With the slow rise of covid-19 cases across the globe there are questions being asked about whether we might consider re-introducing PPE face masks while out and about in public.
So let’s take a look at whether wearing face masks should still be a consideration for us this coming winter.
Are Face Masks still a requirement in the UK?
In the UK there are currently no legal regulations requiring the wearing of face masks in shops, on public transport or in public buildings.
Some care homes, hospitals and medical centres are still requesting that visitors wear a face mask to protect vulnerable, at-risk patients.
Are Face Masks Effective Against Covid?
We know that the covid-19 virus is primarily transmitted through the air. It is exhaled through respiratory droplets during coughing, sneezing, singing, talking and breathing. These droplets are then inhaled by someone else, who is then at risk of developing the virus.
Wearing a face mask can prevent many of these droplets from being expelled into the air, and then being subsequently inhaled.
If a mask is worn correctly it can, along with other virus prevention methods, act as an effective barrier to the spread of the covid-19 virus.
When should I wear a face mask?
Currently if you are planning to visit a clinical or care environment, for example if you are visiting someone in a care home or you have a hospital appointment, you should check beforehand if you are required to wear a face mask to protect yourself and others.
If you are experiencing symptoms of covid-19 and you must go out into a public environment, then you should absolutely consider wearing a face mask to prevent spreading the disease.
In most other circumstances it is entirely a personal choice whether to wear a face mask or not. However, as the numbers of infected people continue to rise as the winter goes on, it might become more pressing or a great priority for people to start wearing masks in public again.
If you are in any way concerned that you will be in a crowded area with little ventilation, or you might be at close contact with people who are vulnerable, both science and sense would suggest that wearing a face mask would be the right option for now. The fact remains that the risk of contracting (or spreading) covid vastly increases if you are in a crowded, indoor space.
What type of Face Mask should I wear?
A simple, disposable face mask is perfectly effective for the majority of people to wear. Also known as a disposable surgical mask, it is layered and filters out large air particles and water droplets to protect the wearer and those around them.
An FFP3 face mask is a surgical grade mask that offers greater protection because it filters out both large and small particles when the wearer inhales. It is also disposable and should be safely disposed of after wearing.
Cloth face masks can also provide a level of protection, but must be layered and preferably made of tightly woven cotton. They must also be properly washed after each wear.
How to get the most from your mask
Your mask works best if it fits your face closely and has no gaps around the edges. This helps air and breath move through the mask, not around the edges.
You should feel warm air going out the front of the mask when you breathe out. You shouldn't feel your breath coming out under the edges of the mask.
Use masks that have bendable nose strips, as these help prevent air from leaking out of the top of the mask.
Layers of material offer more protection.
Masks are not perfect barriers to transmission, but if we continue to observe general health measures such as hand washing, at-home covid testing, physical distancing when required and vaccinations when eligible we can help to reduce the spread of the disease this winter.