If you’d asked us a year ago what the biggest accessory of 2020 would be… well, we wouldn’t have guessed face masks! Yet here we are and we couldn’t be more proud of our Geri Fashions customers who are helping to do their part by wearing a mask when out and about.

Masks are playing a critical part in helping to keep our friends, family and neighbours safe, but are you sure you’re wearing yours properly for the maximum benefit to the community?

Now might be a good time to review the World Health Organization (WHO)’s guide to wearing a non-medical fabric mask to prevent the spread of COVID-19.

The Do’s of Wearing a Non-Medical Fabric Mask:

1. Clean your hands before touching the mask
2. Inspect the mask for damage and to check if it’s dirty
3. Adjust the mask to your face ensuring there are no gaps on the sides
4. Be sure to cover your mouth, nose, and chin
5. Avoid touching the mask when you’re wearing it
6. Clean your hands before removing the mask
7. Remove the mask by the straps behind the ears or head
8. Pull the mask away from your face
9. Store the mask in a clean plastic, reusable bag (if it’s not dirty or wet and you plan to use it again)
10. Hold the mask by the straps when removing it from the plastic bag
11. Wash the mask in soap or detergent, preferably in hot water, at least once a day
12. Clean your hands after removing the mask

The Don’ts of Wearing a Non-Medical Fabric Mask:

1. Don’t use a mask that looks damaged
2. Don’t wear a loose mask
3. Don’t wear the mask under the nose
4. Don’t remove the mask where there are people within 1 metre of you
5. Don’t use a mask that is difficult to breathe through
6. Don’t wear a mask that is dirty or wet
7. Don’t share your mask with other people

We hope this information will help keep you and your loved ones healthy and safe. If you’d like to learn more about wearing masks, we recommend you visit the World Health Organization’s website using the link below. You can also check out our Geri Fashions Blog for more information about face masks in Long Term Care homes.

Our friends at Healthwick offer a variety of fabric face masks in multiple colours and designs. These masks can be simply adjusted by tying knots in the ear loops. Visit their website to shop all available reusable fabric masks.

Information Source: World Health Organization