Mumbai: Maharashtra government on Monday
advised people not to use disposable masks as its improper
disposal could lead to spread of H1N1 virus.
Instead, public has been asked to use handkerchief as
a protective gear to prevent swine flu infection.
"The disposable N-95 masks should be used only by the
medical, paramedical and hospital staff and nurses as they
would be strictly disposed as biomedical waste," Health
Secretary Sharvaree Gokhale told mediapersons here.
The public should not use the disposable masks as
there is no provision for biomedical waste in the general
solid disposal system, she said.
"If they use disposable masks indiscriminately and
throw them around, the entire purpose will be defeated as the
air-borne virus is likely to spread more", she said.
"It is advised to use a gent`s handkerchief folded a
few times or a home-made washable mask to cover the nose and
mouth when in a crowded place," Gokhale said.
The government has instructed the pharmacies and
drugstores not to sell disposable masks without prescription.
Asked about the government`s instructions for the
forthcoming festival season when people gather in large
numbers, she said people should avoid going to crowded places
and coming in contact with suspected H1N1 cases.
Bureau Report
