Former Minister of Health, Alex Segbefia has raised concerns about health implications nose masks made from textiles and print clothes could have on Ghanaians.
Most Ghanaians have adopted the use of nose masks to protect them from contracting the novel coronavirus.
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Aside from the approved surgical and N95 nose masks which protects one from contracting viruses, Ghanaians have had to improvise and use home made nose masks. Because of global shortages of these approved masks.
In an interview on Happy98.9FM’s Happy Morning, the Former Minister of Health pointed out that, “clothes or textiles used in making these masks have gone through some chemical processing. Hence, one is directly breathing in these chemicals when you put on these type of nose masks.”
He advised Ghanaians to use appropriate nose masks if they want to protect other individuals from contracting COVID-19.
“If we’re all wearing nose masks, we’re going to reduce the transmission of vapour and the virus. I will support the wearing of nose masks, the appropriate ones,” he noted.
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Food vendors, commercial vehicle drivers, commuters on public transports, and every other facility accessible to the public have been subjected to compulsory wearing of nose masks, following the constant increase in the number of cases of COVID-19 in the country.
This is according to a statement issued by the Ghana Health Service on behalf of the Minister of Health.
This order, according to the statement, is in compliance with the Public Health Act.
“Pursuant to section 169 of the Public Health Act, 2013 (Act 851), the Minister responsible for Health by an Executive Instrument (E.I.61) declared COVID-19 a public health emergency. Section 170 (1) provides that the Minister of Health may order an individual to take a preventive measure in respect of public health matters,” it said.
The statement continued, “The Minister of Health thereby directs the use of face masks in all public places where it may be difficult to maintain social distancing. The general public is encouraged to wear a mask or face covering when going out whether sick or not or attending to a sick person.”