Be a Masked Hero!

“Have to learn to live with Covid-19” Govt. of India.

“Coronavirus new reality, we will have to learn to live with it” – WHO

           These are the disheartening statements from national and world’s top authority. A frightening truth. A virus that started in Wuhan China around the beginning of 2020 has seized the world- the whole world order. The nations around the world are fighting their own battles for the safety of their citizens. The scientists, researchers, scholars are on their toes to find a lethal weapon for this newfound enemy of the world. To date, as I write this, there are no vaccines and no cure for this virus – SARS- CoV-2. The world has already crossed 3, 50,000 deaths. Every one of us is a genuine concern about our loved ones and our health at this moment.

 The only confirm information about the virus is that it is spread by :

1.       Respiratory droplets.

2.        By contacts.

Therefore, the countries around the world have had lockdown their cities, airways, railways, roadways, and citizens locked up in their houses so that governments could be better equipped to combat the infected and lessen the spread of the diseases. Success or failure of this strategy would come only soon when we have won the battle.

Studies have also given very important information about the virus.

1.       The maximum transmission distance of the virus aerosol- is about 4 meters.

 (Virus Aerosol – particles generated in the air during breathing, talking, coughing, and sneezing)

2.       Even after speaking saliva particles remain floating in the air for 8 minutes (According to study conducted National Institute of health)

3.       The Virus remains on the surface for 7 days longest in plastics and stainless steel surfaces (Study by Lancet)

4.        Outer and inner layers of masks can contain viruses up to 7 days. Higher contamination rates over the inner layer of the face mask.

      By now at large we know that mask has become a priority. It is the only weapon against an invisible enemy that can be maintained by every one of us diligently and can be accessed or at least DIY a mask. Much has been talked about the virus, let us put our minds on the mask- the weapon since there is very insufficient information on the role of mask play in the containment of the virus. Let us see the mask use, mask etiquette, and mask maintenance in pointers. This could go a long way to combat this virus with the participation of the individual.

Very important mask use, mask etiquette, and mask maintenance are below:

1.       Don’t just wear a mask chose a good one.

2.       Ensure your masks cover your mouth, nose as much as possible

3.       Avoid touching your masks once you have worn them.

4.       While removing your mask, do not touch the front of it.

5.       Mask must be untied from behind.

6.    Before and after use, clean your hand with alcohol-based sanitizer or wash with water and soap.

7.       If the mask becomes damp/moist, change it immediately.

8.       Avoid reuse of the surgical masks – it has an extreme drop in efficacy after a single-use.

9.    Cloth masks can be washed and reused.

10.   Soak it for 15 minutes and rinsed in Lukewarm water.

11.   Don’t reuse cloth mask after 20 washes as it reduces its filtration capacity over time.

Above is the least a responsible citizen could do and we should be doing this to help our government in these battles against the virus as well as to keep safe our loved ones around us. If every individual does their part, this battle can be won. Follow the above, wear a mask, and be a Masked Hero!

Wear Masks! Stay Indoor! Stay Safe!