So, if you are involved in social media, blogging, vlogging, local press, freelance journalism etc get involved.
- DIY MASKS understands that the use of medical face masks by healthcare workers must be given priority over the use in the community, hence why we offer an alternative mask that the commnuity can make for themselves or others.
- DIY MASKS understands the use of face masks in public may serve as a means of source control to reduce the spread of the infection in the community by minimising the excretion of respiratory droplets from infected individuals who have not yet developed symptoms or who remain asymptomatic.
- DIY MASKS understands the use of face masks in public may serve as a means of source control to reduce the spread of the infection in the community by minimising the fomite route as masks block opportunites to put hand to mouth from infected individuals who have not yet developed symptoms or who remain asymptomatic.
- It is not known how much the use of homemade masks in the community can contribute to a decrease in transmission in addition to the other countermeasures.
- The use of homemade masks in the community should be considered, especially when visiting busy, closed spaces, such as grocery stores, shopping centres, or when using public transport, etc.
- The use of non-medical face masks made of various textiles should be considered, especially if – due to supply problems – medical face masks must be prioritised for use as personal protective equipment by healthcare workers. This is based on limited indirect evidence supporting the use of non-medical face masks as a means of source control.
- The use of homemade masks in the community is to be considered only as a complementary measure and not as a replacement for established preventive measures, for example physical distancing, respiratory etiquette, meticulous hand hygiene and avoiding touching the face, nose, eyes and mouth and all other recommendations by the HSE and ECDC.
- Appropriate use of homemade masks is key for the effectiveness of the measure and we strive to do so through our educational approach and campaigns.
- DIY MASKS recommendations on the use of face masks in the community carefully take into account evidence gaps, the supply situation, and potential negative side effects.