Society
Pictures & Major Reasons: How Not To Wear A Face Mask
Life on the mask side of life has been an interesting one. Now, that scrappy piece of cloth (or whatever material you choose for your mask) is pivotal to our well-being. Wearing a face mask in public helps prevent the spread of COVID-19 but only if worn properly, covering both your nose and mouth.
Yet, with all the PSAs (public service announcements) it appears that some Nigerians are hell-bent on developing the next worst way to wear a face mask.
Yes, the COVID cases appear to be dropping (yass!), but the virus can still kill. This is why it is scary to see people turn their masks into a type of a bandana. So, we thought it would help by letting you know the big no-nos before we show you the ‘how to wear a face mask well’.
- It’s Not a Bandana:
For the love of all that’s holy, a face mask was never intended for your forehead. You have no excuse to get the mask that far up your head. You don’t have your nose and mouth up there!
- It’s Not A Double-Chin Remover:
It befuddles us why anyone would decide to wear their masks on their chin. We understand the occasional need to pull it down to do something or talk, and we strongly advise against it. If it needs to come off – when you want to eat, for example – then take it off properly! Otherwise, let it just stay in the right place.
- It’s Not A Piece of Jewellery:
We have stood stumped, as we watched masks dangle over the ear of a friend. Why? What is the mask that is meant to keep you safe doing on your ear?! We all know, that’s a gaffe you don’t want to commit.
So, How Do You Wear A Mask?
It’s been over a year, so at this point in our COVID journey, you should know these steps by heart. However, we understand some things may have gotten lost in communication.
So, here’s the how and what must be done.
- Clean Those Hands:
The first step to getting your mask on is washing your hands properly. If you don’t have water and soap on hand, then, please, use a hand sanitiser.
- Clean Masks, Only!
We know that it’s easy to assume that a mask is ‘clean enough’. Please, note that the virus is not visible to the human eye so, ‘clean enough’ might actually mean trouble. Get a number of masks that you can wash and use, and keep swapping them around.
- Where is the Inner side?
Check for the inner side and top of the mask, so you know what side will cover your nose and mouth, and which part of the mask has to fit right on top of the bridge of your nose.
- Now, Wear it:
Then proceed to wear the mask, over your nose, mouth and chin. Please, do not leave your chin uncovered.
- Clean Your Hands, Again:
When your mask is a snug fit and you have made sure there are no spaces left at the sides of your face, wash your hands again.
- Remove It The Right Way
When you are ready to remove the mask (and you have washed your hands), pull it off by the straps behind your ears.
- Store The Mask:
Then you wash the mask, and store in a clean bag or container. It’s not a glove either, so there is no need to dangle it from your wrist.
To reduce the risk of transmitting the virus, or coming into contact with it, please, let’s follow the right steps. COVID is real and it’s still here!
Project SafeUp – an initiative developed by My World of Bags, in partnership with Mastercard Foundation – has been producing and distributing PPE and safety items to the general public and health workers in Oyo, Lagos, Osun, Ondo and Ekiti, since November 2020! They plan on distributing 2.5 million PPE items, including masks. You can find out more about Project Safe Up or to request PPE for your organisation, visit www.myworldofbags.com or call 0708 928 7992or send an email to [email protected]. And you can join the conversation using #ProjectSafeUp on Twitter and Instagram.
