Guidelines on the use of mask: –
As states across the US are gradually lifting the lockdown, general public is advised to wear masks when in public. Initially when Covid-19 started spreading its malice in the US there was much confusion and disagreement as to the usefulness of masks. It was a highly debated topic whether or not to wear mask. But today both CDC and WHO are pretty much clear and concrete in their judgment about face masks. People are now advised to cover their faces with cloth masks when in public so as to prevent the spread of coronavirus. The virus spreads instantly through infected droplets. A face covering shall control that phenomenon. Moreover, there would be many asymptomatic patients who would not even know if they are infected with the virus. If they roam around with uncovered faces they would be spreading the virus unknowingly. Therefore it is best to wear mask to control the virus.
When to wear mask: –
CDC recommends people to wear mask when they are at public places. Especially when they are at closed places where maintaining a six feet distance is unlikely, masks are highly recommended. Not just that, if you have people at your home who are not your family members such as friends or any maintenance staff it is better to cover your face so as not to spread the virus. Apart from this, if you have any Covid-19 patient at home cover your face with a mask. Especially when tending the patient face covering is crucial. Care must be taken when wearing the mask if you have breathing issues. Children below two years of age and those who cannot take off the mask themselves must not wear mask so as to avoid any chance of suffocation.
Effectiveness of masks to reduce the spread of coronavirus: –
With time as enough data is being gathered to investigate the novel disease, findings and discoveries emerge that help fight the virus more effectively. Likewise enough evidence is there to support the use of mask to control the virus. In the states where use of mask has been mandatory have seen a slowdown in the daily cases of infection of Covid-19. Even globally it has been witnessed that those countries where mask have been made mandatory the death rate has been considerably lower. There have also been incidents where infected person did not pass on the virus to others as his face was covered support the functionality of mask to control the spread of Covid-19. An infected person took a flight from China to Toronto. However all those 25 closest people tested negative as that person covered his face with a mask. In Missouri two Covid-19 positive hair stylists treated almost 140 clients in that condition. However, none of them tested positive as the stylists covered their faces with mask. Hence, such supportive data further endorse the use of mask to reduce the spread of Covid-19.
Three W’s to fight covid-19: –
Many countries around the world have successfully controlled the virus by adopting suitable measures and policies. If the people in US also adhere to the required measures the virus will be effectively controlled in the country. Most importantly, people must stick to the three W’s to fight Covid-19. This includes washing hands regularly. Hands are the source by which the virus gets into the body. By washing hands thoroughly with soap and water the virus can be removed from the body. Therefore, you must wash your hands regularly.
Secondly, watch your distance to stay safe from the virus. Maintaining a distance of six feet is very important. Avoid congested places and mass gatherings.
Of these three W’s the most important one is wearing the mask. Mask hinders the droplets from travelling from one person to another. By following the three W’s community transmission of the virus can be sufficiently controlled.
