Daijiworld Media Network - New Delhi (SD)

New Delhi, Jul 21: With masks being the new norm, the use of N-95 masks with valved respirator by the public is said to be detrimental in the measures adopted towards containing the virus. The centre, in this regard, has written to all the states against the use of N-95 masks with valved respirators.

The director-general of health services (DGHS) has written to the principal secretaries of health and medical education of states on the inappropriate use of N-95 masks especially with respirators by the public which fails to serve the purpose.

The DGHS has asked to refer to the advisory given on the website of the ministry of health and adopt homemade protective cover for face and mouth.

“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, sources from PTI revealed.

In April, an advisory was issued by the government on the use of handmade masks for the face and mouth especially while stepping out of their homes.

The protective face masks must be washed and cleaned every day as per the instructions which include boiling it for five minutes and drying it well, the advisory stated. Adding salt to the water would additionally benefit. However, the colour of the fabric does not matter but cotton material is recommended. The procedure of making the mask suggests covering the face well without any gaps on the side.

Sharing of masks is not recommended even among family members and each one should have their own. Reuse without cleaning is strictly warned. Hands to be thoroughly washed before wearing the masks, the advisory stated.