Dr. Intetsu Kobayashi, an infection and prevention specialist at Tokyo’s Toho University, explained the two precautionary measures advised by the Japanese Ministry of Health.
When wearing the mask, avoid touching it. Do not reuse single-use masks. To remove it, remove the mask from your earrings and dispose of it immediately in a closed trash can. Wash your hands afterwards.
A note about masks: They don’t prevent virus particles from entering, Dr. Kobayashi said. The coronavirus spreads through droplets expelled by coughing or sneezing or by touching your mouth or nose after touching surfaces on which the virus is present. The mask prevents you from touching your face and, in all likelihood, spreading the virus, and protects you from droplets from other people.
Masks may not be common in North America or Europe, however, they are worn in Asia, especially during hay fever season, and are occasionally seen on crowded train rides or on hikes in densely populated areas such as Tokyo. Many people in poor health wear masks as a form of etiquette to keep others healthy.