MASKS – THE NEW MUST-HAVE ACCESSORY

Thabazimbi – President Cyril Ramaphosa announced on Thursday 23 April that it is compulsory to wear a mask whenever you leave your home.

These regulations were published in the Government Gazette on 29 April, stating that a person must wear a cloth face mask, a homemade item that covers the nose and mouth or another appropriate item to cover the nose and mouth - when in a public place. No person will be allowed to use any form of public transport, or enter a building, place or premises if they do not wear a cloth face mask or a homemade item that covers the nose and mouth.

Since this announcement… masks in various colours and designs can be seen all over town. This fashion trend shows the people's cooperation and unity in fighting COVID-19.

According to the World Health Organization, current information suggests that the two main routes of transmission of the COVID-19 virus are respiratory droplets and contact. Respiratory droplets are generated when an infected person coughs or sneezes. Droplets may also land on surfaces where the virus could remain active for some time.

In a statement released by the Department of Health: “Wearing a mask when in public places, especially crowded places, can help slow the spread of COVID-19.” Cloth masks are easy and not expensive to make, reusable and help reduce the transmission by acting as a shield to contain the respiratory droplets through which the virus spreads.

People have been seen sporting everything from lace-trimmed to leather masks. Branded masks are now a thing and you can find them in every colour and pattern. The options are endless!

With so many styles to choose from, how do you decide on the best one for you?

Here are a few basic guidelines to help you choose a mask:

• The higher the performance of the mask concerning barrier efficiency, the better.
• Masks must be breathable.
• Masks must be designed to fit properly and be comfortable to wear.
• Cleaning and disinfection of all the components should be easy to carry out at home.
• All components should be durable and should maintain their integrity during the full expected life span of the product or components.
• Tests have shown that at least two layers of fabric are sufficient for balancing performance and comfort, but using three layers, selecting a non-woven or similar fabric with strong filtering capability as the middle layer, with the accompanying inner and outer layers providing comfort, structure, and some additional protection, is recommended.
• Ideally, this middle layer filter should be inserted into the mask or removed via an ‘envelope’ style design to allow for improved cleaning and easy replacement filters when worn out. It is recommended that the pocket into which it fits be at least 120mm by 100mm to ensure compatibility between multiple masks and filters in local production.

Now that you have your mask here are a few guidelines for using it:

• Only use a mask that has been washed and ironed.
• Wash your hands before putting the mask on.
• Place the mask with the correct side facing your face and ensure that it covers both your nose and mouth properly.
• Tie the strings behind your head, or if you are using elastic bands, make sure these are tight.
• Make sure it fits well. Move it around to get the best fit. Never touch the cloth part.
• Once you have put on the mask, do not touch your face again until you take it off.
• When you take it off, undo the ties, and carefully fold the mask inside out, hold it by the strings/elastic and place the mask in a container reserved for washing the cloth mask.
• Wash your hands thoroughly and dry before doing anything else.
• Wash cloth masks with warm soapy water and iron when dry.
• You must have at least two cloth masks per person so you will be able to wash one and have a clean one ready for use.
• Masks should be washed with soap and hot water, rinsed thoroughly and ironed.

So, once you have found your perfect fit, please remember that it is more than just an accessory, you might just save someone’s life.

Please continue washing your hands, keep a safe distance and wear your mask!