MOH: Please Don’t Wear Your Mask On Your Arm Or Dangle It Off Your Ear
Face masks are only effective for protection if they are handled, worn, stored and disposed of properly.
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We get it, wearing a face mask can feel hot, itchy and uncomfortable. Not to mention the continuous upper-lip sweat. Naturally, when it seems safe, it is such a relief to take a break from the mask by pulling it down to our chin or simply letting it dangle off one ear.
Earlier, the Health Ministry has urged people to avoid pulling the mask down your chin. Now, they’ve advised that even wearing it on your arm or dangling it off one ear is also a no-no.
Letak pelitup muka di bawah dagu, lengan (😮) atau sangkut di telinga ketika makan adalah SALAH.
— KKMPutrajaya (@KKMPutrajaya) August 11, 2020
Cara BETUL ialah simpan pelitup muka dalam beg kertas atau plastik.
Pelitup muka perlu sentiasa bersih bagi melindungi saluran pernafasan kita. #COVID19#WearAMask pic.twitter.com/1tyeCFQOtk
The fact is that face masks are only effective for protection if they are handled, worn, stored and disposed of properly. Used improperly, and the masks actually become vehicles for spreading germs.
So, when we pull our mask to one side, let it dangle off an ear or leave it on the table, what we’re actually doing is increasing the possibility of cross-contamination.
All the germs the mask is supposed to protect us from is instead being exposed to the inside of the mask, the outside of the mask, all over the mask. You get it.
So, even though it seems like a small thing. Take the time to properly remove your face mask when you’re not using it; hold it by the ear loops and carefully remove it taking care to not touch the front or inside of the mask.
Then, fold it so the outside surfaces are touching each other and store it in a clean bag. Keeping a ziplock or paper bag with you to use for this very instance would be handy.
Always store it in a clean place when you’re not using it. No, this does not include your handbag or pocket. And always remember to wash/sanitise your hands before and after you touch your mask.
We hope these tips help you! All the best, and stay safe!
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