As Dr. Alexandra (my mother) has already said, it no longer makes sense, after a year of pandemic, at the height of the disease, to think of the mask as a fashion accessory (you can launch a new fashion, no?). Well, so far I hope we are all in agreement. But leaving community masks does not solve our problem if we continue to use the mask incorrectly.
The distracted people are the champions of the exhibition. There is little care, but when capacity and patience do not reign, there is nothing like adopting a few tricks.
AVOID hanging the mask without any type of protection (whether in the car, around the neck, or even on the arm). The mask already lasts a short period of time, if you do not keep it in good condition you will be more exposed to the virus when you use it. Unless you want to “waste” money, changing your mask every time you put it on your face, learn this TIP - put your mask on a protective cover (you can even wear it around your neck, if it's practical for you, or if fashion speaks louder). If you don't have one, you can always make one (I made mine), even with a plastic sheet cover, which even has holes to hang! If you don't want to, at least keep the mask in a pocket, isolated from the other things. For lovers of things around the neck, they can always replace the mask hanger with their mobile phone (since you always carry it, at least you won't be constantly touching your pockets in exposure areas). Another useful thing would be the alcohol-gel. Since we forget to use alcohol-gel whenever we put on and take off the mask, as distracted as we are, we can walk around with it hanging, so as not to miss it and, consequently, use it. I started using twice as much since I got one that hangs!
For those who do not intend to carry anything around their necks, please carry a small alcohol-gel pack in one pocket, and the mask in another (at least think of the plastic sheet cover!).
A fact to remember: we don't always have to think about it. Everything is about creating habits. The uncomfortable may not become comfortable, but it becomes a habit. And a good habit saves lives, distracted or not!
Sara Moreira Ferreira
