WHY YOU SHOULD ALWAYS WEAR A FACE MASK DURING COVID-19 PANDEMIC

Since the outbreak of COVID 19 has taken over the world, one preventive measure has got importance from the very first day, and that is wearing a mask. 

However, unfortunately, a lot of people are still skeptical about wearing a mask. Some are confused about the question that will the face mask going to save them or save others?

As the number of COVID Test in India is growing day by day and the positive cases, in a few states, are still at rising, maybe it is time to scrutinize the effectiveness of face mask all over again.

Importance of Wearing Face Masks

l The use of face masks recommended to the fullest after the increase in positive cases post COVID-19 test, as masks work as the physical barrier in protecting you and the others from spreading or inhaling viral particulates.

l Face masks ensure respiratory protection by reducing the viral droplet deposit on your face surface and let it out through air to the nearest person.

l The details opted from the people during the Corona test have proven the fact that they got infected by someone less than 6-feet away from them. So, every breath of an infected person can send the virus up to 6 feet away inside a room. And, face masks can cut down the spreading up to 95%.

l On the other hand, if you are not infected and touch a contaminated place followed by your face or nose right away, you will soon get infected. Wearing a face mask prevents that instant transmission as your hands will not be able to touch your face or nose in any way.

Guidelines for Face Masks and the Recent Changes

Face Masks From day one, the Centre for Disease Control (CDC), along with the World Health Organization (WHO), has told the public to wear masks. Initially, it was for just the people who were affected. However, things got out of hands, especially in Asian countries, where the practice of wearing masks was much common.

Till a few days back, N95 masks are considered as the best choices. But the increased demand for N95 Masks and supply shortages has left the CDC to bring some changes in the guidelines.

Extensive Corona testing has brought out more cases every day, and that's why CDC has now recommended that not only the sick people but the general public should also wear it when they're out. The homemade cloth masks will be enough for them.

As per the experts, these homemade masks may not protect someone from falling sick but will help the spread of the diseases from the carrier. So, face masks are a must-have right now as a preventive measure for both symptomatic and asymptomatic people.

Final Words

To round up, if you have tested positive after the test for COVID 19, or started showing some flu-like symptoms, you should certainly wear a face mask while out in public. It may protect others from you once infected and reduce the spread. 

On the other hand, you should follow the CDC guidelines and get your face mask to protect yourself until the vaccine is out there. It is going to be your lifesaver.

How Price Cut In COVID-19 Test Will Increase Daily COVID-19 Test in India?

There was a conjecture regarding capping the price of coronavirus testing a few days back. And now the recent update of ICMR confirms the fact that private labs have agreed to bring down their testing price. 

Earlier the price was set INR 4500 for all the private labs over India which were conducting coronavirus tests. A major problem that popped up earlier was the fact that a few among those labs were conducting the tests at a much higher price.

When the entire nation is under a threatening situation with the numbers of affected patients were rising excessively, this overbearing price became a real challenge. 

Not only the asymptomatic people but even the symptomatic people were not very keen to test themselves to get away with the testing cost. And that became a massive problem. On that note, the central government along with ICMR has taken this decision. 

Maharashtra and West Bengal - the two majorly affected states of India have promised to bring down the price of corona testing at least 50% of the previous charges.

How Much does the Corona Test Cost Now?

The price varies in different states. Whereas in West Bengal, the three major testing labs, the price has been brought down to 3000 to 3500 INR on an average, Maharashtra labs have set an example. The cost for home collection of swabs was 5200 earlier, which has now come down to 2800. The swabs for COVID 19 test collected from hospitals cost lesser - 2200 INR.

What is the Purpose?

Well, of course, the purpose is quite clear here. It is hoped that the cost reduction will encourage more and more people to get their tests done. The private labs, though, may suffer a bit of hectic schedules because of the increased rate of testing, but they are ready to do it for the sake of a corona free nation. 

The key purpose was to make the test affordable for individuals. The government has planned well for it. They have studied the varied aspects closely and reached to the conclusion that the only way to make people go for the test whenever in doubt is by reducing the corona test cost. And this vision is becoming quite fruitful with time.

Relief from Declining Number of Tests with Increasing Positive Cases

In the middle of May, the 7-day average test numbers survey has confirmed how the rate of test numbers was declining in the major cities of India when the number of positive cases was at large. In Bihar, the test number came down to 1714 from 2573 with the positivity rate rise to 9.9% from 7.3%. 

In Delhi, the number decline was 5001 from 6540, where the positive cases reached 27.7% from 18.3%. Maharashtra was in a bad shape too where the number of tests in 7 days has decreased to 12,764 from 14496. And the positive cases rate was increased to 20.1% from 17.6%.

Final Words

The central government aims to pause this decline and reverse the count. As soon as the announcement was made and implemented, the private labs conducting COVID 19 test have given good news. 

The people are coming out for getting their tests done. The middle-class Indian people are not afraid of the bulky price money anymore where they have contributed to the increased number of positive cases earlier. 

The signs are good after test cost reduction and with the co-operation of private labs, things will fell in order again, soon.