When to use a mask? |31 March 2020

According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), if you are healthy, you only need to wear a mask if you are taking care of a person with suspected 2019-nCoV infection.

Wear a mask if you are coughing or sneezing. Masks are effective only when used in combination with frequent hand-cleaning with alcohol-based hand rub or soap and water. If you wear a mask, then you must know how to use it and dispose of it properly.

When and how to wear medical masks to protect against coronavirus?

Before putting on a mask, clean hands with alcohol-based hand rub or soap and water.

- Cover mouth and nose with mask and make sure there are no gaps between your face and the mask.

- Avoid touching the mask while using it; if you do, clean your hands with alcohol-based hand rub or soap and water.

- Replace the mask with a new one as soon as it is damp and do not re-use single-use masks.

- To remove the mask: remove it from behind (do not touch the front of mask); discard immediately in a closed bin; clean hands with alcohol-based hand rub or soap and water.