Wear a mask and protect others

Since the beginning of the Covid-19 outbreak, early in 2020, China Telecom (Europe) Ltd. (CTE) has been donating funds and protective equipment to help many of the countries in Europe where we have offices, customers and friends.

Now, as the outbreak evolves, people are getting more used to living with the virus. Wearing masks has gone from being something only for medical staff and key workers to becoming the new norm for people all across Europe. But a lot of people are still unsure about how to wear a face mask correctly and the best ways of disposing of their used masks.

We’ve pulled together some information and tips to help everyone protect their own health and the health of others by using masks effectively, from choosing and wearing them, to what to do with them when you’ve finished with them.

【1】Choosing a mask

There are three main sorts of masks, all of which have advantages and disadvantages.

Disposable masks (also known as medical surgical masks)

Medical surgical masks are made from a minimum of three layers of material. From the outside to the inside, they are made with first waterproof, then filtration and finally comfort layers. The outer layers are synthetic nonwoven material and the comfort layer is a non-woven fabric. When you’re wearing one of these masks, the white non-woven fabric should face inward and the blue waterproof layer should face outward.

Disposable medical masks are thought to reduce the spread of respiratory droplets from the wearer to other people and their environment. They may also help prevent transmission of the virus from other people to the wearer.

Respirators (also known as filtering facepiece respirators – FFP)

These types of face masks are available in different performance levels, known as FFP2 and FFP3, or N95 and N99. The main benefit of these types of mask is that they prevent infection spreading through droplets of body fluid or blood splash. The FFP masks are particularly suitable for medical personnel looking after patients with COVID-19. Medical staff, and anyone else wearing these FFP masks, must be checked to ensure they have the correct size and fit before they wear them.

Non-medical masks (including fabric masks, home-made masks and face coverings)

Non-medical masks are made from many types of fabric, and don’t have a defined construction. Most have two or more layers, and are washable and reusable. When you’re using them, it’s important to make sure they cover your nose, mouth and chin, and that they’re fixed with elastic or ties to stop them slipping. This type of mask can act as a barrier to prevent the spread of the virus from the wearer to others.

Remember:

When you’re using a mask you need to combine it with other protective methods, including keeping a minimum social distance of at least 1 metre from other people, washing your hands thoroughly and frequently, and avoiding touching your face or your mask. ^[1][2]

【2】How to wear your mask

These are the steps to take to make sure your mask protects other people, according to the World Health Organisation:

Medical masks

1. Clean your hands before touching your mask
2. Inspect the mask for damage or if dirty
3. Find the top side, where the metal piece or stiff edge is
4. Ensure the coloured-side faces outwards
5. Place the metal piece or stiff edge over your nose
6. Cover your mouth, nose and chin
7. Adjust the mask to your face without leaving gaps on the sides
8. Avoid touching the mask.

Non-medical masks

1. Clean your hands before touching your mask
2. Inspect the mask for damage or if dirty
3. Adjust the mask to your face without leaving gaps on the sides
4. Cover your mouth, nose and chin
5. Avoid touching the mask.

Are you wearing your mask in the correct way?

Here’s a video to help you check.

【3】What to do with your used masks

When you’re at home, or when you’ve finished wearing your mask, you need to clean or dispose of your mask carefully.

Cleaning your mask

• Washing your cloth mask in a washing machine will get it clean.
• Hang it out to dry and store in a bag when completely dry.
• Medical masks and respirators are not designed to be washed and will break down in a washing machine or with scrubbing. Only use them for as long as the instructions recommend.

Storing your mask

• To store your mask, fold your cloth or surgical mask in half and place in a clean bag.

Discarding your mask

• Cloth masks can be reused many times. Wash them regularly, and immediately if they get damp or dirty. Throw them away if they are damaged.
• If you are wearing a medical mask, dispose of it safely (in a rubbish bin) when it looks dirty or damaged, or when you have finished using it.
• Your hands must be clean before and after handling your mask. Wash your hands and sanitize before you do anything else, including putting on another mask. ^[3]

By taking care of your mask and wearing it properly, you’re helping to protect others.

Reference List:

1. https://www.who.int/emergencies/diseases/novel-coronavirus-2019/question-and-answers-hub/q-a-detail/q-a-on-covid-19-and-masks
2. https://www.who.int/emergencies/diseases/novel-coronavirus-2019/advice-for-public/when-and-how-to-use-masks
3. https://med.emory.edu/departments/medicine/divisions/infectious-diseases/serious-communicable-diseases-program/pdf/learn-about-masks.pdf

About China Telecom in Europe

China Telecom is China’s leading telephone company, the world’s largest fibre-optic broadband operator and the world’s leading data centre operator.

China Telecom Europe (CTE) was founded in London in 2007 to handle the European business of China Telecom. Its mission is to build a digital silk road by connecting Europe with Asia, extending to the Middle East, Africa and the rest of the world.

CTE provides integrated telecoms and communications services as local solutions for Chinese companies and global solutions for multinational corporations. With unrivalled knowledge of the Chinese market, and regional offices across Europe, CTE is an ideal partner for European and Asian businesses looking to work in China and Asia.