Advises face cover for those living in dense populated areas
Contrary to its earlier assertion that not everyone is required to wear masks as the primary focus is on social distancing, the Union Health Ministry on Saturday came out with a detailed advisory recommending home-made cloth mask for all and even laid out a pictorial “Do It Yourself (DIY)” guide.
It attributed the latest move of homemade face cover for the general public, excluding medical staff/health workers, to the benefits that certain countries have claimed due to its usage.
Wearing of face covers is especially recommended for people living in densely populated areas or in crowded markets, as per the advisory which comes amid rising number of coronavirus cases as well as rush among people for masks, aggravating a shortage of the item among medical personnel who need them the most.
The Ministry said that people who are not suffering from medical conditions or having breathing difficulties may use the handmade reusable face cover.
“Certain countries have claimed benefits of homemade face cover for the general public. Such homemade face cover is a good method for maintaining personal hygiene. Such usage certainly will help in maintaining overall hygienic health conditions.
“Therefore, it is suggested that such people who are not suffering from medical conditions or having breathing difficulties may use the handmade reusable face cover, particularly when they step out of their house. This will help in protecting the community at large,” it said.
“This face cover is not recommended for either health workers or those working with or in contact with COVID-19 patients or are patients themselves as these categories of people are required to wear specified protective gear”.
The advisory says the face covers could be made out of clean cloth available at home, which needs to be thoroughly cleaned and washed before a face cover is stitched.
“The face cover should be prepared in such a manner that it can cover the mouth and nose completely and can be tied over the face easily”. It is advised that two sets of such face covers be made so that one can be washed while the other is used.
“Hand washing would still remain essential criteria and hand should be washed before wearing the face cover. Such face covers should also not be thrown anywhere but kept safely, washed properly with soap and hot water and dried properly before they are used,” the guideline said.
