Face Masks to be Used with Discretion

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM:
Masks are helpful in the prevention of the spread of Covid-19, but they should be used with discretion and not to be over-used, says Dr Amar Fettle, State Nodal Officer for H1N1 and Corona.

“Masks are good in closed spaces or where there are a number of people in a limited space., like in a shop or a lift or a relatively crowded building But, if you are in a wide open space, there is no general need to wear a mask,” said Dr Fettle.

At the same time, if a population are not careful enough to practise cough and sneeze manners or etiquette all the time, then such a group can benefit, if all people wear a mask. A recent article in medical journal The Lancet has called for the rational use of face masks in the COVID-19 pandemic.

“Only wear a surgical mask if you’re currently ill with COVID-19 or have any fever or respiratory symptoms whatsoever, or are traveling to a hospital for a COVID test, or are caring for someone at home who can’t wear a mask. Surgical masks are disposable. Don’t reuse them. Replace your surgical mask if it becomes damaged or damp,” he advised.

Surgical masks, in two and three layers, are typically used to protect the wearer from sprays, splashes, and large-particle droplets and prevent the spread of potentially infectious respiratory secretions from the wearer to others.

Advocating for the wide use of cloth face masks, which can be made at home from common materials, he said they will lower the risk of people without symptoms transmitting respiratory germs through speaking, coughing, or sneezing. They’re better than not using any mask and offer some protection, especially where social distancing is hard to maintain.

Wear cloth face masks in public settings, especially in areas of significant community-based risks, such as grocery stores and pharmacies. Dr Fettle advised against the use of cloth face masks on children under the age of 2, people who have trouble breathing, people who are unconscious, or people who are unable to remove the mask on their own.

And finally, there are the N95 respirator, which is a more tight-fitting face mask. In addition to splashes, sprays, and large droplets, this respirator can also filter out 95 per cent of very small particles, including viruses and bacteria. These are not for general public use although one often sees people moving about wearing an N95.

“Reserve N95 respirators for use by healthcare workers and first responders, he said adding that the mask is costly and not cost effective for the general public’s exposure risk. Dr Fettle said healthcare professionals should only use the appropriate-for-the-task-at-hand 3-layer or N95 mask as per guidelines.

General advice on the use of masks, do’s and don’ts, FAQs etc are available on the websites of the Directorate of Health Services, Kerala, MoHFW, Govt of India and NCDC.