Wearing a mask

How we feel about them doesn’t change the science. We know that they are not perfect, but they do make a difference!

People all around the world have been taking various measures to curb the spread of Covid-19 since it first arrived. We know by now, that the only way for us to successfully slow this down is by staying away from each other! Limiting our social interactions with others is the best thing we can do eight now.

However, there will always be scenarios, where this is difficult, like, in the supermarket, or even in a doctor’s surgery (the irony!) But, we have been told by experts across the world that wearing masks will protect us from spreading this deadly virus that has already killed hundreds of thousands of people worldwide.

As specialists worldwide have implored of the public to wear masks even if they are not infected, our own health officials have advised us to do the same, whenever we can.

“The surgical mask which is being used by most people prevents an individual from spreading respiratory droplets when coughing or sneezing. We are therefore encouraging people to wear them when in public places so that in the event they have the virus they do not pass it on to other people,” says the WHO.

According to the World Health Organisation (WHO) individuals taking care of persons suspected to be infected by the virus should wear face masks. Masks are however only really effective when used in combination with frequent hand-cleaning with alcohol-based hand rub or soap and water.

We talk to Eoin Dillon of Reuben Avenue who had  launched his very own line of functional & fashionable face masks late last year, before we had even heard of Coronavirus.

“My range are reusable masks, anti-bacterial and anti-fungal, mainly stopping people putting their hands in their mouths or nose and contracting corona virus through contact. Covering your mouth is most necessary to stop spreading the virus!” says Eoin.

Eoin tells us that although there are many countries and cultures (for eg, in Asia) where wearing a face mask has been the norm for many years, people are really starting to embrace wearing masks here now.

“We have sold out twice the since the pandemic outbreak, we are now on our forth run of production.” he continued.

Health officials have urged the general public to not try to source surgical grade masks for personal use. It limits the supply of these high grade masks for the medical profession, who desperately need them on the front line. Instead, there are many other sites and on-line retailers selling masks of every sort and design. Various materials are also on offer, including natural and breathable materials available like silk and linen.

Please do your bit by wearing a mask. There are plenty of creative ones out there now if you would like to stay on trend!