COVID-19 is an infectious disease caused by the most recently discovered coronavirus. This new virus and disease were unknown before the outbreak began in Wuhan, China, in December 2019. COVID-19 is now a pandemic spread globally.
WHO has published many guidelines to help lesser spreading of the virus; social distancing of 6feet, no social gatherings, mandatory use of masks, and any more. personal safety and hygiene, health, and a few changes in our social status and behavior have become new normal.
Surgical mask
As wearing mask has become mandatory, surgical grade masks are needed by the doctors and healthcare professionals who are working on the front line to save the lives of those who have contracted COVID-19. Surgical masks in hospitals should be disposed of properly to avoid contamination and are generally incinerated. The general public does not have the capabilities to follow this structured disposal and therefore masks are not being disposed of properly which risks both unnecessary contamination and high chance to harm the environment.
Disposable masks are made from single-use plastic, which adds to a wider environmental hazard.
Did you know. 150 million tons of single-use plastic is produced each year
WHO advises governments to encourage the general public to use non-medical fabric masks.
These are few guidelines identified by WHO regarding the quality of reusable masks
- an inner layer- absorbent material such as cotton- hydrophilic
- a middle layer - non-woven material such as polypropylene
- an outer layer - non-absorbent material, densely woven such as polyester or polyester blend or hydrophobic
Benefits of Choosing the Reusable Cloth Mask
While reusable face masks may not be as effective as medical-grade ones, there are some other positives sides to consider:
- They’re reusable – you can wear, wash and reuse them number of times
- They’re washable – popping your mask in a 60°C wash will kill any COVID-19 particles
- They’re eco-friendly – you only need few to last you through the pandemic because it is reusable.
- Theoretically, in a year you could use 37 - 52 filters in the same reusable facemask, and that would be roughly equivalent to around 700 disposable masks, thus less environmental hazard.
- They’ll prevent you from (unknowingly) spreading the virus.
- They will make you breathe comfortably with full protection
- They minimize cross-contamination with a plastic filter shield
- One time fit in different designs. (No need to continually adjust for comfort)
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| triple layered mask made of Himalayan nettle (allo). Allo has anti microbial property and is tightly weaved. and very comfortable from in Sabah Nepal. |
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| triple layered dhaka mask is made of tightly weaved cotton yarn. In the store of Sabah Nepal, dhaka mask in different pattern, color combinations and different shapes are available |
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| 3 layered bamboo cotton mask available different colors and sizes in ABIR Designers Hub. Its comfortable to wear and breathe. It also has adjustable elastic to tighten and loosen as per you ease . |
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| 3 layered Allo cotton mask, available in different color and texture, available in Sabah Nepal |
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| 3-layered mask, outermost layer is made of denim, a hydrophobic material with higher yarn counts. Its breathable and very comfortable as the elastic can be adjusted on the back of neck or on the back of your ears. |
