A protective face mask should be worn not only on mouth, but also on nose. It is a strict rule for everyone, including medical personnel and people who work in large groups, Marcela Chilianu, head of the Epidemiological Service of the National Clinical Hospital “Timofei Moșneaga”, has told IPN.

According to the epidemiologist, the virus enters the body not only through the mouth, but also through the nose. “As a rule, a disposable mask must be replaced every two hours. We recommend changing it depending on the intensity of work,” stated Marcela Chilianu. “If the person performs physically intense activities, the mask becomes wet and should be replaced more often. If the mask was removed or folded under the chin, it should be disposed of. It must not be used again.”

She also said that the protective masks and sterile gloves should be used rationally given the shortage of such devices on the home market.

According to Marcela Chilianu, wearing gloves is not a bad practice, but the hands should be anyway washed and disinfected. The gloves should be thrown when passing from an infected area to a non-infection area. “If we put on the gloves in the morning, we should not wear them all day long,” said the epidemiologist, noting the medical personnel are instructed to remove the gloves when distancing themselves from the patient and to put on new gloves when approaching another patient.

Given the quarantine regime in the country, the sellers, especially those who work in grocery stores, were recommended to wear protective masks and gloves.