COVID-19: Government Warns Against Use Of N-95 Masks

The Centre has written to states and union territories warning against the use of N-95 masks. They say that the mask does not prevent the coronavirus from spreading.  They added that it is also “detrimental” to the measures adopted for the containment of coronavirus.

The Director-General of Health Services (DGHS) in a letter has warned against the “inappropriate use of N95 masks, especially those that contain respiratory valves by the public.

“It is to bring to your knowledge that the use of valved respirator N-95 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 N-95 masks,” DGHS Rajiv Garg said in the letter.

He further said that states and union territories should encourage the use of homemade cloth masks.

The advisory comes amid rising concerns over the ineffectiveness of the valved masks to prevent the spread of the coronavirus. Valved masks filter in the air that the user inhales, but valves release unfiltered exhaled air back into the environment. So they will protect the user but end up harming others near them. They can only be used in a sterile environment.   

Several governments around the world, have banned the usage of masks with valves. India too has asked the public to use homemade masks. They added that the N95 masks is to be used only by healthcare workers who are at greater risk.

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