Understanding how COVID-19 spreads
Coronavirus COVID-19 spreads via droplets that are expelled when an infected person coughs or sneezes. These droplets will be inhaled by other folks or land on surfaces that different folks may 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.
However steerage on whether face coverings ought to be worn by the final population as well appears less clear with steering varying in different countries across the world.
Who’s being advised to wear face coverings?
In England, Scotland and Northern Ireland, people are being advised to consider wearing face coverings* in enclosed public spaces where social distancing is more troublesome, eg on public transport and in shops. Folks in Wales aren’t advised to wear face coverings, although they will select to wear one in the event that they wish.
In all countries within the UK, face coverings in public areas are a personal choice and aren’t compulsory.
*Face coverings are usually not the same as medical or surgical masks. Face coverings cover the nostril and mouth and are made of breathable fabrics, comparable to cotton.
The benefits of face coverings
The evidence on the usage of face coverings is proscribed, nevertheless they could be of some benefit when worn in enclosed public places the place it is more tough to follow social distancing rules.
The European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control(link is external) (ECDC) has said that the usage 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 folks to wear them in public places.
So face coverings do not protect you; they protect others chances are you’ll come into contact with, if you have the virus and don’t realise it yet.
The risks of wearing face coverings
The usage of face coverings by most of the people more widely locally may carry additional risks.
If everyone wears them there is concern it might create a false sense of safety leading folks to neglect other social distancing measures – like common handwashing and keeping at the very least meters away from others.
As well as this, face coverings need to be used safely so as to be effective. If used incorrectly there’s a risk of self-contamination. Anyone wearing a face covering ought to understand easy methods to wear, remove and wash them within the appropriate way.
Finally, there may be also the risk of a shortage of medical masks for health professionals if everyone is advised to wear a face covering.
In the event you do decide to wear a face covering, the UK government has beneficial that people use their own face coverings relatively 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 could possibly use current items of clothing like bandanas or scarves. Alternatively, some people are making their own using varied textiles like cotton fabric.
The UK authorities has issued guidance on the right way to make and wear your own face covering(link is exterior). Alternatively, there are numerous patterns and tutorials available totally free online (like this one(link is external)).
If you’re making your own face covering, consider the number of layers, the breathability of the fabric, its water repellence qualities, and the form and fit of the mask.
Keep up with different social distancing measures
It’s essential to keep in mind that face coverings aren’t a replacement for other social distancing measures.
Preventative measures like physical distancing, hand hygiene and avoiding touch your face, nose, eyes and mouth ought to proceed to be followed too. These are only at reducing the spread of COVID-19.