Wearing A Mask FAQ
When should you wear a mask in TU Dublin?
Wearing a face-covering is mandatory for all indoors areas on TU Dublin campuses. This applies to all staff, students and visitors. Stricter mask policies are being introduced in TU Dublin Campuses which may include disciplinary action if masks are not worn at all times other than eating & drinking.
If you, for reasons of disability or a medical condition, cannot wear a face covering, they should consult the TU Dublin Health Centres/or GP, the Disability Service for advice and inform their Head of School, if required.
Why should you wear a mask?
Face coverings limit the volume and travel distance of expiratory droplets dispersed when talking, breathing, and coughing. A face covering without vents or holes will also filter out particles containing the virus from inhaled and exhaled air, reducing the chances of infection.
You wear a mask for me and I wear a mask for you.
How should you wear a mask?
There are three places to check for fit:
The first is around your nose. It’s a good idea to use something with a mouldable nosepiece.
The second is it should be snug under your chin and the third is it should fit well over your cheeks.
Having the mask under your nose is completely ineffectively and it is like not wearing a mask at all.
Which type of mask should you choose?
FFP3 (a disposable, shaped mask with a valve that filters air) is the best for protection. These types of masks are usually seen in medical environments. It is generally thought that cloth and one-use disposable masks are fine for the general public. One-use disposable mask should only be worn once.
How many times can you wear a disposable mask?
Disposable masks are not designed to be worn more than once or cleaned.
A cloth mask, on the other hand, can have a better fit and more absorbent materials, and can be reused as many times as you like.
How many layers should your mask have?
The WHO advises a minimum of three, although four layers can be up to seven times more effective than a single bit of fabric.
How clean do your hands need to be before touching your mask?
Surface transmission through cloth is pretty much unheard of for Covid-19. Officially, the medical advice is to take it off from the straps rather than the front, it is recommended that you wash your hands before touching your mask.
How do you prevent your glasses from steaming up?
Submerge your glasses in soapy water and then let them dry by themselves, creating a thin antifog layer on the lenses. You can play around with where your glasses sit – you can wear them a bit lower over your nose. If you use a mouldable nosepiece, you can make a tighter fit at the top of the mask so that less air comes out. Anyone who wears glasses knows this struggle is real!
Do you have to be careful how you store or carry a mask?
Even if the chance of picking up an infection from your mask is low, you’ll want to keep it as clean as possible – wearing a dirty face-covering isn’t going to be particularly pleasant, a good idea is to carry a Ziploc bag that keeps it away from everything else.
How often should you wash a cloth mask?
Treat your face mask the same way as you treat your socks or underpants, as long as you’re the sort of person who only gets one wear out of their pants before washing! So, have at least 2 masks, one to wear and one to wash!
Do you still need to wear a facemask after you’re fully vaccinated?
Yes.
Remember: Wearing a face-covering is mandatory for all indoors areas on TU Dublin campuses. This applies to all staff students and visitors.