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The Medical Director has said that there will be a role for non-medical grade facial coatings in the community as part of the response to Covid-19.
Dr. Tony Holohan said there will be communication in the coming days about the nature of these coatings, as well as their effective use.
Speaking at the Health Department tonight, Dr. Holohan said that “perhaps” the use of coatings may be recommended in situations such as retail stores or on public transportation.
However, he also cited the importance of continued hand hygiene and physical distance when using facial liners.
He said there will be a role in community settings for non-medical grade facial liners.
He said they did not want a “competition” for access to essential personal protective equipment designed for healthcare use, in healthcare settings by healthcare professionals.
While public health officials do see a role for covering their faces in community settings, @CMOIreland warns that incorrectly used skins can increase #coronavirus transmission. More guidance will be issued later this week | The | Live # COVID-19 blog: https://t.co/ADPS5noEri pic.twitter.com/TCwRC4dEpA
– RTÉ News (@ belongws) May 12, 2020
He said that general use face covers would be of a different grade and in some cases people can make them themselves.
But, he said, there would be guidance on how to use them because the evidence was clear, that if face masks are not used correctly, they can increase the risk of transmission and the face mask becomes contaminated.
If touched, it can transmit the infection to the hands, he said.
He said that face masks do not fully protect him against the virus and it is important to continue with other measures of hand washing and social distancing.
Facial covers were among the key items under review at a meeting of today’s National Public Health Emergency Team.
The team was to analyze the evidence supporting the use of coatings to protect against the spread of Covid-19.
This includes the type, quality, and feasibility of facial coatings based on the best evidence and international experience at this time.
On Friday, the team will meet again to consider advising the Government on the continuation of the first phase of the five-step plan to lift the restrictions starting next Monday, May 18.
Meanwhile, speaking on RTÉ’s “Ireland on Call” tonight, Deputy Chief Medical Officer Dr. Ronan Glynn said the masks have a role to play in fighting the spread of the coronavirus.
But he said facial coatings will never replace current guidelines focused on social distancing, hand hygiene, and cough etiquette.
Dr. Glynn said it may be necessary to wear face masks on public transportation, but that any future recommendations would be voluntary.
“At the international level, we have seen that many countries recommend wearing masks as a measure of solidarity,” said Dr. Glynn.
He added: “By wearing masks, you protect others if you are sick and prevent others from getting it if you cough or sneeze.”
Previously, a disease control expert said that all essential workers should wear face masks or face covers, including retailers, postal services and gardaí at checkpoints to reduce the spread of the Covid-19 virus.
Professor Gerry Killeen of the University College Cork Faculty of Biological, Earth and Environmental Sciences said he was “puzzled” by the government’s position not to recommend the use of face masks for disease control.
He warned that “the worst facial mask is the one you are not wearing.”
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