Mask obligation according to FOPH
Since 19.10.2020, an extended mask requirement has been in force throughout Switzerland in publicly accessible facilities and indoor spaces (source: FOPH). Masks have been mandatory on public transport since 6.7.2020.
Masks are also useful if you cannot keep the distance of 1.5 meters to other people. In addition to wearing a mask in certain environments, it is very important to continue to wash or disinfect your hands thoroughly and cough or sneeze into the handkerchief or into the crook of your arm.
What protective masks are available?
The range of possible masks is large and ranges from self-sewn face coverings to professional and expensive filter masks. At its core, there are three groups of masks: filtering half masks, mouth-nose protection and the so-called community masks. How do these types differ?
This type of protective mask is known in Switzerland as FFP mask. FFP stands for “filtering face piece”. These masks are mainly used in the medical field. In the US, Face mask they are sold as N95 masks. When purchasing, you should make sure that the protective masks are certified according to DIN EN 149 and have a CE marking. Among the FFP masks there are those with and without breathing valve. Masks without a breathing valve filter both inhaled and exhaled air. They protect both the wearer of the mask and people in the environment. Breathing is difficult with such a mask. That’s why there are also masks with breathing valves. However, these only filter the air that is inhaled. Exhaled air, on the other hand, enters the environment unfiltered and can thus endanger other people. As a rule, the filtering half masks are not reusable. Exceptions are those with an “R” marking. These can be cleaned and reused.
These are the face coverings, also known as surgical masks. They serve to ensure that the wearer releases fewer particles into his environment and can thus help infected or sick people to infect fewer others. As an uninfected carrier, the protection of surgical masks is only conditional, because the air is sucked past the edges of the mask when inhaled. The exhaled air, on the other hand, passes through the filtering fleece. Anyone who buys surgical masks should make sure that they are certified according to the European standard 14683. Normally, the surgical masks are removed and disposed of after a few hours of use. However, because the masks are currently in short supply, various possibilities are currently being used to reuse masks. For example, masks are vaporized or irradiated in clinics to kill possible germs, viruses and bacteria. In the private sector, it is possible to completely dry the surgical mask in the oven or microwave. However, it is controversial whether the protective effect can be restored.
All masks that are not manufactured and sold as medical devices are placed in the Community Masks category. For sewing such masks, there are now many instructions on the Internet. The degree of protection of such masks is highly dependent on the substances used. It is important that the fabrics are hot washable and breathable. These include, for example, cotton T-shirts, pillowcases (ideally antimicrobial) and kitchen towels. If you want to catch a higher amount of droplets, you can sew the mask with two layers.
The SRF has also created an explanatory video for the different masks. You can find it here.
How good are self-sewn protective masks?
Of course, self-sewn protective masks do not offer the same protection as masks made for medical needs. Nevertheless, you can help patients to eject fewer droplets, for example when coughing or sneezing. How good the effect is also depends on the chosen material.
How to clean protective masks?
Surgical masks and FFP masks are usually not cleaned, but disposed of after use. However, as long as the masks are limited, there are recommendations on how the masks can be cleaned and reused. Surgical masks can be dried in the oven or microwave. At high temperatures, adhering particles are killed. Self-made cloth masks should be washed at 60 or 95 degrees, if the fabric allows. The mask must be completely dried before using it again. You can also hot iron masks to kill viruses. How well the methods for cleaning really work, however, has not yet been scientifically investigated.
Where can I buy protective masks?
Pharmacies sell protective masks if available. There you also get the professional advice. In addition, masks will be handed out in establishments that will be allowed to serve customers again after the gradual lifting of the lockdown. These correspond to the respective requirements. Switzerland’s major retailers receive masks from the federal government and have to sell them at cost price.
If you want to buy protective masks on the Internet, you can orient yourself on the prices in stationary retail. Certain online retailers also offer protective masks with individual motifs, such as Vistaprint. With the offers, care should be taken to ensure that the masks are certified accordingly, i.e. have at least one CE mark, and that the online shops are serious. Many dubious providers are currently trying to exploit people’s insecurity. There are phishing emails and fake online shops. If you have doubts, you should rather not shop.
P.S.: All online offers in the price comparison of Comparis are checked and trustworthy.
How do I put on a protective mask correctly?
The best protective mask is useless if you don’t put it on properly. Before touching down: Wash hands with soap for at least 20 seconds. Nevertheless, the inside of the mask should not be touched with your fingers afterwards. When fitting the mask, make sure that it fits as tightly as possible and that both mouth and nose are covered.
Here is a video with tips.
How long should I wear a protective mask?
As soon as the mask has become moist due to the breathing air, it must be taken off – if the situation no longer requires it. When taking off, it must be borne in mind that the mask on the outside could be contaminated. Therefore, it must be pulled out over the loops. Nevertheless, after undressing, hand washing is important again. Surgical masks belong in the waste after use.