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| Covid-19 |
You Know
about masks and introduce them to your
family to protect from coronaviruse.
Masks help stop the COVID-19 virus from spreading, but that
doesn’t make them easy to introduce to children, as many parents are
discovering.
The practice of wearing a mask to scale back the transmission of
germs features a long history in some countries. except for many families, 2020
are going to be remembered because the first time putting on a mask.
If you haven't worn a mask before then you likely have many
questions. to assist you're taking the simplest decisions for your family,
we’ve rounded up the newest expert information on masks and COVID-19, the way
to wear and appearance after masks correctly, and concepts on the way to
successfully introduce them to your family:
For general information on COVID-19, its symptoms, how it
spreads, and the way to guard yourself and your children, read COVID-19: What
parents should know.
Jump to:
> commonly asked questions on masks
> the way to wear a mask checklist
> the way to ask your child about masks
Why wear a mask or face covering?
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| wear a mask |
One of the most ways in which COVID-19 spreads is thru
respiratory droplets that folks expel once they talk, sing, cough or sneeze.
While research is ongoing, we now know that the virus are often spread by
people not showing symptoms, meaning some people are often contagious and not
even know it .
That is one among the explanations why physical distancing is so
important in places where COVID-19 is widespread. But it’s not always possible
to stay a distance from others in crowded public places, which is why the
utilization of a cloth mask in such settings is suggested to guard one another
.
But remember, a mask alone won’t prevent the spread of COVID-19
– we all got to continue practicing physical distancing and washing our hands
frequently. By taking these steps together, we will beat COVID-19.
What sort of mask should i buy for my family?
Non-medical masks (also called fabric masks or face coverings):
If you and your family sleep in an area where COVID-19 is widespread and don’t
have any COVID-19 symptoms, then non-medical masks are recommended.
Medical masks: Medical masks are briefly supply globally due to
the pandemic. they're recommended if you or a loved one is at a better risk of
severe illness thanks to COVID-19 (people over 60 years old or with underlying
health conditions), or if you're caring for somebody with COVID-19. A medical
mask should be worn to guard others, if you've got symptoms of COVID-19.
What sort of fabric mask is best?
Fabric masks or face coverings are available a good sort of
materials and may be something you create reception or stock a store. While
research into the utilization of cloth masks is ongoing, their effectiveness
depends on the kinds of cloth used and therefore the number of layers. the
planet Health Organization recommends three layers made up of:
• an inner layer of absorbent like cotton
• a middle layer of non-woven material like polypropylene
• an outer layer of non-absorbent material, like polyester or
polyester blend
Whatever sort of face covering you select , it should cover the
nose, mouth and chin and be secured with elastic loops or ties.
When should my family wear a mask?
Check to ascertain if your local authorities require you to wear
masks in certain settings and for any age-specific recommendations where you
reside .
Whether your children should wear a mask depends on variety of
things , including their age and skill to securely and appropriately use a
mask. See UNICEF and therefore the World Health Organization's guidance for
more details.
If COVID-19 is widespread in your area, then a cloth mask should
be worn altogether public settings where it's difficult to stay a physical
distance from others, and always when in indoor public spaces. Avoid getting to
crowded places and enclosed indoor spaces with poor ventilation the maximum
amount as possible.
There’s tons of inaccurate information about the utilization of
masks and COVID-19 circulating, so confirm to use reputable sources like UNICEF,
WHO, and your national and native health authorities when taking decisions that
concern your family’s health.
When shouldn’t you wear a mask?
Masks shouldn't be used worn by anyone who is unable to get rid
of the mask without help, including infants and young children, or anyone
having difficulty breathing.
UNICEF and WHO recommend that children aged 5 years and under
shouldn't be required to wear masks. this is often supported child safety and
recognizes that children may reach developmental milestones at different ages.
Some countries have different recommendations on mask use by
children, so it’s important to see together with your local authorities on any
age-specific requirements. If they require children aged 5 years and under to
wear masks, then you or another caregiver should be within direct line of sight
to supervise the safe use of the mask.
If you or a loved one features a health condition or disability
that creates it difficult to wear a mask, ask your doctor for advice on what's
best for you.
When exercising, choose an area where wearing a mask isn’t
needed, like reception or during a space (such as outdoors) where you'll keep a
secure physical distance from others. Children and adults shouldn't wear masks
when playing sports or doing physical activities, in order that it doesn't
compromise their breathing. Sweat also can make the mask become wet, making it
difficult to breathe and easier for germs to grow.
What should I search for when getting a mask for my children?
Many masks are designed for adults and won’t fit children
properly. If you're buying masks, choose one that's appropriately sized for
your child. Whether you're buying or making masks for your children, make sure
they cover their mouth, nose and chin, and don’t have any gaps on the edges or
block their vision. confirm they will breathe comfortably within the mask while
walking briskly and talking.
How to clean a cloth mask
Wash fabric masks using soap or detergent, preferably in
predicament (at least 60 degrees Celsius) a minimum of once each day . If
machine washing, use the warmest appropriate setting for the sort of cloth . If
handwashing, use hot, soapy water. After washing, the mask should be dried
completely before being worn again. Store masks during a clean bag.
How to wear a mask correctly
Correctly wearing, removing and caring for a mask is vital to
guard your health and people around you. Practice following this checklist
together with your family to show it into a routine.
When putting on a mask
• Always start by washing your hands with soap and water before
putting on a mask.
• Make sure the mask is clean. Check it for tears or holes.
Don’t wear it if dirty or damaged.
• Adjust the mask to securely cover the mouth, nose and chin,
leaving no gaps on the edges .
• Make sure it's comfortable to breathe.
While wearing a mask
• Change the mask if it gets dirty or wet.
• Don’t pull the mask down under the nose or chin, or wear it on
your head – it should fully cover the mouth and nose to be effective.
• Do not touch the mask while wearing it.
Tip: If you and your family decide to take masks off and reuse
them during the day, carry clean resealable bags to store them. Use a separate
bag for every mask in your family. When placing the mask in or removing it from
the bag, handle the mask by the elastic loops or ties (without touching the
mask surface) to avoid possible contamination. Remember to scrub your hands
before putting it on.
When beginning a mask
• Wash hands before beginning the mask.
• Take off the mask by removing it using the elastic loops or
ties. Avoid touching the front of the mask.
• Wash your hands after removing the mask.
• Fabric masks should be washed after each use and stored during
a clean bag.
• Medical masks are single-use and will be disposed of during a
closed bin.
6 common mistakes to avoid
Adobe Stock/Veronika
From left to right:
• Don't pull below the nose
• Don't leave the chin exposed
• Don't pull below the chin
• Don't touch the mask while wearing it
• Don't wear a loose mask
• Don't wear a unclean , damaged or wet mask.
Talking to your children about masks
The COVID-19 pandemic has upset family life round the world
causing stress, anxiety and sadness. Understandably masks may increase such
feelings for several children, especially in places where they're not wont to
wearing masks. For younger children especially , mask wearing are often
confusing and upsetting.
If your family hasn’t worn masks before, it’s important to
approach it in an open and supportive way together with your children. Mask
wearing is developing a habit, so ongoing reminders and consistent behaviour
are going to be key. It’s also important to remind your children that a mask
should be combined with other key precautions (such as physical distancing,
frequent handwashing) to guard themselves and everybody else.
Here are some ideas to assist you introduce masks to your
family:
Be honest
Use age-appropriate language and be sensitive to your children’s
level of hysteria . Recognize that masks aren’t super fun for any folks . But
explain how by wearing masks, we will help keep people around us safe,
including older and more vulnerable members of society. Wearing a mask shows
that we care about one another .
Remind them that there are many experts working hard to prevent
COVID-19, but they have our help which means taking every precaution.
And it’s important for all folks to recollect that wearing a
mask alone doesn’t make us safe, we'd like to stay washing our hands frequently
and maintaining a distance from people outside our homes.
Listen and show empathy
Ask your children what they think and appearance for signs of
hysteria like a change in their visual communication or tone of voice. Answer
their questions as best you'll . It’s OK to not know all the answers – this is
often a replacement situation for all folks . Remind them that they will always
come to you with any questions or concerns at any time. Check regularly on how
they're feeling. counting on their age, you'll ask what they’re hearing from
friends to start out the conversation and to form sure they need reliable
information.
Start out reception
Try wearing the masks reception for a short time together and
gradually build up the time to assist your children get wont to wearing one.
Using the checklist above, practice putting on, wearing and beginning the masks
together.
Remember that younger children rely more on communication cues
like smiling, so practice smiling with masks on with them and consider how your
tone of voice can help. you'll also put a mask on a favorite stuffed animal
with them to assist masks appear more familiar.
Involve your children
Masks are available many colors and styles and youngsters will
see them as a chance to precise themselves. attempt to turn choosing a mask or
fabric into a fun activity and involve them the maximum amount as possible.
Remember, the more your children just like the look of their masks, the more
likely they're to wear them even when you’re not around.
Be consistent
Successful mask wearing is about developing a replacement habit,
so modelling the proper behaviour and repetition are key. Find ways to repeat
the importance of wearing a mask correctly and encourage your family to remind
one another if you see something that isn’t right. Children are quick to
identify inconsistencies, so be mindful of the instance you set and encourage
relatives and friends around your family to follow recommendations on wearing
masks also .
