From Monday (March 8), wearing in shops and means of public transport is mandatory respirátorov without an exhalation valve with a classification of at least FFP2. This follows from the decree of the Public Health Office on the obligation to cover the upper respiratory tract. From March 15, the obligation to wear respirator extend to all interiors except your own home.
Pre three exceptions from the obligation to wear respirator the obligation to wear a veil still applies. It applies to children up to the end of the first stage of primary schools, persons in custody or serving a sentence in Prison and Judicial Guard Corps facilities and staff performing work classified in the third category in the heat load factor at work – for example, blast furnace work.
Watch out for counterfeits
When choosing a suitable one respirator It is important to choose a reputable seller and avoid suspiciously cheap online sellers. This was pointed out by the Public Health Office. Respirator must be without exhalation valve. Through the valve, the virus would escape freely into the environment when exhaled. According to ÚVZ, it is also important to check whether it is respirator marked as FFP2 and whether it is accompanied by instructions in Slovak. Proven face masks can also be included respirators marked KN95 or N95.
“To avoid counterfeits and unverified products, make sure that the packaging or directly on the breathe bears the marking of the European technical standard EN 149 + A1 and the CE mark followed by a four-digit number. The number identifies who issued the certification respirator for the European Economic Area, ”explained the ÚVZ. He adds that it is ideal if one can create a supply respirátorov at least for a few days in advance.
How to wear a respirator properly?
If the respirator does not seal or cover the mouth and nose, it cannot provide a higher standard of protection. It is therefore important to choose a size that fits well on the face. If necessary, the respirator rubbers can be shortened by tying small knots on them. When putting on the respirator, keep your hands washed, do not touch the inside of the respirator and handle the respirator only with rubber bands. It is also important to adjust the clip on the top of the respirator so that it copies the contours of the root of the nose as faithfully as possible.
“Make a deep breath and exhale to make sure the respirator seals well. You will see how the surface of the respirator is partially deformed due to air resistance. Air should not escape from the sides. If you have glasses on, they should not mist up with a well-sealed respirator, ”specified ÚVZ. The air in a properly fitted respirator tends to be wetter and breathing a little harder than in the case of a drape.
The worn respirator should be treated as an infectious material, it is not advisable to touch its outer surface and place it on the surrounding surfaces. “Take care of the worn respirator carefully, handle it only with rubber bands and then wash your hands,” added ÚVZ.
