How to Wear a Mask to Help Stop the Spread of COVID-19

The rate of daily COVID cases is beginning to rise. Some stats show the daily infected number hovering around 40,000.

More concerning is a report from John Hopkins, which suggests a second surge of Coronavirus cases could happen before fall. Couple this with the upcoming flu season, and health experts are concerned this 2nd wave could be much worse than expected.

How COVID-19 Spreads

As the CDC states, the virus is thought to spread mainly from person-to-person.

  • Between people who are in close contact with one another (within about 6 feet).
  • Through respiratory droplets produced when an infected person coughs, sneezes, or talks.
  • These droplets can land in the mouths or noses of people who are nearby or possibly be inhaled into the lungs.
  • COVID-19 may be spread by people who are not showing symptoms.

 

How to Protect Yourself

Along with maintaining social distancing, practicing proper personal hygiene, routinely cleaning frequently touched surfaces – wearing a face mask is an added layer of protection that works well.
Though wearing a mask may seem offensive to some, even to the point of being politicized, world leading health organizations all agree – wearing a mask may help reduce the spread of the virus.

The CDC states, in part:

” Masks are recommended as a simple barrier to help prevent respiratory droplets from traveling into the air and onto other people when the person wearing the mask coughs, sneezes, talks, or raises their voice. This is called source control. This recommendation is based on what we know about the role respiratory droplets play in the spread of the virus that causes COVID-19, paired with emerging evidence from clinical and laboratory studies that shows masks reduce the spray of droplets when worn over the nose and mouth.”

How to Wear Masks

Follow these steps to ensure proper mask wearing:

  • • Wash your hands before putting on your mask
  • • Put it over your nose and mouth and secure it under your chin
  • • Try to fit it snugly against the sides of your face
  • • Make sure you can breathe easily

DO wear a mask like this:

Be sure that you mask covers your nose and mouth and fits snugly against the sides of your face. Also, wash your hands before and after touching the mask. When removing your mask, try to only touch the mask strings or bands and not the actual mask covering. It’s also important that the mask is comfortable to wear and doesn’t prohibit normal breathing and talking.

If you are wearing a cloth face mask, it is recommended that the mask be washed after each use. Disposable masks should be discarded if soiled or damaged.

Do NOT wear a mask like this:

While wearing a mask, it is important to make sure it covers your nose and mouth. It is also recommended that you don’t touch your or your child’s mask while it is being worn. Also, important to remember, don’t take your mask off in public or share your mask with others.

 

We’re Here to Help

There is still much we do not know about this virus. Implementing a plan now can provide a safer work environment and possibly help reduce the chance of a business lawsuit.

In these challenging times, the risk of exposure is more prevalent than ever. We offer two Safety Service Options:

COVID-19 CONSULTING BUNDLE – Written directive/policy on requirements which can be either a corporate policy or a site-specific policy.

COVID-19 TRAINING (INFECTION CONTROL WEBINAR) – We offer Open Enrollment Classes and Private Company Sponsored Classes made available at your convenience.

COVID19 TESTING – We now offer COVID-19 Testing Services For Colleges, Universities, Private Companies, And Public Agencies

If you have concerns about your workforce and coronavirus, please contact us today to learn about steps you can take to protect yourself, your family, and your employees.