BROWN COUNTY, Wis. (NBC 26) -- Local leaders and health experts are encouraging people to wear face masks to prevent the spread of coronavirus.
Dr. Ashok Rai, the President and CEO at Prevea Health, said anytime someone is going to interact with someone in public, it's important to wear a face mask. This includes taking essential trips like the grocery store or pharmacy. He said it's also important to wear a face mask if you're still going to work for an essential job.
Dr. Rai explained that a face mask will keep a person's secretions from away from others. He added that a mask can also act as a barrier so people don't touch their faces or mouths.
As far as the types of masks members of the community should be wearing, Dr. Rai said PPE masks should be reserved for health care workers only. Homemade cloth masks or disposable masks work.
Dr. Rai said it's important for people to make sure their hands are clean before touching their faces or mouths. Those parts can be accidentally touched when putting a mask on, so he recommends using hand sanitizer or washing your hands for at least 20 seconds before putting a mask on. He said only the outside of the mask should be touched. The mask should completely cover the nose and mouth. It can be adjusted using the straps and by adjusting the outside of the mask. When taking the mask off, Dr. Rai said a person should follow a similar practice, avoiding contact with the inside of the mask, and taking it off from the ears forward.
It's also important to make sure the mask is clean. Dr. Rai said a mask should be washed with hot water and soap at least once a day. He recommends doing this after every trip. He said a cloth mask should, hopefully, last a while. A disposable mask can typically last a day or longer depending on how it's being used.
Dr. Rai also said if a person is wearing a mask all day, for example at work, they should change it throughout the day, as moisture can impact its effectiveness.
"Everyone should be wearing a mask to prevent the spread of this disease. That's the easiest way for us to get back to our lives as quickly as possible," said Dr. Rai.
Dr. Rai reminds everyone that wearing a mask does not mean a person can go back to socializing. He said it's an addition to current recommendations.
If you're interested in making a mask, click here to see some links on how to make one from Prevea Health.
Prevea Health and HSHS St. Vincent Hospital are also accepting homemade mask donations. See our story on how you can help here.
