Face Masks Made Of Cloth Cannot Prevent Coronavirus, NAFDAC Warns Nigerians (video)

Face masks made of cloth cannot prevent Coronavirus, NAFDAC warns Nigerians (video)

The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has warned Nigerians that face masks made of cloth will not serve as adequate prevention against the deadly Coronavirus.

With several states in the country now enforcing the use of face masks with the lockdown set to be relaxed for movement, Nigerians have bee parading with different types of face masks.

In a message on their official Twitter account NAFDAC explained the difference between Medical face masks and face masks made of cloth.

The statement said, “Barrier masks do not prevent you from contracting disease but, they have been found to contribute to reduce spread of infections when used widely in conjunction with other preventive measures.

“These face masks are recommended to be washed daily and preferably should be a double layer of fabric to increase the absorbency and effectiveness.

“It must be noted that several washes, drying and stretching over time, reduces the effectiveness of the mask.

“Barrier masks are not intended for use in healthcare settings or by healthcare professionals

“MEDICAL MASK and RESPIRATORS

“1.SURGICAL/MEDICAL MASK
“These are fairly loose-fitting disposable masks used by medical/health personnel in health facilities. The surgical masks are made of non-woven fabric (polypropylene) consisting of multiple layers.

“2.RESPIRATORS
“Respirators which are also called N95, N98 or KN95 respirator masks, are designed to protect the wearer from small (0.3 micron) particles in the air, such as viruses, which the regular surgical masks do not protect against.”

…double layer of fabric to increase the absorbency and effectiveness.
It must be noted that several washes, drying and stretching over time, reduces the effectiveness of the mask.
Barrier masks are not intended for use in healthcare settings or by healthcare professionals
— NAFDAC NIGERIA (@NafdacAgency) April 27, 2020
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