KARACHI:Pakistan Medical Association (PMA) Karachi has recommend the use of handmade cloth mask for general public. We now know from recent studies that a significant portion of individuals with corona virus is without symptoms “asymptomatic” and that even those who eventually develop symptoms “pre-symptomatic” can transmit the virus to others before showing symptoms, says a release.
This means that the virus can spread between people interacting in close proximity for example, speaking, coughing or sneezing even if those people are not exhibiting symptoms. In light of this new evidence Centers of Disease Control (CDC) recommends wearing cloth face coverings in public settings where other social distancing measures are difficult to maintain (e.g. grocery stores and pharmacies) especially in areas of significant community-based transmission.
It is critical emphasize that maintaining 6-feet social distancing remains important to slowing the spread of the virus. As per CDC guidelines PMA Karachi is advising the use of simple cloth face coverings to slow the spread of the virus. Cloth face coverings mask from household items or made at home from common materials at low cost can be used as an additional, voluntary public health measure.
Surgical masks or N-95 respirators are not commended for general public those are critical supplies that must continue to be reserved for healthcare workers and other medical first responders as recommended by current CDC guidance.
PMA also advises all the citizens whatever mask is available at home should use before going out from home. PMA demands from Government of Pakistan to provide 02 (two) washable mask to each family of Pakistan as Japanese Government has already taken initiative to provide washable mask to their citizens free of cost.