COVID-19 (coronavirus) advice for the UQ community - HEALTH - Face masks
Should I wear a face mask generally in the community?
In the general community, the best precaution against the transmission of viruses is staying home if you are unwell, maintaining physical distancing and practising exceptional hand hygiene. The wearing of face masks may be used as an extra measure to reduce virus transmission. Even if you are wearing a mask, stay 1.5 metres away from others, if possible.
The main value of wearing a mask is to protect other people. If you are unknowingly infected, wearing a mask will reduce the chance that you pass COVID-19 on to others.
At UQ we are working hard to provide spaces where it is possible to physically distance. However, this may not be possible in all cases.
We understand there are situations where you may not be able to maintain physical distancing, e.g. on public transport. In these cases, it is recommended that you wear a mask. Queensland Health suggests to keep a mask with you, so that if you get into one of those situations, you are prepared.
What about wearing masks in teaching, learning and research environments?
Masks may be considered in certain teaching, learning or research settings where it is difficult to maintain physical distancing, and as determined through a risk assessment (particularly where the environment and/or work and learning process cannot be reasonably modified). See Government requirements and guidance: Reducing the transmission of COVID-19 in teaching, learning, research and meeting environments.
Face masks used in laboratories must be the appropriate mask for the activity as determined by the risk assessment. Reusable (cloth) masks are not suitable for laboratory environments.
Where UQ staff and students are working in, or undertake placements, in settings where masks are required e.g. health care and aged care settings, it is expected that they comply with these local requirements.
As the advice on masks may change, it is important to stay up to date with Queensland Government advice.
What is the best way to wear a mask?
- Ideally, clean your hands with soap and water or alcohol-based hand rub (made up of over 60% alcohol or 70% isopropanol) before you put on your mask.
- Hold the mask by its tapes or loops, then tie the mask around your head or put the loops around your ears. If you are using a mask with ear loops, you can use a plastic clip or tie to join the ends together at the back of your head to make sure it fits securely on your face. If you are wearing a standard surgical mask, remember that the coloured side (usually blue) faces out.
- Make sure the mask completely covers your mouth and nose, and that there are no gaps between your face and the mask.
Do not touch your eyes, nose, mouth or the front of the mask while wearing it.
Do not allow the mask to hang around your neck or under your nose.
If the mask gets soiled or damp, replace it with a new one.
How do I dispose of a single-use mask correctly?
When disposing of a mask, put it in general waste. Ideally, it should go into a sealable bag first to ensure the used mask won’t be touched by others. Then put the sealed bag in the bin.
Always clean your hands immediately after removing your mask and putting it in the bin.
Recommended types of face masks or other face coverings
The best face mask is a single-use surgical mask – if you are using these for general use around campus or getting to and from campus, this will protect others if you are unwell. You can purchase these at pharmacies.
If you are unable to get a surgical mask, other paper or cloth masks are fine to use. The most effective cloth masks are made up of at least 3 layers.
If you are sick, ensure your mask does not have holes or a valve, as if you have COVID-19, you can transmit the virus to others. A fit tested respirator - often with a valve (P2 or N95) will protect you from others that may be unwell; these masks should be reserved for health care workers.
What about fabric or cloth masks?
Non-medical masks are typically made of breathable fabric, are washable and reusable. These are not the same as surgical masks or masks that healthcare workers wear. These non-medical masks are not effective at protecting the wearer as they do not filter air. However, they may offer some protection to others as the fabric may restrict some particles when breathing, speaking, coughing or sneezing. Cloth masks should be washed after every use, be made up of at least three layers of fabric and cover your nose and mouth.
The wearing of cloth face masks in laboratories is not permitted, and should be replaced by the use of disposable single use masks as defined by the risk assessment.
Make your own cloth mask
You can make your own cloth mask. Use the Australian Government’s helpful resource (PDF) if you want to know the best way to make a face mask.
Washing a reusable cloth face mask
Cloth masks should be washed after every use.
They can be washed in the washing machine with other clothes, or hand washed using soap and the warmest appropriate water setting for the cloth. Dry the cloth mask in the clothes dryer or in fresh air before you re-use it.
Clean your hands with soap and water or alcohol-based hand rub (made up of over 60% alcohol or 70% isopropanol) after handling used face masks.
Can I re-use my mask?
You cannot re-use surgical masks.
You can wash and re-use cloth masks. It is a good idea to have at least two, so you will always have a clean one available. Re-using a cloth mask without washing it is not advisable, because it can become contaminated putting you at risk, and may not be as effective at reducing transmission. For each new situation put on a clean mask. Carry your clean masks in a plastic or paper bag to keep them clean.