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Coronavirus is the bogeyman for the entire planet. In recent weeks this disease has been the most discussed topic in countries around the world. But what are the myths and superstitions?
How to make a face mask at home and is it a good idea?
And what really protects us and what does not? You’ll find out in the article!
Although there is not yet a single confirmed case of coronavirus infection in the Czech Republic, the whole nation has long since fallen into PANIC. Anyone who went shopping in recent days probably knows what we’re talking about!
Czechs began to bulk-buy non-perishable foods for months ahead. Most households stocked up as if for war, so today you can’t find rice, flour, or canned goods in hypermarkets.
According to experts, the state of panic is really far-fetched and there are currently no reasons to be concerned. The same situation applies to food as to masks, respirators, and disinfectants. Should we really be afraid? And how to protect yourself if you didn’t manage to buy the NECESSARY supplies?
Masks are topic number one.
Currently the hysteria around sold-out goods, both food and pharmacy items, is largely created by media pressure. Looking back to the recent past, humanity has survived other similar viruses that caused the same panic as we see today regarding the coronavirus.
Let’s recall avian flu, swine flu, SARS, and others, during which people also went into a trance and acted completely irrationally.
Also worth noting is the case of butter price hikes, when ninety percent of Slovak pensioners bought supplies that they probably still have in their freezers today.
Stocking your household months in advance with non-perishable food is currently really unnecessary. What about masks?
As for masks, it’s good to set the record straight. People have the impression that this aid protects against coronavirus, which is not true. A mask is useful for infected patients so that they don’t spread the virus to others.
Only a respirator will protect you from the disease. According to doctors, however, regular hand hygiene is a greater protection than wearing a respirator. If a person is not going to a hospital where infected patients are present, any panic is really out of place at the moment.
Czechs are so frightened of the virus that they have even resorted to making homemade masks!
In China and Japan, where the largest number of infected people currently are, homemade mask production has become a social media hit. Hobbyists show off who can produce the most effective and original protection against the virus.
In reality, however, homemade masks made from sheets, PET bottles, plastic bags and other strange items have no effect according to experts!
Although the membrane of a bedsheet could theoretically trap droplets with viruses and bacteria, nobody can guarantee one hundred percent effectiveness.
If you were just about to repurpose your old bedding at home to make homemade masks, maybe it’s better to take them to charity and wash your hands.
Given the zero cases here, there really is no need to panic for now.
Masks will only be necessary in the event that the virus truly spread massively, which has not happened so far.
More dangerous than the coronavirus is the spread of panic.
