GMOA requests meeting to discuss usage of face masks by public

Wednesday, 1 April 2020 12:28 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

The GMOA has written to the Director General of Health Services (DGHS) Dr. Anil Jasinghe requesting him to convene an urgent meeting of relevant expert groups to review the present situation with regards to the use of face masks by the general public to prevent the spread of COVID-19.

The GMOA said in the letter that the Executive Committee of the Association has discussed the pros and cons of wearing face masks by the general public at present and there was divided opinion on the issue.

“Even though some technical experts do not recommend the usage of face marks by the general public at this stage, others have pointed out that wearing a face mask in a proper way would help prevent the progression of the diseases into the community transmission level,” the GMOA said in the letter.

It has also been revealed that at the moment members of the public are using homemade face masks and factory-made sub-standard face masks and surgical masks.

The Health Ministry has so far maintained that face masks are not essential for use by members of the public.