03 April 2020 Kathmandu
We are using masks in the hopes that it will save us from getting infected from Coronavirus. But do the masks prevent from getting infected from coronavirus? What if they don’t?
WHO says wearing masks by the mass population has no potential advantage. They also say that the masks are ineffective in filtering small particles from the air. They may not help if an infected person sneezes or coughs nearby.
The masks are needed for already sick people or the ones who are treating sick people. Doctors and other health workers are the ones who need it the most.
There is a global shortage of masks and medical supplies while front liners are risking their lives to treat the sick. When the hospitals are overwhelmed by the patient, we can’t risk infecting our health workers.
“The thought of them not having masks is horrific,” said Mike Ryan, the executive director of emergencies from WHO. As they are constantly in close contact with the virus, they are more vulnerable to disease. As the pandemic spreads we need to be aware of the supply we purchase. We don’t want to stock up masks while our front liners die due to a shortage of masks.
The only way we can help them is by maintaining #social_distancing and avoid piling up safety equipment.