COVID is over but why wearing of masks has stopped but use of other safety measures has persisted

The pandemic last year has left a strong impression on us, and possibility changed some habits as well. The government initiative of mandatory usage of masks, use of sanitizer and social distancing was a success in our country to large extents. The fatality wasn’t as severe as initially feared and we are largely over the deadly phase of the pandemic.

But the habits adopted during the pandemic have altered our behavior as well. We see people adopting increased level of sensitization habits especially people who frequently travel. Social distancing and lock-down have made us more aware and even now we see people hesitant to shake hands and even possibly avoid large social gathering all together. Hand sanitizers have become the new hand lotion and its use has increased incrementally from before the pandemic.

As for masks we have largely grown averse to wearing them and have been relieved over its voluntary usage rather than mandatory. In a large gathering of people, we see still possibly only a handful of people choosing to wear a mask whereas adopting social distancing and use of hand sanitizer has been more readily adopted. Why is this? Well the simple answer to this is comfort.

But before that is wearing a mask really necessary? Some examples to look at will be countries like Taiwan, South Korea & Japan. Well before the pandemic people in these countries have been aware of bacteria and viral diseases that spread through the respiratory system. It was common sight to see most people wearing a mask and travelling in a metro. Data suggests these countries faced significantly less fatalities in the pandemic. Did the habit of wearing a mask make a difference?

Let us also consider the cause of air pollution. 18 of the 20 most polluted cities in the world are in India. Try this for yourself, if you have a white mask or respirator use it for couple of days when you are travelling outdoor, don’t be surprised to see it turn black from the pollution. Imagine the work our lungs are doing coping with this on a daily basis.

Wearing a mask especially using it outdoor in India is a cause of discomfort. India has a hot and humid climate and wearing a mask outdoor in these conditions causes a lot of sweating. Also, some masks & respirators in the market right now are made of fabrics through which even water might not pass let alone air for the person to breathe.

Some tips and checks which might help in wearing a mask longer and be more comfortable

1. Use mask that are preferably made of non-woven fabrics. These fabrics are breathable and are lightweight to allow better breathing. Venus masks use special engineered fabrics where the masks are tested to have Breathing resistance as low as 8mm H2O.

2. People who travel outdoor should use masks that have an exhalation valve. We breathe hot air while exhaling and if this is not quickly removed out of the mask, there is bound to be sweating inside the mask. Venus has its patented Butterfly valve design which is tested to reduce temperature inside the mask by 12°C.

3. Wear masks that have comfortable headbands. Some people have aversion to wearing masks that go over the ear and prefer ones that can be worn over the head. Choose the style most comfortable to you.

4. Change your masks at regular intervals. The outer fabric of the mask is the main filter area. Also washing can only be done for limited cycles. Change your mask at least weekly, this shall ensure proper sensitization as well. If you are wearing a 3-ply mask change your mask daily.