Navi Mumbai: NMMC campaign against valve masks; violation of Covid gear a big concern

NAVI MUMBAI: With daily

Covid-19 cases

not abating, and people violating mandated

Covid norms

for preventing the virus spread in the

NMMC area

, the civic body has another botheration --valve masks .


There's now an awareness campaign against the use of these masks, with NMMC sending messages and video to office bearers of housing societies besides uploading them on its website and Facebook page. The valve does not have a filter for air exhalation, which is, therefore, ineffective in containing the spread, said commissioner,

Abhijit Bangar

, adding "air inhaled is filtered but not when exhaled."

Those using the valve masks complain of breathing difficulty, but that is not the case. "I always keep it strapped. There's no problem," the commissioner said.

The trend of not using masks is on the rise, which is now a new bother, for young college going students or working huddle together and gossip, or share mobile clips outside eateries. Popular snack outlets of bhel puri, paani puri, vada pav have opened and those serving at several places do it with bare hands. Gloves are a must, said several concerned residents.

The civic body has been struggling with the daily COVID cases of over 350 for over a week that dipped to 345 on Monday. If people do not abide by the norms of using the right masks and maintaining social distancing then the infection spread risk increases , the NMMC lamented.

The dedicated squad of ex-army jawans will be constituted soon , awareness campaigns will continue as well , but people should shoulder the responsibility, the NMMC said.

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