Last week, the Government ordered wearing of masks in public as an additional measure in the fight against COVID-19.

Prevention of transmission has primarily been done by washing hands often with soap and water or use of alcohol based sanitisers. But compulsory wearing of face masks has also been added to these measures since it has proved to be effective as far as curbing this pandemic is concerned.

Because the virus spreads primarily through droplets of saliva or discharge from the nose when an infected person coughs or sneezes, masks are meant to help prevent you from accidentally spreading or catching the infectious disease.

However, for the masks to be effective, they need to be used the right way.

Maintain hygiene

It is important to note that face masks are effective when it comes to prevention of the virus spread only if accompanied with hand washing and sanitising. It is, hence, recommended that before putting on a mask, one should endeavour to wash hands with soap and water, this should also be done throughout the day.

Cover the mouth and nose

Dr Wilbur Bushara says that before putting the mask on, one has to inspect it for any tears or holes.

He directs that when putting on the mask, orient the mask so that the coloured side faces outward, or away from you. He also notes that the top part of the mask should be placed right on the bridge of your nose.

"Some people tend to wear their mask low so it only covers the mouth, but this is wrong because then you risk getting infected, or worse, infecting others,” he says.

He says the best way is to pull the bottom of the mask down and make sure that it covers the nose, mouth and the chin.

Do not wear the mask loosely

When a mask hangs loosely on your face, you predispose yourself to getting the virus or infecting others.

Bushara says when wearing a mask, there has to be no gaps between your face and the mask.

For a proper fitting, carefully loop the elastic bands behind your ears or tie the long, straight ties behind your head.

You want to make sure it fits properly, however, it needs to be comfortable but still secure enough that it doesn’t slide down.

Avoid touching the mask while using it

Guidelines from The World Health Organisation indicate that when covering your mouth and nose with a face mask, make sure it does not come in contact with your body or your stuff.

And that it is also important to try and avoid touching the mask while you’re wearing it. If you must touch or adjust your mask, be sure to clean your hands immediately after.

If the coronavirus gets on your clothes, face or body, and your loose mask touches those things, you risk contamination.

Properly clean a mask in case of re-use

If you’re planning to re-use your mask, you need to make sure it does not become one more contamination zone.

If you are going to re-use your mask, make sure to wash it every day because then, you’re at least making sure that your mask is clean on a daily basis.

Ensure proper disposal of the mask

WHO recommends to replace the mask with a new one as soon as it is damp and that, one should not re-use single-use masks.

When removing the mask, locate the metal strip in the mask. This is the top of the mask. Unloop the bands from behind your ears or undo the ties from behind your head. Avoid touching the front of the mask, which may be contaminated.

Remove it from behind and promptly dispose of the mask in a closed garbage bin, thoroughly cleaning your hands after.