Do you keep seeing people who wear their everyday masks under their noses to protect against corona?
A virologist explains how useful a mask is then.
Face masks * now shape the image in pedestrian zones, shops, train stations and in many places in everyday working life throughout Germany.
But again and again you see people who just pull their everyday mask over their mouths.
The nose remains free.
Does the mask still offer adequate protection?
A virologist explains what to think of this application.
A mouth and nose covering prevents tiny droplets from the oropharynx from getting into the environment while speaking.
Due to the coronavirus pandemic, it is mandatory to wear a mask in many places, as it has now been proven that wearing masks effectively prevents infection with Covid-19.
At the beginning of the pandemic, the recommendation was that only sick people should wear a mask.
But since you can suffer from a coronavirus infection without showing symptoms, society benefits from a general
mask requirement
.
The principle is simple: a mask - even if it is just an everyday mask and not a medical product - prevents the potentially infected exhaled droplets from hitting the mucous membranes of others.
From there, the viruses can get into the body and cause mild symptoms such as coughing but also pneumonia.
However, if a mask is worn incorrectly, the protective effect disappears
.
Even if you leave your nose free?
Also read
: Gloves to protect against coronavirus: Why this measure can even be dangerous
.
Face mask with a clear nose: virologist with a clear opinion
Professor Jonas Schmidt-Chanasit, virologist and professor at the University of Hamburg, takes a clear position: "There is no question that the mask must be used correctly," quoted the express.de portal, which means that the
chin and nose must also be complete Covered in order
to protect fellow human beings and yourself from Covid-19. By covering your nose you protect yourself from potentially contaminated droplets that others exhale. If you leave your nose free, you could also leave out the mask, says Schmidt-Chanasit .
The incorrect handling of face masks can be dangerous for yourself and others.
Correct use not only includes covering your mouth and nose,
you should never touch the mask with
your
hands.
To put on and take off the mask should only be touched by the carrying straps.
(jg)
*
merkur.de is part of the nationwide Ippen-Digital editorial network
.
Read more
: If relatives belong to the coronavirus risk group - behave correctly.
US researchers have now investigated how different face masks and visors can protect against infection.
These viruses and bacteria make us sick
These viruses and bacteria make us sick
An investigation now shows: Not all masks protect against corona equally well, especially the material makes a difference.
List of rubric lists: © Victoria Jones / dpa / picture alliance
