Authors
1
Anesthesiologist, Department of Anesthesia, Faculty of Medicine, North Khorasan University of Medical Sciences, Shirvan, Iran.
2
Assistant Professor of Reproductive Health, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran.
3
Pediatric Neurologist, Department of Pediatrics, Faculty of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran.
4
Assistant Professor of Emergency Medicine, Department of Emergency Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran.
5
Student Research Committee, School Of Nursing and Midwifery, Sirjan University of Medical Sciences, Sirjan, Iran.
6
Student Research Committee, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran.
7
Anesthesiologist, Department of Anesthesia, Faculty of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran.
Abstract
During the COVID-19 pandemic, face masks—such as surgical masks and cloth masks—were used as public and personal health measures to control the spread of the SARS-CoV-2 virus. Mask use is recommended as an additional preventive measure to help limit community transmission, especially since COVID-19 primarily spreads through respiratory droplets when an infected person coughs or sneezes. Recommendations for mask use have varied, and the World Health Organization (WHO) has revised its guidance since the beginning of the outbreak.
Mask-wearing is advised when COVID-19 infections and hospitalizations are rising in a community, when community immunity is low, or based on an individual's health status. The WHO generally recommends disposable medical masks, non-medical masks that meet safety and efficacy standards, or other well-fitting non-medical masks. To further reduce infection transmission, it is also important to practice hand hygiene and avoid close contact with sick individuals. Clear guidelines regarding the production, use, sanitization, and disposal of face masks can help improve compliance and bring communities closer to reducing the spread of COVID-19.
Keywords
