Five important rules on how to wear a medical or homemade mask

From the American Center for Disease Control and Prevention

It seems that the whole planet has learned by heart how to wash their hands for 20 seconds. But the question with masks, we are sure, remains open. More precisely - rarely anyone thinks about it. Meanwhile, here there are important rules of their own, violation of which, just to the right, makes the personal protective equipment completely useless in the fight against the virus.

In America, experts note that in pharmacies and stores there is a serious shortage of masks, since most of them should be reserved for medical workers or representatives of those professions that need a high level of protection. As a result, when leaving the house, it is recommended to wear any masks, not necessarily of hospital quality, but certainly covering the nose and mouth. Bandanas, fabric masks, scarves and scarves are acceptable. Any fabric protection can be washed and reused.

We suggest you take a short course right now and memorize it if you suddenly have to break the self-isolation regime due to work or going to the store.

1. Be sure to wash your hands before putting on the mask. Remember that there is a risk of coronavirus infection even when you touch your face to try on this same mask. Try not to touch the areas you are going to cover at all. Otherwise, it can provoke the appearance and spread of bacteria in the area that you are trying to protect.

2. Make sure that the mask covers not only the nose and mouth, but also the chin. You must be sure that the nasal mucous is securely hidden and the material fits snugly on the chin.

3. Inhale - exhale. As soon as you put on the mask, take a few deep breaths. You must be protected, but not limited in oxygen. At the same time, if you feel that too much air is leaving or entering through the bottom of the mask, tighten it a little tighter in this area.

4. Remove the mask correctly. And this is the hardest part! The most common mistake is to sharply pull the mask off the face. This is the easiest way to get infected! To remove the mask is necessary, starting from the back of the head or gently removing from the ear. The same goes for a scarf or bandana.

5. Do not forget to wash reusable masks. If you use a mask made of reusablefabric, wash it after each use, especially if you sneezed or coughed. And do it in the most hot water.