In light of the recent, massive outbreak of COVID-19 in India, it becomes essential to understand which type of masks can protect you while dealing with infected patients. Here, Dr. Pradip Warghane, provides a quick user guide on masks- surgical and N95 needed to be worn by healthcare personnel, while dealing with patients of COVID-19. 

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Use of mask in COVID-19

If one is healthy, they only need to wear a mask if they are taking care of a person with suspected 2019-nCoV infection. Otherwise, a mask should be one if one is coughing or sneezing.

However, masks are effective only when other hygiene practices are followed such as frequent hand-washing with soap and water or disinfection with an alcohol-based hand rub.