COVID-19 NOT OVER: ...wear your face mask
THE hardest battle that has brought everyone working together for the good of others is the novel Coronavirus 2019 (Covid-19). This pandemic has been one of the deadliest over the years that the entire world has had to deal with in a very short period of time.
The nation at large has suffered the consequences from this pandemic. It is unfortunate that many lives have been lost during this pandemic. Everyone can relate to the demise of a loved one over the past few years, due to Covid-19. This does not mean we are going to sit here and discuss what Covid-19 is or what it does. There is a lot of Information Education Communication (IEC) materials about Covid-19 all over the nation, and around the world, including google. What we are going to discuss is that even after knowing how deadly and fast spreading this disease is (with evidence of losing a loved one), people still relax when it comes to adhering to the measures that have been put in place to protect us all.
One of the quickest, safest way to prevent the spread of the disease is by wearing a mask. This is to protect yourself and others around you because the virus enters through the nose or mouth (Be mindful wearing a mask alone will not provide enough protection against Covid-19). Authorities suggest that this measure is safe and effective for our environment, if we want to protect ourselves from contracting and transmitting the Covid-19 virus. Let us not forget, this virus easily mutates and this is why we have various waves that hit us as a country at large, as well as the entire world. Most people still do not know how to wear a mask.
When doing my usual household errands, I like to assess people’s behavior in public. To my surprise, people have started shaking hands without wearing masks. Some people casually walk the malls with masks in their hands ‘for show’ that they do have but not for use. In shops, people remove masks to read products closer as if the mask is covering their eyes. Others wear their masks right below the chin, protecting the chin right? This is sad.
There are a few tips to follow when caring for your masks such as:
• Wash your hands before putting on your mask, as well as before and after removing it, and every time you come into touch with it.
• Make sure you cover your nose, mouth, and chin.
• Place a mask in a clean plastic bag and wash it every day if it's a fabric mask, or toss it into the bin if it's a medical mask after you remove it.
• Masks should not be worn with valves. Regardless of vaccination status or previous infection history, the public is advised to use a well-fitting mask that covers the nose and mouth in public spaces. Even if you are in a Covid-19 area, masks should not be used during strenuous physical activity since they might limit your breathing capacity. When exercising, keep at least 1 meter apart from other people, and if you are doing it indoors, make sure there is enough ventilation.
It is important for us to remember that wearing a mask correctly and consistently is key. We should do this alongside with the rest of the measures put in place which include; physical distancing of at least 1 to 2 meters apart, washing hands regularly with soap and water or using an alcohol based hand sanitizer, avoiding crowded places and If you feel any of the Covid-19 symptoms, visit your nearest health facility.
Wear your Face Mask. Covid-19 is real. Stay safe and always practice the five Golden rules, including getting Vaccinated against Covid-19 as the sixth rule. __________________________
Promotion Officer Ministry of Health-
Dept:
Environment and Social Determinants
Health Promotion
One of the quickest, safest way to prevent the spread of the disease is by wearing a mask.
This is to protect yourself and others around you because the virus enters through the nose or mouth (Be mindful wearing a mask alone will not provide enough protection against Covid-19).