Correctly Wearing a Mask
Even though Americans have been wearing face masks since early last year, most of us struggle with keeping them on. Public health agencies are relentless in reminding us how important masks are in fighting COVID-19. Wearing a mask makes the difference between living and dying yet people still refuse to wear one. But for those who religiously wear their masks, here are a few reminders. Bottom line, if you think you’re correctly wearing a face mask — think again.
A new mask study by a mask making company, Signs.com, revealed some amazing finds:
- Wash your hands before and after putting on a mask. Although this is a recommendation by the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), many Americans are not aware of it. 20-30 seconds of vigorous hand washing ought to do it.
- Handle your mask by the strings. You may have bacteria on your hands which you don’t want to transfer to your face.
- Wash your face after wearing a mask. The American Academy of Dermatology Association has issued guidelines on how to properly wash and moisturize your face and skin after mask wearing.
- Never share your masks with others. This seems like common sense but unfortunately, it happens. If you don’t share your toothbrush, because of the deadly risk of bacteria, don’t share your mask.
- Wash your mask after every use, unless your mask is disposable. In that case, throw your disposables out since they should never be used more than once.
- Cover your nose and mouth. You should never walk around with a “half-mask.”
As America continues to lose thousands of citizens daily as the pandemic surges, it’s more important than ever to be mindful of how we can use masks to keep us safe. In the next administration, will Congress act to pass national mask mandates?
Thumbnail Credits : Anton/Unsplash
I love telling, reading, and writing stories. I freelance as a writer, editor, and all-around trouble-maker. I live in Atlanta with my dogs, Jaco, and Trane.
