With COVID19 gradually changing how we function publically, the importance of masks and cleanliness has come to the forefront. Like others, seafarers too need to learn and excel in this new skill. Keeping that in mind, the International Chamber of Shipping has launched a detailed mask making, usage, and disposal guideline solely for the benefit of seafarers.
Let us take a look at that and stay safe at sea.
Non-Medical Mask Masking Procedure
Some countries now require use of non-medical masks in community settings or on board flights. The following instructions suggest how to make a homemade face covering to help prevent the spread of coronavirus (COVID-19) through respiratory droplets.
If possible, use different fabrics for each face covering side, to know which faces the mouth and which is the outside. Some instructions also include a pocket to fit a paper towel or disposable coffee filter for increased benefit.
There are three potential options:
1. Sewing
2. No-sew method using a T-shirt
3. No-sew method using a bandana
Sewing
Materials Required:
- Two 255mm x 150mm rectangles of cotton fabric
- Two 150mm pieces of elastic (or rubber bands, string, cloth strips, hair ties)
- Needle and thread /safety pins/ stapler
- Scissors
- Sewing machine (if available)
Instructions
- Cut out two 255mm x 150mm rectangles of tightly woven cotton fabric, such as quilting
fabric, cotton sheets or T-shirt fabric. Stack the two rectangles, and sew the face
covering as if a single piece of fabric - Fold over the long sides 6mm hem. Then fold the double layer of fabric over 12mm
along the short sides and stitch down. - Run 150mm of 3mm wide elastic through the wider hem on each side of the face
covering for ear loops. Thread with a large needle or bobby pin. Tie the ends tight. Use
hair ties or elastic headbands if there is no elastic. If using string, make ties longer and
tie the face covering behind the head. - Gently pull on the elastic so that the knots tuck inside the hem. Gather the sides of
the face covering on the elastic and adjust so it to fit your face and securely stitch the
elastic in place to stop it slipping.
Now Sewing Method Using A T-shirt
Materials Required: T-shirt, Scissors
Instructions:
- Cut the bottom off a T-shirt, measuring 180mm x 200mm.
- Cut out a 150mm x 180mm fabric rectangle. Horizontally cut from a shorter side,
ensuring equal space between the cut and long ends of the fabric to leave a C-shape. Cut tie strings from the narrow parts of the C-shape by cutting vertically on T-shirt crease to produce 2 sets of tie strings. - Tie 1 set of strings around your neck, and the other set over the top of your head.
The strings that attach over the top of your head will run along the cheeks and above
the ears.
Non-sewing Method Using A Bandana
Materials Required
- Bandana (or square cotton cloth of 510mm x 510mm)
- Coffee filter or folded paper towel
- Rubber bands (or hair ties)
- Scissors (if cutting cloth)
Instructions
- Cut a coffee filter horizontally across the middle. Keep the top with the rounded part.
- old a square bandana in half fold
- Put the rounded top of the cut filter in the center of the folded bandana. Fold the top of
the bandana down over the filter. Then fold the bottom of the bandana up over the filter - Insert the folded cloth into two rubber bands or hair ties, about 150mm apart.
- Fold sides to the middle and tuck around the bands or hair ties.
- Pull the bands or hair ties around your ears.
Guidance on Using A Mask
WHO has issued interim guidance advising on the use of masks in the context of COVID-19. It reviews the use of masks in communities, home care and health care settings in areas reporting COVID-19 cases.
Whilst intended for individuals ashore, public health and infection prevention and control (IPC) professionals and health care workers, WHO has stated that the advice also applies to situations on board.
Current information and evidence suggests that:
• The two main transmission routes for COVID-19 are respiratory droplets and contact. Respiratory droplets are generated when an infected person coughs or sneezes. Any person in close contact (within 1m) with someone with respiratory symptoms (coughing, sneezing) is at risk of exposure to potentially infective respiratory droplets. Droplets may also land on surfaces where COVID-19 could remain viable; thus, the immediate environment of an infected individual can be a source of contact transmission.
• Incubation for COVID-19 (time between exposure and symptom onset) is on average 5–6 days but can be up to 14 days. During this time, some infected persons can be contagious and transmit the virus to others. Data suggests that some people can test positive from 1–3 days before developing symptoms and may infect others.
• Pre-symptomatic transmission still requires the virus to spread via infectious droplets or through touching contaminated surfaces.
• WHO defines medical masks as flat or pleated surgical or procedure masks (some shaped like cups) affixed to the head with straps. They are tested using standardised test methods to balance high filtration, adequate breathability and, optionally, fluid penetration resistance.
• Wearing a medical mask is a prevention measure to try to limit the spread of certain respiratory viral diseases, including COVID-19. However, use of a mask alone is insufficient to provide an adequate level of protection, and other measures should also be adopted. Maximum compliance with hand hygiene and other IPC measures are critical to prevent transmission.
• Use of a medical mask can prevent the spread of infectious droplets from an infected person to someone else and potential environmental contamination from droplets. Limited evidence suggests wearing a medical mask by healthy individuals among contacts of a sick patient may be beneficial as a preventive measure but there is no evidence that mask wearing (medical or other type) by healthy persons prevents infection.
• Community use of medical masks may create a false sense of security and neglect of other essential measures, such as hand hygiene practices and physical distancing, and may lead to touching the face under the masks and under the eyes. This could result in unnecessary costs and a shortage of masks for health care workers.
Masks provided specifically for medical purposes should be reserved for those providing medical care onboard.
Mask Usage
There are mixed opinions on the wide use of masks by healthy people onboard due to uncertainties and critical risks, including:
• Self-contamination can occur by touching and reusing a contaminated mask.
• Depending on type of mask used, potential breathing difficulties.
• False sense of security, risking less adherence to other preventive measures e.g. physical distancing and hand hygiene.
• Diversion of mask supplies and consequent shortage of masks for health care providers.
WHO advises that use of non-medical masks, e.g. masks made of cotton fabric, for communal use has not been well evaluated and argues there is currently no evidence to recommend for or against their use. Nevertheless, some national decision makers are suggesting use of non-medical masks can control potential spread from asymptomatic carriers.
The following features should be considered while making a mask:
- How many layers of fabric
- tissue Water repellence
- hydrophobic qualities
- Breathability of material
- Shape of mask
- Fit of mask
Cloth masks should not be used by those providing on board medical care due to increased risk of infection compared to medical masks.
If production of cloth masks for use in onboard medical care settings is proposed locally due to shortages, the local port medical authority should assess minimum standards and technical specification.
Mask Disposal Procedure
For any type of mask, appropriate use and disposal are essential to ensure that they are effective and to avoid any increase in transmission.
WHO advises:
• Place the mask carefully covering the mouth and nose and tie securely to minimise any gaps between the face and mask.
• Avoid touching the mask while wearing it.
• Remove the mask using the appropriate technique: do not touch the front of the mask but untie it from behind.
• After removal or whenever a used mask is inadvertently touched, clean hands using an alcohol-based hand rub or soap and water if hands are visibly dirty.
• Replace masks as soon as they become damp with a new clean, dry mask.
• Do not re-use single-use masks.
• Discard single-use masks after each use and dispose of them immediately upon removal.
Did you subscribe to our daily newsletter?
It’s Free! Click here to Subscribe!
Source: International Chamber of Shipping
SHV 12 was found in the two strains of E real cialis no generic