Centre warns against the use of N-95 masks with valved respirators

There has always been a debate going on about whether one should use cloth masks or N-95 masks while stepping out. Putting rest to all assumptions the Government of India has issued a warning about the use of N-95 masks.

In a letter to all states and union territories, the Central Government cautioned the use of N-95 masks with valved respirators by the public, saying these do not prevent the virus from spreading out and are “detrimental” to the measures adopted for its containment.

The Director-General of Health Services (DGHS) in the Ministry of Health, wrote to the Principal Secretaries of health and medical education of states and said that it has been observing that there is inappropriate use of N-95 masks, particularly those with valved respirators by the public other than designated health workers.

“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 mask,” DGHS Rajiv Garg said in the letter.

The DGHS mentioned the advisory on the use of homemade protective cover for face and mouth available on the website of the Ministry of Health.

The government had, in April, issued an advisory to the use of homemade protective cover for face and mouth, asking people to wear it, particularly when they step out of their residence.

The advisory stressed such face covers must be washed and cleaned each day, as instructed, and stated that any used cotton cloth can be used to make this face cover. One must ensure that the fabric is washed well in boiling water for five minutes and dried well before making the face cover. Adding salt to this water is recommended, it said.

It also listed the procedures of making such homemade masks and also to ensure it fits the face well and there are no gaps on the sides.