Intelligent Use of Mask in the View of Extraordinary Shortage Situation of COVID-19 Pandemic

Abstract

In the current situation of Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19) pandemic, frontline workers are trying hard with maximum possible efforts to lessen the transmission of Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) with the help of available resources. Due to existing shortages of the Personal Protective Equipments (PPE) more frequently facemasks and respirators, the rational use of these PPEs and their prioritisation becomes absolutely necessary. Other measures such as the use of respirators beyond their shelflife, extended usage, limited reuse of respirators and decontamination, reprocessing and re-use of respirators have to be considered. This review article focused on the current situation of shortage of masks, rational use of various types of respiratory protective devices, mask use in laboratories and different methods of decontamination and reprocessing of the respirators. Intense literature search of ongoing COVID-19 pandemic and Influenza pandemic 2009 were done and various guidelines inclusive of Centre for Disease Control and prevention (CDC), World Health Organisation (WHO), Public health agency of Canada were adapted for this review.

Keywords

• aerosol generating procedures
• n95 respirators
• personal protective equipments
• severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2