From Friday 24th July it will now be compulsory to wear face coverings in supermarkets and high street shops. If you fail to comply with the new government rules you may be finned £100.
So what are the best Face mask/coverings on the market and do they all work?
As I am sure you are aware, the market is now flooded with face coverings and masks, with the majority not actually giving much help at all. So what is the best option?
Like most things in life, the more you pay means the better quality you will get. No mask or covering alone can protect people from Covid-19, and wearing the mask must be combined with social distancing of at least a meter and regular hand washing.
In this time of COVID-19, we have to make sure we are protected and avoid contracting the virus. So why not look into fashionable face masks to avoid COVID-19?
However, items sold on Etsy, such as masks and hand sanitizers, aren’t medical-grade, and their sellers cannot make medical or health claims. While these fashionable face masks to avoid COVID-19 are not medically approved and do not give the same protection like surgical masks and N95 masks, but would still be good protection than having nothing, right? Plus, you can get protected with style and staying fashionable.
Right, let's dive straight into the top 4.
4 Face Covering
Unlike face masks, which are resistant to droplets of fluids and splashes, the primary function of a face covering is not to protect the wearer. Professor Melinda Mills, director of the Leverhulme Centre, is a leading advocate for the wearing of face coverings in indoor public places.
She has said that coverings that do not "loop around the ears or around the back of the neck for better coverage" will be less effective.
Similarly, ones made from low-quality fabrics will have less chance of stopping the virus' spread.
Professor Mills added: "We find that masks made from high-quality material such as high-grade cotton, multiple layers and particularly hybrid constructions are effective.
"For instance, combining cotton and silk or flannel provide over 95% filtration, so wearing a mask can protect others."
Loosely woven fabrics, such as scarves, have been shown to be the least effective.
3: Reusable Cloth FaceMask
The washable cloth mask is becoming very fashionable due to the fact they look good and can be customised, but do they fully protect you and are they more of a fashion statement rather than serving an actual purpose? Cloth face masks can be used in public settings, such as grocery stores, where you may be in close contact with others and it’s difficult to maintain your distance.
They don’t offer the same level of protection as surgical face masks or KN95 respirators. However, when worn by the public at large, they can still help reduce the community spread of viruses. This is because they help prevent people without symptoms from transmitting viruses via their respiratory droplets.
Cloth face masks shouldn’t be used by children under 2 years old, people who have trouble breathing, and people who are unable to remove their own masks.
2: Surgical face masks
Surgical face masks are fairly loose-fitting, disposable masks approved by the Food and Drug Administration for use as medical devices. Doctors, dentists, and nurses often wear them while treating patients.
These masks prevent large droplets of bodily fluids that may contain viruses or other germs from escaping via the nose and mouth. They also protect against splashes and sprays from other people, such as those from sneezes and coughs.
But the average masks you can buy from a local drugstore aren’t enough to filter out viruses.
For that purpose, experts recommend special masks with fine mesh that can capture very small organisms. These also have to be worn correctly for them to work.
Masks worn over the face are also unable to protect you from getting airborne virus particles, from a cough or sneeze, into your eyes.
1) KN95 Facemasks
Respirators, also called KN95 respirator masks, are designed to protect the wearer from small particles in the air, like viruses. They’re certified by the CDC and National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health.
The name comes from the fact that they can filter 95 percent trusted Source of airborne particles, according to the CDC. KN95 masks are also often used when painting or handling potentially toxic materials.
Respirators are selected to fit your face. They must form a perfect seal so no gaps allow airborne viruses in. Healthcare workers use them to protect against airborne infectious diseases, such as tuberculosis and anthrax.
Unlike regular face masks, respirators protect against both large and small particles.
Overall, respirators are considered much more effective at preventing the flu virus than regular face masks. These masks do cost more and are vital for those who really need the protection. As people start thinking about traveling on holidays we would also recommend the KN95 for when traveling on a plane or long train journey.
Guidelines for wearing face masks
While face masks can help reduce the spread of the flu and other respiratory viruses, they only do so if worn correctly and frequently.
Here are some guidelines for proper mask-wearing:
Wear a face mask when coming within 6 feet of a sick person.
Position the strings to keep the mask firmly in place over the nose, mouth, and chin. Try not to touch the mask again until you remove it.
Wear a face mask before going near other people if you have the flu.
If you have the flu and need to see a doctor, wear a face mask to protect others in the waiting area.
Consider wearing a mask in crowded settings if the flu is widespread in your community, or if you’re at high risk for flu complications.
When you’re done wearing a surgical face mask or respirator, throw it away and wash your hands. Never reuse it.
Wash your cloth face mask after each use.
If you wish to purchase a KN95 facemask then simply click here We currently hold stock and are able to ship next day from the U.K
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