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Since the SARS crisis hit, many people have been wondering whether they should wear a mask and whether it really is effective against the spread of the virus.

While it is an option doctors who specialize in infectious diseases say that it is not necessary in most circumstances.

But they suggest those who choose to wear masks in certain circumstances should avoid those made of cotton or gauze, because viral particles can pass through them. An effective mask should have nose clips so that the mask conforms to the contours of face with no gaps.

Doctors also remind people to wash their hands after removing the mask, change it every four hours, or throw it away once it becomes wet from saliva.

I don't urge residents to wear masks. People should be aware that the disease is well under control in Shenzhen. SARS is curable and preventable.

To date, there have been only 47 people infected with SARS in Shenzhen and no medical staff has contracted the disease.

In fact, what is more helpful than wearing masks is physical exercise, plenty of sleep and ventilation, avoiding crowded places and washing hands.

The city has good weather. It has been sunny all day recently and the temperature about 30 degrees Celsius. SARS viruses can not survive in hot weather.

I don't like to urge citizens to wear masks in Shenzhen. The city is clean and not as crowded as Hong Kong and has better ventilation. Only four types of people must wear masks. These are medical staff, people with respiratory ailments, people visiting hospitals and having contact with SARS patients.

The authority has made great effort to disinfect and clean the environment including buses, stores, offices and apartments, so I'd say it is safe enough for citizens.

The disease is spread by droplets and you have to be within a one-meter zone of a SARS patient who sneezes or coughs. There is little chance of getting SARS in a common environment which is not crowded.

People should not panic. The city has effectively contained the epidemic. Therefore, the health authority doesn't encourage wearing masks.

Although I am a little worried about catching the disease, I don't wear a mask. I don't have to be overconcerned after taking preventive measures.

In Hong Kong, reports about SARS are overblown. It makes everyone nervous and fearful. Almost everyone in Hong Kong wears a mask. I think it's bad for the city's image and, in the long-term, will affect the economy.

I appreciate the help given to foreign investors by local health authorities and I trust information given by the local government. So far as I know, most Italian investors will continue to stay in Shenzhen. It seems the impact on Sino-Italian business is small, but we should keep an eye on it.

People should wear masks. It's a useful means to avoid catching SARS, especially when taking buses and visiting crowded areas. A person should realize that it's not simply for his own safety but also for others.

Droplets spread the SARS. If someone sneezes, the virus contaminates the air, then people nearby would be attacked by germs. So I hope everyone wears masks during the special period.

However, I have found few people have taken the precaution in the city.

All three members of my family wear masks.

Editor: Wings

By:Alfred Zhang  Source：szdaily