Indore bans public use of N95-valve masks; fine Rs 100

INDORE: The Indore administration on Thursday banned use of N95 masks — those with valve respirators — with immediate effect. Violators will be fined Rs 100.
The order follows the Centre’s warning to all states last month against “inappropriate” use of N95 masks as the valves do not prevent the virus from escaping out.

Collector Manish Singh issued the order on Thursday.The ban doesn’t apply to health officials and medical staff. The collector authorized civic officials in the city and panchayat officials in rural areas to ensure strict implementation. A spot fine of Rs 100 will be levied on those found using N95 valve masks.
The ban has shocked chemists in Indore as they are saddled with Rs 5 crore worth of N95 masks.
N95 mask ban will cause big loss: Chemists
Wholesalers and retail chemists were shocked by the order. The local chemists’ association said retail stores have crores worth of valved-N95 masks.
“There are around 70 wholesalers and 400-500 retail chemists, who have a total stock of valved-N95 masks worth Rs 5 crore. The order will cause them massive loss,” Vinay Bakliwal, president of Indore Chemists’ Association, told TOI. He demanded the administration purchase the stocks for use by health workers to save traders from crippling losses.
“Before issuing such an order, the administration should have informed traders well in advance to stop them from purchasing new stock,” he said.
The health ministry had suggested home-made protective face covers as an alternative, advising that they be washed every day. Any used cotton cloth can be used as mask/ face cover, the Centre’s order had said last month.
In case of home-made masks, the user should ensure that it “fits the face well and there are no gaps on the sides”.
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