Face masks - ISS (EN)

People should wear face masks at all times, both in the open and in closed spaces and in the vicinity of people who do not live in their household (except for people with a disease or disability for which the use of a face mask is incompatible, and people practising sports. The latter must however keep at a distance from others. Face masks are an additional means for curbing the transmission of the virus and in no way do they replace physical distancing, washing hands and being very careful not to touch your face, nose, eyes and mouth.

Face masks may be medical (disposable) masks or community masks (washable at 60° with common washing powder or in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions), they may be home-made using fabrics consisting of multiple layers capable of constituting an adequate barrier. They must closely fit the face from under the chin to over the nose. People who have symptoms of respiratory infection need to use masks that are certified as medical devices.

Before wearing a face mask

• wash your hands with soap and water for at least 40-60 seconds or with an alcoholic solution for at least 20-30 seconds
• use the elastics to put on the mask and refrain from touching the inner side of the mask
• position the mask correctly by pressing the wire on the upper part on your nose and extending the lower part under your chin
• make sure you do not wear it inside out (the coloured side of a surgical goes on the outside)

While wearing the face mask

• if you need to shift the face mask, do so only by using the elastics or the strings
• if you touch the mask while wearing it, you need to sanitize your hands
• do not put the mask in your pocket and do not put it down on furniture or on shelves

When you remove the face mask 

• always use the elastic band or the string to adjust the face mask
• after removing the mask wash your hands with soap and water or sanitize them with an alcoholic solution

Disposal of face masks

If you are positive or in quarantine, face masks as well as disposable gloves, handkerchiefs and paper towels (any paper used for hygiene and other reasons in the home) are to be placed in the unsorted waste bin. Better still place them in a closed bag without crushing or squeezing it. If you test positive for Covid-19 and while in quarantine all waste is to be place in the unsorted waste bin.

If you are not positive and you are not quarantined you can continue to sort your waste, but your masks, disposable gloves and all paper tissues used for hygiene and for domestic purposes are to be disposed of as unsorted waste.