Covid-19: To mask, or not to mask…that is the question
Follow these guidelines on the proper use of masks and gloves during the pandemic.
There are mixed views on who should wear masks and gloves – infected or non-infected – during the Covid-19 pandemic.
If you are still unsure, rather err on the side of caution and follow these guidelines issued by Msawakhe Nyadi, deputy director: provincial and local liaison of the Government Communication and Information System (GCIS).
The proper use of face masks can help in the fight against the spread of Covid-19:
* If you are healthy, you only need to wear a mask if you are taking care of a person suspected of being infected with Covid-19.
* You also need to wear a mask if you are coughing or sneezing.
* Masks are effective when used in combination with washing your hands frequently with an alcohol-based hand sanitiser that contains 60 per cent alcohol, or with soap and water.
* Before putting on a mask, your hands must be thoroughly cleaned with an alcohol-based sanitiser or soap and water.
* When putting on a mask, cover your mouth and nose with the mask and ensure there are no gaps between your face and the mask.
* Avoid touching the mask while you are wearing it. If you do, clean your hands with alcohol-based hand sanitiser or soap and water.
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The correct disposal of face masks ensures those around you remain safe:
* If you wear a face mask, you must know how to use and dispose of it properly.
* Replace the mask with a new one as soon as it is damp and do not reuse single-use face masks.
* Remove the mask from behind and ensure you do not touch the front of the mask.
* Discard the used mask immediately in a closed bin and immediately clean your hands with alcohol-based hand sanitiser or soap and water.
Gloves should be used when managing suspected or confirmed Covid-19 patients:
* Wear disposable gloves when caring for someone who has been diagnosed with Covid-19, particularly when handling their laundry and when coming into contact with bodily fluids.
* Follow proper hygiene procedures when wearing gloves, including washing your hands with soap. Wash for at least 20 seconds before putting on the gloves.
* Disposable gloves can also be used when cleaning and disinfecting surfaces.
* Regular handwashing is far more effective against spreading Covid-19 than wearing gloves, as people who wear gloves still have a tendency to touch their faces, which is the main way Covid-19 is spread.
Gloves should be discarded after each use:
* Alcohol-based hand disinfectant should be used before removing the gloves.
* To remove a glove, pinch and hold the glove between the palm and wrist area, peeling back the glove away from the wrist.
* Turn the glove inside out, peel the glove away from the wrist until it turns inside out and covers the fingers.
* Remove the glove from one hand completely by grabbing the inside part of the glove.
* Dispose of the gloves in a closed bin.
* If reusable gloves are used for cleaning purposes, those gloves should be disinfected and should not be used for any other purpose.
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* Notice: Coronavirus reporting at Caxton Local Media aims to combat fake news
Dear reader,
As your local news provider, we have the duty of keeping you factually informed on Covid-19 developments. As you may have noticed, mis- and disinformation (also known as “fake news”) is circulating online. Caxton Local Media is determined to filter through the masses of information doing the rounds and to separate truth from untruth in order to keep you adequately informed. Local newsrooms follow a strict pre-publication fact-checking protocol. A national task team has been established to assist in bringing you credible news reports on Covid-19.
Readers with any comments or queries may contact National Group Editor Irma Green (irma@caxton.co.za) or Legal Adviser Helene Eloff (helene@caxton.co.za).
