Face masks are an important essential item to own at a time where stepping outside to run an errand could be the difference between life and death.
However, we have heard many health experts say that wearing a mask to cover your mouth and nose does not necessarily protect you from contracting coronavirus (COVID-19).
The most common mistakes people make with face masks
In fact, the improper use of a face mask may place you and your family at great risk. While face masks do well to cover our mouths and noses, these often overlooked mishaps could land you and your loved ones in trouble:
- using the same disposable face mask more than once;
- touching the surface of a face mask with your bare hands; and
- sharing the use of the same disposable face mask
With COVID-19 on the rise in South Africa, it is important to remember that the only way we can skirt this pandemic, with little damage done to our people, is if we practice extreme measures of caution.
If we had to offer our two cents, we would advise fabric face masks over the disposable ones. Fabric masks can be used repeatedly. You would just have to ensure that the mask is washed thoroughly after every use.
Our personal recommendation is the Aconite medical mask. The soft fabric sits comfortably on the skin and it doesn’t require any tricks (like you will see with the disposable one below), as it does a darn good job at covering your mouth and nose.
Aconite Medical Supplies sells these masks in bulk and you can get a box of 10 for R490. Orders can be placed right here.
The safest way to wear a disposable mask
If the disposable mask is more attractive to you, then be sure to watch this tutorial on the best way to wear it without exposing openings on the side.