Mask Confusion
There’s a lot of bad information out there about Covid-19 (Coronavirus) and Masks.
So, let’s try to set the record straight on Masks:
- Masks protect others from you. (non-medical ones, that is) They do very little to protect you from others. I wear a mask to protect you. You wear a mask to protect me.
- They must be worn correctly over the nose and mouth. Not just the mouth. Or just the nose. Or around your neck.
- Don’t put the mask on and off repeatedly. This means your touching your face more, and that’s bad for you. Just put it on before you leave the house. Leave it on until you get home and can wash your hands.
- Everyone should be wearing a mask outside of the house. Everyone. Not just parents. Or elderly. Or people not running and biking. Everyone. That’s how we get through this faster.
- Masks are not a substitute for Social Distancing. You still need to stay 6 feet or more away from others. Remember: the mask is not to protect you – it’s to stop you from spreading the virus to others.
- Wear a mask even if you feel well. Covid-19 can and does spread without any symptoms. So just because you feel well doesn’t mean you don’t have the virus… and are spreading it to others.
ALSO! Wash your hands. Don’t touch your face.
Got more advice? Feel free to comment below. And I will be deleting inaccurate comments. It’s my blog – deal with it!
All content written and voiced by Joe J Thomas online at: JoeActor.com
If the point of hand washing is to not get germs and virus on your face, I also wash my face whenever I come home from going out. I read that during one of the past flu epidemics in an article by a doctor. I’m surprised to not see that recommended now. Unfortunately I am seeing more and more social media posts about people refusing to wear masks. Guess I’m staying home on my days off.
Good point, Brian. Certainly couldn’t hurt to keep your face clean as well. We pass people all the time who run or bike by without masks. Or wearing them on their chin or neck. I don’t get it.
People touch their faces on average about 23 times each hour. Just less than half of those are touches to a mucus membrane (eyes, nose, mouth) which is where the virus (or any bacteria) can enter your body.
Touching your face starts in infancy and that’s one reason it’s not an easy habit to break. However, as we get older, WHY we touch or face changes. As adults, one major reason is primping, trying to make ourselves look better. So stop worrying about how you look to others — after all, half your face is covered anyway.