Why you can’t walk without a mask in a pandemic: the doctor answers

Hospital epidemiologist of N.I. Yu.E. Veltischev Russian National Research Medical University named after V.I. N.I. Pirogova, Ph.D., associate professor

Without external signs

This measure will help reduce the spread of COVID-19, as it is transmitted mainly by airborne droplets, coughing and sneezing. It should be borne in mind that the carrier of the infection may not have external signs of the disease, but is capable of infecting other people. The droplets that scatter in the air from a sneezing person are delayed by the mask. Therefore, by applying it, we protect ourselves and those around us. No wonder doctors, coming to see patients, use two masks at once. The same set is given to the patient.

Manual

There is a sense in using protective equipment only if they are applied correctly.

• The mask should cover not only the mouth, but also the nose, it is important that it fits snugly to the face.

• The disposable model lasts no more than two hours, if you are on the street or in a public place longer – change it and throw it away immediately.

• If the mask gets wet, replace it even if two hours have not passed.

• Do not touch the tissue attached to the face with your hands, you can infect it yourself, since there is still a contact method for the spread of the virus.

• Remove the protective product only by the ears, without touching the work surface. Throw away the mask immediately and wash your hands, if it is not possible – treat with an antiseptic.

The lineup

If you plan to use a medical mask to protect against SARS-CoV-2, choose the three-layer model. In structure, it is similar to a sieve, which creates a mechanical barrier for the virus. At the moment there are products from:

• poplin;

• some;

• small things;

• flannels.

They can be combined by adding synthetic fibers, the latter provide greater elasticity, and therefore fit. The combination of fabric should be selected based on your own preferences, because prolonged wearing of the mask can cause an allergic reaction. Neoprene products are on sale. This material (a kind of rubber) is associated with medicine and is really used in it, for example, to fix individual parts of the body, but its special effectiveness against viruses has not been proven. In addition, neoprene is dense, which means that a mask made of it will noticeably impede breathing.

As for respirators, they are divided into three classes, marking on the FFP scale helps to determine which of them a particular product belongs to.

FFP1 – protects from dust, protection against viruses does not exceed 80%.

FFP2 – from fine dust of medium toxicity. It is believed to reduce the risk of infection by 94%.

FFP3 provides the maximum barrier (99%) and is used where the risk of infection is higher.

But it is important to take into account that when the respirator gets wet (this happens when worn for a long time), the electrostatic filter with which it is equipped reduces its effectiveness. In addition, having put on a respirator, it is imperative to conduct a test: inhale and exhale – the air should go into the filter, and not through the edges of the respirator.

Important:

Summer is approaching – the season when many people turn on air conditioners in their apartments. This should not be done during an epidemic, especially if there is a sick person in the room. During the operation of the device, an air flow with a high concentration of the virus moves in a closed loop – the inflow of fresh air from outside is insignificant.

Letter of the law

You can go outside only in a mask – this is not a recommendation, but a requirement (so far it is valid in several regions, including the Moscow region, but it is possible that a decision will be made on the widespread introduction of the norm). Violators will be fined 4 thousand rubles. Administrative punishment has already been fixed in the Code of Administrative Offenses.