It was the simplest solution to ensure Kate doesn’t place it on the table during recess or stuff it into her bag before heading for PE.
The back-to-school memos from their schools have clear instructions about mask handling, including asking parents to provide mask case/ziplock bag, labelling them and folding the masks properly. Very helpful for all parents.
However, I’ve seen some infographics going around stating tips such as “Give your child a large ziplock bag so they do not have to fold their mask.”
That is INCORRECT.
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Here’s why.
Your healthy child wears his mask to school.
During recess, he removes it and places it UNFOLDED into a large ziplock bag.
(For the sake of simplicity, we’ll refer to the inner/outer sides as clean/dirty sides).
The dirty side would have come into contact with one side of the ziplock bag.
After recess, he opens the ziplock bag and takes out the mask to wear.
The empty ziplock bag, with both surfaces touching, would transfer the germs from one side to the other.
During PE, the child opens the ziplock bag and again puts the UNFOLDED mask inside.
The clean side of the mask would now be contaminated!
Here’s another scenario.
If a child is slightly unwell or asymptomatic.
He wears his mask to school. Droplets from his mouth and nose would be in contact with the inner side of the mask.
If he doesn’t fold it before placing it in the ziplock bag, the whole bag would be contaminated.
The next time he places the mask back on his face, both sides would have his germs.
THE RIGHT WAY is to FOLD THE MASK in half INWARDS.
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| Fold mask in half to reuse |
Don’t forget:
* Wash hands before and after handling of mask.
* If both sides look the same, sew their initials on the outside or use a permanent marker.
* Do not stuff masks straight into your school bag or pocket if you are going to reuse it.
* To throw used mask away, fold it inwards, and fold it in half again, and use the straps to secure it before throwing it in the bin.
* Wash and rotate a few ziplock bags to keep it clean, dry it thoroughly before reusing.
Instruct them by showing them slowly, explaining why you are doing certain steps, and let them run through the whole process themselves until they get it right. Give them lots of encouragement and praise and don’t forget to have a big dose of patience!
Here are 7 tips to get your child ready to return to school.