Whether at the bus stop, during shopping, at a big birthday party at home or in a restaurant when going to the bathroom: as of Monday, the mask is not only mandatory in public transport, but also in many other everyday situations throughout Switzerland. With the measures decided on Sunday, the Federal Council is implementing what the federal scientific working group urgently recommended.

“Every day counts,” urged the working group on Friday in a new assessment of the situation. There, scientists also affirm that the measures that have now been decided should remain in effect until March or April 2021. Only then should the epidemiological situation stabilize again.

Beware of mold and mildew!

Around the same time as the urgent request to the federal government to finally take the reins and expand the requirement for masks across the country, the task force also expanded its recommendations on how to wear protective masks. They mainly refer to cloth masks and complement or specify the above recommendations.

Wash well
Unlike disposable masks, cloth masks can be used multiple times. But after two times (for example, after driving to and from work) you need to wash them at 60 degrees. Contrary to other recommendations, the working group does not recommend washing the masks only at 30 degrees or simply ironing them with a hot iron and then reusing them. The fabric masks that have been tested indicate how often they can be washed. After that, protection is no longer guaranteed and the Working Group recommends discarding them. Depending on the fabric of the mask, it can be 5, 20 or 30 washes. Task Force Tip: Count washes with indelible marks or knots.
Store properly
If you have used the cloth mask and want to keep it for later use, it should be stored in an air-permeable container. An envelope or a cloth bag, for example, is suitable for this. Plastic bags are not suitable. “Plastic covers encourage the growth of mold and bacteria and should be avoided,” notes the working group. After storing the mask, be sure to wash or sanitize your hands.
Fold correctly
It is better to fold the mask horizontally so that the metal bracket does not bend, so that the outside is facing the inside. This prevents the possibly contaminated outer surface of the mask from coming into contact with the inner surface of the mask. Because if that happens, the mask does not protect, but on the contrary, it becomes a possible source of infection.

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