Jakarta, CNBC Indonesia – It seems that not all types of masks can prevent transmission of the corona virus (Covid-19). Masks made from scuba and buff, which are most widely used by the community, are not effective at preventing droplets.
Masks made from scuba and buff have an effectiveness of 0-5%, this figure is far below that of three-layer cloth masks with an effectiveness percentage of 50-70%. This causes wearing this scuba mask and buff in public places to have a high risk of contracting Covid-19.
Clinical practitioner and volunteer for Covid-19, doctor Muhammad Fajri Adda’i, revealed that scuba masks are made from a thin, elastic material. In addition, this type of mask only consists of one layer of cloth and has a tendency to loosen.
“The scuba mask is one layer thin, ineffective, because the material is neoprene, tends to be elastic. If you pull it, the pores will enlarge. Even though we need the ability to filter,” explained Fajri, quoted by CNN Indonesia on Friday (18/09/2020).
The Covid-19 Handling Task Force also emphasized that it does not recommend the use of scuba or buff masks in a number of public facilities.
“This scuba mask is a one-layer mask and is too thin. So that the possibility of it being translucent and unable to filter it is bigger. So it is advisable to use a quality mask,” said the spokesman for the Covid-19 Task Force, Wiku Adisasmito at a press conference at the Presidential Office on Tuesday (15 / 9/2020) then.
Previously, PT Kereta Commuterline Indonesia (KCI) asked Electric Rail Train (KRL) users to avoid using scuba masks and buffs because of their ineffectiveness in preventing transmission of the virus, officially known as SARS-CoV-2.
But don’t be sad, people can use other types of masks that are more effective at warding off corona. The World Health Organization (WHO) has released types of medical and non-medical masks that can be used to prevent the spread of corona.
1. N95 mask
This is a disposable Filtering Facepiece Respirator (FFR) group mask. This mask has a tight face seal fit so that users avoid aerosols and exposure to droplets. This mask is recommended for medical personnel who have direct contact with Covid-19 patients.
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Photo: Hutama Karya Distributes 1,000 N95 Masks in Riau. (Doc. Hutama Karya) Hutama Karya Distributes 1,000 N95 Masks in Riau. (Doc. Hutama Karya)- – |
2. 3 Ply surgical mask
This mask has three layers which effectively filter the droplets that come out of the wearer when coughing, sneezing or talking. This mask is recommended for those with flu, coughing or sneezing symptoms and for medical personnel.
3. Cloth masks
Cloth masks are non-medical masks that must be used for daily use. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), ideally a cloth mask consists of three layers. Namely, the innermost layer made of a hydrophilic material, such as cotton or cotton blends.
The middle layer is made of hydrophobic material from synthetic non-woven materials such as polypropylene or cotton lining which can improve filtration or resist droplets. Outer statements made of hydrophobic materials such as polypropylene, polyester, or a mixture of the two.
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