Doctor: Don’t 'sun' and reuse masks

GENERAL manager of primary care at the Tobago Regional Health Authority (TRHA) Dr Roxanne Mitchell has urged the public not to "sun" and reuse masks.

Speaking at the Division of Health, Wellness and Family Development press conference on Tuesday afternoon, she said, “There are a number of people who simply put the mask on the dashboard (of their vehicles) or out in the sun, and then there are others who just spray rubbing alcohol and then reuse their masks.”

The advice being given on washing one's hands, she added, is the same with masks. “Using a detergent and water must be applied to cleaning and sanitising a mask.”

She urged the public to wear either a face shield or mask and to practise physical distancing.

“You treat the mask like you will treat your underclothing. Wash them before you reuse them, and try not to use a mask for more than eight hours.”

She asked the public not to reusedisposable masks.
“For people who are using surgical masks, we have noted that some are reusing these disposable items. They should not be worn for more than a certain number of hours. And I’m not saying an hour today and an hour tomorrow or the day after.

"Try not to reuse these disposable masks. I am aware that people are washing them, if only because of the cost (of new ones) and you’re trying to get more life out of them. But my advice to you would be to at least try and get one or two cloth masks as an alternative to surgical masks going forward.”