Efficacy of cloth masks
                     Efficacy of Cloth Masks 
In a pandemic, frequent washing hands, social distancing, and wearing masks are the only 
means to prevent infection. Medical masks are used in both healthcare and community to 
protect from droplet infections. There is a race going between face masks manufacturers 
about who will provide the best quality masks at reasonable prices so that everyone can easily 
access the masks. 
The primary transmission route of COVID is the inhalation of respiratory droplets and close 
contact. So governments have made it mandatory to wear masks as the masks are only 
shielding material from viruses. These policies have raised the demand for masks to great 
extent leading to a shortage in the markets. But due to the shortage of surgical masks in the 
market, people start wearing cotton cloth masks. These cloth masks can effectively work 
against infection but they have to wash daily. 
Cloth masks are not recommendable for healthcare workers. These are only used by the 
general public if there is no alternative. Protection is affected by proper mask use as well as 
by selection of fabric and design of the masks for water resistance, filtration, and fit. The 
multilayered masks with water-resistant fabric, a high number of threads, and finer weave 
may be more protective. Masks should be able to prevent a stream of fluid flowing at a 
pressure of up to 160 mm Hg from seeping through the mask and potentially into the mouth.  
Cloth masks can be made in large quantities in a short time. They can be reused after washing 
in hot water with soap, using bleach, isopropyl alcohol, or hydrogen peroxide. Disposable 
masks used in hospitals generate a lot of waste whereas these masks are biodegradable. 
Hospitals always have an extra duty to dispose of the masks properly. 
The general public can use cloth masks to protect against infection spread in the community. 
The masks disturb the COVID chain. Wearing masks lowers the chances of getting infected 
and the chances that you may affect someone. It is always advisable to wear a mask 
whenever go out in public. Nowadays, designer cloth masks are also available in the market 
that attracts a lot of customers. Wearing masks has become the fashion of the day. It saves the 
lives of our family, our beloved ones, and mankind. 
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