Scribd
Upload
157 views1 page

Masks for COVID-19: Types & Uses

This document summarizes the key differences between alternative masks and surgical masks for COVID-19 protection. Alternative masks include homemade masks that may help reduce virus transmission by the wearer but are not proven to protect health care workers. Surgical masks are regulated by the FDA and provide protection to health care workers from droplets and splashes during COVID-19 patient care. While alternative masks protect others, surgical masks protect the wearer through barriers against viruses or fluids.

Uploaded by

api-460314063
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
157 views1 page

Masks for COVID-19: Types & Uses

This document summarizes the key differences between alternative masks and surgical masks for COVID-19 protection. Alternative masks include homemade masks that may help reduce virus transmission by the wearer but are not proven to protect health care workers. Surgical masks are regulated by the FDA and provide protection to health care workers from droplets and splashes during COVID-19 patient care. While alternative masks protect others, surgical masks protect the wearer through barriers against viruses or fluids.

Uploaded by

api-460314063
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd

The Difference Between Alternative Masks

and Surgical Masks for COVID-19


Alternative Surgical
Masks Masks
What is it? Non-FDA-regulated masks, FDA-regulated masks that are
including homemade masks. fluid resistant and provide the wearer
May reduce the likelihood of transmitting protection against large droplets, splashes,
the virus by the wearer, but they are not proven to or sprays of bodily or other hazardous fluids.
protect health care staff or patients.

Who wears it? Asymptomatic people. Health care staff during the evaluation of and care for
suspected or confirmed COVID-19 patients.

How it works Protects other people by reducing the amount of Protects the wearer by creating a barrier to the virus or
respiratory droplets expelled by a person who may be body fluid that may contain the virus.
infected but not showing signs of illness.

Limitations Not regulated and do not protect the wearer. Due to high demand, supply may be limited.
Not to be used by people who are sick. Avoid touching the mask while wearing it; if you do
touch it, wash hands thoroughly.
Breathing into a facemask builds up moisture, which can
be uncomfortable to wear. Do not wash the mask.
Need to be regularly washed and sanitized. Reuse of facemasks may be limited by the type of
fastening (e.g., elastic ear hooks may be more robust
Avoid touching the mask while wearing it; if you do
than ties that are more liable to tearing).
touch it, wash hands thoroughly.
Discard when it becomes damaged or deformed;
becomes wet or visibly dirty; breathing becomes
difficult; or if it becomes contaminated with blood,
respiratory or nasal secretions, or other bodily fluids.

Disposal During disposal, avoid touching the mask and wash Should be donned and doffed appropriately.
hands thoroughly afterward. During disposal, avoid touching the mask and wash
hands thoroughly afterward.

health.mn.gov | 04/04/2020

You might also like