Coronavirus: UAE ministry issues warning about use of masks

Fear of the spreading coronavirus has led to a global run on sales of face masks.

By Web Report

Published: Sun 1 Mar 2020, 7:00 AM

Last updated: Tue 3 Mar 2020, 2:24 PM

The Ministry of Health and Community Protection in UAE has warned residents against the usage of N 95 masks, as a preventive measure for the coronavirus.

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The ministry's statement as posted on Wam official Twitter account said that N95 masks are only meant to be used by medical staff working in entities treating coronavirus patients. Use of these masks by the general public may impose pressure on the user's respiratory system and may cause respiratory diseases among its users.
The use of these masks is also strictly forbidden for children.
The N 95 masks have a close facial fit and more filtration material than general surgical masks, enabling them to keep out at least 95 per cent of the particles.
The 'N95' designation means that when subjected to careful testing, the respirator blocks at least 95 percent of very small (0.3 micron) test particles. If properly fitted, the filtration capabilities of N95 respirators exceed those of face masks.
Fear of the spreading coronavirus has led to a global run on sales of face masks despite evidence that most people who aren't sick don't need to wear them.
Many businesses are sold out, while others are limiting how many a customer can buy. Amazon is policing its site, trying to make sure sellers don't gouge panicked buyers.