Nordic Care’s guide to Face Masks 16th July 2020 by Shelley Livings With no imminent cure, COVID-19 remains a real risk to us all. With social distancing and handwashing continuing to be important in slowing the spread of this virus, face coverings are now set to play an important role. Nordic Care’s guide to Face Masks will help you understand the needs and benefits of wearing a face covering. As lockdown restrictions ease, face coverings are to be a further measure in minimising infection risk. In Scotland, people must already by law wear a face covering in shops and on public transport. From 24th July in shops and supermarkets in England you must by law wear a face covering. Already mandatory on public transport in both England and Northern Ireland, face coverings for passengers in Wales will become compulsory from 27th July. In addition, the government advises covering your face in enclosed spaces where social distancing isn’t possible and you will have contact with people you do not normally meet. The face covering should be ‘non-medical’ to ensure healthcare and other key workers do not run out of PPE and medical grade face masks. Non-medical face coverings aim to protect those in close proximity to the wearer, and not the wearer themselves. The solution Nordic Care now stock Reusable Adult Face Masks and Reusable Child Face Masks. Created solely in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, these reusable face masks are certified suitable for non-medical use. Designed in a ‘duck bill’ style, crucially they do not touch against the mouth when you breathe or speak. Two elastic head straps ensure a secure, gap free and comfortable fit. Unlike ear loop masks, they will not put stress on your ears, interfere with spectacles or impede any hearing aids. Practical and functional, the masks are machine washable and tumble dryer safe. Tested by the DGA (French Directorate General of Armaments) and the IFTH (French Textile & Apparel Institute), the results confirm that the masks more than comply within permitted levels. Even after the recommended 30 washes, they still conform to AFNOR specifications. The outer layer is composed of 100% cotton, with a high thread count for the best possible filtration. The inner layer is made from TENCEL™, which is gentle on the skin and offers enhanced breathability. Both layers are certified free of harmful substances according to STANDARD 100 by OEKO-TEX®. Better for our planet Reusable masks also have far less impact on the environment and climate change. UCL’s Plastic Waste Innovation Hub reports that if everyone in the UK uses one single-use face mask each day for a year, it will create 66,000 tonnes of contaminated plastic waste. Ultimately a face covering alone cannot protect you from COVID-19, but combined with existing measures it can reduce infection risk. Keep maintaining social distancing, wash your hands frequently and avoid touching your face.
