Masks are indispensable in order to contain the number of infections in the second corona wave.
However, some rules must be followed so that they do not become an infectious problem themselves.
Everyday masks are an important tool in fighting pandemics.
In the best case, the piece of fabric protects against corona infection. *
There are a few basic principles that are needed to keep mouth and nose protection hygienic.
Munich - a little annoying, but extremely important: the
everyday mask
.
Consistent wearing of mouth and nose protection in public places, in the supermarket or in the bus and train helps
to prevent the spread of
coronaviruses
and, in the best case, to avoid infection.
Most use their masks several times in a row.
Since
germs
can accumulate
over time
, there are a few important rules to follow.
After all, protection should not become a germ trap.
1. Before and after wearing: it is essential to wash your hands
It is particularly important
to keep
the
inside of
the mask as sterile as possible.
When putting on and taking off, however, many germs can get from our hands to the mouth and nose protection.
The Federal Institute for Drugs and Medical Devices (BfArM) therefore recommends
washing your hands thoroughly
: at least 20 to 30 seconds and with soap.
In itself, this is an important measure against the
coronavirus
. *
2. Protection against corona with a mask: make sure that it is correctly positioned
It is not enough just
to wear
a
mask
.
The piece of fabric must
completely cover the
mouth and nose
, because this is the only way it can reliably intercept the droplets that we release when we speak, breathe or cough.
In addition, the mask should also
lie close to the face
at the edges
.
In addition to the droplets, finer aerosols also get into the air.
These are better held off if too much air cannot enter and exit on the sides.
Medical masks not only protect others, but also the wearer himself to a certain extent.
A prerequisite for this is a
good fit
, otherwise too many germs can penetrate.
Wear a #MundNasenBedeckung - to curb the spread of the #Coronavirus!
It is important that the everyday mask completely covers your mouth and nose and fits tightly around the edges.
#BZgA info at: https://t.co/jMH1DdII4s pic.twitter.com/VymJ6jMvSq
- BZgA (@bzga_de) November 19, 2020
3. Hands off!
The corona mask should not be touched too often
Even with washed hands, we shouldn't touch the mask too often, especially not on the inside.
Once you have the protection on, it is important
to tug and push
as
little
as possible
.
The
BfArM recommends that you
only grasp the mouth and nose cover by the
side straps
to remove it.
4. Swap or wash masks often enough
If you wear a fabric mask, it must be
cleaned
regularly
.
"Ideally, masks should be
washed
at
95 degrees
, but at least at
60 degrees
, and then dried completely," writes the BfArM on its website.
Basically, you should never wear a mouth and nose cover for more than a few days at a time.
The
Federal Center for Health Education (BzGA) advises against
experimental cleaning
methods
such as
heating in the microwave
or in the oven.
According to experts,
medical masks of
any kind are not suitable for cleaning.
They should be
disposed of in the general waste
after use
.
In any case, the mask must be exchanged immediately when it is saturated.
Your protection is then no longer granted.
More germs can accumulate.
5. Correct storage: This is the best way to store the mask
If a mask is used several times, it is important to
store it
properly between uses
.
It's best to use a
separate pouch
for this
instead of just putting it in the bag.
However, it should not be possible to seal it airtight, otherwise there is a
risk of
mold growth
.
You can then hang them up to dry at home.
(mam) * Merkur.de is part of the Ippen-Digital network.
List of rubric lists: © Kira Hofmann / dpa-Zentralbild / dpa
