Since the issue of corona (Covid-19) first emerged, news about masks has always accompanied it. Starting from the skyrocketing price of masks, the disappearance of masks from the market, the debate over what type of mask is the most effective, the pros and cons of using masks, to the mask crisis throughout the world.
There was also a debate about the use of masks for healthy people. However, recently an appeal has emerged that has been agreed upon by various parties regarding the importance of using masks in order to reduce the risk of transmission of the COVID-19 corona virus infection. Apart from the WHO, the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) also recommends wearing a mask for everyone who wants to leave the house, even if they are in good health.
The Indonesian Institute of Sciences (LIPI) has also confirmed that people without symptoms infected with coronavirus Covid-19 can infect other people. LIPI microbiology researcher Sugiyono Saputra told the media that this situation could make the spread of Covid-19 even more difficult to detect. LIPI also conveyed that a recent study from patients in China showed that 12.6 percent of cases were pre-symptomatic transmission. Pre-symptomatic transmission is transmission from people who carry the virus - but do not yet have symptoms - to other healthy people. There are even indications that infected people may show symptoms of Covid-19 earlier than infectious people. This is why in the end even healthy people are encouraged to also use masks.
However, if we look back, even without this appeal, the mask crisis would have been very worrying. Not only in Indonesia, mask crisis also occurred in Singapore, England, Hong Kong, China and even Japan. Imagine if now everyone was required to wear a mask when leaving the house. So to avoid a shortage of masks, especially for medical workers - those who need them most, CDC then recommends choosing cloth masks.
However, the use of cloth masks has also caused debate in medical circles. The reason is because cloth masks are not effective in preventing the transmission of Covid-19. There are even concerns that using a cloth mask will actually be dangerous because it can create a "false sense of security" and reduce the wearer's vigilance.
Reasons why cloth masks were previously considered less effective
Cloth masks are mostly made by home industries whose manufacturing processes and materials do not follow medical standards;
The fabric used is not the same as surgical masks or N95 masks;
The edges of cloth masks tend to be loose, so they cannot cover the area around the nose and mouth perfectly;
Cloth masks cannot prevent the entry of very small particles, such as the Corona virus, into the nose or mouth through the air;
Because it moves easily and is loose, so the wearer needs to repeatedly touch the face to adjust the position of the mask, this is actually dangerous.
Then what is an effective cloth mask like?
Corona viruses have a diameter of around 0.05 - 0.3 microns. Technically it is N95 masks and surgical masks that are most effective at filtering viruses up to 95% more effectively than other masks. However, the corona virus is not a virus that is transmitted through the air, but rather from droplets or splashes of body fluids which usually occur during conversation or when sneezing and coughing. Therefore, cloth masks can still function if used correctly, at least to prevent these droplets from reaching other people.
Researchers from the University of Cambridge have also looked at the effectiveness of homemade masks from various materials. Fabrics that have the best filtering capacity are 100% cotton t-shirts, cotton pillowcases, and cotton materials in general. Silk fabrics have the worst filtering capacity. Cotton cloth masks can also be lined with coffee filters or tissue to increase filtering power.
Check out the tutorial for making cloth masks recommended by the CDC here.
At Least, This is Why Cloth Masks Are Finally Recommended for Use
Cloth masks are easy to get, anyone can make them, what you need to pay attention to is the type of fabric and recommendations for using this mask.
Cloth masks can be washed and reused over and over again.
Does not interfere with the availability of masks for paramedics and those who need them.
Cloth masks can prevent droplets from moving (although not 100%)
Cloth masks block reflex movements of the hands towards the face, especially the nose and mouth (Also add the use of glasses to get extra eye protection from the touch of your own hands)
How to Implement Mandatory Masks in Stores
1. Apply to All Staff in the Store
For you shop owners and staff on duty, first apply the use of masks when in the shop. This will automatically make other people feel the need to wear masks when they come to your shop.
2. Mandatory Mask Poster
Make a simple poster or banner that is easy to read by visitors to your shop or anyone who passes by. The poster states that masks are mandatory before entering the shop. If necessary, on the first and second day, you can distribute free masks as a form of concern for others.
3. Provide Education to Customers
Continue to remind customers after every transaction. You can also leave a message such as "always wear a mask every time you leave the house" on your receipt.
(Check here to maximize the appearance of your receipt on the Qasir application)
Please remember: Using a cloth mask is only one of the supporting steps for prevention, not the only way to prevent Covid-19. Don't let the use of cloth masks create a "false feeling of security". The most important thing about preventing Covid-19 is actually continuing to implement physical distancing by staying at home, staying away from crowds, and not traveling if it is not necessary.
Also read Qasir's article about physical distancing here
Tips for Using and Cleaning Cloth Masks
It is highly recommended to use a cloth mask for no more than four hours. You also need to remember to use a cloth mask of at least two layers. Afterwards, the mask must be washed so that its use function is optimal. It is recommended to wash it using warm water and soap to kill viruses and bacteria. After that, dry the mask in the sun until it is completely dry.
Until now there is no definite information about how long the corona virus can survive on clothes and fabrics. However, the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that people returning home after traveling should immediately wash their clothes, including the cloth masks they wear, in warm water and dry them thoroughly.
The CDC also notes that flu viruses can be killed by temperatures above 75 degrees, along with the use of common household cleaning products such as detergent. Apart from that, it is also important to maintain distance and wash your hands frequently to break the chain of transmission of COVID-19.