To mask or not to mask... The health ministry has issued guidelines on the use of masks in the wake of the coronavirus

Kinsuk Basu, TT, 15.03.20, Calcutta: The health ministry has issued guidelines on the use of masks in the wake of the coronavirus. Metro gives the low-down:

Use of masks

• Persons with no symptoms should not use masks
• Healthy persons who do not have any symptoms of the coronavirus should not use masks
• It can create a false sense of security that can lead to neglecting other essential measures such as washing hands
• There is no scientific evidence to show those who are not sick will benefit by using masks
• Erroneous use of masks or continuous use of a disposable masks for more than six hours or repeated use of the same mask may actually increase the risk of getting an infection

What to do instead

• Wash hands frequently with soap and water for 40 seconds
• An alcohol-based hand sanitiser with 70 per cent alcohol must be used for 20 seconds
• If hands are soiled or dirty do not use alcohol based hand sanitiser but wash hands preferably with soap and water
• While coughing or sneezing cover nose and mouth with handkerchief, paper tissue
• If a handkerchief or a paper tissue is not available then cough into flexed elbow
• Dispose such tissues immediately after use and wash hands
• Refrain from touching face, mouth, nose and eyes
• Stay at least a metre away from those coughing or sneezing
• Monitor your body temperature

When to use masks

When a person develops fever or coughs persistently, a three-layer medical mask should be used. That will stop the spread of infection.

Close family members of suspected or confirmed coronavirus patients should use triple-layer medical masks.

Mask efficacy

• A medical mask, if properly worn, will be effective for eight hours
• If it gets wet in between it needs to be changed immediately

Correct process

• Unfold the pleats of a three-layer mask
• Make sure they are facing down
• Place over nose, mouth and chin
• Fit flexible nose-piece (a metallic strip that can easily be located) over bridge of nose
• Secure with tie strings (upper string to be tied on top of head above the ears and lower string at the back of the neck)
• Ensure there are no gaps on either side of the mask. Adjust to fit
• While in use, avoid touching the mask
• Do not let the mask to hang from the neck
• Change the mask after six hours or as soon as they get wet
• Disposable masks are never to be reused and should be disposed of
• While removing the mask take care not to touch the outer surface of the mask as it could be contaminated
• To remove mask, first untie the string below and then the string above and handle the mask using the upper strings

Mask disposal

• Used mask should be considered as potentially infected
• Masks used by patients or caregivers should be disinfected using ordinary bleach solution or sodium hypochlorite solution and then disposed of either by burning or deep burial.