Coronavirus: UAE Ministry of Health Warns Against Usage Of Masks

by Vaishnavi Venkataraman
Coronavirus: UAE Ministry of Health Warns Against Usage Of Masks

The UAE reported a case of the virus on 29 January. Later, the UAE Ministry of Health and Prevention revealed two new cases diagnosed with coronavirus, bringing the total number to seven in the country. But now, the number has sadly risen to a whopping 21 cases, five of whom have recovered.

Meanwhile, residents are taking all measures to prevent the spread of the virus. In fact, usage of masks have become more prominent in the city. However, the Ministry of Health and Community Protection in UAE issued a notice today about the usage of N 95 masks. While most of us believed that this mask was a way to prevent coronavirus, it turns out that N95 masks are only meant to be used by medical staff.

The Ministry issued a warning stating that the N95 masks are meant only for medical staff treating coronavirus patients. Usage of these masks by the public might cause pressure on the user’s respiratory system, leading to respiratory illness. The N95 masks fit closely to the face, and have more filtration material. Thereby, the respirator filters out at least 95 per cent of the particles when he breathes.

What Else?

With the rampant spread of the virus, here are some of the precautionary measure UAE has taken so far:

The UAE Tour 2020

However, UAE has been taking safety measures to ensure the residents are safe. The Abu Dhabi Sports Council cancelled the 2020 UAE Tour, after two staff members tested positive for Covid-19 last Thursday. Meanwhile, the Ministry of Health and Prevention (MoHAP) also tested participants, staff members and organisers through periodic screening in order to curb the spread of the virus.

The cyclists and crew were shifted in two hotels on Yas Island, where two more people were quarantined. On Saturday, reports revealed that tests conducted on 167 of those quarantined had returned a negative result.

Schools

Meanwhile, taking into consideration the safety of students, the KHDA has taken some precautions to avoid the spread of the virus. KHDA has ordered all private schools and universities in the UAE  to cancel internal and external trips, amps, teacher or student events, sports, immediately until further notice.

Furthermore, students will also be asked to declare travel details if anyone in their family travelled to countries with high infection rates, including China, South Korea and Iran, in the past 28 days. However, parents are urging KHDA to shut schools until 1 April, considering the safety of the children.

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