Don't Use Rope, The COVID-19 Task Force Suggests This Way To Save Masks When Unused

Mask strap that is not recommended (Photo: Diah / VOI)

JAKARTA - The Task Force for Handling COVID-19 said that using a rope to hang a mask has an opportunity to reduce hygiene.

So, Wiku Adisasmito, Spokesperson for the COVID-19 Task Force, did not recommend this method for storing masks.

"The use of necklaces on mask straps actually has the opportunity to reduce hygiene because the masks on the inside of them are contaminated with droplets when talking, coughing, or dirty air from breathing", Wiku said in a press conference broadcast on the YouTube account of the Presidential Secretariat, Thursday, February 25th.

Also, hanging masks have the opportunity to be exposed to viruses from droplets and aerosols around the wearer when they are reused.

So, to prevent this from happening, Wiku suggested that masks that are not used when people do certain activities, such as eating, should be stored in a bag.

"It is best to use a paper bag or other material that is safe to store masks while eating or drinking", he said.

A similar statement was also conveyed by the Head of the Covid-19 Task Force Health Management Division, Brigadier General TNI (Purn) Dr. Alexander K. Ginting, who said that storing masks by hanging on the neck increases the risk of COVID-19 transmission.

The reason is, when you are wearing a mask in your activities and chatting, it is likely that the virus will stick to the outside of the mask.

Then, someone could unconsciously touch the outside of the mask without washing their hands again. Then, when the mask is removed and attached to the mask strap necklace, the hand may also touch the inside of the mask.

Also, when traveling to a public space, the mask is removed and attached to the mask strap necklace, the mask will automatically stick to the clothes. It is possible that the virus can transmit from the clothes or hoods you wear.

Previously, recently there have been some supporting accessories for wearing masks, namely mask strap necklaces or mask straps.

This necklace functions as a hanger for the mask when it is being removed, as well as supporting its appearance. mask strap necklaces are now becoming a trend that is used by many people. Moreover, the prices sold on the market are quite cheap, around IDR 5 thousand to IDR 25 thousand.