Masks made of two or more layers of washable, breathable fabric is sufficient to be used by the public as they attend to their daily chores, says Ministry of Health permanent secretary Dr James Fong.
Responding to queries from people regarding safe masks for everyday use considering the different types of masks sold in the public sphere, Dr Fong said the protective gear should be able to offer some protection from spreading and contracting the COVID virus.
“Therefore, whether they are bought or made at home, there is no excuse for anyone in Fiji not to have a face covering every time they leave the house,” he said.
“Your mask must completely cover your nose and mouth and it must fit snugly against the sides of your face and don’t have gaps. “It must have a nose wire to prevent air from leaking out of the top of the mask.”
Members of the public have been advised to avoid masks made of fabric that makes it hard to breathe, for example, vinyl including those with exhalation valves or vents that allow virus particles to escape.
The N95 respirators are prioritised for healthcare workers.
Reusable masks should be washed regularly with regular laundry detergent and the warmest appropriate water setting for the cloth used to make the mask.
