On Saturday, April 4, the government made it mandatory for face masks to be worn when outside the home. Naturally, sales of face masks have since soared, with many pharmacists running out of stock.
But if you’re unable to get your own, there’s always the option of using a homemade mask. According to health sector spokeswoman Dr Farida Al Hosani, both versions can be used by residents to cover their nose and mouth when heading outdoors.
Whether you're trying to place an order or make your own, here's everything you need to know about face masks.
Why do we need face masks?
There has been much confusion over the need for face masks in the past few months, with the early assumption being that they were only required by healthcare professionals or those in close proximity to someone suffering from Covid-10.
However, the precautionary measures put in place by the government can only help keep the public safe, says Dr Ahmad Nusair, staff physician, infectious diseases, Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi.
“The virus that causes Covid-19 is extremely new. As such, there remains a great deal we do not know about it. As we continue to learn more about the virus, there is some evidence that widespread use of masks may help to contain its spread. In Dubai, the authorities have directed everyone who leaves their home to wear a mask. I would recommend that people check and follow local guidance to ensure they are following the most up to date information. This will help protect them, their family and the community,” he says.
Types of face masks
The main types of face masks people have been referred to are:
The N95 respirators
These protective devices have a very close facial fit, reducing a person’s exposure to small airborne particles. According to Dr Satyam Parmar, HOD Laboratory & Chairperson Infection Prevention & Control Committee, RAK Hospital, they are more useful in high risk areas – like during visits to hospitals where known Covid-19 patients are being admitted – and are therefore more suitable for healthcare workers or family members of patients.
Surgical Masks
Dr Parmar describes an ideal surgical mask as one with three layers of cloth or material, the outermost layer being moisture-proof to protect against droplets when an infected person sneezes, while the innermost material should be smooth enough to allow proper respiration.
While these types of masks do not fit tightly on the face, they still offer good filtration of bacteria, says Nusair.
“They provide an effective barrier against large airborne particles, particularly those expelled by the wearer when they are ill, helping limit the spread of infection.”
Re-usable masks
“The efficacy of re-usable masks depends on the type and manufacturer rating,” says Nusair. “If a re-usable mask did not come with instructions, the CDC suggests using it a maximum of five times. Regardless of the number of uses, people should discard a mask that is visibly damaged, comes into contact with fluid or that becomes hard to breathe through.
“In between uses, re-usable masks should be stored safely so they are not damaged or deformed.”
Homemade masks
Thinking of making your own mask? “Pore size is very important in masks since it decides what can permeate through it. But when making homemade masks, it’s not easy to figure out the pore size. Therefore, use cotton material, which is light, breathable soft and pliable. It should not be too thick and too thin. One layer is fine, but adding another layer is better,” says Parmar.
"Ideally, commercially produced masks are not re-usable. Homemade masks, even though they are not the first option, can be reused after washing with soap and antiseptic solution," he adds.
How to safely wear, manage and dispose of face masks
Before putting on a mask, users are advised to wash their hands with soap or, if that isn’t possible, use hand sanitiser, says Nusair. The mask should cover both the nose and mouth with no gaps between it and the face. Some masks have a thin metal band that can be bent to match the contours of the face to improve the seal.
Users should avoid touching the mask while wearing it. If they do so, they should immediately wash or sanitise their hands. If a mask becomes damp, replace it as soon as possible or dispose of it, if it is single use.
The best way to dispose of a face mask is to remove it using the bands that hold it on near the ears using both hands and avoid touching the mask itself, particularly the front. Once removed, disposable masks should be placed in a waste container immediately. Normal face masks are not meant to be reused as they lose their effectiveness in disease prevention.
After removing a mask, it’s important to wash or sanitise hands properly.
Face mask myths busted
The principal myth that needs to be busted is that a mask offers the wearer absolute protection from the virus, adds Nusair.
“Setting aside its proper use, it is important that people do not see using a mask as making them invincible. Whether wearing a mask or not, proper hand hygiene, avoiding touching the face and physical distancing are required to help protect people and the community.”
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
Our legal consultant
Name: Dr Hassan Mohsen Elhais
Position: legal consultant with Al Rowaad Advocates and Legal Consultants.
UAE finals day
Friday, April 13
Rugby Park, Dubai Sports City
3pm, UAE Conference: Dubai Tigers v Sharjah Wanderers
6.30pm, UAE Premiership: Dubai Exiles v Abu Dhabi Harlequins
UEFA CHAMPIONS LEAGUE FIXTURES
All kick-off times 10.45pm UAE ( 4 GMT) unless stated
Tuesday
Sevilla v Maribor
Spartak Moscow v Liverpool
Manchester City v Shakhtar Donetsk
Napoli v Feyenoord
Besiktas v RB Leipzig
Monaco v Porto
Apoel Nicosia v Tottenham Hotspur
Borussia Dortmund v Real Madrid
Wednesday
Basel v Benfica
CSKA Moscow Manchester United
Paris Saint-Germain v Bayern Munich
Anderlecht v Celtic
Qarabag v Roma (8pm)
Atletico Madrid v Chelsea
Juventus v Olympiakos
Sporting Lisbon v Barcelona
Company Fact Box
Company name/date started: Abwaab Technologies / September 2019
Founders: Hamdi Tabbaa, co-founder and CEO. Hussein Alsarabi, co-founder and CTO
Based: Amman, Jordan
Sector: Education Technology
Size (employees/revenue): Total team size: 65. Full-time employees: 25. Revenue undisclosed
Stage: early-stage startup
Investors: Adam Tech Ventures, Endure Capital, Equitrust, the World Bank-backed Innovative Startups SMEs Fund, a London investment fund, a number of former and current executives from Uber and Netflix, among others.
Who was Alfred Nobel?
The Nobel Prize was created by wealthy Swedish chemist and entrepreneur Alfred Nobel.
- In his will he dictated that the bulk of his estate should be used to fund "prizes to those who, during the preceding year, have conferred the greatest benefit to humankind".
- Nobel is best known as the inventor of dynamite, but also wrote poetry and drama and could speak Russian, French, English and German by the age of 17. The five original prize categories reflect the interests closest to his heart.
- Nobel died in 1896 but it took until 1901, following a legal battle over his will, before the first prizes were awarded.
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UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
Wicked: For Good
Director: Jon M Chu
Starring: Ariana Grande, Cynthia Erivo, Jonathan Bailey, Jeff Goldblum, Michelle Yeoh, Ethan Slater
Rating: 4/5
The bio
Favourite vegetable: Broccoli
Favourite food: Seafood
Favourite thing to cook: Duck l'orange
Favourite book: Give and Take by Adam Grant, one of his professors at University of Pennsylvania
Favourite place to travel: Home in Kuwait.
Favourite place in the UAE: Al Qudra lakes
The Pope's itinerary
Sunday, February 3, 2019 - Rome to Abu Dhabi
1pm: departure by plane from Rome / Fiumicino to Abu Dhabi
10pm: arrival at Abu Dhabi Presidential Airport
Monday, February 4
12pm: welcome ceremony at the main entrance of the Presidential Palace
12.20pm: visit Abu Dhabi Crown Prince at Presidential Palace
5pm: private meeting with Muslim Council of Elders at Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque
6.10pm: Inter-religious in the Founder's Memorial
Tuesday, February 5 - Abu Dhabi to Rome
9.15am: private visit to undisclosed cathedral
10.30am: public mass at Zayed Sports City – with a homily by Pope Francis
12.40pm: farewell at Abu Dhabi Presidential Airport
1pm: departure by plane to Rome
5pm: arrival at the Rome / Ciampino International Airport
Blackpink World Tour [Born Pink] In Cinemas
Starring: Rose, Jisoo, Jennie, Lisa
Directors: Min Geun, Oh Yoon-Dong
Rating: 3/5
Company Profile
Name: JustClean
Based: Kuwait with offices in other GCC countries
Launch year: 2016
Number of employees: 130
Sector: online laundry service
Funding: $12.9m from Kuwait-based Faith Capital Holding
The Kites
Romain Gary
Penguin Modern Classics
Company%C2%A0profile
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CHELSEA'S NEXT FIVE GAMES
Mar 10: Norwich(A)
Mar 13: Newcastle(H)
Mar 16: Lille(A)
Mar 19: Middlesbrough(A)
Apr 2: Brentford(H)
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MATCH INFO
Manchester United 1 (Fernandes pen 2') Tottenham Hotspur 6 (Ndombele 4', Son 7' & 37' Kane (30' & pen 79, Aurier 51')
Man of the match Son Heung-min (Tottenham)
Global state-owned investor ranking by size
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Engine: 2.0-litre 4-cylinder turbo
Power: 275hp at 6,600rpm
Torque: 353Nm from 1,450-4,700rpm
Transmission: 8-speed dual-clutch auto
Top speed: 250kph
Fuel consumption: 6.8L/100km
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Second leg:
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Manchester United 0
Man of the match: Eden Hazard (Chelsea)
The specs: 2018 Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross
Price, base / as tested: Dh101,140 / Dh113,800
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Power: 148hp @ 5,500rpm
Torque: 250Nm @ 2,000rpm
Transmission: Eight-speed CVT
Fuel consumption, combined: 7.0L / 100km
Abu Dhabi Grand Slam Jiu-Jitsu World Tour Calendar 2018/19
July 29: OTA Gymnasium in Tokyo, Japan
Sep 22-23: LA Convention Centre in Los Angeles, US
Nov 16-18: Carioca Arena Centre in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
Feb 7-9: Mubadala Arena in Abu Dhabi, UAE
Mar 9-10: Copper Box Arena in London, UK
MATCH INFO
Europa League semi-final, second leg
Atletico Madrid (1) v Arsenal (1)
Where: Wanda Metropolitano
When: Thursday, kick-off 10.45pm
Live: On BeIN Sports HD
MEDIEVIL%20(1998)
%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EDeveloper%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20SCE%20Studio%20Cambridge%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EPublisher%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Sony%20Computer%20Entertainment%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EConsole%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20PlayStation%2C%20PlayStation%204%20and%205%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3ERating%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%203.5%2F5%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
LA LIGA FIXTURES
Thursday (All UAE kick-off times)
Sevilla v Real Betis (midnight)
Friday
Granada v Real Betis (9.30pm)
Valencia v Levante (midnight)
Saturday
Espanyol v Alaves (4pm)
Celta Vigo v Villarreal (7pm)
Leganes v Real Valladolid (9.30pm)
Mallorca v Barcelona (midnight)
Sunday
Atletic Bilbao v Atletico Madrid (4pm)
Real Madrid v Eibar (9.30pm)
Real Sociedad v Osasuna (midnight)
COMPANY%20PROFILE
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