We’re all afraid of what might happen with COVID-19, so Brash Mag is attempting to fill in some of the gaps in the available information and advice.

Should I wear a face mask?

You do not have a cough, and have not been tested for COVID-19: No, you should not wear a mask at home, or in public.

You have not been tested for COVID-19, but have a cough: No, you should not wear a mask unless you are in close proximity to elderly or unwell people in your job as a doctor, nurse, or carer, or are a patient. A normal surgical mask is more than sufficient.

You have been tested for COVID-19, but have not yet received your results: Yes, you should wear a mask if you live with other people. A surgical mask is more than sufficient.

You have been tested as negative for COVID-19: No, you do not need to wear a mask.

You have been tested as positive for COVID-19: Yes, if other people also live in your home. The COVID-19 clinic will advise others in your home of the precautions they should take.

You travel on public transport, or are going to shopping centres or supermarkets: No, it is not necessary. Surgical masks will not protect you from other people’s infections (they stop your spittle travelling to and infecting other people). N95 masks are not going to protect you either, as most people don’t wear them effectively, making them useless to all but medical professionals who have had fittings and training.

Face mask types

Surgical masks: a flat, pleated mask that is held onto the face with straps and has a small strip of metal to clip to the nose. Surgical masks are used to stop the wearer from tranitting spittle during breathing from infecting others. Surgical masks to not protect the wearer from viruses.

P2/N95 masks: a moulded, semi-spherical mask or a ‘duck bill’s shaped mask with a filtration attachment. These masks can filter out particles of 0.3 microns in size or above. P2/N95 masks are specialist equipment requiring multi-step process to fit and wear for maximum protection.

What you should do

Most people don’t need to wear masks, but you do need to follow the below instructions to protect yourself, your family’s, and your community’s health when travelling outside or visiting others;

  • Wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds when;
    • Coming in from outside
    • Toiletting
    • Handling food
    • Putting on shoes
  • Use sanitising gel after alighting from trains, trams, and busses.
  • Cough into your elbow or a clean tissue.
  • Avoid touching or touching near your eyes, nose, mouth, or ears.
  • Regularly wipe shared surfaces (tables, benches, door handles, taps, etc) with soap and water.
  • Try and stay 1.5 metres from others when in public.