Beware: N-95 respirators with valves may increase your risk of COVID-19 infection

According to a warning issued by the central government, the N95 valved respirators may not be the right choice against the COVID-19 pandemic.

By: Jahnavi Sarma | | Updated: July 22, 2020 9:37 am

The N95 face masks that come with valves are not recommended and the government has warned against using them in the current pandemic.

The N-95 respirator sold off the shelves during the initial days of the pandemic. Because of this, the government had stressed on the use of homemade masks for the general population. In April, it issued an advisory on the use of homemade protective cover for face and mouth, asking people to wear it, particularly when they step out of their residences. But now, these masks are back in the market and many people wear the same. However, the ones with valves apparently do not provide adequate protection against COVID-19. Also Read - COVID-19 antibodies, vaccines less effective against coronavirus variants: Study

Valved N-95 masks may be detrimental for virus containment

The Centre has written to all states and union territories warning against the use of N-95 valved respirators by people, 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, in a letter to the Principal Secretaries of health and medical education of states, said it has been observed that there is “inappropriate use” of N-95 masks, particularly those with valved respirators, by the public other than designated health workers. Also Read - Corona passport: Not recommended but may be unavoidable, says WHO

DGHS warns of inappropriate use

The DGHS referred to the advisory on the use of homemade protective cover for face and mouth available on the website of the Ministry of Health. “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. Also Read - ‘Get COVID-19 vaccination 24*7’: Government removes time cap

Government advisory on masks

The government had in April issued an advisory on the use of homemade protective cover for face and mouth, asking people to wear it, particularly when they step out of their residences. 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. The colour of the fabric does not matter but 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, asking to ensure it fits the face well and there are no gaps on the sides.

It urges people to wash hands thoroughly before wearing the face cover, switching to another fresh one as the face cover becomes damp or humid, and never reusing it after single use without cleaning it. You must never share the face cover with anyone. Every member in a family should have separate face cover.

(With inputs from Agencies)

Published : July 21, 2020 4:47 pm | Updated:July 22, 2020 9:37 am

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