Cough Etiquette

I heard the news about the increase in COVID-19 patients in Japan.

I’ve been seeing a lot of people coughing on the train.

I wonder if I have to wear a face mask again.
I hate wearing a face mask because it’s too hot and uncomfortable.

I understand your feelings, but masks are important.
Research has shown they can help reduce the amount of viruses you spread and the amount you inhale.

【Results of research into the effectiveness of masks】
If people who cough or sneeze wear masks
→Reduce the amount of virus that spreads in the air
(= prevent spread)

If people around a person with a cough or sneezing wear masks
→Reduce the amount of virus inhaled
(=prevents inhalation)

I see, so I should wear a face mask to protect myself and to stop spreading it to those around me.

That’s right.
If you don’t have a mask, please follow cough etiquette. You know what cough etiquette is, right?

I don’t know… What is that?

………………………oh oh, you don’t know……

In addition to COVID-19, many other infectious diseases spread through coughing and sneezing.

To prevent such infections as much as possible, we should cover our mouth with a mask, handkerchief, or sleeve when coughing or sneezing.
That’s cough etiquette.

I see, we have to cover our mouth when we cough or sneeze

In addition to wearing a mask, don’t forget to gargle, wash your hands, and ventilate the room.

It’s a bit troublesome, but important to be careful.

Wearing a mask has become mandatory during the Covid-19 pandemic and has acquired a negative image.

I think such behaviour is an act of consideration and kindness to protect not only yourself but also those around you.

References
‐ Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare. Cough etiquette. https://www.mhlw.go.jp/stf/seisakunitsuite/bunya/0000187997.html
‐ Ueki H, Furusawa Y, Iwatsuki-Horimoto K, Imai M, Kabata H, Nishimura H, Kawaoka Y2020.Effectiveness of Face Masks in Preventing Airborne Transmission of SARS-CoV-2. mSphere5:10.1128/msphere.00637-20.https://doi.org/10.1128/msphere.00637-20