The World Health Organization (WHO) nodded to the use of the REwear Face Mask, a two-piece, four-layer re-usable and washable mask developed by the Department of Science and Technology-Philippine Textile Research Institute (DOST-PTRI).
The DOST-PTRI said its developed cloth mask got the nod of the WHO after adhering to its guidelines.
“It is now evident that the scientific perspective applied to the development of the REwear Face Mask has good basis as it is found to conform to the recommendations recently made by the World Health Organization (WHO),” it said.
“In light of scientific evidence, the WHO finally endorsed the use of masks to the public as a part of prevention and control measures in this time of the COViD-19 (coronavirus disease) pandemic,” it added.
The WHO published a document entitled “Advice on the use of masks in the context of COVID-19: Interim guidance” on June 5, 2020.
In the document, the WHO provides the following information:
-latest facts on transmission from symptomatic, pre-symptomatic, and asymptomatic infected people;
-new recommendations for the health workers assigned in geographical areas with community transmission of COVID-19;
-revised directions and practical advice for decision-makers concerning the use of medical and non-medical masks by the general public through a risk-based approach; and
-new guidelines on non-medical mask features and characteristics.
The June 5 guidance is an updated version of the document the WHO published on April 6, 2020.
The DOST-PTRI said the WHO provided the guidelines and considerations in the making of a non-medical mask. These include parameters such as 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 masks conform to the guidelines,” it said.
The Institute noted that REwear mask is made up of four layers of cotton-rich fabrics.
It explained that 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 a liquid without affecting its breathability,” it said.
“Additionally, the shape of the REwear mask is duckbill or curved,” it added.
The DOST-PTRI noted that the WHO Interim guidance guides decision-makers and gives recommendations on the proper use of masks both in health care settings and the general community.
The Institute took the opportunity to remind the public that using 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 (IPC) measures to avoid human-to-human transmission of COVID-19,” it said.
Meanwhile, the Institute announced that 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,” it said.