Although we have all been bombarded during these pandemic months with endless information, without wanting to be tedious, but simply to help clarify which is the most suitable mask for our daily activities, and as a preventionist and connoisseur of the characteristics of this PPE, I provide you with this summary:

MASK TO USE FOR EACH ENVIRONMENT

OPEN SPACES  Disposable surgical mask

ENCLOSED SPACES maintaining 2 m of safety distance  Washable ffp2 / R40 / R30 masks

HAIRDRESSER, PHYSIO, ETC., where a professional must be close to us  It is highly advisable to use a fpp2 or R40 / R30 washable mask, and over it a disposable surgical mask

CLOSED ENVIRONMENTS WITH HIGH RISK (health center, hospital)  For peace of mind and perfect protection, I would also wear a face shield in addition to the above. I know it seems a bit exaggerated but there may be uncontrollable risk factors in that environment, and in that case, prevention is best.

PUBLIC TRANSPORT (subway, bus, train, airplane)  Although they say that a fpp2 is enough for public transport, the truth is that if you cannot maintain a safety distance (at least 1.5 m), the appropriate thing for a peaceful trip is to add a surgical mask to the fpp2 or R40 / R30.

If you want to preserve more uses of the surgical mask, put it over he fpp2 with the white fabric on the outside. This is the optimal way to wear it, guaranteeing 100% protection, as well as a longer useful life for both masks.

Words are superfluous to what we are experiencing. Hopefully, the vaccine will arrive soon, and we can leave it behind, although it is certain that we will have to normalize the use of masks for some situations.

Alberto Garom