Face masks are still compulsory

23 Dec Face masks are still compulsory

With COVID- 19 still a part of our reality, and the rapid spread of the new Omicron variant, the wearing of face masks and regular sanitisation of our hands and surfaces remains as vital as ever, even if you are fully vaccinated and have received the booster shot. The British Government has reiterated that wearing face masks indoors and when using public transport is a requirement by law. However, when at hospitality venues or exercising indoors (at gyms), face coverings are not required. Children under the age of 11 and people with health conditions or disabilities are exempt. Wearing a face mask protects you and those around you by providing an additional physical barrier to the transmission of the virus. Both surgical and reusable cloth masks are suitable to help prevent the spread of the coronavirus. A face covering should be worn when you are leaving your home, and especially when visiting busy public spaces such as a shopping centre where it can be difficult to keep a distance of 1.5 meters.

Cloth Mask Vs Surgical Mask:

• Cloth masks cover the nose and mouth and is made of washable fabric
• A cloth mask made of three layers of breathable fabrics to ensure adequate protection, masks do not have to be surgical to be effective.
• Cloth masks are environmentally friendly as they can be washed and reused rather than discarded after a single use.
• Surgical masks are made with a non-woven melt blown polypropylene layer, that provides various levels of protection.
• Surgical masks are single use masks only and cannot be washed and used again.

How to wear a mask correctly:

• Firstly, wash your hands for at least 20 seconds with soap and water, or use a hand sanitiser with an alcohol content of atleast 60% before putting it on and after taking it off.
• The mask should fit securely around the face, specifically covering the nose and the mouth areas, and be secured by ties at the back of your head or loops around the ears.
• If you are using a mask with ear loops, you can use a plastic clip or tie to join the ends together at the back of your head to make sure it fits snugly on your face.
• If present, make sure the metallic strip is at the top of the mask and positioned against the bridge of your nose
• Make sure that your mask does not have holes or a valve . This can result in breathing out/in the virus, rendering the mask ineffective.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, or mouth at all times and store used cloth face masks in a plastic bag until you have an opportunity to wash them thoroughly.
• If you are using a surgical mask, be sure to replace it if it gets damp or soiled. Throw the mask away after one single use.

At OsteoVision, we have taken all the necessary steps to protect ourselves and our patients from the coronavirus. We sanitise our facilities and equipment after each patient visit. Our patients’ temperature is taken before every appointment and COVID screening questionnaires are to be completed before each booking. Our team wears full PPE when working with clients and PPE is changed between each patient. We do request that patients use a facemask during their appointment. Following these rules is vital to us, as it allows us to treat our patients to the best of our abilities, while minimising the risk of exposure to the virus. Please remember to wash your hands often, and wear a facemask when meeting other people and interacting outside of your home.