Use common sense on wearing masks in public, says Dr Brink
ISLANDERS are being urged to wear a mask if they are likely to meet someone, even if they are outdoors.
Many people have heeded the advice to wear a mask when carrying out their essential shopping. But the practice has been adopted less widely by people going outside and exercising.
Mask wearing is not mandatory, but has been strongly encouraged by Public Health officials.
Director of Public Health Dr Nicola Brink said there was a degree of discretion when it came to wearing face coverings outside.
‘If you’re walking by yourself on the cliffs, with no one else, I think it’s reasonable not to have your mask on, but if you come near anyone, you need to have your mask available and be prepared to put it on,’ she said.
‘What I have always felt about masks is that islanders need to use their common sense.’
She added that wearing a mask on a cliff walk in the rain might even be a hazard, so people should consider the best option.
She said the masks were really needed for enclosed spaces and when people could not socially distance.
‘It’s when you’re close to people,’ she said.
‘Because it’s a protection for the people around you.’
She advised that if people were walking in an urbanised area, where they were likely to meet another person, a mask should be worn at all times.
‘[But] if you’re working by yourself in a deserted place with no one else, I think it’s reasonable not to,’ she said.
She reminded islanders that they should sanitise their hands before putting on a mask and should take it off carefully.
‘You’re not going to be able to do that if you’re putting it on and off in an urban area,’ she said.
Face coverings should be changed regularly. Disposable masks should be put in black bag waste and not in the recycling, while washable masks should be laundered at 60 degrees and tumble dried, if possible.
People do not need to wear a face covering when driving their own vehicle.
