Covid-19, the deadly disease which is commonly known as Coronavirus, is on the rise and fast spreading across the globe. The virus attacks the individual’s immune system and the symptoms range from common cold to pneumonia, usually severely impacting the respiratory system.
Corona virus has now been declared a pandemic in India and all precautionary methods are being taken by the government to stop the disease from spreading any further.
The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare has highlighted certain guidelines, amongst which are when and how to use a mask to protect oneself from Coronavirus.
When to use a mask to prevent Coronavirus
- The first thing to keep in mind is that the best precaution from Coronavirus is washing your hands often and keeping them clean. Therefore, even if you choose to wear a mask, do make sure that you keep cleaning your hands with soap or alcohol-based rub every now and then.
- In case you are treating a patient, who has tested positive with Coronavirus, wear a mask.
- If you find yourself coming down with a cold or cough, wear a mask to prevent spreading the virus to others.
How to use the mask to prevent Coronavirus
- As mentioned before, the most important step is to clean your hands before you put on your mask.
- Make sure there are no gaps between the mask and the mouth and nose. The mask needs to be snugly fit on your face.
- Do not touch the mask from the front at all, if you must remove it, do so from the back.
- In case the mask becomes damp, replace it immediately.
Now comes the most important point, the types of masks that would be best suited to prevent the spreading of Coronavirus.
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- Surgical masks
Surgical masks are fluid resistant and are commonly used by doctors and nurses in a hospital, as they are economical for one-time use and need changing often. While they provide some prevention from the infection, they aren’t recommended to individuals at large due to them being ill-fitting and not being able to protect from smaller airborne particles.
- N95 Respirator
It is a snug-fitting mask that protects from smaller and larger airborne particles. It is better suited to prevent the spreading of Coronavirus, but it is slightly expensive and difficult to source. Finally, it needs to be tested for proper size fitting to ensure optimum protection.
With each positive coronavirus testing, the number of coronavirus test centers are also going up PAN India. To tackle the spread of coronavirus in Mumbai, the railway authorities are doing their best to identify the commuters showing symptoms of the disease and escort them to the nearest hospital.
Additional Read:- List of Coronavirus Testing Centres in India
Following the guidelines issued by WHO and the government, the best precaution one can take is to clean their hands often with soap and avoid any large gathering until the pandemic dies down. Finally, on noticing any symptoms of coronavirus, contact the nearest coronavirus testing center and self-quarantine to avoid infecting people around you.
