Health

Dan Andrews photo angers a top doctor when new mask ruling is made


One of Australia’s top doctors pointed out an error in Daniel Andrews’ seemingly ordinary photo when the Victorian Premier announced N95 masks would be distributed free of charge to the public.

Mr Andrews was seen posing proudly in one of the surgical masks next to Chris Turner, Deputy CEO of Cohealth, a Victorian government funded public health service.

The service has been tasked with helping distribute masks to vulnerable Australians as part of a plan announced on Tuesday.

However, former deputy chief medical officer Dr Nick Coatsworth was quick to share his critique of Mr Turner’s masking technique.

‘A few questions: the woman on the right [Mr Turner] Did you know that wearing an N95 with a beard means it’s no longer an N95? ”, he asked.

‘And, what is the appropriate test pass rate for the N95 that is freely available to the public?’

Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews was seen posing in one of the surgical masks alongside Cohealth Deputy Chief Executive Chris Turner (right) on Tuesday

Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews was seen posing in one of the surgical masks alongside Cohealth Deputy Chief Executive Chris Turner (right) on Tuesday

Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews was seen posing in one of the surgical masks alongside Cohealth Deputy Chief Executive Chris Turner (right) on Tuesday

Dr Nick Coatsworth was quick to point out a mistake in Mr Turner's masking technique

Dr Nick Coatsworth was quick to point out a mistake in Mr Turner's masking technique

Dr Nick Coatsworth was quick to point out a mistake in Mr Turner’s masking technique

Dr Coatsworth asked if Mr Turner was aware that wearing an N95 with a beard 'means it is no longer an N95 respirator' and therefore cannot provide optimal protection from germs

Dr Coatsworth asked if Mr Turner was aware that wearing an N95 with a beard 'means it is no longer an N95 respirator' and therefore cannot provide optimal protection from germs

Dr Coatsworth asked if Mr Turner was aware that wearing an N95 with a beard ‘means it is no longer an N95 respirator’ and therefore cannot provide optimal protection from germs

Beard and facial hair can cause signs of weakening on an N95 mask, which in turn could put its wearer and others at greater risk of transmission, according to the NSW Covid-19 Critical Intelligence Unit.

Dr Coatsworth explains: “Seriously, if you are in a vulnerable group and take advantage of these masks, see how to test fit.

When worn correctly, a mask filters very fine particles from the air and helps prevent germs from entering the wearer’s mouth and nose.

NSW Health says that optimal mask use depends on how tight it is to the wearer’s skin for the best protection.

The Covid-19 pandemic has seen a large number of healthcare workers shave for a clean shave to get the best protection from N95 surgical masks (pictured, Mr Andrews and Mr Turner arrive attend a press conference on Tuesday)

The Covid-19 pandemic has seen a large number of healthcare workers shave for a clean shave to get the best protection from N95 surgical masks (pictured, Mr Andrews and Mr Turner arrive attend a press conference on Tuesday)

The Covid-19 pandemic has seen a large number of healthcare workers shave for a clean shave to get the best protection from N95 surgical masks (pictured, Mr Andrews and Mr Turner arrive attend a press conference on Tuesday)

'A few questions: does the woman on the right know that wearing an N95 with a beard means it's no longer an N95?' Dr Coatsworth (pictured in 2020) asked on Twitter

'A few questions: does the woman on the right know that wearing an N95 with a beard means it's no longer an N95?' Dr Coatsworth (pictured in 2020) asked on Twitter

‘A few questions: does the woman on the right know that wearing an N95 with a beard means it’s no longer an N95?’ Dr Coatsworth (pictured in 2020) asked on Twitter

Although there is no direct evidence of an increased risk of transmission for people with facial hair, a large number of healthcare workers have ditched their beards and opted for a clean shave during the Covid-19 pandemic.

‘A study comparing the fitted filtration efficiency of five commonly worn masks found that N95 respirators provide the best respiratory protection for men with beards,’ a report from the NSW Critical Intelligence Unit said.

‘While the filtration efficiency fitted with KF94 and KN95 suffers due to increased beard length, they are better options than process and cotton masks.’

This is not the first time Dr Coatsworth has criticized the Victorian government’s response to the pandemic.

He told Daily Mail Australia in April: “What I mean is that there is one state that clearly follows their restrictions longer than others and that is Victoria and I don’t agree with that.

‘Ultimately that will make Victorians understand whether it’s the right thing to do. I guess they will make that decision in the next election. ‘

As part of the initiative in Victoria, more than three million masks will be distributed through state-run testing sites, public health services such as Cohealth, and the public transport network. to protect those most vulnerable to the virus amid an increasing number of cases.

Over the next four to six weeks, every Victorian presenting a free rapid antigen test or PCR test will receive a box of 10 N95 masks with instructions about how best to wear them to reduce transmission.

Evidence that beards can cause signs of deterioration on COVID-19 masks, including N95s

Evidence that beards can cause signs of deterioration on COVID-19 masks, including N95s

Evidence that beards can cause signs of deterioration on COVID-19 masks, including N95s

Mr Andrews defended the timing of the announcement because the state was starting to see the number of Covid cases drop, and said authorities had been putting out masks for a long time.

“This is just a push to the end of this wave,” he told reporters.

Victoria recorded an additional 6,380 new cases and 44 deaths on Tuesday, the highest daily toll in nearly two weeks.

But the number of Covid cases and its daily hospitalizations have been steadily declining in recent weeks after peaking at 14,293 and 906 respectively.

When worn correctly, an N95 mask filters very fine particles from the air and prevents germs from entering the wearer's mouth and nose.

When worn correctly, an N95 mask filters very fine particles from the air and prevents germs from entering the wearer's mouth and nose.

When worn correctly, an N95 mask filters very fine particles from the air and prevents germs from entering the wearer’s mouth and nose.

The seven-day average for hospital cases fell to 678, easing pressure on the state’s ailing health system.

Mr Andrews said: “Obviously we’ve passed the peak of this wave now and we want to do everything we can to bring those numbers down.

Face coverings are still required in high-risk settings including hospitals, aged care services and on public transport, and are encouraged in indoor settings.

Last month, the prime minister ruled out the mandatory return of masks despite an increase in new infections and Covid-19 hospitalizations.

The Victorian Government has not yet mandated the use of face masks in all indoor settings such as shopping centres, to determine personal choice.

Anita Munoz of the Royal Australian College of General Practitioners, chairing Anita Munoz, said there are practical steps everyone can take.

Dr Munoz said: “In addition to vaccinations and health promotion, I urge people to wear masks indoors and in places where it is difficult to create social distance, such as at sports games. ,” said Dr. Munoz.

Chief Health Officer Brett Sutton said free masks were a good reason to be tested, with authorities estimating only 45% of all infections are currently being diagnosed and recorded.

‘Remember, knowing you have tested positive for Covid (on RATs or PCR) is the only way to enter the pathway of care and access dental treatments if you qualify,’ he tweeted.

Mr Sutton last week flagged the recommendation for indoor masks that could be maintained for ‘years’ unless a vaccine is created that works across all future variants.

FACE, HAIR, MASK AND TRANSMISSION OF COVID-19: HANDS CAN MAKE A IMPRESSIVE SIGNAL

Matching facial hair and masks

• Evidence shows that beards can cause sealing, reduce fit factors, and adversely impact respirator performance. Studies have shown that respirator fit is significantly reduced with increased facial hearing and is associated with poorer protection.

• A study comparing the fitted filtration efficiency of five commonly worn masks found that N95 respirators provide the best respiratory protection for men with beards. Although filter efficiency equipped with KF94 and KN95 suffers from increased beard length, they are better options than process and cotton masks.

Methods of protection

• Facial shaving for reasons other than religion or culture has been advised to help seal the FFP3/FFP2 mask.

• It is thought that a full intimate area can be achieved by using a thin cloth tied over the beard, however the effectiveness of this method is currently unproven.

• In one study, a simple resistance band improved filtration efficiency fitted to masks commonly used (N95, KF94, KN95 and surgical masks) by bearded men in college. COVID-19 pandemic.

• A technique known as the ‘Singh Thattha’ technique is a method of covering the beard under a mask that is applied to cover the beard on the chin and cheeks and knotted at the top of the head. It was adopted and tested by bearded British Sikh dentists.

Transmission of covid-19

Evidence suggests that beards can cause sealing deterioration, which is thought to put people at increased risk of COVID-19 transmission. However, to date, there is no direct evidence of an increase in transmission to people with facial hair.

Source – NSW HEALTH



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