On Monday 2 March 2020, Indonesia announced the first two cases of Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19).
WHO understands that many people are afraid and uncertain. However, panic and anxiety will not help us to fight the virus. At this time, we need to refer to the simple yet effective prevention measures that are being shared by the Indonesian Ministry of Health, WHO and partners; in particular, on the use of masks.
“Using a mask can give a false sense of protection for healthy people,” WHO Representative to Indonesia, Dr N. Paranietharan says. “If you do not wear the mask properly, touch the mask with unwashed hands, or remove it incorrectly, you can actually place yourself at greater risk of inadvertently transmitting germs and making yourself or others sick.”
There are four key points that everyone must know about who needs a mask:
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If you are healthy, you do not need to wear a mask, unless you are taking care of a person with suspected COVID-19 infection.
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Wear a mask if you are coughing or sneezing.
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Masks are effective only when used in combination with frequent hand-cleaning with soap and water or alcohol-based hand rub.
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If you wear a mask, then you must know how to use it and dispose of it properly.
Furthermore, the correct procedure to wear and remove a mask must be followed to ensure the efficacy.
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Before putting on a mask, clean hands with soap and running water or alcohol-based hand rub.
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Cover mouth and nose with mask and make sure there are no gaps between your face and the mask.
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Avoid touching the mask while using it; if you do, clean your hands thoroughly immediately.
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Replace the mask with a new one after long use or as soon as it is damp. Do not re-use single-use masks.
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To remove the mask: remove it from behind (do not touch the front of mask); discard immediately in a closed bin; clean hands with soap and clean water or alcohol-based hand rub.
The sudden surge of mask purchase, unfortunately, has happened globally. Prices of medical and N95 masks are being inflated and availability of stock is depleting. A shortage of personal protective gear, including masks, can leave the frontline responders of COVID-19 dangerously vulnerable and may worsen the spread of disease as is happening in some countries. Indonesia must learn from other countries and not let such a situation occur.
“If you are healthy, please spare the masks for those who are exhibiting flu like symptoms or for the healthcare workers and caregivers looking after them,” Dr Paranietharan said.
More resources on mask use and COVID-19
When to use a mask: https://youtu.be/Ded_AxFfJoQ
How to put on, use, take off and dispose of a mask: https://youtu.be/lrvFrH_npQI
Social media cards on mask use: https://www.who.int/emergencies/diseases/novel-coronavirus-2019/advice-for-public/when-and-how-to-use-masks
WHO Indonesia information on COVID-19: https://www.who.int/indonesia/news/novel-coronavirus
Contact details
WHO Indonesia media unit may be contacted via email at seinocomm@who.int
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