Open AccessWEARING FACE MASKS FOR COVID-19 PANDEMIC: FROM MEDICAL TRADITION TO COMMUNITY PRACTICE
Author(s) -
Neha Singh,
Kamlesh Jain,
Shilpa Jain
Publication year - 2020
Publication title -
paripex indian journal of research
Language(s) - English
DOI - 10.36106/paripex/5000449
Subject(s) - guard (computer science) , face masks , covid-19 , face shield , pandemic , face (sociological concept) , public health , narrative , public relations , medicine , political science , psychology , sociology , infectious disease (medical specialty) , disease , health care , nursing , computer science , virology , law , outbreak , art , pathology , programming language , literature , social science
Different forms of face coverings used by the public, like masks, gamchas, shields etc., are now widely recommended as source control during the COVID-19 pandemic. Significant debates about the general community use of face masks for guard against coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) stemmed from differing views expressed by health authorities. We believe that the stigmatization and misconceptions about the use of face masks may delay the containment of the COVID-19 pandemic. The leading narrative driving policy, has observed face coverings as a medical intervention and evaluated its efficiency from an infection control perspective. We recommend that public officials and governments strongly encourage extensive use of face masks in public including the use of appropriate regulation. Face masks should not only measure as medical tools but as a community practice to reduce transmission of respiratory infections such as COVID-19.