Everything you need to know about fabric masks
Masks are associated with a reduction in infection IN COMBINATION with physical distancing of at least 1m (2m optimal distance)
⚔️ Disclaimers: Low-certainty evidence with a risk of bias (ie. it’s not a randomised control trial) - nothing reduces your risk to zero.
What’s the World Health Organisation’s position?
WHO have revised their position on masks based on the emerging evidence. The recommend a risk-based approach to considering whether you need a mask.
Consider
1️⃣ The purpose of why you’re wearing it?
2️⃣ Your risk of exposure (type of job, the level of community exposure)
3️⃣ Your vulnerability (underlying illness)
4️⃣ The setting (ie public transport, home)
5️⃣ Feasibility (do you have access to masks, water to wash masks, cost etc)
6️⃣ Type of mask necessary (medical mask if covid symptoms or immunocompromised conditions , non-medical in most other circumstances)
What makes a good mask?
❓Medical masks should meet the relevant manufacturing standards
😷 Fabric masks should be at least 3 layers - a combination of cotton and polyester (or equivalent). If you are using cotton only, you should have AT LEAST 4 layers. Check the manufacturers information- many “hand made” masks are 2 layers only, which is less effective. Some are made of 2 layers and have a filter pocket - you can purchase P2 mask filters for this.
Do’s and dont’s when it comes to masks
❌ Don’t share masks
♻️ Wash fabric masks every day or sooner if soiled
🙅🏻♂️ Don’t use masks on children under two.
References
WHO technical document https://apps.who.int/iris/rest/bitstreams/1279750/retrieve
https://www.weforum.org/agenda/2020/06/who-updates-guidance-on-masks-heres-what-to-know-now/
DHHS Masks Guide
NSW Health Masks Guide
https://www.health.nsw.gov.au/Infectious/factsheets/Pages/how-to-make-a-cloth-mask.aspx
Konda et al (2020)
https://pubs.acs.org/doi/10.1021/acsnano.0c03252
Chu et al (2020) https://www.thelancet.com/journals/lancet/article/PIIS0140-6736(20)31142-9/fulltext
