COVID-19: Telangana seeks supply of N-95 masks from Centre

Telangana, which has reported one positive case of coronavirus, urged Centre on Friday to supply N-95 masks as part of measures to deal with COVID-19, citing short. A day after samples of two persons sent to National Institute of Virology in Pune, tested negative bringing much relief, government also wanted Centre to set up ar lab to test samples for COVID-19.

State Health Minister E Rajender, who participated in a video conference on COVID-19 with Union Health Minister Harsh Vardhan, requested that N-95 masks be supplied, official sources said. A disposable N95 mask (respirator) is a safety device that covers se and mouth and helps protect wearer from breathing in some hazardous substances.

Rajender also appealed to Centre to establish ar lab to test samples for virus. samples are currently tested in lab at state-run Gandhi hospital. During video conference, Vardhan appreciated state government's efforts in preventing spread of COVID-19 , sources said. Telangana has reported only one positive case of COVID-19 so far. state reported its first COVID-19 case on Monday when a 24-year-old software professional, who recently returned from Dubai, tested positive for virus.