The survey showed how often Lithuanians change disposable masks

Additionally, a public opinion poll conducted by the Spinter Survey shows that nearly half of those surveyed believe that more could be done to prevent COVID-19 prevention. Experts say they are noticing the public’s fatigue and indifference.

Pharmacist Miglė Kazakevičienė says these results, unfortunately, do not surprise pharmacists. “In the pharmacy, we see that customers arrive with dirty and worn masks and respirators. There are still many people who use masks incorrectly ”, share your comments and remember that medical masks are disposable and should be thrown away and used for no more than 3-4 hours or until they get wet. Wearing longer reduces the effectiveness of the masks.

The pharmacist cautions that there is no shortage of information on the proper use of masks, but some people still irresponsibly assess the risk of disease or save on masks.

Dirty mask – a warning to be very careful

Pediatrician Indrė Plėštytė-Būtienė says that the denial of the recommendations is also due to simple fatigue. She notes that in the spring, more people followed hand hygiene responsibly, avoided public places, spent more time at home, and now feel the relaxation of society. “We also talked about it a lot in the summer, because we couldn’t take a proper vacation, we saw that in the fall there would be more depression, frustration and a decrease in confidence.” What worked in the fight will not work now, ”he says.

The growing sense of hopelessness and the growing anger of society, opposition to the recommendations, according to the doctor, are reflected in the results of the study. The doctor says that some people hide the inconvenience, but putting it above safety and responsibility is a very wrong step.

“Scientists say that any mask is better than none, but if we see a person with a dirty and worn mask, it should be an additional signal to us: stay away from it, disinfect your hands more actively, and if we have the opportunity and we ask him to change the mask, maybe we can give him a new one ”, shares the pediatrician.

While many people are tired of the current situation, experts urge them to find creative ways to keep in mind that they should follow the recommendations for proper hand hygiene and the use of masks. The doctor advises you to think of creative solutions: set a reminder on the phone to warn you to change, hang a brochure on the door to remind you to have a new mask when you leave the house.

“People are already used to statistics, but we would like to point out that among those statistics there are relatives, parents and relatives of other people. When we look at the statistics, people shouldn’t see numbers, but people’s stories, because if we don’t take action, decisions about how to deal with a pandemic will only have to be stricter. Think about what would happen, and if I or my loved ones were among those numbers. And not wearing a mask only increases this risk, ”says the pediatrician.

Agree that more needs to be done

The study also shows that people themselves feel that they are not doing enough to take preventive measures to protect themselves against the coronavirus. Almost half of those surveyed, 43 percent, said they thought they could do more, and 37 percent said they did everything they could to avoid getting sick. surveyed.

Men between the ages of 18 and 35 believe that men can do more. respondents and urban dwellers, and women, those with the highest level of education and urban dwellers, who did everything possible to prevent disease.

Pharmacist M. Kazakevičienė says that she is constantly reminded of all protection measures against coronavirus: proper hand hygiene, keeping your distance, sneezing and coughing the label, the importance of indoor ventilation. However, according to her, awareness raising is a long-term process and constant education is needed to achieve results.

There is a lot of discussion about child protection, pediatrician I. Plėšytė-Būtienė says that children, like adults, can become infected with the coronavirus, they can become carriers of this virus and spread the pathogen to those around them, so that protective measures must be taken. However, the decision on whether it is necessary for children to wear masks should be made based on their age and health.

“The little ones run a lot, their masks fall off, making it more difficult for them to wear them. Also, young children don’t interact as much with other people, only with parents and kindergarten. However, I am in favor of schoolchildren already wearing masks, because they often go to school and visit the store, ”he says, recalling that wearing a mask is not only a protection for you, but also for society. The doctor advises to evaluate the immunity of the child, if the child is often sick, perhaps the youngest should cover his face with a mask.

Ingrida Damulienė, president of the Pharmacy Council, says the study results are cause for concern, but together with the pharmacists, the goal is to improve the situation. “We know that pharmacists constantly remind people how to use protective masks correctly and how to take other preventive measures. We are constantly looking for tools to help control the spread of the coronavirus and contribute to public safety, ”he said.

The survey was conducted by Spinter Research from October 19 to 29 and 1,009 people were interviewed.