Health official: medical mask with three layers is more effective

Doha: Dr Abdullatif Al Khal, Chair of the National Health Strategic Group on COVID-19 and Head of Infectious Diseases at Hamad Medical Corporation (HMC), said in a programme on Qatar TV yesterday that not all masks are the same and that a medical mask with three layers is considered more effective than masks with fewer layers.

“The mask should cover the nose and mouth, not just the mouth, and it is effective to limit the spread of the virus,” said Dr Al Khal.

“As for N95 masks, it is preferable to use them by people who are most vulnerable to infection with the virus, such as the elderly or those who have chronic diseases or who use immunosuppressive drugs. We advise them to use the N95 or Kn95 mask, especially if they are in crowded places or close to other people,” he said on the programme.

“The omicron variant is highly contagious, but its symptoms are between mild and moderate. I advise patients to take medications that reduce fever and to drink plenty of fluids and maintain good nutrition,” Dr Khal said.