The Deputy General Secretary for the Ghana Medical Association has cautioned Ghanaians on the use and re-use of face masks by a cross-section of the public to prevent the spread of coronavirus.
According to Dr Titus Beyuo, the masks can serve as a reservoir for bacteria and the virus if they are not used properly.
“I have observed how people use the masks and it is very dangerous. The golden rule is, it must be on or off, not hanging. Hanging defeats the entire purpose of the masks,” he explained on Newsfile, Saturday.
He told Samson Lardi Anyenini, host of the show, that when people wearing masks have others speaking so close to them, the front part of the masks gets contaminated.
Hence removing the mask to let it hang on the chest spreads whatever bacteria or virus is on it, which in turn exposes the inner surface of the mask.
Dr Beyuo said, “a mask gives a sense of false security if not used well and it actually can be more harmful to you."
"If you’re using the same mask for a week, pulling up and down refixing it and using your hand on it all the time then it traps a lot of organisms and even this coronavirus and eventually you just infect yourself.”
He urged people to know the kind of mask they have and use them properly. He stated that disposable masks should be done away with immediately after use.
He proceeded to demonstrate how reusable clinical masks should be used adding that they could be kept in a plastic bowl with the inner face down.
Latest Stories
-
Mahama will make the economy viable for the youth to become entrepreneurs- Osman Ayariga
25 seconds -
East Legon crash: Police pursue TikTokers for ‘false claims’ about Salifu Amoako’s son’s location
28 mins -
Severe food shortage force some SHSs to serve repetitive meals
37 mins -
Don Julio 1942 launched by Guinness Ghana Breweries with an enchanting Halloween Ball celebration
39 mins -
3 Central Region MCEs intensify cholera control efforts after 5 deaths
45 mins -
Bawumia’s 12 ‘Bold Steps’ to expand educational opportunities for all
47 mins -
Mahama criticises NPP for accumulating energy debt to pass on to next NDC gov’t
47 mins -
Agromonti empowers Techiman farmers with sustainable agriculture training in CSR event
53 mins -
Ghanaians deserve certificates for enduring hardship under NPP – Mahama
53 mins -
AG’s office needs 1,500 public attorneys for proper discharge of functions – Godfred Dame
54 mins -
Court sentences man to life imprisonment for murdering girlfriend; daughter
1 hour -
Bawumia’s $80 bn value claim for Spotify, false – Dubawa
1 hour -
GBA President calls for transparent and fair December election
2 hours -
November 8 not a public holiday – Interior Ministry
2 hours -
Policies the Church can promote to ensure every birth by a congregant is wanted, not unintended
2 hours