On today’s segment of our weekly enlightenment series, we will be highlighting the recommended guidelines to the use of clothing materials for a face mask. Initially, when the novel Coronavirus disease broke out, the need for a face mask by a healthy individual was largely debated. However, a few months down the line, the government has enforced the mandatory use of face masks in public, especially as the lockdown is being eased gradually.
Considering the scarcity of surgical masks and N95 masks, people have resorted to using homemade cloth masks. To ensure proper use of the masks, some guidelines have been released. According to the U.S Centre for Disease Control and Prevention, cloth masks should fit snugly but comfortably against the side of the face, be secured with ties or ear loops, include multiple layers of fabric, allow for breathing without restriction and be able to be laundered and machine dried without damage or change to shape. It is generally advised that purchased cloth masks should be washed before use and should be washed with soap and water after every use.
Although the use of a facemask does not offer absolute protection against the virus, it does act as a barrier to respiratory droplets. The Nigerian Center for Disease Control (NCDC) warns that the wearing of face masks must be combined with physical distancing, hand washing, respiratory hygiene, cleaning and disinfecting frequently touched surfaces.
United Capital Research
