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Roselyne Sachiti

Features, Health and Society Editor

Single use face masks should only be worn once and disposed in a proper manner, a Ministry of Health and Child Care official said recently.

Responding to questions by The Herald, Acting director nursing services, Dr Lilian Dodzo, said a disposable mask should be discarded after single use.

“It should never be washed and used again because it is no longer effective. There is no more protection after washing it because the material breaks due to washing,” she said.

Dr Donzo said the single use mask should not be worn for more than four hours.

In most high density residential areas, people have been washing single use face masks and wearing them thrice.

Dr Donzo said guidelines for use of disposable face masks state that these should be worn once and discarded.

“It can be worn in public places or when you get a visitor in the home who is not part of the household. It should be made up of three layers (outer layer should be water resistant, second layer/ middle layer should be synthetic non- woven material which should retain microbes and at the same time enhance filtration and breathing and the inner layer should be moisture resistant.”

She said the shape of the mask should allow covering of the nose, mouth and sides of face.

“The face mask should snuggly fit and rest on the bridge of the nose without causing discomfort.  One should wash or sanitise hands before touching the face to wear it. Always avoid touching the face mask especially the outer part to avoid risk of transmission of the coronavirus,” she added

She said it is important to wash or sanitize hands once one happens to touch the mask.

She added: “Remove and throw into the bin which has a lid once it’s dirty, moist or damaged. After use, remove and place in a bin with lid, away from children.”

Dr Donzo added that similar guidelines apply to the reusable mask.

“Reusable mask same as above, but to be washed with soap and water. Dry in the sun or iron. Do not soak in chemicals or disinfectants as they may affect the respiratory system or cause some reactions,” she added.

She emphasised that wearing of a face mask alone is not effective urging the application of other preventive strategies which are physical distancing and handwashing.