As
the nationwide lockdown is eased, people are venturing back out to work, school
and the shops. However, with the Covid-19 pandemic still raging, it is more important
than ever to take precautions against spreading infection. Wear a mask,
maintain social distancing and wash your hands regularly, with soap: Dr Susan
Louw, a pathologist at the National Health Laboratory Service and spokesperson
for Dettol, notes that “there’s a very clear link between poor hygiene and
communicable diseases – disease processes such as typhoid, gastro-enteritis and
the common flu, let alone Covid-19. So, if we can improve hygiene and hygiene
routines in a community, we will definitely be able to impact on all
communicable diseases.”
Easy Tips to Keep Your Glasses Fog-Free When You Wear a Mask
- Create a seal: One of Shaw’s favorite tips is to adjust the fit to create a seal along the top edge of a basic surgical mask. Simply twist the loops once and put them over your ears (they’ll form a figure eight when viewed from the side). Twisting the loops puts slight downward pressure on the top part of the mask, redirecting your breath so it doesn’t flow up into your eyes. Pinch the mask over the bridge of your nose so it fits comfortably.
- Rest your glasses on your mask: Whatever type of mask you’re wearing, once you’ve fit the mask to the bridge of your nose, try resting your eyeglasses on it. Covering a quarter inch of the mask with the bottom of your frames creates a seal. Just be sure you also cover your nose and mouth completely.
- Close the gap: If your mask isn’t snug enough on the bridge of your nose, you can close the gap with medical or athletic tape—or even an adhesive bandage.
- Get more air circulating: Try pushing your glasses forward on your nose just a bit. This allows more air to circulate so your breath doesn’t fog your vision.
- Try anti-fogging solutions: Use an anti-fogging cream or spray on your lenses or safety goggles. Since mask-wearing has become an everyday necessity, these solutions are more widely available in optical shops, drugstores, and online. “You may have heard that washing your lenses with soap and water before wearing them may help,” Shaw notes. “But the effect isn’t as good or long-lasting as an anti-fogging solution.”
- Order a coating for new lenses: If you’re ordering new glasses, Shaw suggests considering lenses with a permanent anti-fogging coating. “It prevents the fogging that happens when you transition from a cold environment to a warm one—such as getting into your car when it’s freezing outside. It can also keep your lenses from fogging up during sports like tennis or skiing, or other times you’re hot and perspiring.”
How to wear a mask correctly
When
it comes to wearing a mask, there are several common mistakes that many people
make, which can undermine the whole point of wearing a mask. Here are five tips
to ensure that you get maximum protection:
- Get the fit right. The mask
should sit on the bridge of your nose (not balanced on the tip). It should
cover your nose, mouth and extend over your chin. The mask should fit snugly,
without billowing out at the sides or leaving obvious gaps. Don’t leave your
nose sticking out, as you will still be able to inhale (and exhale) infectious
droplets. - Wash your hands before
putting your mask on, and again before taking it off. Use soap and wash your
hands for at least 20 seconds. This prevents your hands from contaminating your
mask, and vice-versa.
- Don’t touch your mask while
wearing it. When removing it, use the loops to take it off, rather than
touching the fabric or the front of the mask. - Don’t pull your mask down
to rest on your chin or around your neck (or up onto your forehead). You’re
obviously not protected while it is in this position, and it may become
contaminated. - Wash your mask frequently
with hot water and detergent and allow it to dry completely. Don’t wear it when
wet. Also, don’t wear the same mask for long periods or repeat occasions
without washing it thoroughly in between, and always store it in a clean, dry
place. - Finally, remember that
while wearing a mask correctly can help to prevent the spread of coronavirus,
it’s not a failsafe. It is still possible to become infected. To stay safe,
avoid going out unnecessarily and try to keep a distance of at least 2m between
yourself and others. And remember to get in the habit of washing your hands
with soap regularly and well, as this is an important way to prevent the spread
of disease.
