Facemask Guidelines - COVID-19

In this post, we are looking at the guidelines regarding face masks in Poland. So far, Polish authorities have reported 19,569 cases with 953 deaths. On 16th April 2020, the Polish government made face masks mandatory until further notice, as one of the preventive measures introduced in fighting the spread of the coronavirus within the country.

It is mandatory to wear a face mask when:

• Leaving your home/property
• Using public transport
• Travelling in a car with people other than your household
• Visiting all public places 
• Entering common spaces like staircases, lifts, courtyards.

The Polish government also released a set of guidelines on how to wear a face mask.

How to wear a face mask:

• Cover both your nose and you mouth
• Avoid touching the mask while wearing it. If you touch it, wash your hands with soap or use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
• Improper use, including not changing disposable masks, can increase the risk of infection.
• Be wary of the false sense of security, which can lead to one ignoring all the other safety precautions. Face masks do not reduce the need of keeping the 2m distance.
• Face masks are only beneficial if used in conjunction with hand washing with soap for min 30s or sanitizing hands with an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.

How to put on and take off a face mask?

• Before you put on a face mask wash your hands with soap for min 30 sec or use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
• Make sure your face mask covers both your mouth and your nose and there are no gaps.
• If your face mask gets damp, swap it for a new one. Do not reuse disposable face masks.
• Take off your mask using the string ties. Do not touch the front of the mask. Dispose of the mask into a closed container or throw it into your washing machine. Wash your hands for 30s or use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer