How To Wear A Mask
I Am Realizing How Much Of This Stuff Is Cultural!
Hand washing, wearing masks and social distancing is not common sense or common knowledge anymore. I suppose we live in a totally new world. I need to allow my mind to also reset in these subjects in order to find compassion for those who are in parks gathering their children and acting like every day is like Sunday. What is it about American culture that makes us think we can always do whatever we want? What is it about us that makes us think rules don’t apply to us? If we are not forced to do something then we won’t do it even in the name of safety and saving lives? Please know that the more you continue to gather the longer you keep me away from my family. The more you continue this irresponsible behavior the longer I cannot go back to work. I have not found that above compassion I spoke of. I’m just saying.
On Masks
*EDIT 4/1 Please note that now that “face coverings” are being recommended by the government and the CDC, understand that fabric masks do not work as well as N95’s, KN95’s and surgical masks. It is important to layer your fabric mask with a 3 ply mask underneath it or use a fabric mask that allows a filter insert. Recommended masks with filter pockets can be purchased via Lemonie Studio.
In Asia, some people wear masks when they’re sick so that they don’t expose others, and also because its hygienic. Many people wear masks for preventative reasons, there is a flu or another type of virus going around. When your mouth is covered it means you will not spread droplets as easily. When your nose is covered you won’t inhale droplets as easily. Additionally some people want to protect themselves from air pollution or environmental allergies. Please let these ideas sit with you. It will help you come to the conclusion, if you have not already, that wearing a mask is a mitigation strategy. Masks are meant to work as source control first and secondly as protection. Ultimately, their use will protect the population.
Because the Novel Coronavirus is very infectious and contagious it means many of us are carrying and asymptomatic. It means many of us have it and do not know it so to avoid spreading -we should wear masks. The more of the population that is protected the better. The amount of time you are in contact with someone also increases your risks. Keep your interactions with people brief, masked, outdoors and socially distant.
Here Are Some Important Tips On Using Masks
Masks should only be touched with clean hands. Meaning you have just washed your hands and have not touched anything else yet. Once the mask is on your face minimize the the amount of touching until your hands are clean. If you need to adjust or remove it, do not touch the inside that makes contact with your face. Try to handle it by the ear loops.
Do not take your mask off to talk to someone -it defeats the purpose.
Do not get the mask wet. That means do not wear it when it is raining. This especially applies to disposable surgical masks.
Do not wear the mask on your forehead, chin or elbow. Do not wear the mask on another body part other than your lower face. The mask should cover your nose, mouth and seal on all 4 sides. Most surgical masks can mold over the bridge of your nose. Do not have your nose out of the mask.
If you are re-using a mask that has not gotten any moisture on it, remove it with clean hands and put it in a clean place for storage. Fold the mask so that the inside part that touches your face is not touching anything else.
As I write this I think of the people who have to work in large grocery store chains and have been told they are not to wear masks at work because it scares the customers, while most people/customers are wearing masks incorrectly, if they have them. Our grocery stores are our life line right now. We have to keep them healthy as they have to continue to come into work and expose themselves to all of us. This is totally wrong and irresponsible. Luckily my local grocery store has their employees masked up and the stores in Chinatown have been taking this precaution for awhile already. I know that the whole mask thing is cultural to Asian people because I see so many other people using masks incorrectly.(This makes me understand why some say don’t wear a mask. ) But ultimately we must learn to wear them properly and get over the whole cultural bias against wearing one.
I know things feel uncertain and we are all a bit on edge. Let’s try to root ourselves in common sense and stay away from fake news. Please help to protect and support Asian people as we are facing violence and physical attacks in our communities. I do not say this to disregard our other minority friends who are under attack on a regular basis. I do not ever want to see minorities act out towards each other EVER, especially in my community. This is a reminder that racism is taught and learned. Racism is not natural. It was created and spread deliberately in society.
70 Studies on Mask Efficacy For Mitigating Infection
By Emily Grace Siy, L.Ac. March 24, 2020