The battle against COVID-19 is not over yet. There are cases of coronavirus still surging throughout the country. It becomes more than necessary that we quadruple our efforts to protect ourselves and others as well. In our previous battle against COVID-19 variants it has been proven that layers of protection offer best defense against coronavirus, and it must be noted that apart from vaccines and booster shots, masks play an absolutely crucial role in protecting us.
Ziqitza Healthcare Ltd, one of India’s leading emergency helpline and healthcare services provider states that it is general consensus that vaccinated and boosted people are better protected against severity, hospitalizations and death. However, even vaccinated people can act as carriers and spread highly contagious COVID-19 variants such as omicron, if infected. Masks can limit the spread in such cases, if people continue to follow mask guidelines.
Are Masks Effective in Curbing COVID-19 Infections?
Ziqitza Healthcare points out that there is multiple evidence that proves the efficacy of the masks. As per an experiment, around hundreds of droplets ranging between 20 to 500 micrometers are generated while speaking. However, all these droplets were effectively stopped when the mouth was covered with a damp washcloth. An ever-growing body of evidence supports the benefits of medical and nonmedical masks. Ziqitza remarks on the basis of this evidence that masks help catch and trap larger respiratory droplets and even the smaller particles known as aerosols.
Ziqitza Rajasthan further explains that it is a known fact that COVID-19 is transmitted from one person to another via respiratory droplets which is produced when a person sneezes, coughs, or talks. Masks act as a simple barrier and effectively prevent these droplets from spreading in the air and infecting others. Therefore, ZHL Rajasthan advises that one should wear a mask not only to protect oneself but also others.
Should Children Wear Masks?
As per the World Health Organisation, children are least affected, but they are at the greatest risk because they are prone to a larger number of contact in school and in public areas. Ziqitza Limited points out that there are a number of studies that are being carried out to assess the risk of infection in children. The World Health Organisation recommends that children below the age of two year should not wear masks, since there is greater risk of suffocation in case of lack of supervision. The World Health organisation further recommends that children above the age of two must wear masks in community settings, if physical contact cannot be avoided.
Ziqitza Limited Rajasthan suggests that as part of COVID-19 appropriate behaviour, parents must teach their children that wearing a mask is also important along with handwashing and physical distancing, to protect everyone.
If Wearing a Mask, Physical Distancing is Not Needed
Ziqitza Healthcare Limited remarks that wearing a mask is just one of the many steps that is required to prevent the spread of COVID-19 infection. Wearing a mask should be practiced along with maintaining physical distance, washing hands regularly, avoiding crowded areas, staying indoors if sick, etc.
The concept behind wearing the mask is risk reduction and not absolute prevention. There are studies that suggest that 80% of the population wearing masks will be more beneficial than a strict lockdown. There is an old English proverb – Prevention is better than cure. Wearing mask is a preventive measure and like all other COVID-19 related preventive measure, it is absolutely imperative that we wear them, not because we’re asked to do so, but because it is our responsibility to keep each other’s safe.