reasons that completely different organisations and governments are considering adjustments fluctuate, but they embody strategies that widespread wearing of face masks might have helped stem the spread of COVID-19 in some Asian countries, as well as elevated data suggesting that people infected with coronavirus could also be contagious before symptoms appear.
Nevertheless, regardless of what you’re hearing from other countries, it is essential to follow the latest advice from the Australian Government. That’s because the COVID-19 scenario is just not the identical in all nations, and there are some crucial differences to consider.
That pattern of spread in Australia proper now is totally different to the pattern in some other international locations — in some places, the biggest risk just isn’t 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 knowledgeable committees are always reviewing the latest evidence about the use of masks here. They’re additionally monitoring the masks supplies at present available in Australia, and the demand for these masks by the groups that need them most.
The world over right now, there are shortages of personal protective equipment for most of the health care workers on the front lines of this pandemic. The supplies available in Australia at any given time are usually not necessarily the same as the supplies available in different international locations right now, and we need to keep away from putting further strain on these resources unless it’s completely necessary.
Can I make my own masks out of a t-shirt or material?
You might need come across tutorials circulating on-line which show how you can make your own protective mask out of an old t-shirt or piece of cloth.
Sadly, Professor McLaws and different experts say that this will not be proven to be effective.
“The development of a mask could 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 level of filtration,” Professor McLaws said.
“But if you wish to make one, it isn’t going to do any hurt — as long as you do not use it as an excuse to cease social distancing.”
What’s the very best way to stop the spread of coronavirus?
Right now in Australia, one of the best way to forestall the spread of coronavirus is to apply social distancing. You can find the latest authorities rules and proposals on social distancing here.
And even in case you are wearing a mask, it’s best to nonetheless be taking these social distancing requirements seriously. That means staying at dwelling unless it is completely necessary to exit, washing your fingers frequently and with good technique, and practising good hygiene.
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