Covid - 19 FAQs

SHOULD CLOTH FACE COVERINGS BE WASHED OR OTHERWISE CLEANED REGULARLY? HOW REGULARLY?

Yes. They should be routinely washed depending on the frequency of use. If wearing the mask daily for long periods of time it is recommended to have two masks and alternate, washing them daily. As soon as you return from a public setting where exposuer to COVID-19 is possible, immediately remove your mask and wash. 

HOW DO I SAFELY STERILIZE/CLEAN A CLOTH FACE COVERING?

We recommend that you steralize your mask by boiling in hot water and hanging out to dry in the sun where possible OR using an iron on high heat immediately after wearing. 

High levels of heat are the best way to kill the virus, and our 100% cotton masks can endure high levels of heat. 

HOW DOES ONE SAFELY REMOVE A USED CLOTH FACE COVERING?

Be careful not to touch your eyes, nose, and mouth when removing your face covering and wash hands immediately after removing. 

HOW DO I STORE MY MASK? 

Masks should be stored in a safe, clean and hygienic space by themselves. Do not touch the inside of your mask (our masks are different colours on the inside and out to easily differentiate the inside and the outside). If you are living with others or living with a family should all store their masks separately. 

WHY SHOULD I WEAR A CLOTH MASK?

The cloth face coverings recommended are not surgical masks or N-95 respirators.  Those are critical supplies that must continue to be reserved for healthcare workers and other medical first responders. 

CAN A CLOTH MASK PROTECT ME FROM VIRUSES?

Cloth masks reduce the transmission of larger respiratory droplets. There is still little evidence that cloth masks protect you from small aerosolised particulates of the size potentially exhaled by asymptomatic or presymptomatic individuals with Covid-19. However the extent of protection depends on all precautionary behaviour. Even wearing a mask it is still important to follow all precautionary measures. 

INCLUDING A MASK, WHAT OTHER PRECAUTIONS CAN I TAKE TO PROTECT MYSELF AND OTHERS?

– Wash your hands regularly with soap or an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.

– Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.

– Avoid close contact with people who are sick.

– Cover your cough or sneeze with a flexed elbow or a tissue, then throw the tissue in the bin.

– Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces.

#Masks4all

To read more about the international movement for population-wide use of homemade masks as critical protective equipment against COVID-19, click here.

To read more about the South African movement, read here.