Dr Ivan Muscat issued the advice following a rise in the number of Islanders wearing the masks in an effort to reduce their chances of catching COVID-19.
‘There is limited direct data and evidence on the use of cloth masks and the effect they have on reducing the spread of coronavirus within the community, so it would not be appropriate to produce a definitive direction that these must be used,’ he said.
‘However, they may very well provide benefit and reduce transmission and they do not do any harm if used properly so some general advice for those who choose to use them is appropriate.
‘Using a cloth mask may well reduce the transmission of large respiratory droplets onto others. They may also reduce the risk of the wearer acquiring infection. However, they must be used appropriately to avoid further contamination, including, being changed every two hours, washed, tumble dried and ironed. Wash your hands after removing a mask. Scarves and snoods covering the mouth and nose may also be effective,’ added Dr Muscat.
But he warned that wearing a cloth mask was ‘absolutely not a substitute for appropriate social-distancing, stay at home guidance or good hand and respiratory hygiene’.
Dr Muscat said the mask could be used in addition to social-distancing during non-essential workers’ two hours of outdoor time.
They could also be used by essential and critical workers when travelling to and from work and at work, he said.
‘Under no circumstances would a cloth mask be a substitute for personal protection equipment in any clinical setting. Medical grade PPE is the only acceptable form of PPE in these settings. Medical grade masks are not recommended for use by the public or in social situations. They are designed for clinical use only,’ added Dr Muscat.
