Safety behind the mask

What you need to know about wearing and caring for your cloth face mask

Wearing a face mask in public is compulsory for South Africans, as everyone does their part to curb the spread of the coronavirus (COVID-19).

The main benefit of everyone wearing a face mask is to reduce the spread of COVID-19.

Since some people with the COVID-19 may not have symptoms or may not know they are infected, everyone should wear a face mask.

Cloth face mask respiratory hygiene

Cloth face masks are recommended as part of respiratory hygiene or etiquette which also includes coughing and sneezing into a bent elbow or a tissue. The face mask must cover the nose and mouth completely. Face masks should not be lowered when speaking, coughing or sneezing.

It is very important that cloth masks are used correctly. Incorrect use might result in users putting themselves at risk of spreading COVID-19.

Even when you

are wearing a mask you must still:

• Wash your hands.

• Observe social distancing.

• Remember to sneeze and cough into your elbow.

• Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth with unclean hands. The public should not use surgical (medical) or N-95 respirator masks because these are reserved for healthcare workers and other medical first responders.

How to handle your cloth mask

Only use a mask that has been washed and ironed.

Wash your hands before putting the mask on.

Place the mask with the correct side facing your face, and ensure that it covers both your nose and mouth properly.

Tie the strings behind your head, or if you are using elastic bands, make sure these are tight.

Make sure it fits well. Move it around to get the best fit. Never touch the cloth part.

Once you have put on the mask, do not touch your face again until you take it off.

When you take it off, undo the ties, and carefully fold the mask inside out, hold it by the strings/ elastic and place the mask in a container reserved for washing it.

Wash your hands thoroughly and dry before doing anything else.

You must have at least two cloth masks so you can wash one and have a clean one ready for use.

Masks should be washed with soap and hot water, rinsed thoroughly and ironed.

The importance of social distancing

In the battle against the highly infectious COVID-19, social distancing is extremely important to help curb the spread of this disease across the country.

Social distancing is about keeping a safe distance of about two metres from others, so that you reduce the transmission of COVID-19.

This practice is very important during the coronavirus pandemic as the virus spreads from person to person via an infected person passing droplets through sneezing, coughing or talking.