Used and unsafe masks also available in markets

Kochi: Amid COVID-19 fear still prevailing, unsafe masks also are available in the market. The sales is progressing on street sides and other unhealthy surroundings. The shortage of masks in medical stores also led to the situation.

There are some people who buy after trying them once. If they do not like the mask, they buy another one. This will lead to transmission of diseases. All people are directed to wear masks at public places and work places. Those who violate the rule will have to face action. With this, the street selling of masks started. Though people are aware of the importance of wearing masks, they are still not aware of the method of using it.

The safety guidelines to be followed while wearing the masks have been published in the website of the health department. Even after the heath workers keep reminding the people to follow these guidelines, many people are buying masks from street. The mask used by one person should not be used by another even after washing it, said IMA Kochi unit president Dr Rajeev Jayadevan.

Masks should be sold in medical shops only

Majority of the cloth or banyan cloth masks available in the market are made in households of Tirupur. As this is area belongs to Red Zone, it is not safe. In order to stop the masks from being disease transmitters, mask sale should be allowed only through medial shops, said P V Tomy of All Kerala Chemist and Druggist Association.