Covid-19: Why has Health Ministry warned against wearing N-95 mask with valve

Amid Covid-19, N95 masks with respiratory valve had become quite popular. But, recently, Indian Health Ministry has warned against the use of N95 masks especially those with respiratory valves.

In a recent letter issued  to all the states and union territories by Rajiv Garg, the Director-General of Health Services, Ministry of Health, stated, “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”

Here’s why

It is said that when one exhales, the expired air goes out of the valve in the N-95 mask. If the person wearing such a mask is infected virus can spread through the exhaled air into the atmosphere, which increases the risk of contamination of other people. Hence, it fails to curb the spread of Covid-19

Now, Indian government has urged people to use home-made face masks. If one does not have a proper mask,  they can use any cotton cloth that covers the face properly without leaving any gaps on the sides. One must not forget to wash the piece of cloth in boiling water for at least 5 minutes after every use.

Also, Ensure, your face mask fits properly and covers your nose, mouth and chin. Do not touch your mask while you are wearing it.