Starting today, face masks are mandatory in Frankfurt when in a shop and on public transportation.  I know what you’re thinking… but unfortunately life as we knew it doesn’t exist anymore and we are going to have to adapt to this new way of life.  But it doesn’t have to be all bad.  Yes ok, this whole mask thing is going to take a bit of time to get use too, but think of it this way, it’s the new fashion accessory, you can now express yourself with your mask!!!!  Not bad, right????

I understand a mask is not necessarily something we are familiar with. I have had many questions about which mask to purchase and how to wear them. It’s not necessary for you to wear a medical mask, unless you are at high-risk, ill or a medical professional. I am personally not wearing a medical mask as I want to leave these for those that actually need them.

Types of Masks

  1. N95 Mask – is the most effective mask. It can block out 95 percent of tiny particles
  2. Medical Mask – Medical masks come in a few varieties and are less effective than N95s but can still filter from 60 to 80 percent of small particles under lab conditions.
  3. Homemade Mask – these can work really well. As long as they are made well they can block out tiny particles as well.
  4. Homemade with filter – these masks are made with an opening in the fabric for a filter. These filters are removable and additional filters can be purchased at many pharmacies. Many people are using a coffee filter instead of a filter from the pharmacy and this works just fine too.

I am personally using a homemade mask without a filter. I just wash my mask when needed. Also a good way to disinfect your mask is to iron it with heat. Please do not burn your mask folks!

The reason for us wearing a mask is to protect others. A mask helps keep our spit and air molecules from going on to someone near us. It’s a courtesy.

Information about wearing a mask: 

  • Before putting on a mask, clean hands with alcohol-based hand rub or soap and water.
  • Cover mouth and nose with mask and make sure there are no gaps between your face and the mask.
  • Avoid touching the mask while using it; if you do, clean your hands with alcohol-based hand rub or soap and water.
  • Replace the mask with a new one as soon as it is damp and do not re-use single-use masks.
  • To remove the mask: remove it from behind (do not touch the front of mask); discard immediately in a closed bin; clean hands with alcohol-based hand rub or soap and water.

Information from WHO.

 

Below is a short video showing you how to wear a mask with elastic and with fabric straps. I hope you find this helpful.

Be kind, stay healthy and stay safe!