Do I need to wear a mask? W
e’ve all been through so much this year as we’ve all learned to adapt to having the COVID-19 pandemic on New Zealand’s doorstep. Using a mask or face covering is something else that many of us are getting used to – but for people with severe respiratory disease wearing a mask can be difficult. From Sunday 30 August 2020 face coverings were made mandatory on all public transport in COVID-19 Alert Levels 2 and above. It’s also recommended that masks or face coverings are worn in any situation where it is not possible to practice physical distancing. There are exceptions though, for example, they do not need to be worn by people with a disability or physical or mental health condition which makes it difficult to wear a face covering.
What type of face covering should I wear? There are different face masks and coverings available: • Medical (NIOSH approved N95 grade or surgical masks). • Non-medical-grade face masks. • Other face coverings such as a bandana or a scarf can also be used if you do not have a mask. N95 Grade Respirator An N95 respirator is a respiratory protective device designed to achieve a very close facial fit and very efficient filtration of airborne particles. N95 masks should capture at least 95% of 0.3 micron particles and should closely fit around the nose and mouth.
People with respiratory conditions most at risk from severe health impacts from COVID-19 are those with uncontrolled or pre-existing respiratory conditions. This includes chronic lung disease, cystic fibrosis, bronchiectasis, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and emphysema, and people who have severe asthma which needs multiple medications and medical care. For these people, higher quality masks are recommended if leaving your home. For people who are at high risk, staying at home as much as possible is still the best way to protect yourself. • For people with very mild or well-controlled asthma, wearing a face mask should not be an issue. • For those who have trouble breathing, severe or poorly controlled asthma with frequent flare-ups, or for those with COPD who are coughing and experiencing significant breathlessness, then it is possible that wearing a face mask could cause discomfort or make it harder to breathe. For those who find wearing a face covering difficult, consider: • Only wearing a mask for short periods of time • Avoiding travel on public transport, or avoiding crowded situations • Using a face mask or face covering that is made of moisture-wicking and breathable fabric (e.g. 100% cotton) – as this may make the mask more comfortable to wear. If you are in doubt as to which face covering to use, check with a health professional about which is most suitable for your condition. For more information on how to make a face covering, and how to wear one safely visit covid19.govt.nz
10 Better Breathing
Non-medical grade/ Disposable Mask A non-medical grade mask is a lightweight, disposable device that creates a physical barrier between the mouth and nose of the wearer and potential contaminants in the immediate environment. Home made Face Covering A cloth mask is intended to trap droplets that are released when the wearer talks, coughs or sneezes. Masks can be made from common materials, such as sheets made of tightly woven cotton. Instructions can be found online including directions for no-sew masks made from bandannas and T-shirts. For more information on the use of face masks or face coverings, visit the New Zealand COVID-19 website
