By:Aleena Nazir
Coronavirus (COVID-19) has left many countries fighting high rates of infection. Wearing a mask to protect the coronavirus has become a part of everyday life.
As the world gradually shifts to a more cautious lifestyle, many governments are advising citizens to adhere to some of the COVID-19 protection measures. These include wearing face masks, maintaining public hygiene, keeping the right hand and cough / sneezing clean, staying home when you are unwell and testing for signs of respiratory or fever. Last year, if you saw someone wearing a mask, you might think you were sick or maybe strange or upset. Today, because of this epidemic, wearing a mask to prevent the spread of COVID-19 is a relatively new phenomenon in many countries.
The use of face masks in a large open area was widely recommended by public health officials during the current COVID-19 epidemic. Masks help reduce the chances of infection by inhaling respiratory drops. Masks should be used as part of the board’s strategy to reduce transmission and save lives.
A single mask can provide 10 to 40 percent protection, but applying multiple layers can improve efficiency. Keep in mind that the mask alone cannot protect you from COVID-19. Maintain at least 1 meter distance from others and your hands frequently and thoroughly, even while wearing a mask. A few weeks ago, Masks are becoming increasly new. In Pakistan, it is said that people who go out without a nose and mouth covered take serious or more severe fines.
How to wear a mask safely?
· Wash your hand before touching the mask
· Inspect the mask for tears or holes
· Find the top side where the mental piece or stuff is edge is
· Ensure the colour side faces is outside
· Place the mental piece or stiff edge over your nose
· Cover your mouth nose or chin
· Adjust the mask to yourface without leaving gaps on the sides
· Avoid touching the mask
· Remove the mask from behind the ear or head
· Keep the mask away from you and places where you are removing it
· Wash your hand after discarding the mask
Don’t wear the mask only over mouth or nose. Never wear a lose mask. Don’t touch the front of mask. Not remove the mask to talk someone or do other things that would require touching the mask. Don’t leave your mask within the reach of others. Don’t reuse the mask.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report (MMWR), published in July, provided evidence that wearing a mask prevents the spread of infection from two Missouri hair styles to their clients.
The results of the Missouri case study provide further evidence of the benefits of wearing a mask, ”CDC media reported. The investigation focused on two hairdressers – infected and with COVID-19 markers – whose hairdressing policy follows local law that requires covering of clothes for all employees and sponsors. Investigators found that none of the 139 clients or second contact became ill, and all 67 clients who volunteered for testing did not have any signs of infection.
Do you know? Why mortality rates are lower with the second wave. “Firstly, we have done a better job of protecting the nursing homes,” But second, we think that because of the mask, people can become infected with a small innacula small doses of the virus and as a result have less disease.
There is an uncontrollable epidemic in the world that has killed 200,000 people in this country alone, and I think there should be a good reason to wear the masks, and it is the duty of all of us in society to help protect the state. This is our best hope until we get a vaccine and it proves to be very good.
It is true that wearing a mask prevents the spread of covid infection. I am working with Sir Junaid Zahid in SDPI office. Two weeks ago, Sir Junaid Zahid covid test was positive. Because of wearing masks, despite working with him, me and the rest of the office staff was protected from covid infection. This shows that the mask also prevents the infection from being transmitted from one person to another. This is why wearing a mask inside all retail stores, hospital, offices and public transportation has been mandatory in Pakistan since April 2020.
Wearing a mask works very well and can make your daily life safer for those around you. It is important to stay at home where you can and continue to do other forms of coronavirus prevention such as isolation from the community to help reduce the spread.
(The writer is working with SDPI)