face mask myths debunked
there has been a popular myth going around recently about how surgical masks are meant to be worn. today i want to dispel that myth.
i've received a few comments on my vlogs recently saying that i have been wearing my face mask wrong. the argument, and the myth, says that you should have the blue side of a surgical mask facing in and touching your mouth if you want to protect yourself. the viral myth goes on to say that if you yourself are sick, the blue side should face outwards to protect others.
this is incorrect.
there is only one way to wear a surgical mask, and that is with the colored side (whether it be blue, which is most common, or any other color) facing outwards.
the colored side has a water repellent on it which is designed to stop water droplets from people sneezing or coughing around you from entering your system.
misinformation like this is rife not just on social media in china, but around the world, and silicon valley is taking concrete steps to try and stem the flow.
"we've launched a new dedicated search prompt to ensure that when you come to the service for information about the #coronavirus, you're met with credible, authoritative information first," twitter said in a statement recently.
there's only one way to wear a surgical mask, despite all the myths going around: colored side out.
shanghai's quiet metro system
from today on, wearing a face mask is mandatory while using shanghai's metro system. in nine busy stations every passenger also has their body temperature measured before entering.
i took a short ride on the metro today, for the first time in nearly a week, to see how many people are still using the subway system, and also to check out if the new mask rules are effective.
watch the latest version of andy's shanghai coronavirus vlog above.
with shanghai residents still choosing to stay in the safety of their homes, the city's metro system is nearly empty.
