Wearing cloth masks “strongly recommended”

Tuesday 07 April 2020

Wearing non-medical fabric masks, or other material face coverings, while out in public is now “strongly recommended” by Jersey’s top medical officer.

Issuing updated advice about handmade masks, Dr Ivan Muscat has said that the fabric coverings are an additional way to help reduce the spread of covid-19.

In the face of an emerging movement – ‘Masks4All’ - gaining popularity amongst Jersey’s medical profession, Dr Muscat was initially hesitant to endorse the use of material masks due to limited data about their efficacy in slowing the spread of this virus.

However, having looked at evidence from other infections, Dr Muscat has now “strongly recommended” wearing non-medical face coverings for islanders out in public places, particularly whilst shopping, and for essential workers.

It comes after the American Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the World Health Organization (WHO) have both updated their advice in support of the use of cloth masks in public as an additional step to reduce the spread of infection. 

Some countries, including the Czech Republic, have already made mask-wearing mandatory for anyone leaving their house. 

Elaborating on his new advice, Dr Muscat said: “Using cloth masks to cover your nose and mouth will reduce the transmission of large respiratory droplets from the person wearing the mask to others. To a lesser extent, the masks may also protect the wearer from others.

“It is now strongly recommended that non-medical face coverings are worn in public places while islanders are observing ‘Stay at Home’ guidance, particularly when shopping for essentials, and by essential workers where appropriate.” 

The senior doctor continued: “Cloth masks may also act as a reminder that we live in different times and should be staying home as much as possible.” 

He emphasised however, that cloth masks should only be used in addition to following the other guidance about social distancing, the ‘stay at home’ instruction or good hand and respiratory hygiene. 

Pictured: Dr Ivan Muscat is Jersey's medical lead on the covid-19 response.

“Using a cloth mask is an additional measure and is not suitable in a clinical setting, where medical grade personal protective equipment [PPE] is required.” 

Health officials are reminding the public that islanders who have symptoms of the virus and their fellow householders should be in total isolation at home and having a mask does not mean they can leave home safely without transmitting the virus to others.

Issuing more detailed advice about the use of material masks, Government say that cloth face masks should:

• be used in public places;
• be changed if soiled, wet or uncomfortable. Place used cloth masks in a plastic bag and take home for washing (ideally in a machine and tumble-dried, otherwise with detergent and hot water). Essential workers may need several masks a day to ensure good hygiene and comfort.

Those wearing a cloth mask should: 

• wash their hands after removing it;
• remember that repeated washing may eventually degrade the material, reducing its effectiveness in stopping large respiratory particles. Sensible replacement of used masks is appropriate. 

Shops that sell fabric and sewing supplies have been allowed to reopen so that anyone wanting to make face masks at home can buy the equipment required. 

Cloth masks are also available through commercial suppliers and makers online. 

Employers and those who are self-employed are being asked to consider how best to reflect this updated advice in the workplace. 

It’s said that “the community can benefit from the use of cloth face masks and appropriate steps will need to be taken in each work setting, including for essential work, based on individual risk assessments and guidance for adopting medical grade PPE in specific circumstances.”

The updated advice follows the completion of an island-wide audit of PPE as the Government Chief Executive announces plans to centralise the distribution of the kit in the island.