In pre-COVID-19 times, face masks were essentially worn by healthcare workers, first responders in emergency services, immunocompromised individuals, and citizens of the countries across Southeast Asia blanketed with a ‘haze’ of toxic pollution.
Wearing a face mask in the middle of the coronavirus pandemic is not compulsory across the globe, but they have become a necessary layer in protecting frontline workers and the community from contracting the infection.
A US study concluded that mask-wearing can protect you from contracting the virus via airborne transmission, and while some nations are issuing fines to its citizens caught not wearing masks in public, the Australian government has advised that masks are not necessary for the community. What Types of Protective Face Masks are Essential?
In pre-COVID-19 times, face masks were essentially worn by healthcare workers, first responders in emergency services, immunocompromised individuals, and citizens of the countries across Southeast Asia blanketed with a ‘haze’ of toxic pollution.
Wearing a face mask in the middle of the coronavirus pandemic is not compulsory across the globe, but they have become a necessary layer in protecting frontline workers and the community from contracting the infection.
A US study concluded that mask-wearing can protect you from contracting the virus via airborne transmission, and while some nations are issuing fines to its citizens caught not wearing masks in public, the Australian government has advised that masks are not necessary for the community.
There are three types of masks being worn by first responders, frontline and community members across the globe during the coronavirus pandemic.
| N95 and P2 Face Masks
Respirator masks help filter out dust and water droplets. Largely worn by first responders in emergency services and healthcare workers. There are now disposable and reusable options in today’s market. |
Surgical Face Masks Protective disposable masks are commonly worn by medical professionals for surgical, veterinary and dental procedures. Suitable for wear by professionals, patients and the general public. |
| DIY Cloth Masks Reusable face masks are an alternative to disposable options. To be effective they require two or more layers made from water-resistant, fine weave and high thread count material. Owning two or more is advised to be worn throughout the day and they must be washed daily. |
PLUS Clear Protective Face Shields Surgical visors are commonly used in hospital theatre operations to protect the eyes from fluid splash. Recently worn by healthcare workers in COVID-19 clinics and testing sites, they are generally paired with a surgical mask as an extra safety measure against droplet transmission. |
How are face masks successful in managing virus transmission?
- Stops airborne transmission from infected people by trapping droplets inside the mask.
- Prevents asymptomatic people from unknowingly spreading the virus when they are in the community.
- Intercepts the droplets from entering the air via coughs and sneezes and settling onto surfaces.
- Protects healthy people from inhaling the contagion when unable to socially distance from other members of society.
While there are conflicting views, opinions, legislations and laws surrounding the efficacy of face masks worn by the general public, there are many people across the world who support them. They may seem inconvenient and uncomfortable to some but the alternative is worse – community transmission can equal further loss of life.
We’ve all seen photo evidence in the media of the bruised faces of the frontline workers from wearing their masks around the clock, they are excellent examples of how compulsory mask-wearing puts the safety of yourselves and others above your own discomfort.
Stop the spread virus by eliminating the risk of airborne transmission and wear a mask whenever you leave home. Encourage others to wear one also and let’s flatten the curve together.
If you are shopping for face protection options, browse our full range of face masks and shields right here at Australia's number one online medical supplies marketplace, MedCart Australia.
