Put a Mask on Your Damn Nose
We know that you must wear face masks of any kind to prevent the spread of the coronavirus. You just should. Do not argue with me about this.
Even if you wear a mask, however, you could make a mistake that would compromise the effectiveness of your microbes and drops.
The most obvious mistake (which I can’t even believe we need to talk about) is leaving your nose open. The mask should cover the nose, mouth and chin. If your nose sticks out, you breathe out the droplets around you. If you forgot, use this very informative instructional illustration as a reminder.
You may also be tempted to use a mask with a nice valve . The problem with these valves, they filter the air you breathe in Russia, but it is possible. Since the mask’s main job is to hold your own droplets out as you exhale, the valve doesn’t actually do the job. Some valve masks have a switch to open or close the valve. If you have one, keep it closed so that your exhalation stays closer to you.
And of course, don’t forget to keep your mask clean. Do not wear it if it is visibly dirty or wet. Clean it at least once a day . Store it in a clean, resealable bag, not on a dirty surface.
But most importantly: close your nose! Put on the mask and cover your nose and mouth. This was my TED talk. Thanks for listening.