7 Mistakes people make wearing their COVID-19 face masks

NewsmaxHealth. Life Jun - 12 - 2020 , 14:30

Wearing a face mask may not be pleasant, but it is essential during the pandemic to save lives. Recent research from Hong Kong revealed that wearing one is an effective way of reducing the risk of contracting COVID-19 by up to 75%.

"The findings implied to the world and the public is that the effectiveness of mask-wearing against the coronavirus pandemic is huge," said microbiologist Yuen Kwok-yung of Hong Kong University, where a study was conducted, The Hill reports.

"Up to this stage, we don't have a safe and effective vaccine. What remains is social distancing or wearing masks," he added.

But according to Forbes, there's little value in wearing a mask if you don't wear it correctly. In a recent video, 92-year-old former Los Angeles Dodgers manager Tommy Lasorda, decked out in Dodger blue and wearing a face mask and gloves, made a public service announcement urging folks to stay at home and wear masks. The problem was that Lasorda's mask didn't cover his nose, as savvy viewers were quick to point out.

Let’s unmask the other common errors:

Exposing your nose or mouth. The Pandemic Action Network posted celebrity videos of actress Mayim Bialik and singer Olivia Newton-John wearing their masks correctly.
Wearing loose-fitting masks. It's tempting to loosen the elastic or cloth ear straps so you can breathe better, but allowing more air to flow under the mask defeats the purpose, according to Forbes.
Not covering your chin. The mask can't fit snugly over your face if it's above the chin.
Cutting a hole in your mask. The New York Daily News reported that a Kentucky woman cut a hole in her mask because it's "easier to breathe." The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reiterated that face masks should completely cover the nose and mouth.
Wearing a mask upside down or inside out. A cloth mask doesn't have a top or bottom, but surgical masks have a pliable metal strip at the top that helps secure the mask to your nose. According to Forbes, this can help ensure a tighter fit and reduce fog on your glasses. Make sure you keep the same side of your mask next to your face so that pathogens stay on their sides of the "fence." You don't want what's in the air making contact with your nose or mouth. Some masks are color coded, with the blue side normally facing out.
Frequent touching or adjusting your mask. Psychology Today claimed that one of the most common mistakes people make is constantly touching their masks. The front is considered to be the contaminated area of the mask, so keep your hands off. Adjust the mask by touching the elastic strap around your ears.
Wearing a dirty or wet mask. According to Forbes, you should treat your mask like underwear: keep it clean. If you are going to the beach or another outdoor area where the mask may get soiled, bring a spare.