JAKARTA - People are strongly advised to wear masks when traveling outside the home to avoid spreading COVID-19. This is because the use of masks is the first line defends for COVID-19.
Wiku Adisasmito, Chairman of the Expert Team for the Task Force for Handling COVID-19, said that not all masks were recommended for the community. This is because the use of certain types of masks is intended for medical personnel who handle COVID-19 cases.
Wiku said, there are two types of masks for medical personnel. At work, health workers who come into contact with patients must wear personal protective equipment (PPE), surgical masks or N95 masks.
"Surgical masks are used by medical personnel or people who are sick. Inside there is a sterile section. The N95 mask is specifically for medical personnel in health facilities who treat highly infectious patients," said Wiku at a press conference at Graha BNPB, East Jakarta, Sunday, April 5.
Meanwhile, the general public can use a three-layer cloth mask. This mask can prevent the transmission of COVID-19 virus droplets by as much as 70 percent. The three layers in the mask will increase the effectiveness of Master in warding off viruses.
The method of making cloth masks can be adjusted to each face, you can use a machine or even manual sewing by hand. Make sure the hands used are clean, and they should cover the nose to the chin, and not loose.
"Cloth masks should be replaced and washed with soap regularly. So, maybe we can have some cloth masks (as backup)," said Wiku.
Even though he uses a cloth mask when traveling, Wiku still asks the public to keep a distance when in a crowd, at least 1 to 2 meters. If you don't have important activities outside, it's best to stay at home.
Apart from masks, the first line defends to prevent COVID-19 is washing your hands with soap. Meanwhile, the second line defends or the next defense is the behavior of maintaining cleanliness by taking a shower after traveling, washing clothes, cleaning the surface of goods with disinfectants.
Wiku said that disinfectants can only be used for objects or goods, so it is not recommended to spray them on the human body.
"In accordance with the Ministry of Health's circular, we do not recommend the use of disinfectant booths that directly spray the human body," he concluded.
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