New Zealand all set to mask up better than ever before

Summary

• There have been stricter checks and rules for compliance of guidelines regarding masks in NZ.
• DHBs (district health boards) advised to halt supply of one type of mask by the Ministry of Health.
• Worldwide, airports are working towards introducing novel security and safety procedures to make sure that people remain unaffected by the cruel virus.

The world has gone through major changes this year due to coronavirus pandemic. This has forced people bring about important lifestyle changes in their lives, and one of them is wearing masks in public.  It is one of the most crucial form of protection against the spread of the deadly virus.

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Faulty masks put on hold

Of late, it was notified by the Ministry of Health that some types of masks being distributed in the country do not comply, with the standards in terms of quality. The ideal mask should be able to completely safeguard the wearer from inhaling and exhaling small droplets, preventing the spread of the virus.

Deputy Chief executive for the COVID-Health system response, Sue Gordon, said that further orders for these faulty masks are being asked to be placed on hold. She said that such masks already out for distribution needs to be retracted from being used by the public.

A replacement of these masks, a stock enough for 4 weeks, has been sent to the DHBs (district health boards) so that there is no shortage of the masks. Ms. Gordon further said that while placing N95/P2 masks on hold, the government will not risk shortage because there are several other feasible options currently available.

She also assured that New Zealand is equipped with a good supply of PPE kits and masks and frequent re-stocking is done.

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Airport compliance of safety

Public places, especially airports have a much higher risk of spread of the virus. This calls for a need for even more stringent measures to ensure social distancing among people and urge them to always wear masks. Airports across the world are trying to introduce novel security and safety measures to ensure that people remain untouched by the cruel virus.

This, however, requires more of a conscious effort by the people to follow the rules diligently. It has been seen that while standing in long queues, people often ignore social distancing norms and ignore wearing masks. Firm guidelines are required to maintain a safety check at the airports.

Free mask distribution by student and associates

It was reported recently that in an initiative by a PhD student and his associates from South, an expert for public health shall distribute masks free of charge for people in Niue & Tokelau. 13,000 masks are already on their way to the destination from an Auckland based transport yard.

Started as a part of their PhD project, this is something that will go a long way in spreading awareness and preventing the disease. With newer strains of the virus being discovered every few days, everyone needs to make a collective effort to promote the awareness.