Which masks have good filtration efficiency? What you need to know about the updated mask guidelines
SINGAPORE: Singapore updated its guidance for the utilise of masks on Tuesday (May xviii) on the dorsum of ascent COVID-19 infections in the community.
The Ministry of Health (MOH) is advising that members of the public use masks with better protection, such every bit those with better filtration efficiency, to mitigate the higher take chances of infection.
This is because the recent COVID-19 clusters "suggest a higher level of manual, likely attributed to new virus variants", the ministry said.
READ: Masks with better filtration capability recommended as new COVID-xix variants spread
Hither'south what y'all need to know virtually the new mask guidelines:
WHAT IS FILTRATION EFFICIENCY?
The bacterial filtration efficiency (BFE) of a mask refers to the caste of barrier protection provided by the cloth or fabric of the mask.
A mask with a higher BFE would be more than effective in preventing bacteria-containing aerosol from reaching the wearer.
Masks that meet the requirement for medical and surgical standards have a BFE of 95 per cent - blocking 95 per cent of aerosol it is exposed to.
This is often indicated on the packaging or product description of the masks sold.
WHICH MASK TO CHOOSE?
Suitable face coverings include surgical masks or reusable masks that are made of at least 2 layers of fabric, said the MOH.
Reusable masks such as those issued by the People'due south Clan and Temasek Foundation also take skilful filtration efficiency, said the ministry.
Co-ordinate to the Health Sciences Potency (HSA), when selecting a face mask, look out for the following:
- Masks with at to the lowest degree 2 to three layers of fabric. As a guide, the material should not be see-through when held against lite.
- Layers should preferably be made with different fabrics, including a h2o-repellant outer layer, a centre filter layer to remove particulates – this can exist dispensable filter inserts - and an absorbent inner layer to absorb aerosol from the wearer's mouth.
- Cull fabrics with better filtering efficiency and with enough permeability to allow breathing
"It's non just wearing a material mask, merely wear one with high filtration adequacy - a surgical mask or one of those with the filter inserts," said Finance Minister Lawrence Wong, who co-chairs the COVID-nineteen Multi-Ministry building Task Forcefulness, on Tuesday.
This is particularly and then if i is going to an enclosed space with people in close proximity, he said.
READ: Singapore at present able to produce filters for surgical masks, will be distributed to residents if needed
CERTIFICATION & ASTM RATINGS
Infectious diseases skilful Leong Hoe Nam said on CNA on Tuesday that masks have certifications and one tin look for its ASTM rating.
These are issued by ASTM International, an organisation that develops and publishes standards on materials and products, including personal protective equipment.
Earlier, ASTM guidance but practical to masks used in medical settings, just in February 2022 information technology issued standards on consumer face masks. To get such ratings, the masks accept to exist tested for bacterial and particulate filtration adequacy and fluid resistance, amidst other things.
ASTM mask gradings vary from one to iii and all can filter particles of 0.ane micron and higher up, said Associate Professor Richard Sugrue from the Schoolhouse of Biological Sciences at Nanyang Technological Academy.
"Almost masks do not filter out private virus particles (which are besides small), only human action by preventing big aerosol aerosol from reaching the wearer," he said.
Dr Leong, who practises at Rophi Clinic, added: "If you were to use cloth masks which are made on your ain, yous don't know how good they are.
"Nosotros should be going on good quality masks, good qualified surgical masks which actually piece of work and does exactly what it says."
WEARING THE MASK PROPERLY
Manager of Medical Services Kenneth Mak on Tuesday too reminded people to wear their masks properly.
"Good quality masks worn well and properly provide an first-class form of protection for all of usa against how the virus spreads, irrespective of whether information technology spreads past droplet or some form of aerosolised transmission," he said.
MOH advises people to ensure that the mask closely and completely covers their nose and mouth.
NTU Lee Kong Chian School of Medicine Professor of Infectious Diseases Professor Laurent Renia recommends that dispensable masks be changed every iv hours if worn continuously. Reusable and washable masks must be washed daily.
Bear upon just the straps and not the surface of the mask when removing it, and wash hands after disposing a used mask.
LOCALLY PRODUCED MASKS
On its website, HSA says that local surgical mask manufacturing facilities have to exist licensed by the authorization.
All surgical masks manufactured by these licensed facilities are required to comply with international standards such as ASTM F2100, EN 14683, or their equivalent. They also have to be tested to meet a minimum bacterial filtration efficiency of 95 per cent.
EN 14683 is a standard that medical confront masks in Europe are required to comply with.
To appointment, HSA has licensed 26 mask manufacturing facilities.
WHAT ARE THE CURRENT MASK-WEARING RULES?
It is mandatory for everyone six years old and to a higher place to clothing a mask when leaving their homes. Mask-wearing is non recommended for children below the historic period of two for safety reasons.
For those caught not wearing a mask, first-fourth dimension offenders will exist fined S$300, and repeat offenders will face college fines or prosecution in court for egregious cases.
You can just remove your mask when exterior to swallow or drinkable, or if you are doing strenuous exercise outdoors. Merely y'all must put the mask dorsum on once yous are done.
Under Phase 2 (Heightened Alarm), masks must besides be worn in indoor exercise facilities, and only lower intensity exercises tin can be performed.
Household visitors are also encouraged to observe safe direction principles when visiting other peoples' homes. This includes wearing a mask, keeping a distance of at least 1m from others, minimising physical contact and washing your easily regularly.
READ: Be 'obsessed' with wearing masks properly: Experts urge compliance as COVID-19 cases grow
WHICH MASKS OR Face up COVERINGS ARE NOT RECOMMENDED?
Masks with exhalation valves should not be worn every bit they practise non effectively forestall the release of droplets from the wearer when he or she exhales.
"Filter your air coming out and filter your air coming in, it works both means," said Dr Leong.
Plastic spit guards and face coverings such as neck gaiters, bandannas, scarves or handkerchiefs are not considered masks.
MOH likewise updated its advice on face shields on May fourteen. The ministry said that inquiry has demonstrated that face shields cannot substitute masks in protecting the wearer from droplet infection, and "do not fairly prevent" droplet spread if the wearer is infected.
Face up shields should therefore not be used as a substitute for masks, except for medical exceptions, where the child is 12 years or younger or past the nuptials couple during the solemnisation of their wedlock.
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Source: https://cnalifestyle.channelnewsasia.com/singapore/covid19-how-to-choose-masks-filtration-bfe-surgical-176211
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