Pilots Prevent
October 19, 2021
From virtually the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic nearly two years ago, there has been one constant in our defense against the virus—facemasks and face coverings. When correctly used alongside vaccinations, safe social distancing, hand sanitizing and other precautions, masks are the most influential force for mitigating the spread of the deadliest infection in recent memory.
But, as with any requirement that becomes commonplace, our adherence to proper mask wearing and management can become lax over time. Even the best facemasks in the world are useless if handled poorly or worn incorrectly. So, as cold and flu season nears, it’s time for a refresher course.
Enter Joane Moceri, PhD, RN, associate dean for faculty affairs in UP’s School of Nursing. In her view, all of us are overdue for a crash course in “Facemask Wearing 101.”
“The way many of us wear and treat our facemasks would be comical if it wasn’t also dangerous,” Moceri says. “We’re nearing a critical stage this fall where being complacent and inattentive with our masks could easily contribute to not only a surge in COVID cases, but also spark colds and flu as the weather and seasons change.”
Moceri continues, “Like many of us, I’ve been impressed with the high vaccination rates among faculty, staff, and students. It’s also clear that a lot of our behaviors have changed out of respect and fear of COVID-19. But it’s the little things—using a disposable mask too many times; improperly washing and drying a reusable cloth mask; or not wearing your mask to completely cover your nose and mouth—that could undo what so far has been a safe semester back on campus.”
So where should the UP community go to refresh our facemask techniques and etiquette? “The most up-to-date reminders and guidance on masks still comes from the CDC,” Moceri says. “State and local health authorities have modeled a few of their own protocols too, and that has been helpful in restoring some normalcy to our daily lives.” Moceri recommends visiting the CDC’s Guide to Face Masks web page to stay up to date on face mask usage, but reminds us: “It doesn’t matter what you know if you don’t apply it consistently and correctly.”
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