When and How to Use Face Masks for Coronavirus Protection

In light of the recent COVID-19 pandemic that has greatly disrupted many ways we live our lives and conduct business, there has been a rise in the use of face masks for coronavirus protection due to the CDC guidelines. At HiDow, we have taken the initiative to add face masks and N95 respirators to our inventory to make face masks more accessible. As states nationwide begin to lift stay-at-home orders, it’s important to know when and how to use face masks for Coronavirus protection.

What Is Personal Protective Equipment?

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) refers to any equipment workers use to protect themselves from health and safety risks while on the job. PPE includes face masks and N95 Respirators, among other hands, eye, and face protection. PPE is designed to help reduce the exposure to hazards that individuals may experience when other options are not feasible or effective to help reduce the risk to acceptable levels.

Why Respiratory Protection is Essential

When keeping yourself and those around you healthy and safe, PPE that offers respiratory protection is essential. Respiratory protection is important to use in areas where there are large crowds of people gathering, in grocery stores, and when going to work where contaminants are present. Respirators protect you from breathing in dust, fumes, paint, pesticides, and other airborne particles with inadequate ventilation.

How Effective Are Face Masks for Coronavirus Protection?

So we know that a 3-ply face mask can help keep you safe from particles in the air, such as dust and pesticides, but are face masks really effective for coronavirus protection?

While any facial protection is better than none, there are varying degrees of effectiveness when masks are used to protect against coronavirus. Depending on the certification grade of the masks you are using, you will have more or less protection. An N95 mask will be more effective than a general protection faces mask, but both are significantly better than a homemade mask.

When Do You Need to Use Face Masks for Coronavirus Protection

According to the World Health Organization, you should wear a mask under these circumstances:

• If you are healthy, you only need to wear a mask when taking care of a person with COVID-19. Additionally, it would be wise to wear one any time you are in a crowded space.
• Wear a mask if you are coughing or sneezing.

Note: Masks are most effective when combined with frequent hand washing.

How to Properly Use Face Masks

1. Wash your hands to avoid contaminating the inner side of the mask, then flatten and spread the mask on the face.
2. Hand the ear straps on the ears until feeling comfortable
3. Pull the mask up and down to cover the nose and chin completely
4. Press the nose clips to conform to the shape of the nose bridge and check the tightness of your face.