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15 July 2020
This week the UK government announced that wearing face coverings or face masks in supermarkets will become mandatory in England. For the general public, there can be some confusion over the different types of masks available, and which ones are the most appropriate for everyday use. Let's take a look at what's available...
Wearing a face mask helps prevent the spread of infection and the individual from contracting any airborne infectious germs.
When someone coughs, talks or sneezes they release germs into the air that may infect others nearby. Face masks are part of an infection control strategy to eliminate cross-contamination.
Although the science around the effectiveness of face masks is not definitive, these items likely offer some protection from the coronavirus and some studies concluded that wearing face masks could prevent the transmission of the coronavirus from asymptomatic individuals.
Social distancing and hand washing, however, do remain by far the most important disease prevention measures for covid-19, however, it is now vital that you should wear a face covering when shopping.
The government has now announced that wearing a face covering in shops and supermarkets in England is to become mandatory from Friday 24 July. Since, June 15th, passengers on public transport, including on buses, trains and trams – have been required by law to wear face coverings.
• Those who fail to comply with the new rules will face a fine of up to £100.
• Children under 11 and those with certain disabilities will be exempt.
• The rule does not apply to retail staff working within the business.
The WHO recommends that the general public wear non-medical masks (face coverings), as medical masks are a critical source for healthcare and frontline workers and others who need them the most, including individuals aged 60 and over and people with existing medical conditions.
People are currently using 3 main types of face mask:
• Surgical Masks
• Respirators: such as N95, FFP2/3, or the equivalent
• Face Coverings
View this infographic on the CDC website
The types of individuals likely to wear either a surgical or respirator mask are likely to be doctors, dentists, paramedics, people in close proximity to confirmed or possible Covid-19 patients, individuals over 60 and people with existing medical conditions.
Cloth face coverings are not personal protective equipment (PPE). They are not appropriate substitutes for PPE such as respirators (like N95 respirators) or medical facemasks (like surgical masks) in workplaces where respirators or facemasks are recommended or required to protect the wearer. Face coverings are simply anything that covers your mouth and nose that Is made out of cloth or other textiles and through which you can breathe easily.
It is recommended that only the general public are to wear face coverings and not to wear either a surgical or respirator mask, so that these can be kept for those that need them most.
To remove the face mask: remove it from behind (do not touch the front of the mask); discard of this immediately in a closed bin to avoid cross-contamination and potentially passing on harmful viruses, then wash hands with alcohol-based hand rub or soap and water.
If you are using a face covering, please ensure that this is washed after every use as per the manufacturing instructions.
> View All Of Our PPE Products <
If you're looking for help with sourcing masks for yourself or your business get in touch! We have a wide range of masks available, as well as other PPE equipment and hand sanitisers - everything you could need to stay safe during the pandemic! Contact our helpful team today by emailing sales@spservices.co.uk or calling 01952 288 999 (Weekdays Mon-Fri)
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