Jakarta, CNN Indonesia —
Appearance Covid-19 varian Omicron or also known as the Botswana variant, it makes everyone have to do more optimal protection.
The reason is, the new variant of Covid-19 found in South Africa mutated larger with a higher rate of transmission.
In addition to vaccinating Covid-19 and implementing health protocols, namely using double masks or double mask.
Internal medicine specialist Eric Daniel Tenda explained that the use of double masks can provide optimal protection from the corona virus.
The use of medical masks provides 50-60 percent protection from the risk of being exposed to Covid-19. If it is added with a cloth mask on the outer layer, the protection provided will be even greater, which is 85 percent lowering the risk of exposure to Covid-19.
“Double mask with medical masks and cloth masks it can increase protection. It can effectively reduce the risk of being exposed to the Covid-19 virus by up to 85 percent,” Eric said when contacted by CNNIndonesia.com, last June.
However, the use of these two masks is not recommended in the long term. Eric recommends using a double mask for a maximum of six hours.
“Masks must be changed every six hours. Especially if you cough, sweat, then the mask gets wet. So at least it is changed every six hours,” he said.
In addition, it is also recommended that the mask strap be crossed (knots) so that there is no gap for the virus to enter from the side. By crossing the mask straps, there will be no loose parts when using the mask. Crossing the mask strap also minimizes the risk of the virus entering through the side without being filtered by the mask.
“Use medical masks with knotted cords so that there are no open gaps. In medicine, we use surgical masks that are knotted so that there is no leakage from the side,” said Eric.
The number of additional positive cases of the corona virus is indeed not as much as when there was a spike in July and August 2021. However, the government does not want the public to be ignorant of health protocols.
Although protection needs to be improved, the use of only a three-ply cloth mask is not recommended. According to Doctor Eric, cloth masks provide the lowest protection compared to other masks.
The use of cloth masks is allowed if they are used for the outside of a medical mask. Cloth masks should also be washed after use and dried in the sun to dry.
Cloth masks that are left wet for long periods of time allow the risk of mold growth. Using it for too long is at risk of fungal infection.
As with three-layer cloth masks, the use of multiple medical masks is also not recommended.
Nafiandi, a Clinical Pathology Specialist at Primaya Hospital Bhakti Wara, revealed that double medical masks are actually no more effective than double cloth masks and medical masks.
“It is recommended to use a surgical mask inside and a cloth mask outside because wearing this will increase the effectiveness of the mask’s filtration and can block 80 percent of particles,” he said in a statement received. CNNIndonesia.com some time ago.
Wita Prominensa, a Pathology Specialist at Primaya Hospital Pasar Kemis also does not recommend the public to use a combination of double disposable masks.
“The use of double surgical masks of the same type is not recommended because it will not provide better protection. Surgical masks still have areas open face on the side and the potential for leakage (leaking structure),” said Wita.
In other words, the use of surgical masks in layers or doubles will not increase the filtration ability and suitability of the mask.
In order to avoid transmission of Covid-19, masks must cover the nose and mouth, make sure hands are clean when wearing the mask, do not touch the mask used, avoid touching the front of the mask when opening the mask and open the mask from behind.
After removing the mask, wash your hands with running water and soap or hand sanitizer.
(fby / bait)
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