Remove mask after 4 hours use —NMA

By Kemi Olatunde
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The chairman of Nigerian Medical Association, (NMA) Ondo State chapter, Mr Wale Oke has advised those wearing nose masks to replace it after four hours of use.

Oke’s admonition was made following government order on the use of nose mask in order to prevent the spread of COVID-19.

He said: “It is important to maintain proper hygiene with its use one mask should be used for maximum of four hours after which it should be replaced”.

Describing the categories of face masks to include; the hospital one which is N95, surgical mask and the one made from fabrics which is common with residents, he pointed out that it is crucial that the fabric mask should also be washed regularly to prevent the spread of infections.

The NMA boss who stated that the fabric mask is not 100 percent effective against COVID 19, explained that wearing of mask has been helpful in curtailing the spread of coronavirus noting that  with the mask, nothing can come to you.

Commenting on the proper way of putting it on, Oke said; “some people believe that if you are the type that has a cough or other infection, you put the blue one on and allow the white aspect to be out but if you are preventing yourself from getting infected from other people, you wear it the other way round.

“Another school of thought believes that whichever way you wear it is not an issue.”

While reacting to complaints of some residents on the use of the mask, he described the discomfort as a result of their unfamiliarity with it saying “they will get use to it after some time.”

He called on the people to continue to embrace its use and added that it is unnecessary for those with Air Condition in their vehicles to use it while driving.

Dr. Oke who stressed the importance of regular hand washing with soap under running water, use of hand sanitisers and social distancing among residents admonished people to stay indoor irrespective of the relaxed lockdown by government.