KOLKATA: Pharmacies that have stockpiles of N-95 masks with valve respirators are in a quandary following a health ministry advisory to the state health department against its use during the pandemic.
Sajal Ganguly, general secretary of Bengal Chemist and Druggists’ Association, said most masks had been procured in bulk with a non-refundable clause following the initial demand and their sale would continue till the state health department issued an order on the contrary.
The central advisory follows caution by doctors who have warned that masks with valve respirators are meant to keep out fine pollutants in the air and aren’t effective in preventing the spread of the novel coronavirus as it does not filter the air that is exhaled.
“The use of valved respirator N-95 masks are detrimental to measures adopted for preventing the spread of novel coronavirus as it does not prevent the virus from escaping out of the mask. I request you to instruct all concerned to follow the guidelines on the use of face mouth cover and prevent inappropriate use of N-95 masks,” said Dr Rajiv Garg, director general of health services.
Some pharmacies, though, had stopped stocking and sale of valved masks quite some time ago after a few hospitals in Kolkata barred people wearing them from entering.
“Now, N-95 masks without valve will be in demand,” said Rajendra Khandelwal of Dhanwatary. Pankaj Vora, a medicine dealer at Bagree Market, too, said most of the valved N-95 masks had been exhausted and there were no plans to place fresh orders now.
The central advisory has encouraged use of homemade protective cotton cover for face and mouth when people step out. It must be washed well in boiling water for 5 minutes and dried well before being used again.
Oncologist Indranil Khan said that the valved N-95 masks should have been banned a long time ago. “I have seen positive patients wearing valved N-95 masks. This is a threat to others as the virus can easily spread though the valve,” he said.
Sajal Ganguly, general secretary of Bengal Chemist and Druggists’ Association, said most masks had been procured in bulk with a non-refundable clause following the initial demand and their sale would continue till the state health department issued an order on the contrary.
The central advisory follows caution by doctors who have warned that masks with valve respirators are meant to keep out fine pollutants in the air and aren’t effective in preventing the spread of the novel coronavirus as it does not filter the air that is exhaled.
“The use of valved respirator N-95 masks are detrimental to measures adopted for preventing the spread of novel coronavirus as it does not prevent the virus from escaping out of the mask. I request you to instruct all concerned to follow the guidelines on the use of face mouth cover and prevent inappropriate use of N-95 masks,” said Dr Rajiv Garg, director general of health services.
Some pharmacies, though, had stopped stocking and sale of valved masks quite some time ago after a few hospitals in Kolkata barred people wearing them from entering.
“Now, N-95 masks without valve will be in demand,” said Rajendra Khandelwal of Dhanwatary. Pankaj Vora, a medicine dealer at Bagree Market, too, said most of the valved N-95 masks had been exhausted and there were no plans to place fresh orders now.
The central advisory has encouraged use of homemade protective cotton cover for face and mouth when people step out. It must be washed well in boiling water for 5 minutes and dried well before being used again.
Oncologist Indranil Khan said that the valved N-95 masks should have been banned a long time ago. “I have seen positive patients wearing valved N-95 masks. This is a threat to others as the virus can easily spread though the valve,” he said.
Coronavirus outbreak
Trending Topics
LATEST VIDEOS
More from TOI
Navbharat Times
Featured Today in Travel
Get the app