Novel Coronavirus in China - How to Properly Wear a Mask

As of 11:00 AM on January 23, 2020, China has reported 585 confirmed cases of the novel coronavirus, 393 suspected cases, 28 cured, and 17 total deaths. While the majority of the cases have been identified in Wuhan, 14 have been diagnosed here in Beijing. Read further for an update on the situation, how Beijing United Family Hospital (BJU) is responding, and how to appropriately wear a mask to protect yourself against the spread of the disease.

（Photo by Zhao Yifan/China SCIO）

The novel coronavirus has been categorized as a "class B" infectious disease

The Law of the People's Republic of China on the Prevention and Treatment of Infectious Diseases divides serious infectious diseases into three categories. "A class" infectious diseases include plague and cholera; "B class" diseases include Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) and influenza (H1N1); while "C class" diseases include pulmonary tuberculosis, influenza, epidemic parotitis (mumps), and others. With the approval of the State Council, the novel coronavirus originating from Wuhan has been included as a "class B" infectious disease, but similar measures for the prevention and control of "class A" infectious diseases should be taken.

One of these control measures is to wear a mask. But how effective are they?

According to the Beijing Center for Disease Control and Prevention, wearing masks is one of the most important and effective means of preventing infectious diseases and can effectively reduce the risk of contracting the novel coronavirus.

Wearing a mask is not only an effective way to protect yourself from infection, but also an effective way to protect those around you when you have respiratory symptoms. Wearing a mask is like using your own filter for your respiratory system.

When to wear a mask

1. When going to the hospital.

2. When taking public transport.

3. When staying in relatively closed or crowded spaces for a long time.

4. In an office or a school class, or when a colleague or classmate has a cold.

5. When a patient is in close contact with people.

How to properly wear a mask

Wash your hands prior to putting on a mask. Then, choose the proper mask. It is recommended that either a disposable surgical mask or medical protective mask (N95) will suffice. Purchase these products from regular enterprises, select the model which is most suitable for you, and ensure that it fits snugly on your face. 

Disposable surgical masks have two sides, the light colored side has a moisture absorption function and should be facing the nose and mouth. The dark colored side should face outwards. 

 Outter Side of Mask     

Inner Side of Mask

Completely unfold the folds, so that your mouth, nose, and jaw are covered. Squeeze the metallic strip tightly to make the mask fit snuggly around the face.

（Picture Source: Beijing Center for Disease Control and Prevention）

When taking off the mask, try not to touch the outside of the mask and remember to wash your hands immediately after removing it. Do not reuse a disposable surgical mask. Wrap the mask after use and throw it away in the proper canisters. 

BJU’s online appointment channel will be temporarily closed

In order to further improve infection control and reduce the risk of spreading the novel coronavirus infection in the Hospital, Beijing United Family Hospital has temporarily suspended the WeChat and online appointment channels. During this period, if you have any medical needs, please call our 24hr Service Center at 4008-919191.

All patients are required to have their temperature taken at the entrance of  either BJU Building 1, 2, or 3. Please pay attention to the appropriate signage regarding this step.

If a patient has a fever and has traveled to Wuhan, a BJU triage nurse will provide a mask and direct the patient to the fever screening clinic. If you have symptoms of fever and have recently traveled to Wuhan, please follow the sign for a pre-examination.

References:

1. The State Council Information Office of the People's Republic of China：

http://english.scio.gov.cn/pressroom/2020-01/22/content_75640077.htm

2. Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention

http://www.nhc.gov.cn/jkj/s7916/202001/44a3b8245e8049d2837a4f27529cd386.shtml

3. LAW OF THE PEOPLE'S REPUBLIC OF CHINA ON THE PREVENTION AND TREATMENT OF INFECTIOUS DISEASES

http://english.mofcom.gov.cn/article/lawsdata/chineselaw/200211/20021100050619.shtml

4. Beijing Center for Diseases Prevention and Control：

The most important way to prevent the new coronavirus is to wear a mask.

To learn more about BJU services, or if you have any additional questions, please call our Marketing Department at 13911673216 or our 24hr Service Center at 4008-919191.