N95 respirator mask not appropriate as face mask for Coronavirus prevention - Senior Health Practitioner advises Ghanaians

Richard Owusu Nyarko, a senior health practitioner/health scientist and a trainee in medicine and surgery has advised the general public to use clinically approved face mask and NOT N95 RESPIRATOR MASK (although a type of medical mask) as a preventive measure to contain the coronavirus pandemic.

He reiterated that although the N95 respirator mask is a type of medical mask it is clinically deficient for coronavirus prevention and not recommended for use by the general public.

He advised the general public to use the known face mask used in clinical settings by health professionals; doctors, dentists, nurses, paramedics etc and these could be found in approved pharmacies and medical stores nationwide.

The normal face mask fits very loosely and prevent the user from spreading pathogens through droplets during coughing, sneezing or even in adverse salivating.

Also precautions should be taken when using face mask

- Users of face mask should be careful there are no spaces or gaps and ensure it is firmly secured to the nose and mouth

- It would be appropriate one washes the hands with soup and water before touching and using face mask.

- In case of removal one should remove it from the strings attached either to the ear or back of head since the fore of the mask receives all contaminations and pathogens

- Also one should still wash the hands with soap and water or apply an alcohol based hand sanitizer after touching or removal the face mask after use.

Face masks removed should be discarded and not to be reused and this can make the aim of prevention of the corona virus most achieved.

Below are images of the right masks to use in preventing coronavirus