To wear a mask or not: What you should know about protective face clothing

As coronavirus cases go up, some countries have directed their citizens to wear masks as their first line of defense against contracting Covid-19.

The World Health Organisation (WHO) recommends that those who are sick or are caring for someone who is ill should wear a mask. But they also note that the masks only help when they are used correctly and when they are of the right quality.

On Thursday, Health Cabinet Secretary Mutahi Kagwe advised Kenyans to wear masks and some have heeded the call.

But there are questions on whether most people know how to wear a mask and whether they have the right ones in the first place.

More than 40 local manufacturing companies have been recommended by the Kenya Bureau of Standard (Kebs) to produce protective gear.

“All manufactures must abide by the requirements needed. The standard requirement for the surgical mask is KS 2636. The masks must have three layers, inclusive of the filtration to collect air particles,” said Kebs Managing Director Lt Col (rtd) Bernard Njiraini.

According to WHO, the correct way of wearing masks include placing them carefully to cover the mouth and nose securely, minimising any gaps between the face and protective clothing.

One should avoid touching the mask when removing it by untying the lace from behind. After removal, you should clean your hands by using an alcohol-based sanitiser or soap and water.

Masks should not be worn more than once but replaced with a new clean and dry one.

During our survey on the streets of Nairobi, we discovered that most people do not know which specific masks they need.

"The only thing that I have heard about the mask I have is that it prevents me from being infected with the virus through the air," said Kilonzi Musyoka.

Others said they cannot afford masks as per the WHO recommendations of a new one every day.

"I cannot afford a new mask every day. When I get home, I normally air it and use it the next morning," said Lucy Muthoni.

George Gibore, Kenya Union of Clinical Officers secretary general, says that although using masks can be helpful, most people assume that they are safe from contracting the virus and forget that not all face masks are useful or safe.

“In the country, we have surgical masks and the recommended N 95 masks. It’s good to know that these surgical masks protect people from large particles and cannot purely protect them from smaller particles,” he said.

“Wash your hands whether you have the masks or not and do not recycle the masks. Ensure to dispose them of immediately after use”

Gibore cautions that having a protective gear does not mean that you are 100 per cent safe from contracting Covid-19.

“That is the lie that most people are living with it at the moment. If you are in an environment where you are the only one with access to the gear, then you are as good as the one without,” Gibore said.

He wants the government to distribute the face masks in the counties to prevent cons from taking advantage of the people.