Following the emergency situation caused by the spread of Coronavirus across the world, it has been prescribed to use hand sanitizers and face masks to avoid contracting the disease. In Pakistan, a number of people are not taking anything seriously and mostly are using these things either to fulfill the formality or as something of fun. In order to stay safe from COVID-19, you should follow these steps for adequately using hand sanitizers as well as face masks:
How to use hand sanitizers properly?
To keep you up to the precautionary measures in order to avoid contracting and transmitting of coronavirus, follow these steps for using hand sanitizers properly:
- It is better to wash your hands for 20 seconds so that all the organic matter like dirt or any solid particles can be removed.
- Take a hand sanitizer which is 60% alcohol-based and apply the coin-like amount to the palm of one hand.
- Rub your hands together while thoroughly applying sanitizer on the front, back and across the fingers of your hand until it dries off.
- Don’t touch anything during this process until the sanitizer absorbs in your hands.
- If you can do it, then use hand gloves afterwards to ensure complete safety.
How to use masks properly?
Face masks are one of the most important items to be used as a precautionary measure against COVID-19.
There are two main types of face masks that people have been buying, but none of those are extremely effective at blocking out germs. The reason is that surgical masks, the most common option, don’t provide effective respiratory protection because the relatively loose fit around the nose and mouth won’t prevent a person from inhaling smaller airborne particles that could contain COVID-19 or other respiratory illness germs.
These masks don’t serve the purpose of protecting droplets or splashes carrying infections and thus anyone can contract the disease. However, these masks can be used by the people experiencing flu-like symptoms, to block the main force of sneezes and coughs from being expelled out into the air.
Also Read: How to make hand sanitizer at home
The other kind of mask that’s available to consumers is the N95 respirator. This model is designed with a tighter fit around the nose and mouth, and when worn properly can block out 95 percent of small airborne particles.
N95 respirators require training to use effectively, and it can be tricky to get a good, reliable seal. They’re also relatively uncomfortable to wear, making it less likely that people will be inclined to use them 100 percent of the time.
Tips for using face masks
- If you do want to wear a face mask, use a disposable type and discard after each use. Reusing masks—particularly cloth ones—can increase the risk of infectious germs.
- Don’t reach behind your mask to touch your mouth or nose with your hands. One of the ways masks protect is by limiting facial contact from potential contaminants.
- You’ll have to avoid grabbing the front of your mask when removing it after use—unhook it from around your ears instead.
- Think of masks as protection for those around you, not from them. Medical experts say that masks are more effective as a germ barrier when worn by the one experiencing flu-like symptoms.
