Dear Editor,
Kindly permit me space in your newspaper to comment on a growing concern about wearing facemasks. Currently, the vast majority of health agencies do not recommend the use of face masks by the general public who are healthy (not having no symptoms or high-risk) and not caring for someone who is high-risk. This is mainly because there isn’t enough evidence to support its use, there are shortages, false reassurance from wearing masks, and improper use. In spite of these recommendations, people have decided to wear masks and I’ve noticed some of my medical colleagues in Guyana recommending the general public to use them. By this letter, I don’t wish to debate the issue, but to offer advice to those who have already decided to wear masks.
Since hygiene and social distancing remain the most important ways of protecting yourself, you must make this a priority. Avoid leaving your home as much as possible, and try to maintain a distance of at least 6 feet from other people. Frequently wash your hands properly and avoid touching your face. When you do have to touch your face, you should wash your hands before.
There are many types of masks and if you are using one, familiarize yourself with the type you are have. Learn how to properly put it on and remove it from the manufacturer. The basic idea is to wash your hands before putting it on, put it on correctly, wash your hands before and after taking it off, and take it off such that your face is not contaminated. Once off, treat it as being dirty and discard it appropriately. Don’t wear them for long periods of time or put them on your forehead or chest as this increases your risk of being infected. Some masks such the N95 and FFP require a seal and should be fit-tested to ensure the size is appropriate for you because, depending on facial hair and structure of your face, you may not achieve the required seal and adjustments or alternatives will have to be made. Generally speaking, if appropriately fitted with the N95 and FFP masks you should be able to breath out deeply without air escaping around the edges and you shouldn’t be able to smell things around you.
Finally, do not bulk buy masks as they are already in limited supply and many healthcare professionals around the world who are constantly exposed to much higher risk scenarios and other infections have felt the effects of shortages. Stay safe everyone.
Yours faithfully,
Rondell Benn
