The Indian Ministry of Health has warned against the use of N-95 masks with valved respirators by people, saying these do not prevent the virus from spreading out and are “detrimental” to the measures adopted for its containment.
Rajiv Garg, the Director-General of Health Services (DGHS) in the Ministry of Health, in a letter to the Principal Secretaries of health and medical education of states, said it has been observed that there is “inappropriate use” of N-95 masks, particularly those with valved respirators, by the public other than designated health workers.
The DGHS also referred to the advisory on the use of homemade protective cover for face and mouth available on the website of the Ministry of Health.
Source: The Statesman