The number one way to protect yourself and your loved ones from COVID-19 is to practice social distancing. However, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is also advising the use of a face mask whenever you are out in public places. Wearing one consistently and properly plays a key role in slowing the spread of the coronavirus and keeping your community safe. Your Brampton dentist shares some helpful tips as well as some important do’s and don’ts about wearing a facemask during the COVID-19 pandemic.
How Does a Facemask Help During the COVID-19 Pandemic?
We know that COVID-19 is spread through infected respiratory droplets. These particles are very small and are dispersed when a sick person sneezes, coughs, or talks. The virus is transmitted when infected droplets come in contact with another person’s mouth, nose, or eyes. Personal protective equipment like facemasks and coverings are designed to hinder particles from reaching these vulnerable areas.
Recent studies are discovering that many cases of COVID-19 cause few to no symptoms. This means that the coronavirus can be easily spread between people interacting in close proximity even if they are not exhibiting symptoms. To combat this, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommend wearing a facemask in public settings like grocery stores and pharmacies where practicing social distancing may be more difficult. A face covering will help those who are sick without realizing it prevent spreading germs to those around them.
The “Do’s” of Wearing a Face Mask
To maximize the effectiveness of your facemask, use these tips:
- Wash your hands for at least 20 seconds with soap and water or use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer before putting on and taking off your mask.
- If your mask has a metallic strip, make sure it is positioned against or molded to the bridge of your nose once you’ve put on your mask.
- Only handle your mask via its ear loops, ties, or elastic bands to prevent getting any germs from the mask onto your hands.
The “Don’ts” of Wearing a Face Mask
Using a face covering improperly could increase your risk of getting sick. Remember, when wearing your facemask:
- Do NOT touch it once it’s secured to your face.
- Do NOT share it with anyone else.
- Do NOT hang it around your neck or dangle it from one ear.
It’s important to keep in mind that wearing a mask alone will not prevent the spread of COVID-19. You should practice social distancing, good hygiene, and regular handwashing alongside correctly wearing a facemask to fully protect yourself, your loved ones, and your community from the coronavirus.
About the Practice
At Torbram Dental, nothing is more important than the wellbeing of our patients, staff, and the community of Brampton, ON. Our dental team is monitoring the COVID-19 pandemic closely and adjusting our safety and infection control protocols accordingly. We encourage all our patients to stay home, practice social distancing, and stay healthy in these uncertain times. If you have any questions or concerns regarding your oral health, don’t hesitate to contact us via our website or at +1(905)792-7163.