The world of Tzu Chi March 2020(Vol.120)

type of surface, temperature or humidity of the environment. If you think a surface may be infected, clean it with a simple disinfectant to kill the virus and protect yourself and others. Clean your hands with an alcohol-based hand sanitizer or wash them with soap and water. Avoid touching your eyes, mouth or nose. Is it safe to receive packages from any area where cases of Covid-19 have been reported? Yes. The likelihood of an infected person contaminating commercial goods is low. The risk of catching the virus from a package that has been transported across and exposed to different conditions and temperatures is also low. What is the proper way to wear a mask? Before touching the mask, clean hands with an alcohol-based hand sanitizer or soap and water. Inspect the mask for tears or holes. Identify the top side of the mask (where the metal strip is) and ensure the proper side of the mask faces outwards (the coloured side). Place the mask to your face. Pinch the metal strip or stiff edge of the mask so it moulds to the shape of your nose. Pull down the bottom edge of the mask so it covers your mouth and your chin. After use, take off the mask by removing the elastic loops from behind the ears while keeping the mask away from your face and clothes, to avoid touching potentially contaminated surfaces of the mask. Discard the mask in a closed bin immediately. After discarding the mask, use an alcohol- based hand sanitizer or, if visibly soiled, wash your hands with soap and water. The most effective ways to protect yourself and others against Covid-19 are to frequently clean your hands, cover your cough with the bend of elbow or tissue and maintain a distance of at least one metre from people who are coughing or sneezing. Is the face mask reusable? Is it advisable to wash or disinfect it? No. It is not advisable to reuse face masks. The outward-facing layer of a face mask is considered to be contaminated if the wearer has come into contact with people infected with Covid-19 or other infectious diseases, hence the mask should be removed, folded outwards without touching its outermost layer and discarded promptly into a disposal bin with a lid. TZU CHI 120 15 Staying Safe in Combating Coronavirus