TheWHO has just published new recommendations on fabric masks. They detail the characteristics that these must have to ensure flawless efficiency.
The Covid-19 has brought most states to their knees. Faced with the virulence of the pandemic, many countries have indeed been forced to set up a containment of their population. This of course led to an overall economic slowdown.
Pixabay Credits
–
If the worst seems to be behind us in Europe, it is imperative to respect the measures decreed by health organizations in order to avoid a second peak.
Covid-19: the virus has not disappeared
Among these measures is of course the adoption of barrier gestures, but also and above all the wearing of a mask. If it is not mandatory on the street, it is still advisable in confined spaces, and necessary in public transport.
However, there remains a major problem: the cost. If the effectiveness of paper masks is well established, these must be changed frequently and are sold at often very high prices. This is the reason why many have preferred to turn to cloth masks.
However, all the models made available on the market are not on an equal footing with regard to efficiency and this is precisely what WHO wished to remind in a press point organized in Geneva a little earlier in the week.
Epidemiologist Maria D. Van Kerkhove took the opportunity to remind us that cloth masks must be cleaned frequently, in order to avoid contamination. A person handling a contaminated object and then inadvertently touching their mask is enough to make it ineffective.
Read also : New Zealand claims to have eradicated Covid -19
To be effective, a fabric mask must have three layers
The port is also an important point. The researcher insisted that the masks should be properly adjusted and cover both the nose and the mouth. A question of common sense, certainly, but of which everyone unfortunately does not seem to be aware.
There is more important. Maria D. Kerkhove also indicated that wearing the mask should be mandatory in all high density areas.
This of course includes public transport, but also grocery stores, tobacco or any other business. People aged 60 and over should wear a mask at all times when they go out.
Be careful though, because wearing a mask is not enough. To be effective, fabric masks must also consist of three different layers, and more precisely:
- an absorbent inner layer;
- a middle layer acting as a filter;
- an outer layer made of a non-absorbent material such as polyester.
Read also : Masks effective against Covid-19
The mask alone is not enough
According to the epidemiologist, these three layers allow a fabric mask to act as a barrier to viruses. This of course does not exempt their bearer from applying the other WHO recommendations. And therefore to respect social distancing and to wash your hands frequently.
The WHO has in fact repeatedly stated that wearing a mask alone is not enough to protect against the virus.
Used well, it can reduce the risk of contamination, but it will not eliminate it. It is therefore essential to exercise the utmost caution and to avoid large gatherings carefully.
Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, director general of WHO, said that every state should be able to find, isolate, test and trace each case. In his view, this is the only way to eradicate Covid-19 and prevent its spread. At least while waiting for the development of a vaccine.
– .
