Mask must fit properly to cover nose and mouth, doctor reminds public

A doctor on Thursday reiterated the importance of properly wearing a mask as the country continues to face the COVID-19 pandemic.

Dr. Jaen Castillo-Valdez told GMA News that masks, whether disposable or washable, must be fitted to cover a person’s nose and mouth.

“If the mask is not properly worn, siyempre there’s a risk of transmitting pa rin the droplets [carrying the virus],” Castillo-Valdez said.

She said some masks like the N95 can be reused in certain cases, but only if they are properly disinfected.

Alcohol, she stressed, may not be enough.

“Puwede kasi siyang i-autoclave. So it’s one way of doing disinfection and sterilization. Pero if wala noong autoclave, technically dapat hindi na siya gamitin ulit,” Castillo-Valdez explained.

An autoclave is a machine that can be used to heat, clean, and sterilize medical tools.

If budget is tight, Castillo-Valdez said handkerchiefs or do-it-yourself masks made from old clothes will do—but again, as long as they are fitted around the nose and mouth of the wearer.

Cloth masks, she said, must be washed every day.

Disposable masks, on the other hand, must be properly disposed of.

Castillo-Valdez suggests destroying or tearing up the mask and sealing it inside a plastic bag.

“Destroy mo na lang 'yung mask para kung may chance na may makakuha ng mask na yon, hindi na siya puwedeng i-reuse,” she explained.

Castillo-Valdez also stressed that social distancing must still be practiced even when wearing a mask.

“Para rin 'yon sa protection mo. Para rin hindi ka makalanghap ng droplets from other people. So kahit may mask ka, mas maganda pa rin may physical distancing so that yung droplets, hindi siya sa ‘yo pupunta kundi sa floor,” Castillo-Valdez added.

The World Health Organization provides the following details on the proper wearing and disposal of masks:

• place mask carefully to cover mouth and nose and tie securely to minimize any gaps between the face and the mask;
• while in use, avoid touching the mask;
• remove the mask by using appropriate technique (i.e. do not touch the front but remove the lace from behind);
• after removal or whenever you inadvertently touch a used mask, clean hands by using an alcohol-based hand rub or soap and water if visibly soiled;
• replace masks with a new clean, dry mask as soon as they become damp/humid;
• do not reuse single-use masks;
• discard single-use masks after each use and dispose of them immediately upon removal.

— BM, GMA News