The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) on Tuesday recommended the use of face masks for members of the public without respiratory symptoms.
The Centre noted that face masks can act as an “additional layer” in the battle against COVID-19 in the country but added that it was not compulsory.
The Director-General of NCDC, Dr Chikwe Ihekweazu, issued the advisory on the Use of Masks by Members of the Public Without Respiratory Symptoms’ document which was released on Tuesday.
Ihekweazu said that NCDC recognised the need for guidance on COVID-19 prevention, and remained committed to keeping Nigerians informed on verified ways to stay safe against the pandemic.
He said that globally, there was a debate on the effectiveness of masks as a preventive measure against COVID-19.
According to him, evidence in favour of the use of masks include that it can prevent an asymptomatic person (a person who never develops symptoms) from transmitting the disease as well as prevent transmission during pre-symptomatic period ( before a person develops symptoms).
He added that there was emerging evidence of the ability of a mask to prevent contact with respiratory droplets.
He said that comparisons also appeared to suggest better outcomes in countries that used masks as a general policy.
“Sources of concern have been that people who wear face masks may feel protected and ignore physical distancing advice”.
“In addition, if face masks are not worn correctly, disposed of appropriately or if people touch their faces more frequently due to adjustments of face masks they are wearing, they run a higher risk of infection,” he, however, said.
He said that in view of these, the NCDC advised that wearing of face masks or equivalents was recommended as an optional layer to be used in addition to other measures such as physical distancing, hand washing and respiratory hygiene measures.
“Masks have to be properly disposed of in waste bins. Improper handling and frequently touching of masks can increase the risk of infection.
“Improvised masks are an option as long as they are properly washed regularly.
“They can be made out of cloth or other materials,” he advised.
The DG said that usage of face masks was particularly advisable when attending gatherings “where it is absolutely necessary to attend”.
He listed such gatherings to include shopping outlets, markets and pharmacies.
Ihekweazu noted that patients and healthcare workers needed masks the most.
He advised that old persons with medical conditions such as diabetes should wear masks since they were at a higher risk of the infection.
He also advised that face masks should be used by those with respiratory problems and those already exhibiting COVID-19 symptoms and awaiting testing.
Ihekweazu said it was important to note that usage of face masks alone could not be relied upon to prevent COVID-19.
He said that physical distancing and regular hand washing were necessary for protection against the virus.
“Older people with pre-existing conditions are advised to wear face masks”.
“It is also strongly advised to use if a person is visiting a crowded place, such as a market”.
The 5 recommendations of the NCDC on face masks wearing in the country include:
The wearing of face masks, (or equivalent) is recommended as an optional additional layer to be used in addition to other measures such as physical distancing, hand and respiratory hygiene measures in Nigeria. The primary rationale for the advice on face masks is to prevent those who are infected but asymptomatic from spreading the virus.
Masks have to be properly disposed of in waste bins. Improper handling and frequently touching masks can increase the risk of infection. Improvised masks are also an option – as long as they are properly washed regularly. They can
be made out of cloth or other materials.
The usage of face masks is particularly advised while attending large gatherings (where it is absolutely necessary to attend). These include but are not limited to shopping outlets, markets, shops and pharmacies among others.
Given the global shortage of personal protective equipment including medical masks, public sector resources should be preserved to procure medical masks for patients and healthcare workers who need them the most.
The wearing of face masks alone will not protect against COVID-19, but must be combined with physical distancing, hand washing, respiratory hygiene, cleaning and disinfecting frequently touched surfaces and other advice from NCDC.
Older persons (> 60) with existing medical conditions such as diabetes are particularly encouraged to wear masks as they are at higher risk of infection. It is also further advised that face masks are used by more vulnerable members of the society, citizens with ongoing respiratory problems, and those already exhibiting symptoms and awaiting testing.
“Recognising the need for guidance on COVID-19 prevention, we remain committed to keeping citizens informed on verified ways to stay safe”, the NCDC noted.
