Los Angeles,
03
August
2020
|
06:00 AM
America/Los_Angeles

Beverly Press: Cedars-Sinai Stresses Need for Properly Wearing Masks

The Beverly Press recently interviewed Rekha Murthy, MD, vice president of medical affairs and associate chief medical officer at Cedars-Sinai, about the importance of effectively using a face mask during the ongoing COVID-19 (coronavirus) pandemic.

Murthy’s commentary comes at a time when many cities and states across the country now require face coverings to be worn in public settings to help slow the spread of the novel coronavirus. But to be effective, a mask must be worn the right way.

“Properly using a mask is just as important as actually wearing one," Murthy told the Beverly Press.

She said that the safest way to put on or take off a mask begins with washing your hands with soap and water, or cleaning them with an alcohol-based sanitizer. When placing a mask on your face, ensure both the mouth and nose are covered with no gap between your face and the mask.

“Once the mask is on, avoid touching your face at all,” Murthy told the newspaper. “If you have to touch your mask for any reason, immediately clean your hands with sanitizer or soap and water before and after doing so.”

When taking a mask off, remove it from behind, without touching the front of the covering. Discard it immediately in a closed bin, and then promptly wash or sanitize hands.

Murthy also noted that every manufacturer has different rules for cleaning and reusing masks, so it’s important to read those recommendations and follow them accordingly.

While face coverings are a critical tool to limit the spread of COVID-19, Murthy told the Beverly Press that the public should remain vigilant about all safety measures.

“Possibly the most important thing to remember is that you should not rely solely on masks," Murthy told the newspaper. "Masks should be used in combination with other preventive measures, like washing your hands and practicing physical distancing.”

Click here to read the complete story from the Beverly Press.