Facemasks have been one of the more contentious issues during the pandemic. Advice has been conflicting and changeable, so we’ve tried to group together some information to help you navigate this minefield.

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You may have heard about masks with respirators. These have been used by those working on COVID wards. They are expensive, specially fitted to the individual and are not advisable for the wider public. Please leave these for the professionals who need this level of PPE.

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It is now compulsory in England to wear a ‘face covering’ on public transport (including buses, trains and planes) and in medical facilities, including hospitals and doctors’ surgeries.

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These are places where social distancing may be impossible or even undesirable – your medical need may require someone to be much closer than 2 metres. A face covering could be a disposable mask, a reusable one, a homemade one, or even a scarf or bandana.

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There are exceptions for some based on age, disability or pre-existing health condition. It is currently advisable to wear a face covering in shops or other public enclosed space where social distancing is difficult.

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That said, it’s probably worth understanding what the purpose behind such face coverings is. Many have pointed out that the virus is microscopic and therefore cannot be ‘caught’ by most types of fabric, which is absolutely true.

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However, COVID-19 is not an airborne disease, and has to be carried in respiratory droplets. These are expelled by an infected person whenever they cough, sneeze, talk or breathe. These droplets are reasonably large, and therefore can often be ‘caught’ by a face covering.

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Whilst a confirmed diagnosis of COVID-19 means you should isolate for at least 7 days, asymptomatic and pre-symptomatic carriers will have no idea they could be infectious. It is for this reason that face coverings have now been made mandatory or advisable in some areas.

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Your face covering is therefore a protection for others. The evidence for the average face mask protecting you is limited, but much greater for protecting others. Your respiratory droplets would be caught in your mask; mine would be caught in mine. We protect each other.

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It’s also worth noting that face coverings only work if worn properly. Having a mask hanging round your chin, off one ear, or with your nose poking out, achieves very little. A face covering should cover your mouth and nose, fitting reasonably closely but comfortably.

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Many authorities, such as the University of Edinburgh, The Lancet and the Center for Disease Control, have suggested they reduce the transmission of the virus significantly when worn correctly and in appropriate circumstances.

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Face coverings therefore are compulsory in some settings, whilst only being advisory in others. They do not replace social distancing, good hand hygiene and good respiratory hygiene.

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