Understanding how COVID-19 spreads
Coronavirus COVID-19 spreads through droplets which are expelled when an infected person coughs or sneezes. These droplets could be inhaled by other people or land on surfaces that other folks might contact and then ingest by touching their eyes, nostril or mouth.
The way COVID-19 spreads has led to strict rules on medical masks being worn in hospital and care environments to stop the virus spreading and being passed on to healthcare professionals.
Nonetheless guidance on whether or not face coverings must be worn by the final population as well seems less clear with guidance varying in several countries around the world.
Who’s being advised to wear face coverings?
In England, Scotland and Northern Eire, individuals are being advised to consider wearing face coverings* in enclosed public spaces the place social distancing is more tough, eg on public transport and in shops. People in Wales aren’t advised to wear face coverings, though they can select to wear one in the event that they wish.
In all nations in the UK, face coverings in public spaces are a personal alternative and usually are 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 materials, similar to cotton.
The benefits of face coverings
The evidence on using face coverings is limited, however they might be of some benefit when worn in enclosed public places the place it’s more troublesome to comply with social distancing rules.
The European Centre for Disease Prevention and Management(link is exterior) (ECDC) has said that the use of face coverings in public places may reduce the spread of infection locally when worn by individuals who may not realise they’re infected. This is why some international locations are encouraging individuals to wear them in public places.
So face coverings do not protect you; they protect others you might come into contact with, when you’ve got the virus and don’t realise it yet.
The risks of wearing face coverings
Using face coverings by the general public more widely in the neighborhood could carry further risks.
If everybody wears them there is concern it could create a false sense of security leading individuals to neglect different social distancing measures – like regular handwashing and keeping a minimum of two meters away from others.
As well as this, face coverings must be used safely in order to be effective. If used incorrectly there’s a risk of self-contamination. Anybody wearing a face covering should understand how to wear, remove and wash them in the appropriate way.
Finally, there may be additionally the risk of a scarcity of medical masks for health professionals if everyone is advised to wear a face covering.
Should you do decide to wear a face covering, the UK government has advisable that individuals use their own face coverings fairly than medical masks. This is to stop any shortages of medical masks for the health and social care professionals who need them most.
How can I make my own face covering?
You can use current items of clothing like bandanas or scarves. Alternatively, some individuals are making their own utilizing numerous textiles like cotton fabric.
The UK authorities has issued steerage on the way to make and wear your own face covering(link is exterior). Alternatively, there are various patterns and tutorials available without spending a dime online (like this one(link is exterior)).
In case 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.
Sustain with different social distancing measures
It’s essential to do not forget that face coverings aren’t a replacement for different social distancing measures.
Preventative measures like physical distancing, hand hygiene and avoiding touch your face, nostril, eyes and mouth ought to proceed to be adopted too. These are simplest at reducing the spread of COVID-19.