Comments
Is it necessary for a healthy person to use a face mask as a precautionary measure in the wake of the coronavirus outbreak?
The answer is absolutely not, and unnecessary used can actually lead to supply constraints as days go by. “Routine use of masks by all is not deemed to be helpful and is not recommended,” the Andhra Pradesh government said in a health advisory.
It prescribed rational use of personal protective equipment for suspected/confirmed Covid-19 patients only. “The masks are for symptomatic people and healthcare workers and general public has to know that they don’t need any masks,” the advisory said.
Only healthcare workers, laboratory staff, housekeeping staff (those entering room/screening areas of suspected/confirmed patients and visitors need to wear masks.
Other staff not directly exposed to any Covid-19 activity, and the general public, may avoid them.
With the estimates suggesting that Covid-19 cases in India are set to go up significantly, any unnecessary use of personal protective equipment may lead to shortage for those engaged in providing essential services going forward.
Comments
COMMENT NOW
Comments
Comments have to be in English, and in full sentences. They cannot be abusive or personal. Please abide by our community guidelines for posting your comments.
We have migrated to a new commenting platform. If you are already a registered user of TheHindu Businessline and logged in, you may continue to engage with our articles. If you do not have an account please register and login to post comments. Users can access their older comments by logging into their accounts on Vuukle.