The mask under the chin or the nose that protrudes from the mask to breathe better ... We have all seen at least once a passerby with a protective mask against the badly put coronavirus. And sometimes, we are even the ones who misuse them. Whether disposable or reusable, certain gestures with masks are to be avoided to avoid contamination. Dr Jimmy Mohamed, doctor and columnist on the program Sans rendez-vous, every day on Europe 1 from 3 p.m. to 4 p.m., explains what you should avoid doing with your mask.
We don't touch the outside
When you wear a mask, if you want to handle it, especially avoid touching the outside. In fact, it is potentially contaminated by the virus and you could contaminate your hands. If you want to remove your mask temporarily or permanently, grab it by the elastic bands on the sides. And if you have to put it back, hold it again by the elastic bands only.
We avoid the "cowboys" style
When you wear a mask, "you are not in the Wild West, you are not cowboys!" Quips Dr. Mohamed. You should therefore avoid wearing your mask under your mouth, you could contaminate yourself. If you don't want to put it on, you just have to remove it.
We don't let anything overflow
The correctly positioned mask must cover the nose and mouth. "It's a bit like when you put your pants on: the whole package must be inside ...", laughs the doctor. "We don't let anything overflow!"
CORONAVIRUS ESSENTIALS
> Coronavirus: the French Academy has decided, it will now be necessary to say “the” Covid-19
> Coronavirus: is the second wave inevitable?
> Gatherings, trips, sport: what remains prohibited despite the deconfinement
> Deconfinement: what you need to know about returning to work
> Deconfinement: what hygiene for self-service bikes, scooters and scooters?
No need to remove your mask to call
A reflex that some of us have is to remove or lower our mask when we call. It is however useless: the sound waves are not blocked by the mask. Your correspondent will hear you just as well. Especially if you put the phone near your mouth, you risk contaminating yourself because your hands are potentially full of viruses.
We throw our mask in the trash
If you must throw your mask away because it is no longer usable or defective, do not throw it away on public roads. Garbage collectors and cleaning agents are on the front line and could be infected by picking up your soiled mask. Put your mask in a closed garbage bag, then leave it for 24 hours before throwing it in the garbage bin. Yellow trash cans are not recommended for the treatment of masks, whether fabric or surgical.