Talking about the disposable mask and the N95, both the masks cover the nose and the mouth potentially removing the minutest of particles ranging from dirt to even the microbes such as virus, bacteria, and mold. However, the clear difference between the two lies in their very nomenclature. The former, ie; the disposable mask is a one time use mask and the latter is a reusable one that potentially filters the air by blocking at least 95% of minute air particles.
Now, as the coronavirus continues to claim lives across the globe, here is something we all need to know about face masks and that is- not everyone of us need it! The World Health Organization says- if you are healthy, you only need to wear a mask in case you are taking care of a person with COVID-19. The WHO also advises people to wear one, if they sneeze or cough. However, the effectiveness of the masks can only be seen if combined with frequent handwashing.
The official advices regarding the use of the masks may vary from country to country. For an instance, the UK government has generated guidelines for wearing a face covering in confined spaces where social distancing is not viable, like in the case of traveling in public transport. The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), similarly, suggests wearing masks in places where social distancing is not viable, including the places such as shops- all these steps are taken just to slowdown the spread of the virus. Similar to the guidelines issued by the UK government, the US promotes the normal cloth face coverings and advises to reserve the surgical masks solely for health workers. This would also help in dealing with the scarcity and thus the price rise of these masks.
The governments of various countries that are planning to lift the lockdowns and thus, allowing people to return to offices, shops, and factories are making the wearing of masks a prerequisite. Adding to this, with any potential vaccine that is probably many months (or even years) away, millions of more masks are going to be the need of these challenging hours. As a result of all these factors, the prices of masks, in particular, are soaring. The basic surgical mask which till last year had cost just a few cents is now being sold at as much as $1.25 each in some countries. Further, talking about the prices of respirator-grade N95 masks, these have been registered as high as $25!
Cloth face coverings, such as even the home-made masks, are advised by the authorized organizations such as CDC. As per the organization, these home-made masks can potentially stop the mask wearer (if infected already) from further spreading the infection. However, coronavirus gets spread through micro-droplets which is released while breathing. These micro drops can reach the human body via mouth and eyes. Thus, to prevent reaching these micro-droplets to a healthy person, health workers are recommended to wear masks and even visors for eye protection. The WHO says “the best way to avoid infection is to wash hands frequently and avoid touching the face. A mask may help in stopping the spread of the virus but hygiene is the key to avoiding getting it”, it says.
