Using N-95 Mask With Valved Respirator? No, It Doesn’t Save You From Coronavirus!

According to the government, the N-95 mask attached to the valve to help ease respiration does not help prevent the virus.

New Delhi| Be careful if you are also using an N-95 mask to avoid Coronavirus infection. As per the central government, using an N-95 Mask with a valved respirator can prove to be ‘detrimental’ for your health. Director-General of Health Services (DGHS) in the Ministry of Health, Dr Rajiv Garg, has written to the states and Union Territories asking them to ban the use of such masks. According to the government, the N-95 mask attached to the valve to help ease respiration does not help prevent the virus. In fact, using this mask does the exact opposite of the main aim behind the use of masks.

वाल्व लगे #N95 #Mask #COVID19 के प्रसार को रोकने में सक्षम नहीं !
छिद्रयुक्त श्वसन यंत्र लगा N-95 मास्क कोरोना वायरस के प्रसार को रोकने के लिए अपनाए गए नियमों के विपरीत है।सभी से आग्रह है कि कपड़े से बने Triple layer mask का इस्तेमाल करें व अन्य को इसके प्रति प्रोत्साहित भी करें। pic.twitter.com/1PpBbxeLLB

— Dr Harsh Vardhan (@drharshvardhan) July 21, 2020

Triple-layer mask better than N-95 mask

According to the government’s advisory, it is better to use a triple layer mask. The World Health Organization (WHO) has also described triple layer masks as superior to valve masks. The organization has also issued a directive in this regard. Even Doctors and health workers are also now using triple-layer masks along with N-95.

In April, the government advised using homemade masks. People were asked to wear masks while going out of the house. Masks should be washed and cleaned daily as directed. It has also been said that any cotton cloth can be used to make masks.

Also Read: New social contract needed to combat ‘inequality pandemic’: Guterres

Ministry of Health and Family Welfare has also issued guidelines regarding homemade masks. It is necessary to ensure that the cloth is kept in boiling water for five minutes and then dried thoroughly. To wash the mask in boiling water, it would be better to add salt to it. The guideline also said that masks should not be shared with anyone. Each member of the family should have a different mask.