You’ve experienced many changes in your life over the last several weeks amid the COVID-19 pandemic. Among one of the many things you’ve had to incorporate into your day is wearing a face mask. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends everyone over the age of 2 wears a face mask when in public settings or environments where social distancing isn’t possible. The coverings provide a protective barrier to reduce the spread of COVID-19, but if you aren’t wearing it correctly, you can place yourself and others at risk of the virus, like when visiting your dentist in Melbourne. You can help do your part to prevent cross-contamination by following a few simple tips.
6 Steps to Wearing a Face Mask
A face covering helps filter out smaller airborne pathogens, but if the mask isn’t on your face correctly, it can cause harmful particles to leak through the sides of the mask. You can ensure you have maximum protection by following 6 steps to put your mask on correctly:
- It’s essential you wash your hands for at least 20 seconds before touching or putting on your mask. Use clean running water and antibacterial soap to clean all surfaces of your hands, paying extra attention to your fingertips. If you can’t get to a sink, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
- Examine the mask closely for any defects, like broken loops or tears.
- Position the mask with the colored side facing outward and the metallic strip over the bridge of your nose.
- Secure the mask in place:
- Ear Loops: Place one loop over each ear. Never dangle it from one ear.
- Ties: Tie the upper strings near the crown and the bottom ones near the nape of your neck. Never wear it hanging around your neck.
- Dual Elastic Bands: Pull the top band over your head to the crown and the bottom one against the nape of your neck.
- Bend the metallic strip to the shape of your nose for a snug fit.
- Pull the bottom of the mask over your mouth and chin.
Don’t touch the mask after it’s in place and replace it if it gets damp or soiled.
4 Tips for Removing a Face Mask
To prevent cross-contamination, it’s important to remove and dispose of your mask correctly:
- Wash your hands thoroughly or use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer before touching your mask.
- Hold the mask by the loops or ties to remove it.
- Place the mask in a covered wastebasket.
- Wash your hands well or use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer afterward.
A face mask is a simple solution to help stop the spread of COVID-19. With the right protection, you can help keep the community healthy.
About Exceptional Dentistry
Dr. Beverly Rose and her team at Exceptional Dentistry are committed to patient safety. Although we already take pride in keeping our office clean, we’ve revamped our safety protocols to help prevent the spread of COVID-19. If you have any questions about our standards, contact our office today to speak with a member of our team.