How to reuse a mask? Answering familiar questions to help prevent infection February 19, 22:00

We asked Erisa Sugawara, Director of the Japan Society for Environmental Infectious Diseases, who specializes in the prevention of infection by a new type of coronavirus, about his immediate questions.

Q1 Are gloves effective for preventing virus infection?

Should I wash my gloves after riding a train with gloves?

A1 Somewhat effective

Gloves are somewhat effective in preventing infection because they can prevent direct contact with bare hands where a virus may be attached.

However, there is no point in touching your face with the gloves. Also, if the glove has a virus, touching the glove anywhere else will spread the virus.

This means that if you can wash your gloves, you should do so each time.

Q2 What is the disinfection sheet that does not contain alcohol?

Alcohol disinfection is said to be effective, but is it possible to use a commercially available disinfection sheet that does not contain alcohol? .

A2 disinfection effect is not clear

Although it may be possible to remove the virus by wiping even a disinfecting sheet that does not contain alcohol, the effect of disinfection has not been clarified.

Q3 Does the infection stop when heat is applied?

How long does the new coronavirus stop transmitting? Also, does fever stop the infection?

A3 Heat of more than 80 degrees

WHO = The World Health Organization does not know for sure how infectious the new coronavirus will be on the surface of things, but there is information suggesting that it will remain infectious for several hours.

According to Kan's principle, viruses generally lose their activity when heated to more than 80 degrees.

Q4 Can I reuse masks for alcohol disinfection?

I can't get a mask. Can I dispose of the disposable mask with alcohol and then dry it for reuse?

A4 Not recommended from a sanitary point of view

Masks are basically worn to prevent the spread of infection, but can be considered as a precautionary measure in crowded places or places with poor ventilation such as indoors and vehicles.

Reusing disposable masks as-is is not recommended for sanitary reasons.

If a mask is not available, we recommend putting gauze inside the disposable mask and replacing the gauze.

On the other hand, gauze-only masks are coarse and cannot be expected to be very effective in preventing infection.

Emergency masks made of kitchen paper are effective to prevent dust during a disaster, but they are not expected to prevent infection.