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| Face masks important in battle against COVID-19, say doctors | | | ISHTIYAQ AHMAD
EARLY TIMES REPORT
SRINAGAR, Apr 10: As confirmed cases of COVID-19 continue to rise in Jammu and Kashmir, the doctors here are recommending the people to wear mask when they go out in public.
They also said that homemade masks won’t cure someone who is sick, but they can help prevent the spread of the disease by those with the virus.
“We advise people to wear masks in public settings where other social distancing measures are difficult to maintain. We also recommend that everyone continue social distancing and other preventive measures in addition to wearing face coverings,” one of the chest specialist said.
He maintained that it can slow the spread of the virus and help people who may have the virus and do not know it from transmitting it to others.
However, the doctor made it clear that face mask for common people doesn’t mean surgical mask or N-95 respirators.
“Those are critical supplies that must continue to be reserved for healthcare workers and other medical first responders,” he said.
Another respiratory specialist here in the SKIMS Soura said, “It is okay that symptomatic patients of Covid-19 should wear masks so that they don't spread the infection but what about asymptomatic carriers as we do not test randomly and aggressively. It is better for people to wear homemade triple layered cotton masks. That would do the trick,” the doctor said wished not to be named.
Another doctor said, “It is becoming increasingly clear that all people should be wearing masks while out in public. Masks are a likely reason why the virus has been better controlled in China, South Korea, Japan, and other countries,”
“Masks should be worn anytime you are in public or people are nearby. Masks act as a physical barrier to protect you and others from viral and bacterial particulates. Many people unknowingly infect others by going out and spreading germs by coughing or touching others,” the doctor maintained.
“You can go out in public areas without a mask if there is no one nearby. Otherwise, regardless if it’s close quarters or spaced out, you should wear a mask with others around. This is precaution and courtesy to yourself and those nearby you.” said one of the doctors here in the SMHS hospital.
Another Chest Disease Specialist here in JLNM hospital said that recent studies have shown that a significant portion of individuals with coronavirus lack symptoms (“asymptomatic”) and that even those who eventually develop symptoms (“pre-symptomatic”) can transmit the virus to others before showing symptoms,”
“This means that the virus can spread between people interacting in close proximity — for example, speaking, coughing, or sneezing — even if those people are not exhibiting symptoms. So we recommend wearing masks in public settings where other social distancing measures are difficult,” the doctor said, wished not to be named.
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