Amid rising COVID-19 cases, experts suggest use of N95 mask without valve this winter

In light of aggravated air condition in rth India, coupled with a sharp rise in COVID-19 cases, health experts have suggested people to wear N95 masks without valves this winter, to be in safe zone.  national capital, where AQI (Air Quality Index) level mostly vary between very poor and severe category during past winters has alrey witnessed a rise in positive cases once again.

A total of 3,259 fresh COVID-19 cases and 35 fatalities in last 24 hours have mounted Delhi's overall infection tally close to 3.27 lakh. total number of reported deaths is 5,981.

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Dr Deshdeepak, Senior Chest Physician, Dr Ram Mahar Lohiya hospital informed, "Till last year, we were saying that those who have a problem in breathing can use N95 mask with valve as it makes breathing easier. However, this year situation is very much different where we have both pollution and COVD- 19 we cant recommend using N95 with valve."

While analysing on which mask should be used for better protection from both particulate air pollution and Coronavirus, expert pinpointed on N95 without a valve.

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Factors to consider while using masks

Dr Deshdeepak, however, stated that N95 mask, which is widely used to prevent inhaling polluted air, protects m only from particulate matter and t against gaseous pollution. Besides this, masks that provide protection from gaseous pollution are expensive, making its purchase difficult for commoners. Among or factors that are t even considered while using se masks is its reusability, he said.

"This is a very tricky situation. During pollution we often tend to reuse same mask to protect ourselves from pollution but important in COVID condition we may t be able to reuse same mask and that includes expensive one too," doctor ded.

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As winter is about to commence soon and many estimate that it may intensify transmitting capacity of Coronavirus, health experts have stressed need to urgently curb air pollution.

India reported a spike of 62,212 new covid19 cases and 837 deaths on Saturday. tally of positive cases stands at 74,32,681 including 7,95,087 active cases, 65,24,596 cured/discharged/migrated cases & 1,12,998 deaths, Ministry of Health and Family Welfare said. With onset of winter, pollution level in air fluctuates between poor to severe category in Delhi. 

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(With inputs from ncy)

(Im credits: PTI)