SHILLONG: The members of the Medical Expert Committee constituted by the state government on matters relating to COVID-19 have emphasized that the masks can be effective only if there is hand hygiene by using hand sanitiser or soap and also maintaining social distancing.
The members also said touching of the front end of the masks should be avoided to prevent any contamination.
It was also decided to advise that the general public can actually stitch their own two layered masks at home made of cotton.
It is to be ensured that the mask covers nose, mouth and chin areas of the face.
The manual for stitching and effective usage is available on www.psa.gov.in and the website of Ministry of Health and Family Welfare.
The state government has entrusted the Department of Commerce & Industries to produce double-layered reusable cotton masks locally with the help of SHGs and NGOs.
All tailoring units under the department have been mobilised to produce 3 lakh masks by April 10 and will continue to produce to meet the needs of the state.
The government has also placed orders to procure 10 lakh masks within a 10-day period from outside the state to ensure availability to all.
The government has also advised all citizens to use masks in public places and follow the hand hygiene, cough etiquette and social distancing protocols.
