Musenero cautions against use of surgical masks

HEALTH | COVID-19 | MASKS

Dr. Monica Musenero, the Presidential advisor on epidemics, has cautioned people against using surgical masks. 

Journalists wearing some of the recommended masks which cover the nose and mouth and also have a filter (Picture by Juliet Kasirye)

According to Musenero, the N95 mask blocks whatever comes out and allows you to breathe through just a small piece. This mask has a filter, which blocks out 95% of all the germs that would reach you. 

Such masks are for medical people and are used when the environment is heavily contaminated. 

Addressing journalists at the Media Centre on Wednesday, Musenero added that, "the surgical masks have two layers, one side being a fabric and another side being a filter."

 The above mask is not recommended by health officials (Picture by Juliet Kasirye)

They are termed as surgical masks because they help to protect the patient who is being operated on, from infections. Such masks should be used once and thrown away. 

"However, the challenge with such masks is that other people pick them and re-use them," she explained. 

Masks you are required to wear

Musenero said that the government is promoting the use of fabric masks because they allow one to breathe comfortably. 

So which masks should one wear? The material should be cotton, have two layers of the fabric in and out. Besides that, it should also give you a pocket where you put a filter. Since they are re-washable, you can spread it in the sun or iron it. 

 Dr. Monica Musenero displays a face shield mask which is also not recommended for use (Picture by Juliet Kasirye)

While addressing journalists, the Minister for ICT, Judith Nabakooba urged Ugandans to embrace the use of masks whenever they are moving in public places. 

According to Nabakooba, we should not wait for security to enforce the use of masks.  "Wearing masks should become part of us, and we should embrace it because it is our first line to be protected," she said, adding that the government has noticed low compliance rates in the city.