The Experts Give Their Take on Use of Protective Gears for Public and Frontline Workers
Marvin Manzanero
One more issue from Ask the Experts. To wear a mask or not to a wear a mask – it’s the question that’s on most people’s mind at some point during this COVID-19 pandemic. The research and advice on the issue is still developing – where some recognized institutions abroad are not promoting the use of masks. In today’s session, DHS Doctor Marvin Manzanero addressed the question of persons in the public using masks; while Lizett Bell shared the information communicated with the medical personnel on the use of protective gear, including the masks.
Dr. Marvin Manzanero, Director of Health Services
“I was following early this morning and late last night what are the recommendations of W.H.O. They are still not saying to wear a mask routinely. They even have this little exercise of when people are not used to wearing a mask how easy it is for you to have cross contamination which is when you touch the mask and at some point in time still get the virus to you. For people on the street, it may be beneficial but I wouldn’t perhaps recommend the masks that people are making. I know there is some discussion about making homemade masks for people on the street. It can be of benefit but you must also understand that you can’t wear a mask for eight hours of the day and you can’t be putting it on top of your head and under your chin because you defeat the purpose of wearing a mask. For us, we are trying to be cautious about making a blanket statement for everybody to wear a mask.”
Lizett Bell
Lizett Bell, Director, Policy Planning & Project Management Unit
“For the health care workers, we had the discussion with the nurses association as it relates to the different levels of P.P.E.s that are required at the different levels of care. Similarly with the question of the mask and the type of mask, the different levels, so I outlined a document based on the W.H.O. recommendations, where it depends if a staff is working in a low risk what type of mask they are required to use and if they are working in a high risk area then we recommend the use of the N-95 masks. As it relates to the entire attire for the P.P.E.s, working in a low risk area you may not require the entire coverall, but you may require the mask and the face shield, as well as gown as a protective barrier. However, if you advance to other procedures then you would be required to use your entire coverall, your masks and goggles and gloves. That is the direction we are taking as it relates to the use of the P.P.E.s.”
