2020 has been a year like no other in most people’s living memory. Dominated by one issue that has permeated literally every aspect of our lives – coronavirus. From fears about health and our loved ones’ wellbeing to financial worries and economic uncertainty, it has been impossible to ignore. It’s on the news, social media and is pretty much the first conversation topic whenever we meet up with friends. But the effects of the virus aren’t just invisible, we see it on our streets and in public places with social distancing signage, hand sanitiser stations and face masks everywhere we look.

Face masks in particular have sparked a lot of debate, so we’ve put together an informational blog to give you the lowdown on some key questions you might have about face coverings.

Why should I wear a face mask?

Conspiracy theories surrounding face masks are rife, particularly on social media where they spread like wildfire with little or no basis in fact. However, scientific guidance is clear, the wearing of face protection can result in a significant reduction in the transmission of COVID-19. Dr Maria Van Kerkhove, from the World Health Organisation is quoted as saying that fabric masks "can actually provide a mechanistic barrier that if someone were infected with COVID-19, you can prevent those droplets from going through and infecting someone."

This means that face masks actually reduce the likelihood of the wearer infecting other people they come in to contact with, should the wearer have coronavirus. This is particularly important if you’re likely to be in close proximity to people who are part of the higher risk categories; such as the elderly, those recovering from serious illness or people with congenital health problems.

Where do I need to wear a face mask?

This first and most important point to note here is that UK government guidance varies depending on where in the country you live, and is subject to change as the pandemic progresses. As such, you should always check the relevant government website for England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland, if you’re unsure. As it stands, the general recommendation is that wearing a face covering whenever you’re in a public place is advisable but not mandatory.

Areas in these regions where it is mandatory include public transport (buses, trains, taxis and air travel), supermarkets and retail outlets, museums and art galleries, personal beauty care providers (hairdressers, salons, tattooists) and places of worship. These are just examples and again it varies by region, so making sure you’re aware of the regulations wherever you live is vital. Initially it was advised against children wearing face masks in schools, but the government has since backtracked on this decision and the responsibility now lies with the head teachers whether they do or not.

What type of face mask should I wear?

There are different grades of face mask depending on what environment you find yourself in. N95 respirators are not for public use, and are designed to protect the wearer from airborne particles, these are vital protective solutions intended for critical healthcare staff. Medical face masks must meet the requirements of the PPE (personal protective equipment) or the Medical Device Directive and feature the CE marking. Again this is more for use in medical settings, although they are available for public purchase at a significantly higher cost than ordinary face coverings.

Ordinary face coverings are the ones you will most likely see worn by other people. It’s important to note; these are not medically certified, and only stop the wearer from transmitting the virus through the spread of airborne particles, they are not protective. However, there are different qualities of face mask. Our advice is to look for one that consists of two layers with elasticated straps for comfort. If they are custom printed, then you need to make sure that the manufacturer can guarantee the safety of the materials and inks used. They can be potentially toxic when inhaled, so look for face coverings that our OEKO-Tex certified like our Community Masks.

Is there a certain way to wear a face mask?

Before putting your face covering on, you should wash your hands with soap and water or sanitise them first. You should avoid wearing it around your neck or on the top of your head when not in use. Your face mask should cover your nose and mouth, and allow you to breathe comfortably. Try and avoid touching the covering with your hands while wearing it and if you are going in and out of shops it is best to leave it on rather than removing and replacing multiple times.

After you’ve taken your face mask off, you should wash or sanitise your hands again. Place the face mask somewhere where you are unlikely to touch it regularly, like a bag or the glove box of your car. When removing the face covering, again try and avoid touching the cloth segment of the mask. Also, it may sound obvious, but don’t give your mask to anyone else after you have worn it, or share masks with other people!

How often should I replace my face mask?

Buying disposable masks may seem easier, safer and less hassle then choosing reusable face coverings. However, not only will this hit you harder in the pocket but it also ignores environmental responsibilities. Buy two or three reusable masks and rotate their use. You could leave one in the car, one in your pocket or handbag and have one in the house for back up. Reusable face masks are just as safe as disposable ones, provided they’re manufactured in a hygienic, COVID-secure environment, and washed regularly.

So how often should you wash them? This is a tricky one as there is no official guidance, but just bear in mind that your face covering is in close proximity to your mouth and nose, as well as being taken in and out of different environments. Our advice would be to wash it on a weekly basis at the very minimum. Provided you have selected a good quality mask, putting it in with your socks and underwear should have no adverse effect on its shape or fit!

Like them or not, face masks are here to stay! One way you can get used to this is to embrace them. Why not get a custom branded face mask to display your unique personality? It can be your company logo, sports team, school badge or favourite Marvel action hero. If you want to ask us any questions about our face coverings or any of our other social distancing products just get in touch with one of our friendly, face masked team on 0113 205 5189 or info@northernflags.com!