MADE IN SINGAPORE FOR SINGAPORE
BIO-LABONE surgical masks
MASKS
The different masks that are currently used during the COVID-19 pandemic can be confusing. We've listed some of the common masks that are used below.
ADVISORY FROM MINISTRY OF HEALTH SINGAPORE (AS OF 14 APRIL 2020)
As of 14 April 2020, you are required to wear a mask if you need to leave your house. The Multi-Ministry Taskforce has decided to make it mandatory for all persons to wear a mask when leaving their home.
When should I wear a mask?
- When outside of your home
- On public transport, taxis, and private hire cars
- Walking to or at markets
- For esssential workers at all workplace premises
When can I remove my mask?
Only while engaging in strenuous exercise outdoors such as running and jogging, but you must put it back on once you have completed your exercise
Can my child wear a mask?
Mask-wearing is not recommended for young children below the age of 2 for child safety reasons.
NOTE: Enforcement will be flexible for groups with difficulty wearing a mask, eg. children with special needs.
Is it an offence if I don’t wear a mask outside my home?
Yes. First-time offenders will be issued composition offers of $300, and repeat offenders will face higher fines or prosecution in court for egregious cases.
The mask-wearing requirement will be in effect during the circuit breaker period from 7 April till 5 May 2020.
Full reference here: https://www.gov.sg/article/when-should-i-wear-a-mask
OTHER REFERENCES
WHO Instructions on how to use masks: https://www.who.int/emergencies/diseases/novel-coronavirus-2019/advice-for-public/when-and-how-to-use-masks
MASK TYPES AND WHAT THEY ARE FOR
N95 Respirator or Equivalent
- The N95 is a brand that belongs to 3M.
- Other variants such as KN95, etc. are labelled as such because 3M owns the patent for the original N95 mask.
- Filtration Level: Very high, superb, ≥ 99%
- Fit: Very tight
Purpose
- Reduces your exposure to very small airborne particles or contaminants.
- May not protect against sprays and direct liquid splashes.
Note:
- You will not need this mask unless you are a medical or healthcare worker.
- Offers the necessary protection to minimise chances of being infected by the virus.
- Often, this is utilised with full PPE (Personal Protective Equipement) used by frontline workers.
The Bio-Labone Surgical Mask is in this category.
Medical Surgical Mask
- Standard medical surgical mask most commonly used.
- Can come in 2-, 3- or 4-ply versions - the 3-ply version offers the necessary level of protection for this type of mask.
- Can come in different colours - it is just the dyed outer water-proof layer and does not affect the effectiveness of the mask.
- Filtration Level: Very high, ≥ 95%
- Fit: Snug
Purpose
- Prevents large particles expelled by you, the wearer when you are ill, from reaching the environment.
- To be used as a physical barrier to protect you from large droplets of blood or body fluids.
Note:
- Recommended mask to use by the general population during the COVID-19 pandemic.
- Offers the level of protection required to minimise the spread of the virus.
Cloth Mask
- Typically made from fabric, can come in multiple designs and can be easily manufactured.
- Minimum required to be used when 3-ply medical surgical mask is not available.
- Filtration Level: Low, prevents large particles being expelled
- Fit: Snug
Purpose
- Prevents large particles expelled by you, the wearer, from reaching the environment.
Note:
- Offers low protection from infection.
- Designed to prevent aerosolisation of the droplets when we sneeze or cough.
Sponge or Foam Mask
- Typically made from sponge or foam. May include disposable filtration material that is used under this layer.
- Filtration Level: Low, prevents large particles being expelled
- Fit: Snug
Purpose
- Prevents large particles expelled by you, the wearer, from reaching the environment.
- Aesthetically, this mask type is visually pleasing.
Note:
- Offers little protection
- Designed to prevent aerosolisation of the droplets when we sneeze or cough.
- Has to be used appropriately with filter layers underneath and is not recommended otherwise.
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