Update on How to Wear a Mask Properly!
We cannot deny that a mask is important during the COVID-19 spread, especially Delta and Beta strains which are severe and highly contagious. Therefore, the Department of Disease Control has recommended people to wear a mask properly. If a mask does not fit your face or has a gap, there is a high chance of infection. We would like to update about how to wear a mask for the disease prevention effectively.
How to enhance the effectiveness of a mask
We have an answer about the most effective mask based on the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). And the effectiveness of a mask also depends on how you wear it.
- Normal wearing can prevent the disease at 38.5%.
- A cross strap can prevent the disease at 60.3%.
- Use of the strap at the back instead of ears can prevent the disease at 61.7%.
- Use of hair clips instead of looping behind the ears can prevent the disease at 64.8%.
- Use of large rubber band for better fit can prevent the disease at 78.2%.
Prohibitions of wearing of masks
- Must not wear other masks over N95 mask.
- Must not wear a surgical mask over a fabric mask.
- Children aged younger than 2 should not wear masks.
- Should not wear the same masks, and should change masks every 6 – 8 hours.
- Should not wear a mask below your chin.
- Should not share a mask with others.
Do not forget that wearing the wrong type of mask or wearing a mask improperly may cause you to receive lower oxygen. Touching or sharing a mask with others might increase the risk of infection. Furthermore, you should wear a mask that fits your face, cheek, chin or nose to have the best prevention
Choose a right mask to reduce the risk of infection
To mitigate the spread from you to others and prevent infection, you should wear a mask all the time inside and outside your house. The Department of Disease Control has set guidelines for wearing masks as follows.
If you are inside your house, a closed area or area with a few people, you can wear a fabric mask or surgical mask.
If you are in a community area, flea market, fresh market, supermarket or area with lots of people, you should have double masking by wearing a fabric mask over a surgical mask which will enhance effectiveness and prevent the disease better.
At present, the numbers of patients are increasing and part of them were infected by family members or close friends. If it is possible, all family members should wear masks while being inside a house or doing activities together. Moreover, you should wear a mask when you live close to old people or bedridden patients.
How to dispose of a mask
Used masks must be disposed properly because many people are affected after you throw away a mask, especially the garbage collectors and they should not touch masks of infected people.
- Wash your hands before removing a mask every time.
- Grab 2 straps and remove the mask straight forward, and do not touch the front of the mask.
- Hold the edges of the mask and fold in half by keeping the exposed parts of the body inside.
- Fold in half again by keeping both straps on the same side and using a rubber band to wrap it tightly.
- Put the mask in a bag and tighten the bag to prevent the spread.
- Write “Infectious Waste” on the bag.
- Throw it in a used mask bin (orange or red) for proper disposal.
- Wash your hands properly after disposing the mask.
This is a difficult time for everyone. If we are cautious and wear a mask all the time as well as follow the government measures strictly, we will overcome this crisis safely.
For peace of mind of all generations, we have comprehensive health insurance that covers COVID-19, COVID-19 vaccine allergies, epidemic, critical illnesses, common diseases, and accident based on actual expenses. You can get treatment from any hospitals with coverage amount of 200,000 – 100,000,000 Baht based on your choice. Entry age is 11 – 80 years old, and the coverage is provided until the age of 99*. Choose health insurance that matches your needs, or call Tel. 1766.
*For Elite Health and D Health insurance
- Coverage period of the rider must not exceed the coverage period of the life insurance policy that this rider is attached to.
- Elite Health Rider must be purchased to be attached to a new insurance policy only.
- Premium is eligible for tax deduction. Conditions are as specified by the Revenue Department.
- Underwriting is subject to the Company’s rules.
- Additional coverage due to effect of COVID-19 vaccination is subject to specified conditions. Coverage is offered during 11 May – 31 December 2021.
- Waiting period is reduced to 14 days for COVID-19 infection which is subject to specified conditions during 28 May – 31 December 2021.
- Please study the details of coverage, conditions and exclusions before making a decision to purchase insurance.
Sources: Data retrieved on 24/08/2021
🔖 Bangkok Biz News (data as of 21/08/2021)
🔖 The Standard (data as of 04/08/2021)
🔖 Bangkok Biz News (data as of 08/07/2021)
🔖 Thairath (data as of 19/08/2021)
🔖 Department of Disease Control, Ministry of Public Health (data as of 05/08/2021)
🔖 Public Relations Office, Department of Deputy BMA (data as of 01/06/2021)
🔖 United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) (data as of 05/04/2021)