Let's see together what are the best COVID masks to protect us from Coronavirus and comply with the DPCM rules
The latest report published byECDC (European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control), with the indications on the use of medical and non-medical type masks in people not yet infected, to counter the spread of COVID-19, highlighted that:
- the use of medical-grade face masks (surgical or other medical device) it is generally reserved for healthcare professionals
- the use of masks in public it is an excellent means of control to reduce the spread of the virus, because reduces the spread of respiratory droplets by those infected individuals who have not yet developed symptoms or asymptomatic and is especially recommended in crowded and closed places, such as shops, shopping malls or when using public transport
- the use of non-medical face masks made from various fabrics, especially in case of supply problems, making sure to wear them correctly
- the use of masks is only a complementary measure and does not replace other preventive measures, such as, social distancing, respiratory hygiene (coughing or sneezing into a disposable handkerchief or the crook of the elbow to avoid passing the droplets to others), hand hygiene, and avoiding touching your face with your hands , nose, eyes and mouth
The latest provisions of Prime Ministerial Decree of 24 October 2020 indicate that the bezels:
they must be worn outdoors and indoors other than private homes (not only in closed places accessible to the public)
exception to these obligations, when both indoors and outdoors, due to the characteristics of the place or the factual circumstances, the condition of isolation from non-cohabiting people is continuously guaranteed
are not subject to the obligation of mask children under the age of six, people with pathologies or disabilities not compatible with continued use of the mask e those who assist / interact with them
during thesports activity the use of a mask is not mandatory
The use of the mask must be accompanied by other protective measures aimed at reducing the infection (such as physical distancing and constant and careful hygiene of the hands), waiting for the first to be produced Coronavirus vaccines.
It is not useful to wear multiple overlapping surgical masks. The reasoned use of surgical masks is important to avoid unnecessary waste and create situations of deficiency of the same.
In the event that symptoms appear, it is necessary to use masks certified as medical devices.
Which mask to wear?
Best COVID masks of washable fabric
Let's start with a fundamental consideration: fabric masks (even self-produced ones) are not medical devices or Personal Protective Equipment (PPE).
This type of masks cannot be used in a hospital or care setting as they do not meet the technical requirements of medical devices and personal protective equipment. The wearer must in any case respect the rules on social distancing and the other indications introduced to deal with the COVID-19 emergency.
These masks can be produced pursuant to art. 16, paragraph 2, of Legislative Decree 18/2020, according to which the manufacturer must guarantee the safety of the product. For these masks there is no evaluation by the Istituto Superiore di Sanità and INAIL.
Disposable masks or washable masks can be used, even self-produced, manufactured with multilayer materials suitable to provide adequate protection and, at the same, guaranteeing comfort, breathability, adequate shape and adherence, which allow to cover from the chin up to the top. of the nose.
If you know how to dabble with needle and thread, you can produce the so-called ones yourself community masks, with common low-cost materials (such as fabric scraps), which are designed to reduce the circulation of the virus in daily life and are also not subject to particular certifications.
Same as for fabric masks neither medical devices nor personal protective equipment should be considered, but only a functional hygienic measure to reduce the spread of the SARS-COV-2 virus, if used correctly and constantly.
If you want to self-produce your masks, I recommend that you follow the guidelines on the production of self-made community masks.
Community masks can be washed self-produced if you make materials that resist washing at 60 degrees, While the commercial community masks they are washable if indicated on the package.
It is not useful to wear multiple overlapping masks.
