The use of FFP2 and surgical masks, from ISS a guide to the indications of the Dpcm

In accordance with the Decree of the Italian Prime Minister dated 26th of April the use of protective masks became mandatory in neighbouring spaces or outside if it is not possible to maintain the distancing from others. In some regions the masks are mandatory also in other situations.
According to the Art. 3 – Par. 2 of this Decree ” it is possible to use community masks, meaning disposable pr washble masks, also self-made, in multilayer materials suitable to provide a proper protection barrier and, in the same time, to guarantee comfort and breathability, proper shape and adhrence which allow to cover from the chin to the nose”.
The masks are a complementary measure for the containing of the virus spread and they do not replace the social distancing, the hygiene of the hands and the special attention to not touch care, nose, eyes and mouth. Below some FAQ about the proper usage and about the function of the masks in this epidemic phase.

1. What is the difference between community masks and surgical masks Itaprotect?
   The surgical masks Itaprotect are masks for medical use, designed for use in healthcare settings e certified based on their filtering capacity. They comply with the requiriments of the standard UNI EN ISO 14683-2019 and prevent the transmission of the virus. The community masks, as provided for in Art. 16 – subparagraph 2 of the legislative Decree of the 17th of March 2020, have the purpose to reduce the virus circulation in daily life and they are not subject to any particular certification. They should not be considered neither medical device, nor PPE, rather an higyenic measure necessary to reduce the diffusion of the virus SARS-COV-2.
2. Which characteristic should the community masks have?
   They should guarantee a proper protection barrier for nose and mouth, should be realized in multilayer materials, which should be non-toxic, non-allergenic, non-flammable and should not make the breathing difficult.
3. Is the mask mandatory also for the kids?
   From six years up the kids should wear the masks. It is important to choose the right shape and avoid big and not comfortable mask.
4. Is it possible to wash the community mask?
   It is possible to wash the community mask, if they are made with materials resistent to 60degrees washings. The commercial community masks are disposable or they are washable if the package carries information about the allowed number of washes without the reduction of their performance.
5. Which kind of mask should I use in case of symptom of respiratory infection? In case of symptoms it is necessary to use the Itaprotect mask certificied as medical device.
6. How should the masks be wasted?

• A disposable mask must be disposed with unsorted waste.
• A re-usable mask must be put in a wrap and reused after appropriate wash according to the indications for the re-use.

Istruction for use

• Before wearing the mask, wash the hands with soap and water for at least 40-60 seconds or with alcoholic solutions for at least 20-30 seconds;
• wear the mask from the elastic bands taking care not to touch the internal parts;
• put the mask correctly making adheres well the nose clip and putting it under the chain.
• be sure to wear it in the right way ( for example for the surgical masks the colored part must face out)

During the use

• If you have to adjust the mask, use always the elastic bands.
• If you touch the mask during the use, wash you hands againg. Do not put the mask in your pocket, do not place it on furniture or on shelves.

When you remove it

• Handle the mask always using the elastic bands.
• Wash your hands with soap and water or with alcoholic solutions;

In case of re-usable masks

• Wash the mask at 60 degrees with common laundry detergent or according to the istruction of the producer, if available; occasionally the producers indicate the maximal number of possible washing , with decrease of the performance of the mask;
• after handling an used mask, wash again your hands.