How frequently do healthcare workers touch the front of their masks: An observational study during COVID times

Wearing a facemask is essential to prevent respiratory infections, especially in the COVID scenario. However, the front of a mask gets frequently contaminated. We observed that there is a tendency in our healthcare workers (HCWs) to touch the front of masks they were wearing. A prospective study to document and improve this behaviour was conducted. The study was undertaken in two phases (June and September 2020). Training classes emphasising the danger of this were conducted. Details such as area of posting, category of HCW and number of times the mask or face were touched as well as the total number of times it was touched were noted. Out of 357 HCWs observed in two phases, mask touching decreased from 58.3% (3.1 times in the observation period) to 39% (2.4 times) in June and September, respectively (P < 0.0003). Mask touching behaviours are common and can be reduced in HCWs by training and awareness sessions.