Many governments are making the wearing of masks a precondition for lifting lockdowns, allowing people to return to shops, offices and factories. And with any potential vaccine many months away, billions more masks are going to be needed. As coronavirus continues to claim lives across the globe, here’s what you need to know about medical mask USA.
What does the WHO say about face masks?
The WHO advises people to wear medical mask USA or face covering if they are coughing and sneezing, or going to public places. But they are only effective if combined with frequent hand washing. The United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends wearing medical mask USA or face covering in places such as shops. This can help to slow the spread of the virus. However, it advocates simple cloth masks and says medical mask USA should be reserved for healthcare workers.
Where are masks compulsory?
More than 50 countries are reported to have made it compulsory to wear a face mask in public places. Venezuela and Vietnam were among the first to act. Some airlines, including American, Lufthansa, and United, have announced that face masks will be compulsory in terminals as well on flights. Eurostar, which operates train services between England and France, also requires passengers to wear masks. Many countries impose fines for failing wear medical mask USA or face covering. Some are distributing them free.
Where are the world’s masks being made?
Last year, China made just over half of the world’s masks. This year, the share is expected to climb to 85%. The global market for face masks was worth $75 billion in the first quarter of this year. This is expected to grow at a rate of over 50% for the next seven years. Since the pandemic started, many companies have started producing medical mask USA, including carmaker BMW, which has said it will produce millions of masks to protect its staff and other people against the virus. Around the world, entrepreneurs have started making medical mask or face covering. But not all are of sufficient quality to meet international standards. However, supplies of masks have been disrupted by countries banning exports or requisitioning supplies within their borders.
What types of face masks are being used?
Manufacturers across the world are producing three types of mask – surgical masks (medical masks USA), respirators and cloth masks. Medical mask USA are designed to protect patients from infection during surgery. Respirators, on the other hand, filter air passing in and out of the mask. Cloth face coverings, including home-made masks, are recommended by the CDC as they help stop the wearer from spreading infection. But COVID-19 is spread by micro-droplets emitted when breathing which can enter the body through the eyes and mouth.
To combat micro-droplets, health workers wear visors for eye protection. The WHO says the best way to avoid infection is to wash hands frequently and avoid touching your face. A medical mask USA or face covering may help you stop spreading the virus but hygiene is the key to avoiding getting it.
