Let us all mask up, and do it the correct way

This picture has been used for representational purpose

Given the absolute deluge of information about the Omicron variant, it is not surprising that people's sentiments have been swinging like a pendulum between alarm and some assurance that the cases somehow seem a little milder. However, that, as the wise say, is no reason to drop your guard.

In an info-centric world, where reactions and opinions seem to arrive at lightning quick speed, it is important for those receiving information to weigh, sift and use logic about what the internet, especially which includes all social media platforms, is saying about the variant and a concerning rise in numbers.

One standout message that is logical seems to be the experts urging people to up their mask game, given the high transmissibility of the new variant. Let us listen and act on advice to ensure that we sport better masks, as one of the big precautionary measures in these times.

To go mask-less is simply inexcusable, but this edit is not about that. This is about wearing correct masks and wearing them correctly to get full benefit of the face protection we are using in these times.

This means wearing masks on the chin, or inches below the nose, is of course, like no mask itself. Removing masks for hours indoors, especially in crowded settings, is doubly dangerous now that the potent transmissibility of the variant has been hammered home, time and again.

We must also take into cognisance that experts are warning about good masks, N95 and talking about ordinary cloth covering providing inadequate to nil protection in many cases.

Relook at mask quality in these times with good reading about the kind of covering best to thwart Omicron, not forgetting other measures. We want no alarmist action or reaction, simply that our face coverings do the job they are intended for.