Reusable masks to fight Covid need of hr: Experts

The whole world is reeling under the novel coronavirus pandemic and usage of face masks has been made mandatory in the country. But due to this, there has been a shortage of surgical masks for the medical and other essential personnel. Despite campaigns like #MaskIndia, many continue to use surgical masks that are not disposed of properly. Figuring out what to wear and how it wear it is not easy, but what’s clear is that the N95 and medical masks must be reserved only for health-care workers who are exposed to infected patients.
General physician Dr Vamsi Krishna says, “The proper way to dispose a mask at home where medical waste containers are not available is to remove it from the face, be gentle so as not to disturb the liquid and solid contaminants on it, place it in a plastic bag and secure it tightly. Place the bag in a garbage can and wash hands immediately.” He however adds that using a reusable mask with three layers is highly recommended. “Proper sanitation methods must be followed for these masks too using disinfectants. Social distancing is however key if we are to beat this virus.”
By avoiding single-use masks, generation of tonnes of contaminated plastic waste can be avoided, say environmentalists. Erik Solheim, a Norwegian diplomat and former politician took to social media to show the consequence of using these masks. “Disposed face masks used to fight #COVID19 are adding to the single-use plastics menace. This video from Hong Kong shows new emerging plastic problems. Let’s recover from the virus without destroying our environment,” (sic) he wrote.

Disposed face masks used to fight #COVID19 are adding to the single-use plastics menace. This video from Hong Kong… https://t.co/rp3GQrfpa2

— Erik Solheim (@ErikSolheim) 1588233305000

Closer home too, city-based environmentalist Abhishek Reddy says, “The government has made it mandatory to wear masks in public, but it has also urged citizens to use reusable ones. The general public cannot dispose off the single-use masks safely and it will result in pollution. Throwing them out carelessly will also cause more harm, aiding in the spread of the virus. It is advisable to use reusable, homemade masks that can be sanitised.”