All You Need To Know About Protective Masks
As isolation and social distancing become the norm on all continents, and so is the mask also becoming a symbol of responsibility.
Who would have thought that this piece of clothing only seen in relation to hospitals, doctors and nurses, would one day be an essential to help prevent the spreading a of a virus?
People in parts of Asia have been seen wearing masks way before the pandemic, be it because of smog or for medical reasons, it more or less had an ‘each to their own’ attitude to it. Not anymore.
There are many different masks in offer, with the super-efficient ones being hard to come by. These have been reserved for the medical staff, patients and those in the frontline.
The normal masks do a pretty good job too, if one is practicing social distancing and the washing of hands. Furthermore, if the fabric has a decent filtration potential and one wears the mask properly, chances of avoiding the virus are increased. This is the bottom line at this point in time.
Types of Masks
There are different facial masks designed for multiple purposes. Here are a few of the common ones.
N95 Respirator
Image Source: Man of Many
These are termed as most efficient but are very hard to secure at this moment in time.
Surgical Mask
Image Source: Man of Many
These surgical masks are comfortable, soft and provide a firm hold. They provide several hours of protection, too.
Medical Mask
Image Source: Man of Many
This medical mask is very efficient on all levels and one of the best in rotation, but also not easy to secure at this moment.
Homemade Mask
Image Source: Forbes
This is an economical and personal alternative, especially when the surgical masks go out of stock.
How to Make a Homemade Mask
Whether one uses a sewing a machine or opts to hand stitch, a DIY facial mask would be a good project given the ample time many currently have on their hands. Make it a family or just an alone-time project, this can be therapeutic and a value addition.
Mask-Wearing Postcards from Around the World
The globe is singing to the same tune as we wear our masks to help in the situation.
Shop seller in the Brazilian city of Sao Paulo
Image Source: Today Online
People in traditional Korean hanbok dresses wear face masks as they visit Gyeongbokgung palace in Seoul on Feb 23, 2020. AFP
Image Source: Helsinki Times
Image Source: Egypt Independent
Image Source: BCC
In Burkina Faso’s capital, Ouagadougou, two women don masks in an effort to stop the spread of the virus.
We are all in a very heavy and trying time, both physically and emotionally. Anything that can go to help stop the spread of the Coronavirus is extremely important, and being knowledgeable in the different credible measures, is crucial for us all.
