COVID-19: Telangana makes masks compulsory for all
The latest advisory issued by the Health, Medical and Family Welfare department asking everyone to use masks whenever they go out or even while interacting with others is based on the latest learning from the medical and scientific community.
By AuthorTelanganaToday | Published: 10th Apr 2020 4:00 pmUpdated: 10th Apr 2020 9:38 pm
Photo:Surya Sridhar
Hyderabad: The State government on Friday made wearing of face masks mandatory for people when they step outdoors, in closed spaces and while interacting with others. The advisory of always ‘MaskOn’ comes in the wake of revised guidelines from World Health Organisation (WHO) and Health Ministry which earlier had advised that masks could only be used by healthcare workers.
The decision to make masks mandatory was taken as a large number of infected persons might not show any symptoms (asymptomatic) but still carry the novel strain of coronavirus and potentially infect others.
Shortage of surgical masks in medical shops has been a universal problem since the outbreak of the coronavirus pandemic. As a result, the Principal Scientific Advisor for Government of India Prof K Vijay Raghavan recently urged people to start using homemade masks.
In line with these recommendations, the State government on Friday said that those utilising homemade masks must ensure that they are worn and cleaned properly. All offices and workplaces should be encouraged to make it mandatory for their employees to wear masks at all times. All residents in rural areas must be encouraged to wear such masks while at work or when they are talking to someone.
The State health authorities also have clarified that home-made masks are not meant for healthcare workers who directly are involved in providing treatment to Covid-19 positive and suspected patients. They are also not a substitute for close contacts of positive Covid-19 patients, who have to either utilise surgical masks or N95 masks.
It was also clarified that masks are not substitute for other social distancing measures like maintaining at least a 2 metre distance from others at all times, washing hands with soap frequently and using sanitizers.
How to use
Use only a fresh and cleaned mask at the start of the day and as soon as the mask becomes damp or humid, switch to another fresh one. Never reuse a mask after single use without cleaning, which has to be done by using soap, Dettol or Savlon.
Mandatory for all
• Always wear masks while stepping out, talking to someone even indoors
• Wear mask in such a way that it covers nose, mouth and chin fully
• All officers and workplaces should encourage employees to wear masks
• Regular hand wash and maintaining distance mandatory
• Always ‘MaskOn’ doesn’t mean that mask can hang around the neck
• Use only a fresh mask to start the day and change to a new one if used mask is damp
• Masks should never be reversed and used
• Front or any other part of the masks should never be touched
• Disposable masks should be thrown after 6 hours
• Reusable masks should be cleaned with soap, Dettol or Savlon
Disposal masks v/s homemade masks
Disposable masks: Single use, 97% efficient, can’t be washed, must be disposed in a closed bag to prevent spread of virus.
Homemade masks: Multiple use, 70% effective, can be washed, easily available and can be cleaned with available ingredients at home.
Manual to prepare homemade masks:
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