Q: I understand from newspaper reports and TV channels that as a precaution handkerchief could be used in place of N95 mask. Can handkerchief be reused after soaking it in a disinfectant (e.g. mild Dettol solution) and thoroughly washing thereafter? Or should it be discarded altogether?

A:A handkerchief is not as good as a mask. Several less expensive masks are available than the N95. Generally they are designed to be discarded, but something like a handkerchief can certainly be washed by soap and water and become virus free.