Wearing of Face Masks in Response to COVID-19 Pandemic: The Nigerian Experience

Abstract

The novel Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2), otherwise known as coronavirus Disease (COVID-19), needs to be combatted vigorously with all preventive measures, including face masks, to bring an end to the pandemic. Face masks could be very useful in the eradication of COVID-19 in Nigeria, but may not be very effective if used (alone) without other preventive measures. No guidelines have been given for the quality of materials used in making face masks, but improvisation and the use of cloth are allowed, while medical personnel are mandated to use medical masks. The use of face masks by all and sundry, also known as universal masking, is highly recommended in areas prone to high exposure and high rate of infection. In hospitals where patients come for treatment against COVID-19, the patients as well as the medical personnel are expected to use face masks to avoid contracting the disease. The multigroup Kermack-McKendrick-type epidemic model analysis showed that the use of face masks is a measure that is potentially more effective in providing protection against the coronavirus when combined appropriately with other preventive measures, especially when compliance is very high.