What is the best mask for shopping, on the bus, or to the doctor? Here are the CDC recommendations

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Protective masks are available from February 27 this year. the only face shield allowed in Poland. We can choose medical (surgical), filtering and fabric masks. The level of protection they give varies. When is it best to wear the most effective filter mask, and when is the one made of fabric? The CDC provides specific recommendations and examples. Read and remember.

1. From February 27, we cover our mouth and nose only with a mask. Ministry of Health: scarves, visors and dishes are not allowed because they do not fulfill their basic function, i.e. they do not protect against the virus!
2. When is the use of a cloth or surgical mask sufficient? CDC: when we are indoors or outdoors and with people with whom we do not live on a daily basis and we can keep a distance of approx. 2 meters. For example, when talking to neighbors
3. When to use a filter mask? CDC: when we are in close contact with people who do not live with us, e.g. when going shopping, for a doctor’s appointment, on the bus, train
4. More current information can be found on the Onet homepage.

Why covering your face is so important in the COVID-19 pandemic

The coronavirus has been with us for over a year, and masks are still one of the most important ways to reduce the transmission of a pandemic pathogen. At the outset, let’s recall why proper face covering is so important in the fight against the COVID-19 epidemic.

We know that SARS-CoV-2 can be spread by droplets and that infectious aerosols can be emitted when coughing, sneezing, with saliva, but also when talking, singing, exercising, even exhaling. We also know that the pathogen enters the body through the mucous membranes of the nose and mouth. This fact sufficiently explains the need to cover these sensitive places. For all these actions to be effective, what we cover our face with is of key importance.

1. What are the types of face masks? [WE EXPLAIN]
2. Which face shields provide protection and which don’t?

During the previous months, it was allowed, inter alia, the use of helmets (currently they can only be used as an addition to masks), clothing or parts of it. From February 27, we cover our mouth and nose only with a mask. “Scarfs, visors and dishes are not allowed because they do not fulfill their primary function, i.e. they do not protect against the virus!” – reminds the Ministry of Health.

When is the use of a face mask obligatory? We are reminding

You can still see people on the streets who do not wear masks. Therefore, we would like to remind you in which situations we are obliged to use them. Cover your mouth and nose in public places, for example:

1. on the street, on roads and squares, in cemeteries, promenades, boulevards, parking places for vehicles, forest car parks
2.  on the bus, tram and train
3.  in a shop, shopping mall, bank, market and post office
4.  in the workplace, if there is more than one person in the room. The introduction of this rule depends on the decision of the employer,
5. in the workplace during direct customer / customer service
6.    in cinema and theater
7.   at the doctor’s, clinic, hospital, massage and tattoo parlor
8.    in the church and school, at the university
9.    in the office (if you go to run errands there) and other public buildings.

COVID-19. What masks can we use?

Among the various types of masks, the health ministry recommends the use of medical (surgical) and filtering masks (these products must meet European standards). Material masks are also allowed.

Which mask to choose and when? Tips from one of the leading anti-epidemic organizations, the CDC, can help you choose (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention), which presented examples of specific situations along with the optimal type of mask recommended in a given situation.

Material and surgical masks – when to use? CDC Recommendations

As emphasized by the CDC, the material masks available on the market are made of various types of fabrics. Which is worth choosing? “Made of many layers of densely woven material, with a wire on the nose when held under a bright light source, they should not let it pass through,” the agency points out.

Ideally, a fabric mask should consist of three layers: the inner one that absorbs moisture (made of, for example, cotton), the middle one that acts as a filter, and the outer one – made of a waterproof material such as polyester. Let us also remind you that if they can be used more than once, they should be washable at 60 degrees C.

Do not use a cloth mask if it has an exhalation valve or vents. Similarly, if it is made of one layer or the mask is made of a thin fabric that does not trap light.

When is the use of a cloth mask sufficient? In a situation where we are in the building or in the open air and among people with whom we do not live on a daily basis, and at the same time we are able to keep the recommended distance of approx. 2 meters from them. For example, when talking to neighbors.

Instead of a cloth mask, we can use a disposable surgical mask in these situations. However, the CDC advises not to use this type of mask if it is too loose (there are gaps on the sides of the face or nose), and also when it is dirty or wet. At Medonet Market you can buy 3-layer protective masks and reusable protective masks with an effectiveness of over 97%, designed for skin prone to allergies and irritations.

Masks with a filter (KN95 / N95) – when to use? CDC Recommendations

Made of layers of filter material, N95 masks are effective at the level of approx. 95%. A similar level of protection is provided by the FFP2 mask, for FFP1 it is 80%, for FFP3 – as much as 99%).

1. FFP2 mask – what does it look like? How long can you wear it? [WE EXPLAIN]

In what situations does the CDC recommend their use the most? These are all situations when we are in close contact with people who do not live with us. A mask that provides a higher level of protection should be used when going shopping, visiting a doctor, and at work, if it involves contact with strangers and it is not always possible to keep a distance.

The CDC also recommends the use of this type of masks in situations that require long-term close contact with people who do not live with us, i.e. when traveling by train by bus and other public transport, caring for a person suffering from COVID-19, in the case of work, in which we have contact with a large number of people – this applies, for example, to drivers or employees of grocery stores.

Remember, however, that even the best mask will not be fully effective if we use it badly and treat it inappropriately. What mistakes do we most often make? – We wear them for too long, we cover the nose incorrectly – that is, most people have a mask under their nose, not on the nose, and after removing the mask, it is hidden without any cover – enumerated the immunologist Dr. Paweł Grzesiowski in the fall.

We should also remember that covering the mouth and nose does not give 100%. effectiveness and cannot replace observance of the distance and hygiene rules – it is necessary to act comprehensively. – We will not achieve the goal with one tool – reminded Dr. Tadeusz Zielonka in an interview with Medonet.

You may be interested in:

1. Mycosis as a possible consequence of wearing masks? The doctor explains what the truth is [WE EXPLAIN]
2. The doctor advises how to breathe with a mask
3. The fit of the COVID-19 mask is more important than the material it is made of

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