While everyone has been wearing masks and sanitising for over a year now, the arrival of double and triple mutants in the second wave have thrown a spanner in the works. With the unprecedented surge of Covid-19 cases, double masking has become a common feature in the second wave of the pandemic in India. It’s another protective measure that one can make use of to reduce the chances of getting infected that creates a stronger barrier against the new mutants of Covid-19 virus.
It is advisable to avoid stepping out of the houses, and in case if you do make sure to keep yourself safe. Still not sure about how and where double masking is absolutely necessary? Here’s all you need to know.
How Double Masking can help prevent COVID-19?
As the Covid-19 virus is spread through respiratory droplets, layering through double masks can help increase its filtration, and provide higher protection. The best way to double mask is to use a cloth mask over a surgical one. The idea behind using these two masks is to provide a better seal and more filtration against the virus infected particles that might be present in the air. It is important to have masks that fit snugly in order to prevent the exposure to the virus.
Also, avoid wearing two masks of the same kind, double masking works well not because of additional layers of filtration or fabric but because of the right fit. The major role of wearing a fabric mask on the top of the surgical is suggested to seal the gaps on both the ends.
Also CDC, has issued an advisory informing the concept of an unknotted and knotted mask that explains the concept of covering loose spots on your face.
1. Unknotted Mask:
As per CDC guidelines, wearing an unknotted surgical mask under the cloth mask, will only provide 56.6% of protection.
2. Knotted Mask:
The level of protection against the virus will increase up to 85.4% once an individual wears a knotted surgical mask.
Step-wise guide to wear a knotted mask
1. Tie the ear loops of the surgical mask from each side.
2. Make sure the knot should be close to the edges of the mask.
3. Tuck in the side pleats to minimise gaps
4. Always wear a cloth mask over it.
When is Double Masking necessary?
One can consider wearing a double mask when venturing out in a jam-packed place where physical distancing is difficult like;
· Airports, railway stations, or bus stands.
· Public transports like bus or metro.
· Hospitals and clinics.
· Indoor areas with poor ventilation.
· Markets and shopping malls.
According to health experts, if there is any Covid positive case within the family, it is important that the patient should stay isolated wearing a mask and the caregivers should follow double masking particularly while entering the patient’s room.
Double Masking- Do’s
· Your masks should cover the nose, mouth and the chin area.
· Choose your masks with nose wire.
· Wash your cloth mask daily in hot water.
· Change your surgical mask and wear a new one frequently.
· Avoid sharing fabric/surgical masks between family members.
· Throw surgical mask in a covered bin
· Follow social distancing even after double masking
Double Masking- Don’ts
· Don’t use your mask if it’s dirty, damaged or ripped.
· Don’t touch the outer surface of masks.
· Don’t use chemical disinfectants on masks.
· Don’t use two surgical masks as they are not designed to fit tightly.
· Don’t use two cloth masks as it would not offer much protection.
· Don’t combine a N95 mask with any other mask.
Please Note: N95 masks offer 95% effectiveness with a snug fit, so there is no need to combine it with other masks.
Recent Comments