Should I be wearing a face covering throughout the COVID-19
Understanding how COVID-19 spreads
Coronavirus COVID-19 spreads by means of droplets which are expelled when an contaminated person coughs or sneezes. These droplets can be inhaled by different people or land on surfaces that different individuals may contact and then ingest by touching their eyes, nose 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 steerage on whether face coverings must be worn by the overall inhabitants as well appears less clear with steerage varying in numerous countries across the world.
Who’s being advised to wear face coverings?
In England, Scotland and Northern Ireland, persons 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 can select to wear one if they wish.
In all countries within the UK, face coverings in public spaces are a personal alternative and are not compulsory.
*Face coverings are not the same as medical or surgical masks. Face coverings cover the nose and mouth and are made of breathable fabrics, reminiscent of cotton.
The benefits of face coverings
The proof on using face coverings is limited, however they might be of some benefit when worn in enclosed public places where it’s more troublesome to follow social distancing rules.
The European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control(link is external) (ECDC) has said that using face coverings in public places could reduce the spread of an infection in the community when worn by individuals who won’t realise they’re infected. This is why some countries are encouraging individuals to wear them in public places.
So face coverings do not protect you; they protect others you could come into contact with, in case you have the virus and do not realise it yet.
The risks of wearing face coverings
Using face coverings by most of the people more widely in the neighborhood could carry further risks.
If everyone wears them there may be concern it might create a false sense of safety leading individuals to neglect other social distancing measures – like regular handwashing and keeping not less than two meters away from others.
As well as this, face coverings should be used safely with the intention to be effective. If used incorrectly there’s a risk of self-contamination. Anyone wearing a face covering should understand learn how to wear, remove and wash them in the right way.
Finally, there’s also the risk of a scarcity of medical masks for health professionals if everyone seems to be advised to wear a face covering.
If you do determine to wear a face covering, the UK government has recommended that folks use their own face coverings rather 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 existing items of clothing like bandanas or scarves. Alternatively, some people are making their own utilizing numerous textiles like cotton fabric.
The UK authorities has issued steerage on find out how to make and wear your own face covering(link is external). Alternatively, there are numerous patterns and tutorials available for free online (like this one(link is exterior)).
If you’re making your own face covering, consider the number of layers, the breathability of the fabric, its water repellence qualities, and the shape and fit of the mask.
Sustain with other social distancing measures
It’s vital 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 contact your face, nostril, eyes and mouth should continue to be followed too. These are only at reducing the spread of COVID-19.