Here’s Why You Should Not Touch The Front Side Of Your Mask

Are you wearing your mask properly? And if you are, did you know you’re not supposed to touch the front side of your mask?

Many often overlook this mistake. But if you’re wondering why you shouldn’t touch the front of your mask, here are a couple of reasons:

For illustration purposes only.

According to International Medical-Centre Beijing, the front side of our mask is the dirtiest as it contains all the harmful pathogens. As Covid-19 spreads and transmits through droplets and physical contact, we are not supposed to touch the front side of the mask. The mask itself will become the source of the disease if you forget that you touched it and don’t wash your hands properly after you do so.

For illustration purposes only.

According to the World Health Organization (WHO) here’s the correct way to put on and take off your masks.

How to put on a mask correctly:

1. Clean your hands with an alcohol-based hand rub or soap and water before touching the mask and make sure you don’t use a damaged or a worn mask.
2. Identify the inside and the top side of the mask – the inside has a white side and the top side comes with a metal strip.
3.  Place it on your face and be very sure to cover your nose, mouth, and chin. You have to make sure there are no gaps between your face and the mask.
4. When placing the strap, don’t cross the strap as it can increase the gaps on the side of the mask.
5. Then, pinch the metal strip on the top side of the mask so it moulds the shape of your nose.
6. Reminder: To avoid contamination, avoid touching the front of the mask. If you did, quickly clean your hands!

For illustration purposes only.

How to take it off:

1. Clean your hands with an alcohol-based hand rub or soap and water before touching the mask.
2. Without touching the front side of the mask, remove the straps from behind the head or ears.
3. Lean forward and pull the mask away from your face when removing it.
4. Reminder: A medical mask is for single use only and make sure to clean your hands after dumping the mask.

WHO also posted a list of dos and don’ts that everybody should take note of when it comes to masking!

Dos:

1. Wash your hands before touching the mask.
2. Check over for any tears or holes.
3. Find the top side where the metal piece is and ensure the coloured side faces outwards.
4. Make sure your nose, mouth, and chin are all covered.
5. Without leaving gaps on both sides, adjust the mask to your face.
6. Avoid touching the mask.
7. Remove the mask from behind the ears or head.
8. Keep the mask away from you and surfaces while removing it.
9. Discard the mask immediately after use into a closed bin.
10. After discarding it, remember to always wash your hands.

Don’ts:

1. Don’t use a damaged mask.
2. Don’t wear the mask over the mouth and nose.
3. Don’t wear a loose mask.
4. Don’t touch the front side of the mask.
5. A medical mask is for single use only, don’t re-use it.
6. Discard your used mask immediately and don’t let other people touch it.
7. Don’t remove or touch the mask while talking to others.

Remember not to solely rely on masks as we still need to practice proper physical distancing and wash our hands regularly. Wear your masks properly as a precaution and stay vigilant amidst these trying times.

Also Read: Taiwanese Man Wears Shoe On His Face After Forgetting To Put On Face Mask