Recently, an increasing number of concerned citizens have contacted the public health department, stating that face masks are often worn incorrectly or sloppily. This means that the masks, however fashionable they may be in individual cases, do not fulfill their purpose. They are intended to protect the wearer and others from infection with SARS-CoV-2. Mouth and nose protection thus supports other important hygiene measures such as self-isolation in the event of illness, good hand hygiene, adherence to coughing and sneezing rules and keeping a distance (at least 1.5 meters).
According to the health authorities, the population should or must wear a face covering in public spaces in certain situations. This helps to slow down the spread of COVID-19 in the population and protect at-risk groups from infection. It applies in particular to situations where several people come together in enclosed spaces and it is not - always - possible to keep a sufficient distance from other people, for example in stores, on public transport or at work. "That's why you should always make sure you wear a properly fitting face mask when several people come together," Schönauer concludes.
