Civic body’s message on social media raises eyebrows, as doctors question the poor wording of the public service announcement, saying common man will be confused
An expert said that well-fitting cotton masks should be enough for common man. File pics
Suddenly, cloth masks seem to have become the civic body’s nemesis. After over a year since the pandemic began, the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) took to social media on Friday, saying that cotton masks give zero protection from Coronavirus. Ironically, the corporation has itself been calling for tenders for cotton masks for its own staff at various levels. Experts have questioned the controversial claim asking if BMC wants to hint that COVID-19 is air-borne.
A screenshot of BMC’s tweet on its Twitter a/c with efficacies of various masks
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The tweet and an Instagram post by BMC on its official accounts did not go well with citizens, who slammed the civic body for such a late and misleading message. Experts, however, state that the information is not misleading but comes from the fact that the virus is believed to be airborne and that surgical and N95 masks can protect better. But even if the BMC prefers people wearing surgical masks, is there enough stock to provide for both, citizens and medical workers?
The BMC in its posts said that N95 and surgical masks give 95 per cent protection. Amid the new strain, experts have also been advising double masking. The BMC mentioned this in its posts, too.
Suresh Kakani, Additional Municipal Commissioner, said, “The intention is that more people are aware of the double masking and it is advisable to use three ply mask even if it is cotton. Many are seen using fancy masks but whether they can help protect against the virus is unsure and thus we had put up on social media. It is essential for people to enter any high-risk area or high footfall area with proper protective gear. Even the cotton masks that we have ordered are three ply cotton masks.”
Citizens, however, pointed out in the comments that the civic body itself is offering cotton masks to its employees. Even police personnel on the ground are seen in cotton masks. Some asked the BMC why is it giving such vital information after over a year. A few others said that N95 masks are too costly for the common man and surgical masks are always out of stock.
What doctors say
Meanwhile, doctors believe that cotton masks cannot be deemed completely ineffective.
It is widely believed that Coronavirus spreads through droplets and cloth masks do provide protection, if worn properly. File pic
Dr Lancelot Pinto, pulmonary medicine specialist, PD Hinduja Hospital said, “Even if we consider that the virus is airborne, most experts still believe that the primary mode of spreading is through droplets, and cloth masks have been shown to arrest their spread effectively. A directive to switch to a surgical mask might be useful in closed spaces with poor ventilation or centrally air-conditioned settings, but I do not think it is prudent to suggest this universally, especially outdoors. Surgical masks are more uncomfortable (making it likely that they will not be adhered to properly), they lead to greater waste disposal issues and an overuse might deprive frontline workers of the same if there is a shortage.”
Dr Ravi Wankhedkar, treasurer of World Medical Association and former national president of Indian Medical Association (IMA), said, “A simple three-ply surgical mask or a well-fitting good cotton mask is sufficient for routine use by common man. But if there is a patient in the house or in home isolation, one needs to wear an N95 or surgical mask. It is also important to wear a surgical mask or N95 if you are going to high-risk areas like a hospital.”
“As per Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), cloth masks and commercially available surgical masks are recommended in public settings. Masks should be properly worn and the fit should be proper. N95 masks should be reserved for health care workers. You can have double-layer cotton masks for better efficacy,” said Dr Gaurav Gupta, consultant COVID and critical care physician, Breach Candy.
Tweet talk
Atman Pandya@amit5752
Can you share the source for 0% effectiveness using cloth mask? Or is this just hyperbole to make a point ? Hard to believe a cloth mask offers the same benefit as not wearing one
95%
Protection offered by N95 masks as per BMC’s posts
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