WATCH: How masks work to prevent COVID-19
MANILA, Philippines — In the battle against the novel coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), the two main types of mask most widely in use are: The N95 or FFP2 with a two-way protection that filters air inhaled and exhaled by the wearer.
These masks can filter out at least 94 percent of very small particles, the size of 0.3 microns, including bacteria and viruses. They reduce the risk to the wearer of both micro particles as well as saliva droplets and secretions from the upper airways.
If the mask is fitted correctly, minimal leakage occurs around the edges when the user inhales.
The World Health Organization recommends this mask be used by medical staff.
The other protection is the surgical mask. Health authorities recommend this mask be worn by all infected people. It prevents droplets or secretions from being expelled on to other, uninfected people. It sometimes tends to be loose-fitting, which means leakage can occur when breathing.
Once it has been correctly put on, it must not be touched, to prevent any possible accidental contamination.
Masks should be changed regularly, every four to five hours. And used masks should be properly disposed off in the bin.
Wearers must then wash their hands with soap and water, or with a hand sanitizer.
