The use of a mask has become mandatory when going shopping, on public transport or in closed places where it is necessary to be with other people, such as workplaces. The mask is nowadays an indispensable accessory in everyday life , to protect all those with whom we come across and to feel safe in this resumption of normal life. And it came to stay for a long time. Experts have, therefore, advised the population to use the so-called community masks , leaving to health professionals and patients the surgical or other hospital masks. Following the recommendations of the ECDC (European Center for Disease Prevention and Control) and the technical indications of Infarmed, the national authority that certifies the quality of so-called community masks, we propose that you watch the video and learn how to make your own mask at home . These masks are not considered medical devices and are reusable, and can be used by the general population in their social contacts. The goal is to offer a minimum of 70% filtration and allow four hours of uninterrupted use without degrading the particle retention capacity or the breathability. For this, the material to be used can be synthetic or natural fiber, mix fiber or even mesh, to allow a mask life cycle of at least 5 washes. The protection of the mask is only guaranteed if the rules of cleaning and conservation are respected, such as: The mask must be washed before its first use and always before a new use; The mask must be stored in a dry environment and protected from potential contamination; At the end of the mask's life cycle, wash the mask and throw it in the trash as a non-hazardous textile waste; If you choose not to wash the mask, you must discard it as biological waste; The mask must be used very dry after washing; wet or damp, decreased the protection of the mask. The so-called community mask should be used as a complement to the recommended protection and hygiene measures and to the rules of social distance, which are fundamental for the control of COVID-19. Watch the video and begin preparing at home your community mask. Sources: Máscaras destinadas à utilização no âmbito da COVID-19. Especificações Técnicas 1. Infarmed Máscaras comunitárias reutilizáveis. Citeve COVID-19: Fase de mitigação. Uso de máscaras na comunidade. Direção Geral da Saúde Use of cloth face coverings to help slow the spread of COVID-19. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Click here for more information and advice of Hospital da Luz about COVID-19 pandemic caused by the novel coronavírus SARS-CoV-2 .
