In Kerala, India, Inmates Are Helping Produce Face Masks to Reduce the Shortage amid COVID-19 Outbreak

Italy and Spain are still in lockdown due to the COVID-19 outbreak whereas the US has declared a state of emergency.

The situation in India is not much different- the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare has set guidelines on how and when to get into self-quarantine.

But, in all the panic news and updates, Kerala in India has become a glimmer of hope- from successful cases of recovery to hand-delivering meals to children at homes, they’ve also announced that tailoring units in three of their prisons are making face masks to meet the rising demand.

Face Masks & Sanitizers Are Needed Now more than Ever

Moreover, the Kerala State Drugs & Pharmaceuticals Ltd is producing hand sanitizers to manage the shortage. They’re aiming to increase their supply by making 10 lakh bottles in 10 days.

Of course, the initiative was welcomed and saluted by many, but also noted the need for awareness programs that will teach people how to use masks properly and how to dispose of them and when they’re effective and when they’re not.

The number of confirmed cases of COVID-19 in India has risen to 110. The citizens are recommended to avoid gatherings and public places to prevent the spread of the virus.

People Are Panic-Buying Face Masks & Sanitizers

Unfortunately, with more than 5,000 deaths from the pandemic, almost the whole world is facing a shortage of masks and sanitizers. Their prices have skyrocketed in some places and fake products have also appeared.

Despite the officials of health departments instructing citizens that not every person needs a face mask and that they’re recommendable only for medical staff and those who have the virus or when at a crowded place or at a job that puts you in regular contact with a lot of people, many continue stocking up on them.

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