Educating people on proper mask usage is more beneficial compared to mask usage campaign

Surgical masks are relatively unaffordable nowadays due to their high price and limited availability. To address this matter in context of preventing the spread of Covid-19, World Health Organization (WHO) has approved the use of cloth face masks. According to Indonesian Pediatric Association, the effectivity of cloth face masks in preventing Covid-19 transmission has not been well established. However, they could be considered an alternative for limited availability of surgical masks, as suggested by The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) in order to reduce the spread of Covid-19, especially in asymptomatic people where they have actually been infected but not yet showing any symptoms.

               After the new normal life began, the government still requires people to wear masks (particularly cloth ones) when doing activities outside home. It appears that most road users have complied to this protocol, although some are not. By considering the increased number of Covid-19 positive cases, the government and related agencies should put more attention to whether people have complied to proper usage of masks. Recently in Indonesia, new clusters of Covid-19 cases were found in traditional markets (source: bbc.com). Although traders in the market appear to have worn masks and even face shields, the public still lacks in understanding how to use masks properly according to the current health protocols.

               The sight of traditional market traders who wear masks under their chin is quite common. For those who wears face shield, it is often raised and unraised repeatedly when transacting with buyers, increasing the chance of contact with probably dirty hands. Based on those situations, it is necessary to educate traders in traditional markets (particularly in the morning) on how to use the face mask properly.

As cited from Moffit Cancer Center, here are 5 common mistakes when wearing a face mask:

1.      The mask only covers the mouth.

Nose and chin are portals for air and virus entry, thus should also be covered. If not, droplets will burst out of the nose when a person sneeze or cough.

2.      Improper type of mask.

Improper type and shape of mask that does not suit one’s facial features would cause discomfort and possibly difficulty to breathe, therefore they tend to remove the mask.

3.      Touching the worn mask too often.

Touching the outer part of a mask, the place where viral or bacterial contamination may occur, is a highly risky behavior. When the dirty hands touch the eyes, nose or mouth, it increases the risk of virus entering the respiratory tract. In reverse, touching the mask with dirty hands might contaminate the mask instead.

4.      Touching the outer part of mask when removing it.

By doing this, it increases the risk of contaminating hands with anything that attaches to the outer part of the mask, including viral particles.

5.      Not washing the mask properly.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), cloth masks are washable using soap and are washing machine-friendly.

Indonesia is comprised of communities with a very diverse cultural and socioeconomic background, leading to gaps in terms of education, social status and habits. This particular gap prevents information in the mass media, newspapers and television from reaching all elements of society. For this reason, there is a need for local government, public health office, as well as village officials to collaborate and continuously educate the community on how to wear mask properly. Empowering the local universities to provide guidance to the community through community service is also highly suggested. Moreover, with the enactment of new normal life protocols, the availability of masks is not the only challenge, we have to ensure everyone is putting their effort in eliminating risky behaviors to prevent further spreading of Covid-19.