UPDATED - How to Properly Wear and Dispose of a Mask

Previously, we shared important information on certain precuations you could take in order to protect yourself from the novel coronavirus, including washing your hands and the proper way to wear a mask. In this article, we shared updated information regarding the proper disposal of these masks. We at Beijing United Family Hospital (BJU) will continue to share updates as the situation unfolds. 

As there currently is no vaccine to prevent the disease, the best way to prevent getting sick is to avoid exposure by taking the necessary precautions, such as wearing a mask.

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, and 

- the dark colored side should face outwards. 

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, do not touch the outside of the mask, as it could be contaminated with the virus. Remove the mask by pulling the straps off from your ears and discard the mask in a waste container. If there is no medical waste bin, please fold the mask as depicted in the pictures below before throwing it in the general waste bin.  Do not reuse a disposable surgical mask and remember to wash your hands immediately after removing it.

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 visiting Beijing United Family Hospitals 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 inform our staff immediately. 

References:

1. Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention

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

2. 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 24hr Service Center at 4008-919191.