The COVID-19 is a disease that is caused by a new coronavirus that emerged in China in December 2019. The COVID-19 symptoms are cough, shortness of breath, fever, muscle aches, sore throat, and unexplained loss of smell or taste. The COVID-19 may be severe, and in some cases even cause death. There is currently no vaccine available but people can protect themselves against the virus by making use of masks, social distancing, and staying indoors as much as possible.
Our society is passing through unprecedented times for the past couple of months. As scientists, governments, and health care agencies struggle to provide care to those infected. Doctors and medical staff worldwide have been cautiously following precautions at their hospitals and also doing many awareness activities via social media to ensure all their patients and citizens at large remain safe and healthy. Yet we as a community have to be aware of how to prevent the spread of viruses. Until we get treatment or develop a vaccine, prevention is the only strategy. In such cases, social distance and face masks are the only ways to prevent the spread of the virus.
With face coverings to be mandatory across Australia from August 3, millions of Australians have had to quickly get their hands on a fabric face mask in Australia. There are a few things to consider when buying a fabric face mask Australia, and even wearing a single-use mask. From washing to microwaving, here are five things you need to know.
1. Look for a face mask that's triple-layered
When buying a reusable fabric face mask Australia, or a single-use surgical mask, make sure they are of good quality and that you are buying from a reputable source. Ideally, a reusable cloth mask should have three layers of washable fabric and should fit snugly to cover your nose and mouth. If you cannot find a suitable face mask in the shops or make a triple-layered one yourself, don't stress. Australian authorities have said a simple scarf or piece of fabric would be better than nothing in a pinch. While surgical, N95, and P2 masks are being sold in shops and online, Australia's Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) recommends not using these outsides of healthcare settings. You could also make your cloth mask at home.
2. Don't put your reusable face mask in the microwave
You may have read or heard that putting your mask in the microwave with water will sterilize the mask. But several medical practitioner and doctors said not only could it be a fire hazard, but it also won't necessarily kill most germs. What will kill most germs what will kill the virus — is to wash your mask with detergent and water and let it dry. DHHS said cloth masks could be washed in the washing machine with other clothes, or hand-washed using soap and the warmest appropriate water setting for the cloth. Let it completely dry before using it again.
3. Single-use masks should only be used once
Re-using a single-use surgical mask is not recommended — but they can be re-worn if there is no other option. If you're stuck, the key thing here is not to wear them so long that they're getting wet or damp because they lose their effect. "So you want to take them off before they're wet or damp. It is recommended to remove the mask — being careful not to touch the front of it in case there's a virus on it — and spraying it with a disinfectant. Let it dry out completely and put it only later. As long as it's dry, then you probably can reuse it, but it's not recommended and it's not guaranteed that it is going to be as good a filter as first-time wear. But if you're stuck … a dry mask that's been disinfected with the spray will do some good for you, but not indefinitely.
4. Avoid dampness
Whether single-use or re-usable, you should not wear a damp mask. Whether you have a reusable fabric face mask Australia or black face masks Australia or a single-use surgical mask, do not wear it if it becomes damp. Masks could become contaminated or lose their effectiveness if they are damp, wet, damaged, or dirty. DHHS recommends washing a reusable mask each day. And it should also be completely dry before re-use. DHHS recommends using the heat setting on your dryer, laying out flat to air dry, or, if possible, place it in direct sunlight.
5. And remember, your face mask is only as effective as your hygiene and distancing
Face masks are not a complete shield against the virus — touching your mask if you have the virus on your hands could lead to infection. That's why personal hygiene and hand washing is so important. Social distancing is the best preventative measure against coronavirus. It is important to Remember that when there's no vaccine and no treatment, there is only actually one thing that works and that's physical and social distancing.