As COVID-19 cases continue to increase in Nigeria and other parts of the world, the Nigerian government fears that a second wave of this deadly virus might be imminent going by the number of confirmed cases and deaths recorded in the last few months.
As at December 21st, the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control reported 78,434 cases, compared to the 66,228 cases recorded one month earlier. This is a significant 12,206 increase in just one month. Like never, it is important to wear face mask and make it a habit.
These are some reasons you should wear face mask:
- Face mask protects the wearer
The primary function of face mask is to prevent the transmission of COVID-19 via respiratory droplets, which can easily get in through the mouth and nose when an infected person coughs, sneezes, talks or yawns. These droplets travel into the air when released, hence the rapid transmission of the virus. Thus, wearing face mask ensures your protection and safety at all time.
- Not all the people with COVID-19 show symptoms
You don’t have to wait to see the symptoms before you wear a face mask; the person next to you might be with COVID-19 and never show symptoms, even you might be infected and not yet develop symptoms.
Several studies including World Health Organization’s research have shown that there are asymptomatic people; infected people with COVID-19 who never develop symptoms. Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has estimated that “40% of persons with COVID-19 are asymptomatic but potentially able to transmit the virus to others”. They are active carriers of the virus who could infect so many unknowingly because they are unaware of their status.
There are also pre-symptomatic people; infected people with COVID-19 who are yet to develop symptoms but develop them later. According to World Health Organization’s situation report, “the incubation period for COVID-19, which is the time between exposure to the virus (becoming infected) and symptom onset, is on average 5-6 days, however can be up to 14 days. During this period, also known as the “pre-symptomatic” period, some infected persons can be contagious. Therefore, transmission from a pre-symptomatic case can occur before symptom onset”. Given this knowledge, it is imperative that you take precaution by protecting yourself. You don’t know who might be pre-symptomatic around you.
- Face mask reduces the spread of virus
People who live in crowded environment and communities where social distancing is quiet difficult are prone to contracting the virus quicker, but even at a greater risk of exposure are front line health workers in such communities. Individuals who live in congested environment should make it a habit to wear face mask every day to help reduce the super-spreading of the virus while protecting front line workers. Wearing face mask might be inconveniencing and uncomfortable for you, but actually, it makes the spread of the virus uneasy and discomforting.
With, as low as one hundred naira (N100) you can buy a face mask and go about your daily activities safely. You are assured of maximum protection when you use a 3ply face mask because it has hydrophobic and hydrophilic materials that prevent contaminated water droplet from being inhaled, absorb moisture and filter airborne particles and germs.
Wemy Industries and other manufacturing companies in Nigeria, produce disposable face mask like Dr.Brown’s 3ply Face mask to help reduce the impact of COVID-19. For further enquiries on face mask, you can contact us at creative@wemydrbrowns.com or call 07001237000
