Understanding how COVID-19 spreads
Coronavirus COVID-19 spreads through droplets that are expelled when an infected individual coughs or sneezes. These droplets will be inhaled by other people or land on surfaces that other individuals may touch after which 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 or not face coverings needs to be worn by the general population as well appears less clear with steering various in numerous international locations across 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 areas where social distancing is more difficult, eg on public transport and in shops. Folks in Wales should not advised to wear face coverings, although they’ll choose to wear one in the event that they wish.
In all countries within the UK, face coverings in public areas are a personal selection and should not compulsory.
*Face coverings are not the identical as medical or surgical masks. Face coverings cover the nostril and mouth and are made of breathable fabrics, resembling cotton.
The benefits of face coverings
The evidence on using face coverings is restricted, 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 Illness Prevention and Management(link is external) (ECDC) has said that the use of face coverings in public places might reduce the spread of infection locally when worn by individuals who might not realise they’re infected. This is why some nations are encouraging individuals to wear them in public places.
So face coverings don’t protect you; they protect others you may come into contact with, when you’ve got the virus and don’t realise it yet.
The risks of wearing face coverings
The use of face coverings by most people more widely in the neighborhood may carry extra risks.
If everyone wears them there is concern it could create a false sense of safety leading people to neglect different social distancing measures – like common handwashing and keeping no less than meters away from others.
As well as this, face coverings should be used safely to be able to be effective. If used incorrectly there’s a risk of self-contamination. Anyone wearing a face covering should understand methods to wear, remove and wash them within the correct way.
Finally, there is also the risk of a shortage of medical masks for health professionals if everyone seems to be advised to wear a face covering.
For those who do resolve to wear a face covering, the UK government has beneficial that folks use their own face coverings moderately than medical masks. This is to prevent 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 would use current objects of clothing like bandanas or scarves. Alternatively, some individuals are making their own using varied textiles like cotton fabric.
The UK authorities has issued steerage on how you can make and wear your own face covering(link is external). Alternatively, there are various patterns and tutorials available for free on-line (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 form and fit of the mask.
Keep up with different social distancing measures
It’s essential to do not forget 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 most effective at reducing the spread of COVID-19.