The wearing of face masks in open and public places is an imperative requirement imposed by authorities. Yes, they’re relatively inconvenient because it interferes with your breathing, but a face mask can significantly hinder the further transmission of the COVID-19 disease.
However, many people today believe that they’re no longer a necessity since the vaccination rate has increased considerably high. But this may not be the case because you can still be a carrier if you’re exposed and contract the disease if the vaccine happens to lapse.
In today’s article, I’ll talk about why they’re still important and when you should wear them. So without any further delays, let’s begin…
Table of Contents
When Should I Wear a Mask?
Protecting yourself from COVID-19 involves layered protection such as vaccination, proper hygiene, hand sanitation, and, most importantly, the wearing of a face mask. In fact, they are the basic health requirement that should be the most apparent protective measure on you as you go to areas where there are crowds of people.
International health protocol preferably requires people to wear them every time they are in public. In addition, the primary lists of criteria you have to take note of when considering a face mask include the ones that best fit you, are comfortable, and it is able to protect you effectively.
Be Aware of the Community Level You’re Residing In
Many countries worldwide still implement strict health protocols, which include the proper face mask to wear in specific areas, and then how you should wear them to prevent the spread of the disease in your community.
Although the type of face mask won’t be checked by authorities all the time, it is important to put on the appropriate one according to the community—
Low-Risk Areas
Under low-risk areas, health protocols are not strictly executed, but you have to wear face masks where they are required by local authorities. The good news is that you can wear the kind of face mask according to your preference. May it be a neck gaiter, bandana, surgical face mask, and anything in-between as long as it shuts down the entry to your mouth and nose, then everything should be fine.
Medium-Risk Areas
You have to wear your face mask whenever there are groups of people around you in an area where it is identified by the local government as medium-risk. If you are a person with comorbidity or a person with a weak immune system, then you may have to opt for an unwoven or surgical face mask such as a KN95 or N95 to completely protect yourself from the disease.
Fabric or face masks that were knitted from cloth may not be sufficient to shield you from COVID-19 or any diseases due to their loose and unreliable materials.
High-Risk Area
In an area where strict public restrictions are implemented, your vaccination status will be a definite requirement for establishments and in specific open public spaces. The wearing of face masks will be mandatory and should be worn at all times, even in areas where there are only minimal crowds.
In addition, you have to voluntarily test yourself, especially if you are living with a person who is suffering from a severe illness or compromised immune system. This is an important task that you have to comply with before you interact and socialize with them.
Final Thoughts
Although face masks are required in public spaces where there are crowds, the general consensus is that you have to put them on as soon you leave the premises of your home. And this is because there’s a possibility that you may forget to wear them in instances when you have to socialize and interact with other people.
Also, the type of face mask plays an important role in protecting you from the disease. Unwoven or surgical masks may not be as stylish, but they will definitely provide you with the protection you need. If you’re conscious of how you look in public, then you can go for masks with darker color. Also, you can shop black KN95 bulk online, so you won’t run out of them whenever the need arises.