Double masking or N95 masks should to maintain mutant variants at bay

Express News Service
THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The rising proportion of mutant variants of SARS-CoV-2 virus that trigger Covid-19 within the state would imply that carrying only a material masks won’t give enough safety towards an infection, mentioned well being specialists. Double masking (carrying two masks with one over the opposite), avoiding closed areas and even masking at dwelling have been recommended to counter fast-spreading variants. Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan confused the necessity to put on masks — double masking or N95 masks if attainable.

“The new mutants are fast spreading. A small amount of virus could result in catching the infection,” mentioned Dr Anish T S, Assistant Professor of Department of Community Medicine, Government Medical College, Thiruvananthapuram. “We also need to start wearing mask at places where we used to keep it aside such as inside the family,” he mentioned. 

A research by the Department of Community Medicine has revealed that as much as 56 per cent of contaminated individuals contracted the virus from their relations, final yr. Dr Ok P Aravindan, pathologist and member of the professional panel on Covid-19, mentioned possibilities of airborne unfold has elevated and it will be prudent to put on a material masks above a 3-layer masks. “Earlier the virus  transmitted from one person to two others. But now it is found that one person could infect nine others. So we should adopt smart ways to prevent smart viruses,” mentioned Dr Padmanabha Shenoy, an immunologist.

Steps to forestall mutant virus an infection

Double maskingWearing material masks above a three-layer masks or carrying N95 maskAvoid closed areas, AC cabins, preserve social distancing Use masks at homeAvoid crowding at vaccination centresWash fingers with cleaning soap or sanitiser