WHO issues new guidelines on use of face masks to prevent Covid-19

WHO has changed its guidelines on using face masks amid Covid-19 pandemic on Friday. The guidelines provides advice on the use of masks in communities, during home care, and in health care settings in areas that have reported cases of Covid-19.

As per the new guidelines

1.Everyone, including healthy people should wear fabric masks or non-medical ones in public spaces.

2.The fabric masks should contain at least three layers of different materials.

3.Any person showing the symptoms of Covid-19 should wear a medical mask apart from self-isolating and seeking medical advice as soon as they feel unwell

4.It advised to always wear masks in areas where there is a widespread transmission

5.WHO advises medical masks (surgical or procedure masks which are flat or pleated) for everyone working in clinical areas of a health facility

Management of masks

1.The masks should be changed if soiled or wet. A soiled or wet mask should not be worn for a long period of time.

2.The non-medical masks should be washed frequently, so as not to contaminate other items.

3.The clothing fabrics used to make the masks should be checked for the highest permitted washing temperature, which is indicated on the clothing label.

4.Remove the mask by using appropriate technique (i.e. do not touch the front but remove the lace from behind)

5.Discard single-use masks after each use and dispose of them immediately upon removal.

However, WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, said, “Masks can also create a false sense of security, leading people to neglect measures, such as hand hygiene and physical distancing. I cannot say this clearly enough: Masks alone will not protect you from Covid-19.”