By Akifa Emad
Mask — A Crucial Necessity in Pandemic
The first question should be, what is a mask? And why is it crucial to wear it during this current pandemic of Covid-19? The answer to this question is quite simple as a mask is a covering made of fabric or gauze worn on face that covers mouth and nose and has a fitting of nose to avert the entrance of air pollutants or viruses. Now, according to the current situation in which we are all sailing, use of face mask is one of the best precautionary measures as it protects you and the people surrounding you. Studies have shown that these masks are simple barriers that prevent your respiratory droplets from reaching others and vice versa. It is widely known that surgical masks and cloth masks are the most commonly considered options nowadays but it is quite difficult for every single individual to afford these surgical masks so many people opt for the cloth mask.
Cloth Mask / Surgical Mask — Any Discrepancy?
The question that arises is, whether the cloth mask has the same efficacy as surgical masks or not? Recent studies in England have shown that the triple layered cloth mask works with the same efficacy as that of surgical mask. But some points are to be kept in mind while selecting these cloth masks. Always seek for mask having three layers of filtering material. While if you are going to make cloth mask at home you must try the cotton T-shirt or the pillow-case as your filtering material because a research study at Cambridge University proved them to be one of the finest filtering materials in terms of filtration and breath ability.
Cloth Mask / Surgical Mask — Merits and Demerits
Reviewing the advantages and disadvantages of these two masks, the surgical mask is quite costly as compared to the cloth mask which can easily be made at home and is available in market at a much cheaper rate, the cloth mask is a reusable mask. Studies revealed that cloth mask can be used after washing it with hot water whereas the surgical mask is to be changed after every six hours. Moreover, the cloth mask can be made according to the shape and size of our face whereas it is not possible with the surgical masks which is provided in fix sizes and do not deliver us desired fitting. The breath ability rate is quite good in cloth mask as compared to surgical mask. Cloth mask is a very good choice in contrast with the surgical mask in terms of price as the consumption of face mask is a dire need in our country especially in current situations where the rate of cases of covid-19 are escalating and so is the death rate.
Home Taking Message
This fact should be kept in mind that by wearing a mask we not only save our lives but also the life of all those in our periphery. It is time to show some responsibility, Simply, opt for cloth masks, as studies have shown that their adequacy in anticipating against covid-19 is equivalent to that of surgical masks, and they have additional benefits. Your mask protects me, my mask protects you. Let's care for each other. So, WEAR THE MASK OR BEAR THE CONSEQUENCES.
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