Covid-19: Fabric Made Face Masks Cannot Prevent Infection – NAFDAC Warns

The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration(NAFDAC) has said the use of non-medical face masks is unhealthy.

The Director General of NAFDAC, Prof. Mojisola Adeyeye gave this warning to healthcare workers in a press release on Tuesday.

According to her, non-medical face masks including the ones made from clothes, textiles or other materials such as paper may reduce the spread of droplets but cannot prevent infection.

“They are not standardised and are not intended for use in healthcare settings or by healthcare professionals.

“They serve to limit the spread of droplets and offer some measure of protection when used in conjunction with social distancing and regular washing of hands.

“The higher the risk, the higher the level of protection needed,” she warned.

The NAFDAC boss however urged healthcare professionals to opt for polypropylene surgical masks as well as N95, N98 and KN95 respirator masks.

“These respirators provide an airtight seal when fitted correctly, and filter out very small particles, including viruses such as the COVID-19. They are made of fine mesh synthetic polymer fibre.

“After use, it is also advisable that all contaminated protective clothing should be disposed of in a specially designed rubbish bag,” she counselled.