The Philippine-made Reuseable, Washable, Rewearable (REwear) brand of cloth face mask against the Covid-19 pandemic was found to be conforming with the World Health Organization (WHO) recommendations.
Developed by the Department of Science and Technology’s Philippine Textile Research Institute (DOST-PTRI), the mask’s conformity with WHO standards gave evidence that the scientific perspective applied to the development of the REwear Face Mask has good basis.
In light of scientific evidence, the WHO finally endorsed the use of face masks as a part of prevention and control measures in this time of the Covid-19 pandemic.
Before this, the UN agency said that only people who are sick and those caring for them should wear medical masks.
The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) on the other hand, in mid-April, took a proactive stance for the general public to use cloth face masks.
In a document titled, “Advice on the use of masks in the context of Covid-19: Interim guidance” on June 5, the WHO published an updated version of its April 6 document.
The WHO provided guidelines and considerations in the making of a non-medical mask. This includes parameters like the type of material, breathability, number of layers, combinations of materials used, mask shape, and coating.
Based on the recommendations for each parameter, the REwear face mask was found conforming to the guidelines.
As noted in a table which summarizes the WHO recommendations, REwear Face Mask adheres to these requirements.
The REwear mask is made up of four layers of cotton-rich fabrics. The innermost layer is absorbent (hydrophilic), the middle layer consists of two pieces of fabric for additional filtration capability, while the outer layer is water-repellent (hydrophobic) to prevent the absorption of liquid droplets that may contain microbes and viruses.
The outer layer is infused with DOST-PTRI’s textile treatment technology that renders a fabric resistant to liquid without affecting its breathability. Additionally, the shape of the REwear mask is duckbill or curved.
Experts say that social distancing is insufficient to reduce the transmission of coronavirus. The WHO Interim guidance addresses it by providing direction to decision-makers and giving recommendations on the proper use of face masks both in health-care settings and the general community.
However, using face mask alone is not enough in providing an adequate level of protection to the people. Whether to use masks or not, everyone should abide by proper washing of hands, physical distancing, and other infection prevention and control measures to avoid human-to-human transmission of Covid-19.
The REwear face mask technology adoption is open to textile processors and interested parties.
Beyond the mask, REwear as a Safety Mark is offered to interested producers and suppliers of masks who wish to have their products tested for safety and performance required of a face mask.
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