Indian gov't warns against use of N-95 masks with valves

The federal government has written to all states warning against the use of N-95 masks with valved respirators by people, saying these do not prevent the spread of the virus and were "detrimental" to the measures adopted for its containment, officials said Tuesday.

A letter issued on Monday from the Director-General of Health Services in the federal health ministry said it has been observed that there was "inappropriate use" of N-95 masks.

"It has been observed that there is inappropriate use of the N-95 mask (particularly with valved respirator) by the public other than designated health workers," read a letter from the DGHS.

The DGHS referred to the advisory on the use of homemade protective cover for face and mouth available on the website of the ministry of health.

"It is to bring to your knowledge that the use of valved respirator N-95 masks is detrimental to the measures adopted for preventing the spread of coronavirus as it does not prevent the virus from escaping out of the mask," the letter further read.

Health officials in line with the recommendations from WHO are urging people to use a homemade protective cover for face and mouth, especially when they step out of their residences.

India on Tuesday witnessed a jump of 37,148 COVID-19 cases, pushing its tally to 1,155,191 including 28,084 deaths.

Globally India is the third worst-hit country due to COVID-19 pandemic.