Is N-95 Mask A Spreader In Disguise? Government Warns Against Face Covers With Valved Respirators

The DGHS said that N-95 masks is detrimental to the measures adopted for preventing the spread of coronavirus and referred to the advisory on the use of homemade protective cover for face and mouth available on the website of the Ministry of Health.

New Delhi: The health ministry today has warned against "inappropriate use of N95 masks, especially those that contain respiratory valves" by the citizens. The Centre has written to all states and union territories warning against the use of N-95 masks with valved respirators by people, saying these do not prevent the virus from spreading out. ALSO READ|Coronavirus: With Over 37K New Cases, Overall Tally Jumps Past 11.5 Lakh; More Than 28K Deaths So Far

 In a letter to all states and union territories, Rajiv Garg, the director-general of health services, ministry of health said, "It is to bring to your knowledge that the use of valved respirator N95 masks is detrimental to the measures adopted for preventing the spread of coronavirus as it does not prevent the virus from escaping out of the mask."

"In view of the above, I request you to instruct all concerned to follow the use of face/mouth cover and prevent inappropriate use of N95 masks," he added. ALSO READ|Covaxin Vaccine Enters Human Trials, Know How Will It Unfold & When Will It Be Ready? The DGHS referred to the advisory on the use of homemade protective cover for face and mouth available on the website of the Ministry of Health. Wearing a face mask in public places is now mandatory in India. The central government had issued an advisory in April on how to make protective face covers at home. 

• One needs to wash hands with soap for at least 20 seconds before wearing a mask.
• Alcohol-based sanitizers can also be used.
• The face cover must fit properly, covering one'sr mouth, nose, and chin, the medical council said.
• The mask needs to be changed every eight hours. Wet masks should be avoided.
• The mask needs to disposed of in a closed bin when it is done. One needs to hands wash after disposing of the face cover. Face masks should not be shared.
• It also listed the procedures of making such homemade masks, asking to ensure it fits the face well and there are no gaps on the sides.
• Everyone should use their own mask to fight against COVID-19.

India on Tuesday recorded a spike of over 37,000 cases within 24 hours taking the total tally to over 11.5 lakh. As per the union ministry of health and family welfare, an increase of 37,148 cases and 587 deaths were reported in India in the last 24 hours.