Facemask questions answered by the city’s public health chief
Advice on whether we should be wearing facemasks to limit the transmission of coronavirus has been asked throughout the crisis.
We’ve teamed up with Sunderland’s Director of Public Health, Gillian Gibson, to give you the chance to get answers to some of your questions on the current COVID-19 situation.
One of those issues you’ve asked for more information about is using facemasks.
Remember, if you have something you would like to ask or would like advice or guidance on any issues that impact on people’s health in Sunderland, please contact us on our Facebook page and we will send a selection to Gillian each week.
In this piece, she talks about using facemasks. when outdoors.
“The evidence suggests that wearing a face-covering will not stop you from catching the virus though, if you are infected and have not yet developed symptoms, it may help to reduce the chance of you passing the virus to others.
“Face-coverings do not remove the need to take other precautions to reduce the spread of the virus.”
She said the following actions are likely to be more effective than face coverings at reducing the spread of the virus:
*Keeping your distance from others, by maintaining separation of at least 2 metres wherever and whenever possible.
*Keeping your hands clean, by washing them regularly with soap and water and drying them thoroughly, and avoiding touching your face.
*Working from home if you can and reducing the number of people you spend time with when at work if you can’t.
*Keeping any rooms or vehicles you spend time in well ventilated, where this is possible and safe. *Avoiding crowds. Gillian added: “It is important to use face coverings properly and wash your hands before putting them on and taking them off.” installation of plexiglass barriers at points where staff and customers interact.
“All businesses are governed by Health and Safety law, which places a responsibility on them to ensure the health, safety and welfare of not only their staff, but also persons not employed by them who may be affected by their business, and includes the need to take action when there is obvious risk of harm to staff or members of the public that are using their facilities.
“This means that owners of shopping malls and the business units that operate within them are responsible for the health and safety of the visitors and shoppers using the facility.
“Those obligations under Health and Safety law remain during the pandemic period.
“Local authorities act as the enforcing authority for the health and safety of the retail industry.”